Ocean animal projects for kids are fantastic to add to your science lesson plans or just for fun at home or with a group! Turn it into a summer camp, a weekend at the beach, or a science center indoors.
Ocean Animal Activities
Below, you will find a mix of hands-on ocean animal activities and worksheets for preschool through elementary school. Find a mix of ocean crafts, simple science, and sensory play featuring ocean animals for kids.
Fascinating Ocean Animals to Explore:
Narwhals: Often called the “unicorns of the sea,” narwhals are known for their long, spiral tusks. These mysterious creatures inhabit the Arctic waters and are fascinating subjects of study.
Sharks: These misunderstood predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems. Learn about different shark species, from the great white to the gentle whale shark.
Sea Turtles: With their long migrations and ancient lineage, sea turtles are fascinating creatures. Discover the seven species of sea turtles and their life cycle.
Jellyfish: These gelatinous animals have been around for millions of years. Some jellyfish can glow in the dark, thanks to a phenomenon called bioluminescence.
Whales: The largest animals on Earth, whales are majestic creatures. Learn about different types of whales, including the blue whale, humpback whale, and orcas (killer whales).
Coral Reefs: Often called the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life. Explore the vibrant world of corals and the importance of reef ecosystems.
💡Look through our complete Ocean Science Resources as well as our Ocean Crafts collection for more fantastic under-the-sea or ocean themes.
Ocean Animals Coloring Pages
Free printable ocean animals for kids coloring pages are perfect for an under the sea theme!
Ocean Animals I Spy
Investigate like a scientist with a fun Ocean Animals I Spy activity. Make sure to provide a magnifying glass, too!
Jellyfish Craft
Learn about jellyfish and create a fun glow-in-the-dark ocean animal craft to hang in a room.
Starfish Salt Dough Craft
Use our traditional salt dough recipe to create starfish for an ocean-themed activity.
Shark Week Activities
How do sharks float (or not sink) in the ocean? Kids will have a lot of fun with these water bottle sharks that share a bit of science. Make a shark-themed sensory bin, shark pudding dough, and more!
How do Whales Stay Warm?
The ocean can get pretty chilly…so how do whales stay warm? Try this fun blubber science experiment to test it out for yourself.
How do Fish Breathe?
Have you ever wondered how fish breathe underwater? Their gills are a fascinating mechanism, making it possible.
How do Squid Move?
Squids move via a process called jet propulsion. This forceful movement propels them underwater rapidly.
Ocean Sensory Bin
Touch the ocean! If you don’t live near the real thing, make an ocean sensory bin with sand and shells! Grab a free Sea Creatures Coloring Book too.
💡Make sure to grab the free coloring book!
Shark Theme Pudding Slime
Hands-on fun with this easy edible slime recipe with a shark theme. A simple introduction to the world of sharks through sensory play!
Printable Ocean Animals Craft
Make these cute, printable ocean animal crafts using split pins or brads! They move!
Ocean Animals Color By Number
Practice basic math skills and color fun ocean animal pictures with our ocean color by number printable pack.
Ocean Animals Pattern Blocks
Grab this free ocean animals pattern blocks mat set to add to your ocean unit and create a simple center in minutes!
Fun Facts About Narwhals
Learn about the amazing unicorns of the sea, Narwhals with these fun and easy STEM activities. Plus, we share with you fun facts we’ve discovered about Narwhals.
Sea Turtle Activity Pack
Use this sea turtle activity pack with younger kids to explore this fantastic creature! Our family has been fortunate to swim alongside sea turtles in the wild in the Caribbean. They are truly beautiful creatures.
Penguin Activities
Penguins are so much fun to learn about for an ocean theme. These printable penguin activities are just right for preschool hands-on learning too.
Printable Ocean STEM Project Pack
This Ocean printable project pack is perfect for kindergarten through upper elementary school. Read the reviews! 👉 Find the Preschool Ocean Pack [here].
- 10+ Ocean theme science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. Easy to set up, fun, and fit into your available time, even if it’s limited!
- 10+ Printable Ocean STEM challenges that are simple but engaging for home or classroom.
- Engaging Ocean theme activities include a tide pool pack, oil spill pack, marine food chain pack, and more!
- Ocean Theme STEM Story and challenges perfect for going on a STEM adventure in the classroom!
- Learn about Jacques Cousteau with a workbook activity
- Explore the ocean layers and create an ocean layer jar!
- Ocean Extras include I-Spy pages, bingo games, coloring sheets, and more for early finishers!
- BONUS: Ocean Science Camp Week Pullout (note some duplicate activities but organized for convenience)
- BONUS: Ocean STEM Challenge Calendar Pullout (note some duplicate activities but organized for convenience)
