Make a Splash with Ocean Jello Cups: A Sweet Summer Treat with a Learning Twist
Looking for a colorful, hands-on snack that doubles as an activity? These Ocean Jello Cups are the perfect mix of edible fun and creativity. Whether youโre wrapping up an ocean unit, planning a summer party, or just want a themed treat that kids can help create, this simple dessert invites children to explore, build, and imagine while satisfying their sweet tooth.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
With bright colors, playful textures, and under-the-sea creatures, this activity works well in homeschool kitchens, classrooms, summer camps, and family get-togethers. And best of all, itโs easy enough for young children to participate from start to finish.
What Youโll Need To Make Ocean Jello Cups
- Blue Jello (berry or tropical punch flavors work best)
- Gummy octopus or other sea creature gummies
- Gummy fish or sharks
- Mini paper drink umbrellas
- Nerds candy (to represent colorful โrocksโ or ocean gravel)
- Clear plastic cups or bowls
You can also find most of these ingredients at any grocery or dollar store, making this an easy last-minute idea that still feels special.
How to Make Ocean Jello Cups
- Prepare the Jello according to the directions on the box. Let it cool slightly so itโs safe for kids to help.
2. Pour a layer of Nerds into the bottom of each clear cup to resemble pebbles or coral on the ocean floor.
3. Carefully scoop or pour the Jello into the cup over the Nerds. Fill it about three-quarters of the way.
4. Add gummy fish and octopus near the top before the Jello sets completely. For extra fun, gently press some candy partway into the Jello so it looks like theyโre floating.
5. Once the Jello has fully set in the fridge, top each cup with a mini umbrella to complete the tropical look.
Kids will love seeing the layers and pretending their ocean animals are swimming through a sugary sea.
Why This Snack Activity Is a Great Learning Tool
This treat might look like a dessert, but itโs also packed with developmental and learning opportunities.
- Fine motor skills are strengthened as children pour, scoop, and place each element carefully
- Sequencing and direction-following are practiced by preparing ingredients step by step
- Scientific observation happens naturally as kids watch Jello change from liquid to solid
- Sensory engagement comes through texture, color, smell, and taste
- Imaginative play is sparked by building ocean scenes and storytelling with their candy creations
You can also reinforce language development by encouraging children to describe their creations and narrate whatโs happening under the sea.
Ideas to Extend the Activity
Looking for ways to turn this simple snack into a full thematic experience? Try these fun and educational extensions
- Set up a โbuild-your-own ocean cupโ bar where kids choose their sea creatures and toppings
- Pair the snack with an ocean scavenger hunt or trivia game about marine life
- Have kids draw or paint their ocean cups before making them, then compare their artwork to the real thing
- Turn it into a science lessonโdiscuss how gelatin sets, and compare ocean habitats from books or videos
- Use paper and crayons to label parts of the cup like โocean floor,โ โsea creatures,โ and โwavesโ for a vocabulary boost
This activity is also great to use during summer school, birthday parties, or end-of-unit celebrations.
Book Pairings for Ocean-Themed Fun
Pair your Jello cups with ocean books to turn snack time into story time
โMister Seahorseโ by Eric Carle โ A beautifully illustrated introduction to sea creatures and parenting in the ocean
โThe Pout-Pout Fishโ by Deborah Diesen โ A rhythmic, fun story thatโs great for preschool and early elementary
โWay Down Deep in the Deep Blue Seaโ by Jan Peck โ A playful underwater adventure that aligns well with the candy sea creatures
โCommotion in the Oceanโ by Giles Andreae โ Full of rhymes and fun facts about ocean animals
โOcean Lifeโ by Jill McDonald โ A nonfiction board book for younger learners to explore real-world marine life
Reading about the ocean while enjoying ocean-themed snacks strengthens comprehension and makes connections between fiction and hands-on experience.
Fun Ways to Customize
Every ocean cup can look a little differentโhere are some creative twists:
- Use whipped cream on top to mimic waves or foam
- Add a Swedish fish poking out of the whipped topping like itโs jumping out of the water
- Freeze them slightly for a cool summer treat with a popsicle texture
- Include shell-shaped candy or small edible pearls for a more detailed sea scene
- Make a dairy-free version using vegan gelatin for allergy-friendly classrooms
You can also send these cups home in to-go containers for family night or party favors.
A Cool, Creative Way to Celebrate Summer
Ocean Jello Cups are more than just a fun dessertโtheyโre a way to celebrate learning, spark creativity, and enjoy a bit of sweet hands-on science. Whether youโre crafting them in a classroom, at home, or at a party, they offer just the right mix of structure and freedom to keep kids engaged and smiling.
No complicated baking, no long prep, just a playful summer snack that makes a splash. Perfect for ocean unit wrap-ups, under-the-sea parties, or just a weekday afternoon with a little extra sparkle.
