It’s summer, and we all love to visit the Oregon Coast!  

Just after the high tide goes out, puddles of water fill the crags on the rocks; sometimes, creatures like starfish, hermit crabs, and fish get stuck in the little pools. Some shelled creatures live in the pool all the time, like barnacles and limpets. Let’s make a tide pool!  

Supplies 

Pencil and Eraser 

Crayons or Markers  

Copy or Construction Paper 

Paper Plate 

Scissors  

Glue Stick  

Directions

  • Let’s make our tide pool. Using a brown crayon, scribble your paper plate with brown so it is covered. Use your black crayon and create crags for your rocks. You can add patches of green for sea moss.
  • Let’s make creatures! You can print my ‘Tide Pool Creatures’ art page or draw your own creatures, either realistic or invent your own. 
  • Grab your markers or crayons and use at least four colors per creature. You can add dots or patterns to make them interesting.  
  • Using your best cutting skills, cut around each character.  
  • Place them all in the tide pool, and when you are happy, glue them down. 

We are not finished yet. We can do research and learn about shoreline safety.  

  • Where in Oregon are tide pools near you?  Here are a few places to visit- Haystack Rock, Cape Kiwanda, Seal Rock State Park, Yachats State Park, Cape Perpetua, and Neptune State Park.  
  • When is the best time to visit tide pools? It is safest to see them as the tide starts to recede (go down). Be very careful if the tide is coming in because in Oregon, it can happen fast! 
  • What is a ‘Sneaker Wave’? I know that sounds funny, but it can be hazardous. A sneaker wave is a much bigger wave that can suddenly appear without warning and sweep a person or pet into the water. While you visit the coast, it is essential to keep an eye on the surf.
  • Never stand on a log near the water’s edge because if a sneaker wave hits, the log can float and turn, flipping you underwater.  
  • Proper behavior at a tide pool. When walking to tide pools, be careful not to trample the plants and animals in the area.  
  • Tide pools are homes, so we should never disturb the creatures by touching them or removing them from their habitat.  
  • Did you know that many tide pools have volunteers who will share their knowledge with you and your family? Check with the Rangers Station or use Google to find more information.