🌊 How to Make a Seashell Wind Chime- a STEAM Activity for Kids

by What The Shelly? LLC

Looking for a fun, hands-on activity that gets kids off screens and into creativity? A seashell wind chime is the perfect mix of art, engineering, and nature—and it’s something your child will be proud to hang and enjoy every day.

Whether you collected shells from the beach or picked some up at a craft store, this simple project turns them into something beautiful and educational.

⸻

🐚 What You’ll Need

• Seashells (6–10, various sizes)

• String or nylon cord

• A wooden dowel or stick (about 6–12 inches)

• Beads (optional, but adds a fun decorative touch!) *glass beads make a nice sound*

• Drill (for adult use) or pre-drilled shells

• Scissors

• Optional: paint or markers to decorate shells

⸻

✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Shells

If your shells don’t already have holes, an adult can carefully drill a small hole near the top of each shell. This is where the string will go. *a diamond drill bit is the best kind*

⸻

2. Cut Your Strings

Cut several pieces of string at different lengths (this helps create that classic wind chime look and sound). Cut them to at least 8"-12" long. If you have to tie them to the dowel, this will give you room for tying. If an adult can drill at least five holes in the dowel, with one in the center, then you will not have to tie your strings. *drilling in the dowel can be difficult so it is easier to tie the strings.*

⸻

3. Thread the Shells

Tie a knot at the bottom of each string, then thread a shell onto it.

Want to make it extra fun? Add beads in between shells for color and design!

⸻

4. Attach to the Dowel

Tie the top of each string onto your wooden dowel or stick. Space them out so they hang freely and don’t tangle.

⸻

5. Add a Hanger

Cut one longer piece of string and tie it to both ends of the dowel to create a hanger. Make this string at least 19" or longer, depending on the length of your dowel.

⸻

6. Hang and Enjoy! 🌬️

Find a breezy spot outside or near a window and listen to your handmade wind chime come to life.

⸻

🧠 Why This Is More Than Just a Craft (STEAM Learning!)

This activity isn’t just fun—it’s educational too:

• Science: How wind creates movement and sound. adjust your shells string length and observe the changes in sound.

• Engineering: Balancing weight and spacing. What happens when you have too much weight on one side?

• Art: Designing and decorating your chime.

• Fine Motor Skills: Tying, threading, and assembling

It’s a simple way to turn playtime into a meaningful learning experience in a great activity for parents and kids to do together!

⸻

💡 Tips for Success

• Use different shell sizes for better sound variety

• Keep strings at different lengths for a layered look and better sounds

• Knot securely so shells don’t slip. I recommend at least two good knots on the shells and when the thread is attached to the dowel.

• Let kids design their own pattern—there’s no wrong way!

⸻

🎁 Want Everything Ready to Go?

If you love this activity but don’t want to gather all the materials, my Shell Scientist STEAM Kit includes everything your child needs—plus even more hands-on learning activities and fun! 👉

STEAM Kit Shell Scientist 5-12+ yrs

Buy Now

I also teach STEAM classes, both individual classes and a 6-week STEAM session. Interested in more fun and educational activities with the kids? Check this out! 👉

STEM Seashell Science class for kids

1h 30min

Book Now

6 week STEM Class with Seashells

1h 30min - 2h

Book Now

⸻

🌊 Final Thought

There’s something really special about turning simple seashells into something meaningful. Not only do kids get to create something beautiful, but they also learn, explore, and feel proud of what they’ve made.

And honestly—that’s what creativity is all about.