If your kids are anything like mine, they’re totally fascinated by sharks, whales, jellyfish, and all things ocean. There’s just something magical about sea creatures that makes learning feel like play—and I’m all about sneaky learning through fun.
Whether you’re homeschooling, entertaining preschoolers on a rainy afternoon, or just want to break up the screen time with something hands-on, this post is packed with simple, mom-approved ways to teach your kids about ocean animals without needing a ton of prep or supplies.
🌊 And if you’re looking for even more ocean fun, check out Miss Annette’s Preschool YouTube video all about ocean animals! It’s full of music, movement, and learning that little ones absolutely love. Perfect for reinforcing the activities in this post with an engaging visual and auditory experience.
🎥 Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFqkyZO_yaQ
Let’s dive in! 🌊
🧠 What Will My Kids Learn?
With these activities, your kids will:
- Learn the names and features of ocean animals
- Understand that different animals live in the ocean (and not in lakes or bathtubs 😉)
- Practice important skills like sorting, observation, storytelling, and fine motor control
- Begin learning how we can help protect the ocean
🪼 Fun Ocean Animal Activities for Home
1. Ocean Animal Show & Tell (with toys or pictures)
What you need:
Any ocean animal toys, puzzle pieces, or printed pictures (even clip art works!)
What to do:
Lay out a few animals and ask your child:
“What’s this animal called? What do you think it eats? How does it move?”
It’s okay if they don’t know—this is a great way to start the conversation and build curiosity.
2. Swim Like a Sea Creature Game
What you need:
Just your living room and your imagination!
What to do:
Call out a sea animal and have your kids move like it.
- Shark = hands together like a fin, swim fast
- Octopus = wiggle arms
- Crab = side step low
- Starfish = freeze in an X shape
Tip: Add music and make it a dance party!
3. Ocean in a Bottle
What you need:
- Empty water bottle
- Water
- Blue food coloring
- Cooking oil
- Glitter (optional)
- A few small plastic ocean animals (optional)
What to do:
Fill the bottle ¾ with water, add food coloring, then fill the rest with oil. Add glitter or tiny toys and glue the lid shut. Shake and swirl to explore ocean currents and floating/sinking.
4. Sensory Play: Ocean Bin
What you need:
- Large plastic bin
- Water
- Measuring cups, spoons, and plastic sea animals
- Optional: water beads for texture
- This set on Amazon would also be a great option if you don’t want to build your own
What to do:
Let your child explore freely—scoop, pour, splash, and “rescue” animals. Add conversation:
“Where is the dolphin hiding?”
“Can you find something that floats?”
5. Jellyfish Craft
What you need:
- Coffee filter, construction paper, paper plate, or this printable from Miss Annette’s Preschool
- Markers, watercolors
- Ribbon or streamers
- Tape or glue
What to do:
Color your paper jellyfish and attach ribbon “tentacles.” Hang them from the ceiling or a window for some underwater flair!
6. Ocean Snack Cups
What you need:
- Blue Jell-O
- Whipped cream
- Gummy fish
- Clear plastic cups
What to do:
Make it together and talk about which animals live in the ocean while you decorate. You’ve got a learning moment and snack time handled.
🌊 Talk About Caring for the Ocean
One of the most important things we can teach our kids is kindness—even to the Earth.
Take a few minutes to talk about:
- Picking up trash so it doesn’t end up in the ocean
- Using less plastic
- Why animals need clean water to stay healthy
Keep it simple:
“If we don’t throw our garbage on the ground, it won’t hurt sea turtles or fish.”
🎨 Want a free Ocean Animals Printable?
I’ve created a simple, adorable free ocean animals printable you can use with these activities. Download it HERE.
🧺 You Might Also Like:
💬 Final Thoughts from This Typical Mom:
You don’t have to plan a big lesson or spend hours prepping to make learning meaningful. Sometimes, a few plastic fish and a little imagination are all it takes to make memories and build brains.
Let me know in the comments which ocean animal your kids love the most—or tag me on Instagram if you try any of these ideas!
Happy learning,
💙 Annette
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