Time Capsule Hole

Bury a message, a memory, or a wish — and dig it up another day

The gentlest project on this list, and the one with the least to do with engineering: children write or draw a message — a wish, a memory of the day, a note to their future self — seal it in a waterproof container, and bury it somewhere memorable on the beach. Unlike every other hole here, the point isn't the digging itself but what happens afterward: marking the spot, remembering it, and coming back to dig it up on a future visit.

Quick Facts

Ease of digging

Best for ages	3 and up
Time to build	20–30 minutes to bury, plus however long until you return
Tools needed	childrens-spade, bucket
Water needed?	No

When to Dig It

🌱 Spring ☀️ Summer 🍂 Autumn ❄️ Winter

Best Conditions

Any dry sand well above the tide line works — the goal is a spot that will stay undisturbed, not a specific sand texture. A recognisable landmark nearby (a groyne, a distinctive rock, a specific dune) makes relocating the spot much easier later.

Safety note: Always fill in holes before leaving the beach. Never leave a deep open hole unattended.

How to Dig It

Have each child write or draw something on a small piece of paper — a wish, a favourite memory from the day, or a message to themselves for next time.
Seal the paper inside a small waterproof container, such as a screw-top jar or a resealable freezer bag wrapped in another bag.
Choose a spot well above the tide line, ideally near a landmark that won't change, such as a groyne, breakwater, or fixed dune marker.
Dig a hole around 20–30cm deep, place the container inside, and cover it completely.
Mark the exact spot with a photo, a note on your phone, or a description in relation to the landmark, since sand shifts and the exact position can be surprisingly hard to recall.
Agree on a return date — the next holiday, next summer, or even just 'the next time we're here' — and dig it up together to reread the message.

Variations

For a family group, bury one shared container with a message from everyone rather than individual ones. For a longer-term version, note the GPS coordinates on your phone if you're not confident the landmark will still be there next time.

Seasonal Tips

Spring

A nice activity to start a longer tradition, ahead of a summer return visit.

Summer

Popular as an end-of-holiday activity, timed to be dug up on a return trip the following year.

Autumn

Works well as a lower-energy activity on a cooler, calmer beach day.

Winter

A good indoor-adjacent option — write the message at home and just make the short trip to bury it.

Try This Hole on Every Beach Type

Flat Sandy Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a flat sandy beach →

Steep Shingle Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a steep shingle beach →

Tidal Flat Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a tidal flat beach →

Rock Pool Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a rock pool beach →

Shell Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a shell beach →

Tropical Coral Sand Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a tropical coral sand beach →

Estuary Beach

Time Capsule Hole on a estuary beach →

Sheltered Cove

Time Capsule Hole on a sheltered cove →