Explore a Shore

Waves toss up all kinds of interesting things: pretty shells, polished pebbles, smooth beach glass, driftwood. Enjoy them -- then leave them for others to enjoy, too.

Did you know in some cultures, a rock with a white stripe is good luck?

The water, the waves, the wind, the birds ... together they make a wonderful, peaceful sound.

Take off your shoes, wiggle those bare toes, and wade right in. (But check with an adult first to be sure it's safe.)

Chase the waves. As the breakers roll in and out, it's fun to run after them. Watch out -- they'll chase you back!

Watch birds swoop and dive. Check tidepools for sea urchins, barnacles, and sea stars. Dig into a sandy ocean beach for crabs or clams. In fresh water, find fish, water bugs, frogs, crayfish, and other animals.

Look for animal tracks left in sand or mud. How many creatures have come this way?

Or see what markings humans made. Can you see some footprints? Can you see where a vehicle drove?

Can you draw some tracks for a mythical creature?

How many times can you make a flat rock hop across the water?

Make tiny rafts from leaves or sticks and send them down a stream.

At a sandy beach, make sand castles -- or a whole sand village!

If you dig a hole first, you might be able to sit down in it, and bury your legs.

You could have a mini-sculpture contest with whoever wants to join. Make ribbons!

Driftwood, rocks, seaweed - these are like nature's art supplies.

The one pictured here is called an inukshuk. Inuit people in northern Canada make sculptures like this in the Arctic.

A wide, windy beach is the perfect place to run as fast as you can. When you need a rest, race to a good spot for a picnic lunch!