Reusable Drawing & Magnet Kit: Set Up Ocean Art
By Melissa & Doug: #1 Preschool Brand For Wooden Toys | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
Set up the Natural Play Ocean reusable drawing kit for mess-free travel art. Follow these steps to organize magnets, markers, and the dry-erase book for toddlers.
Quick answer
Open the take-along case, sort the 42 magnets by scene, and keep the five dry-erase markers in the built-in holder. Use the magnetic board for free drawing and the 13-page spiral-bound book for guided activities, wiping both clean after each session.
Why the case layout matters for toddlers
The Natural Play kit packs a lot into one case: 42 magnets, five dry-erase markers with an eraser, a built-in magnetic dry-erase board, and a 13-page spiral-bound activity book. For a toddler, that variety is exciting but can also become overwhelming if everything is dumped out at once. Setting up the case with a simple routine—magnets on the board, markers in the holder, book closed until requested—turns a busy kit into a focused activity.
The rope handles and take-along case make it a natural travel art kit for toddlers, but only if the contents stay organized. A quick sort before you leave the house prevents the “where did all the magnets go?” moment in the car or at a restaurant.
A note on marker care and mess-free drawing
Dry-erase markers are the key to a mess-free drawing activity, but they need a little attention. Keep the caps on when not in use, and store the markers in the built-in holder rather than loose in the case. The eraser is attached to one marker, so designate that marker as the “clean-up” tool. If a marker runs dry, replace it with a standard dry-erase marker—no need to buy a whole new kit.
How to set up the ocean art kit step by step
- Unpack and sort the magnets: Open the case and lay out the 42 magnets. Group them by type—sea creatures, plants, and scene pieces—so your child can find what they want without dumping the whole pile. Common mistake: mixing all magnets together, which makes clean-up slow and frustrating. Use small zip-top bags or the case compartments to keep groups separate.
- Set up the drawing surface: Flip open the case to reveal the built-in magnetic dry-erase board. Place the spiral-bound activity book next to it or on your child’s lap. Check that the board is clean and dry before drawing. Common mistake: leaving the book open on the board, which covers the drawing space. Wipe the board with the eraser before each use to avoid ghost marks.
- Organize the markers: Put the five dry-erase markers in the built-in holder, with the eraser marker facing outward. Show your child how to pull one marker out at a time and put it back. Common mistake: letting markers roll loose in the case, where they can get lost or dry out. Do a quick marker count at the end of each session.
- Introduce the activity book: Open the 13-page spiral-bound book to the first page and point out the prompts. Let your child choose whether to draw in the book or on the board. Common mistake: expecting a toddler to follow the book sequentially—let them flip to any page. Keep the book closed when not in use to protect the pages.
- Pack up for travel: Before closing the case, return all magnets to their groups, cap the markers, and wipe the board dry. Close the book and tuck it inside. Common mistake: closing the case with magnets stuck to the board, which can shift and scratch the surface. Store magnets in a small pouch inside the case to keep them from sliding around.
Product facts
- Natural Play: Play, Draw, Create Reusable Drawing & Magnet Kit – Ocean: Includes 42 magnets, 5 dry-erase markers with an eraser, a built-in magnetic dry-erase board, and a 13-page spiral-bound dry-erase activity book. The all-in-one format means you can set up a complete drawing and magnet activity without gathering separate supplies, which is ideal for travel.
Natural Play: Play, Draw, Create Reusable Drawing & Magnet Kit – Ocean
