To be kept as is
Make a time capsule using a sealed container, choose small keepsakes and notes, then seal and store it to be kept unopened.
About this activity
Make a time capsule using a sealed container, choose small keepsakes and notes, then seal and store it to be kept unopened.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed and put them on a clean table where you can work comfortably.
- 2
Step 2
Choose an opening date for your time capsule and write that date on a piece of paper.
- 3
Step 3
Decide on a theme for your time capsule such as "today at school" or "my favorite things."
- 4
Step 4
Pick small keepsakes that match your theme and that will fit inside the container.
- 5
Step 5
Write a short note or letter to your future self on a sheet of paper.
- 6
Step 6
Place your notes and any flat items into a resealable plastic bag to protect them.
- 7
Step 7
Arrange your keepsakes neatly inside the sealed container so they will not crush each other.
- 8
Step 8
Add a small label inside with your name and the opening date written on it.
- 9
Step 9
Decorate the outside of the container with stickers drawings or colors to make it special.
- 10
Step 10
Ask an adult to help you seal the container securely using tape or strong glue.
- 11
Step 11
Put the sealed time capsule in a safe dry place to be kept unopened until the opening date.
- 12
Step 12
Share a photo and the story of your finished time capsule on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a time capsule step by step?
Start by picking a sturdy, airtight container (metal ammo can, screw-top jar with silicone seal, or heavy-duty plastic). Gather small, non-perishable keepsakes and written notes or drawings. Place paper items in zip bags or laminate them to protect against moisture. Add silica gel packets for dryness. Arrange items carefully, include a dated letter explaining the capsule and an opening date. Seal the container tightly (apply waterproof tape or silicone), label it, and store in a cool, dry place
What materials do I need for a kids' time capsule?
You need a durable, sealed container (metal box, airtight jar, or plastic tub with a tight lid), paper and pens for notes or drawings, zip-top bags or laminating sheets for protection, silica gel packets, and waterproof tape or silicone to reinforce the seal. Optional items: small toys, photos (printed), fabric swatches, and a permanent marker to label the capsule. Avoid perishable foods, anything with batteries, or valuables you can’t replace.
What ages is making a time capsule suitable for?
Time capsule activities work for many ages with adult supervision. Toddlers (2–4) can choose simple items or draw with help. Ages 5–8 can write short notes or pick themed items with guidance. Ages 9–12 can plan contents, write letters, and help seal the capsule. Teens can design, document, and decide long-term storage plans. Adults should handle sealing, label placement, and any tools or adhesives to ensure safety.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for a time capsule?
Benefits include memory preservation, family bonding, writing practice, and a sense of anticipation. Safety tips: avoid sharp, perishable, or valuable items; keep small choking hazards away from young children; store the capsule in a dry, cool place; use moisture control like silica gel. Fun variations: create a themed capsule (school year, vacation, baby’s first year), a buried capsule in a marked container, or a digital capsule saved on a USB with multiple backups.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a resealable plastic bag, a small container, or strong glue?
If you don't have a resealable plastic bag to protect flat items (step 5) wrap them in wax paper or aluminum foil, use a clean metal tin or sturdy shoebox as the container (step 7), and seal it with duct tape if you lack strong glue (step 10).
My keepsakes might get crushed or the container could leak—how can we prevent damage before sealing?
To prevent keepsakes from crushing when arranging them (step 7) pad gaps with crumpled tissue paper, cotton balls, or bubble wrap and place a packet of silica gel or dry rice inside to guard against moisture before sealing (step 10).
How can we adapt this time capsule activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children let them pick a simple theme and place pre-sorted keepsakes while an adult writes the opening date and seals the container (steps 2, 3, 4, 10), and for older kids add a USB of photos, a longer letter, and more elaborate outside decoration before sharing on DIY.org (steps 5, 9, 12).
How can we make the time capsule more special or help it last longer?
Make it more special and durable by laminating a photo and adding a silica gel packet inside with your name and opening date on the internal label (steps 7 and 8), decorating the outside (step 9), and posting the finished photo and story to DIY.org (step 12).