Back to ideas

Imagine · Wild and Tumble activity

Sand mermaid tails

Under the sea, under the sand! Cover legs with sand and shape a shimmering mermaid tail.

  • 15 min total
  • Some mess
  • Ages 2–5*
  • Outdoors
  • Beach days

*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.

A tiny plan for your day

Estimated time: 2 min to choose a spot · 12 min to sculpt · 1 min to wiggle free. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • Soft sand
  • Shells and seaweed for decoration
  • A spade, or hands

Let's begin

Five simple steps

That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.

  1. Little one leads

    Your child sits or lies down on the sand.

  2. Scoop sand over their legs, leaving their tummy and arms free.

  3. Shape the sand into a tail with a fin at the end.

  4. Add shells for scales.

  5. Count to three, wiggle, and break free!

All done!

That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.

If you enjoyed this

More little ideas like this.

All activities