This collection is everything you need to plan ocean activities for preschoolers, perfect to go along as support to ocean unit studies, lesson plans, and more.
In this compilation of activities and resources, you will find ideas for sensory play, science, fine motor skills, art, etc.
Why do preschoolers love to learn about the ocean?
The ocean is a fascinating and mesmerizing part of our world, with all the water and animals in abundance.
Kids are excited to learn about it all, especially when they have gotten the chance to visit one.
Not only is it fun and fascinating, but all the learning about the ocean helps our children learn how important it is to take care of our waters.
If you’re planning an ocean-themed unit study there are so many possibilities for incorporating these activities into that learning.
Interesting Facts about the Ocean
- Around 97% of all water is in the oceans and they cover around 71% of Earth’s surface.
- The Pacific Ocean is the biggest one.
- You can find mountains and volcanoes on the bottom of oceans.
- The deepest point in the ocean is the Mariana Trench.
- Oceanic evaporation is the source of most rainfall.
- Ocean temperatures determine climate.
- The biggest animal in the ocean is the blue whale.
Ocean Activities for Preschoolers
Ocean Cutting Practice Worksheets
Grab this Ocean Cutting Practice pack to add to your next set of scissor skill printables. These worksheet resources are all about animals that live in the ocean and are great to add to your ocean unit study too.
Ocean Crafts for Preschoolers
Looking for fun sea-themed crafts to make during the summer? These Ocean Crafts for Preschoolers (or really kids of all ages) can be made with simple supplies like paper plates, cardboard tubes, and other common craft materials.
Easy Ocean Life Experiment
"This jar is fantastic fun… not only is it fun to put together and look at but it can teach so many different elements of ocean life!" - Natural Beach Living
Frozen Ocean Animal Rescue
"A fun activity that will rescue the animals while exploring the science behind melting ice. Kids will love this sensory + STEM activity!" - Mama Papa Bubba
Ocean Small World Playdough Scene
"Playdough is one of our favorite activities. This small world playdough activity will help children see a depiction of the ocean right in front of them. They can explore and pretend, which are important elements of being a preschooler!" - Buggy and Buddy
Pattern Block Matching with Ocean Animals
"This printable ocean animal pattern block activity for preschool is a great way to start the conversation about some of the animals that live in parts of the ocean that your kids may never see. Working on fine motor skills, visual discrimination, and identifying shapes are also great bonuses for this fun preschool activity." - Life Over CS
Ocean Themed Games for Kids
"This list of ocean games for preschoolers includes both indoor and outdoor activities. There are games that can be played individually and others that are great for a group setting." - Homeschool Preschool
How to Make a Simple Ocean Sensory Bag for Kids
"Whether you’re gearing up for a trip to the beach or just studying the ocean from afar, this ocean bag is a great addition to your summertime sensory activities." - Homeschool Preschool
Free Printable Ocean Coloring Pages for Preschoolers
"Add these ocean-themed summer printables to your activity arsenal! Pull them out to supplement your ocean theme or to keep kids occupied on a hot summer afternoon. They are also great when added to your road trip activities." - Homeschool Preschool
Virtual Field Trip: Aquarium Live Feeds and Ocean Webcams
"Did you know you can get your ocean travel fix with webcams from aquariums, reefs, and zoos around the world? Take a virtual field trip from the comfort of home with these aquarium live feeds of tropical reefs, jellyfish, penguins, sharks, manatees, and more." - The Haphazard Traveler
Ocean Themed I Spy Jar for Preschoolers
"This is another activity that is super easy to put together. While it does take a bit longer than the 30 seconds required for other activities, you can still have this done in way less than 5 minutes and your preschooler can help make it! This ocean-themed I Spy Jar is sure to be a hit with your preschooler or toddler." - Life Over CS
Hide and Seek Worksheet
"Play a 2D game of hide and seek with this fun "I spy" worksheet. Send your child on a treasure hunt with this coloring page that doubles as a puzzle. More than just a cute activity for beach trips, this worksheet helps kindergarteners and first graders get to know animals and nature." - Education.com
Ocean Process Art
"When the temperature rises, nothing sounds more inviting than a trip to the beach! ...To bring the ocean indoors, cool off with this amazing Ocean Process Art activity. All it takes are a few simple supplies and the classroom gets a refreshing underwater feel!" - Play to Learn Preschool
Under the Sea Ocean Slime
"Swirling ocean waves of color! Make ocean slime for an awesome under-the-sea theme this summer." - Little Bins for Little Hands
Sand and Water Ocean Sensory Bin
"This ocean sensory bin is such a fun way for kids to play and learn about the ocean this summer! Kids will have a blast digging in the sand and playing in the water while learning about the ocean habitat." - Fun Learning for Kids
Free Printable Octopus Alphabet Game for Preschool
"This octopus alphabet game combines letter learning and fine motor practice so that students get huge benefits while playing a fun game. It is perfect for kids in preschool or kindergarten and would be an excellent addition to your ocean theme lesson plans! If you are looking for a fun ocean alphabet activity for the kids, this is what you are looking for!" - Fun Learning for Kids
Free Printable Ocean Animals Dot it Marker Pages
"These free printable ocean animal do-a-dot pages are a fun, no-prep activity for toddlers and preschoolers. They’re a great activity for your ocean-loving little learner and can be used as a completely mess-free activity when you use round stickers instead of dauber markers." - Natasha LH
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