Dive into the wonders of the ocean with these creative and educational activities for kids!
Fishy: Bring Your Artwork to Life in a Virtual Fish Tank
Fishy is an engaging online app that combines traditional coloring with digital animation. Kids can color fish-themed coloring pages, and then upload their artwork to watch their fish come to life in a virtual fish tank! The app allows children to interact with their creations on different devices, like mobile phones and TVs, making it a magical and educational experience that celebrates ocean life.
Why Fishy?
- Encourages creativity and hands-on learning
- Interactive and entertaining for kids
- Great for teaching about underwater creatures
DIY Ocean Sensory Bin
Create a mini ocean world with an ocean sensory bin! Fill a large container with blue water, pebbles, toy fish, shells, and other ocean-themed items. Kids can explore and engage in tactile play while learning about marine animals and ecosystems. see Safariltd blog for example
This activity is fantastic for younger kids, as it helps develop fine motor skills and provides a hands-on experience with ocean textures and colors.
Ocean Animal Scavenger Hunt
Organize an ocean animal scavenger hunt by hiding pictures or small toys of marine animals around your home or yard. Give kids a list of animals to find, like dolphins, whales, turtles, and crabs. You can add fun facts about each animal to make it an educational hunt!
This activity encourages movement, sharpens observation skills, and adds a dose of fun to learning about ocean life.
Ocean-Inspired Crafts
Let kids get creative with ocean-inspired crafts! Use paper, markers, shells, and recycled materials to make jellyfish, starfish, or even a full ocean scene. Kids can learn about different marine animals as they create their own versions.
This craft is easy to personalize and helps kids explore their artistic side while learning about the ocean.
Watch an Ocean Documentary
Introduce kids to the wonders of the ocean with a family-friendly ocean documentary. There are many options available online, like “Blue Planet” or “Octonauts and the Great Barrier Reef,” which are both educational and visually captivating.
Documentaries can spark kids' curiosity about marine life and inspire conversations about conservation.
Visit an Aquarium
If possible, take a family trip to a local aquarium. Watching real fish, sharks, and coral reefs up close is an unforgettable experience for kids and a great way to learn about different ocean habitats and species.
Most aquariums offer interactive exhibits, guided tours, and live demonstrations that make learning about the ocean fun and engaging.
Read Ocean-Themed Books
Encourage a love for reading and learning by introducing ocean-themed books. Titles like “The Rainbow Fish,” “Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau,” and “Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef” are fantastic options for kids of all ages.
Reading about the ocean can help kids develop a deeper understanding of marine life and foster a love for the environment.