Whether you live near the coast or far inland, nothing says “summertime” like the beach! Gather your kids around the table for some summer writing fun, using these beach themed writing prompts as a jumping-off point. They’ll love creating imaginative stories, planning menus for a doll’s tea party, or choosing a new home for a crab.
1. The House that Herb Built
Herb the Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell. In his search for a new place to live, he comes across a plastic cup, a tin can, and a large, empty snail shell. Which one will he choose for his new home? Explain your answer.
2. On the Morning Tide
On a morning beach stroll, you stumble upon an unusual item that has washed ashore. Write a paragraph telling what is it, where it came from, and whether you will keep it or throw it back into the ocean.
3. Ocean Overtures
Describe the ocean using all five senses. What color is the water? How does it move? What sounds do you hear? How does ocean spray feel and taste? If you have never been to the ocean, use your imagination! Or, with a parent, you can watch some of these ocean video clips:
Noisy Seagulls Flying over the Shore
Giant Waves on the Oregon Coast
Tropical Beach with Lapping Water
4. Digging Deeper
Write a short story beginning with this line: My jaw dropped when a tiny voice at the edge of my shovel said, “Don’t hurt me!”
5. Genie of the Shell
At a beachside souvenir shop, you buy a beautiful golden shell. As you polish the shell to remove some crusted sand, a genie suddenly pops out to grant you three wishes! His only condition is that each wish must bless someone other than you. Who will benefit from your wishes? Explain what you will wish for, and why.
6. I’ll Have a Sand-wich
You are a restaurant owner who has been hired to cater a doll’s tea party. Create a beach-themed summer menu for the party guests using only items you might find at the seashore. Give each dish a descriptive name, such as “Mixed Seaweed Salad in Clam Shells.” Include each of the following on your menu: Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Main Course, Dessert, and Beverage.
Did you enjoy these writing ideas? If so, check out more of our Writing and Journal Prompts!
