Simple ideas to try at home with your little one
Let’s face it — we want our kids to care about the planet, but also need activities that feel fun, doable, and don’t involve a craft store run at 8PM. That’s where World Oceans Day (June 8) comes in, a perfect chance to teach your little ones how to protect our big blue planet.
Even better? These ideas are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, no matter where you live.
1. Beach Clean-Up (Even If You’re Miles From the Ocean)
Ages: 3+
What to do: Hand your child a small basket or tote bag and head to a local park or sidewalk for a “clean-up treasure hunt.” Pick up leaves, bottle caps, snack wrappers — anything that doesn’t belong.
Talk about it:
Explain how trash left outside can wash into storm drains, rivers, and eventually the ocean — even if you're far from it.
Tip: Give a sticker reward for every 5 items collected!
Why it matters:
According to UNESCO, plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine debris, harming animals and ecosystems worldwide.
Extend the activity:
Let your child decorate a reusable tote bag with ocean-themed stickers and use it for future clean-ups.
2. DIY Ocean Creatures (From Recycled Materials)
Ages: 2–6
What to do: Use egg cartons, bottle caps, toilet paper rolls, or cereal boxes to create jellyfish, turtles, or little whales. Paint, glue, and googly eyes encouraged!
Simple idea:
Cut egg carton cups, paint them blue or green, and add paper tentacles to make jellyfish.
Tip: Talk about each creature’s role in the ocean — for example, turtles help keep jellyfish populations in check!
Why it matters:
Over 1 million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals die each year due to plastic pollution (Surfers Against Sewage).
Extend the activity:
Create an “Ocean Museum” wall at home and let your child give tours to visiting friends or family.
3. Underwater Story Time
Ages: All
What to do: Cozy up for a story time featuring ocean animals, kindness, or conservation themes.
Book ideas:
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The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean by Deborah Diesen
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Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle
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Ocean: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
Why it matters:
Storytelling introduces kids to real-world topics in a way that feels magical and memorable.
Extend the activity:
After the book, ask your child to act out a scene, draw their favorite sea creature, or tell you a story about saving the ocean.
4. Mini Splash Play (Bathtub Works Too!)
Ages: 1+
What to do: Set up a mini splash zone in your tub or a large basin. Drop in some ocean-themed toys — think whales, crabs, starfish. For a fun twist, freeze small ocean animal toys inside ice cubes and give your child a spoon, spray bottle, or warm water to “rescue” them.
Tip: Narrate while they play:
“Look, the dolphin is stuck in an iceberg! Let’s help him get back to the sea!”
Why it matters:
This sensory activity builds fine motor skills and introduces empathy, showing how marine life can get stuck in plastic or trash.
According to the National Ocean Service, entanglement in marine debris affects over 200 species, including turtles, whales, and seabirds.
Extend the activity:
After play, ask your child:
“What can we do to help sea animals in real life?”
Their answers might surprise you — and inspire small daily habits like throwing trash away properly or using fewer plastic items.
5. Ocean Coloring Pages (All Ages)
Ages: All
What to do: Print or download marine-themed coloring pages (see below). As your child colors fish, sharks, or coral reefs, talk about what each creature does in the ocean.
Resources:
Free Coloring Sheets – WorldOceansDay.org
NOAA Marine Life Coloring Book (PDF)
Why it matters:
Art is a powerful way for children to process and remember what they learn. Plus, coloring gives you natural, quiet moments to start conversations.
Extend the activity:
Create an “Ocean Gallery” on the fridge or wall. Add fun facts under each drawing like:
🐙 “Octopuses have three hearts!”
🐢 “Sea turtles can live up to 100 years.”
Bonus idea: Laminate your child’s favorite page as a placemat — ocean love, served daily.
Quick Recap Table
| Activity | Recommended Age | Materials Needed | What Kids Learn | Extend the Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Clean-Up | 3+ | Small bag or tote, gloves (optional) | How litter travels to oceans, early eco habits | Decorate a reusable bag for future clean-up “missions” |
| DIY Ocean Creatures | 2–6 | Egg cartons, recycled materials, paint, glue | Marine animal roles, creative reuse | Build an “Ocean Museum” wall at home |
| Underwater Storytime | All ages | Ocean-themed books, cozy blanket | Empathy, ocean awareness through stories | Act out scenes or draw their favorite sea animal |
| Mini Splash Play | 1+ | Water basin, ocean toys, ice cubes, spoon/spray bottle | Sensory play, rescue empathy, plastic awareness | Ask: “What can we do to protect real sea animals?” |
| Ocean Coloring Pages | All ages | Printouts, crayons or markers | Biodiversity, ecosystem roles | Add ocean facts & display as an “Ocean Art Gallery” |
FAQ Section
Q: What age group are these activities best for?
A: They’re designed with flexibility in mind — perfect for toddlers (1–3), preschoolers (3–5), and even early elementary kids (up to 7). You can easily scale the conversation depending on your child’s age.
Q: How can I explain ocean conservation to a toddler?
A: Keep it playful and visual. Use toys, simple stories, and cause-effect games (like rescuing frozen sea creatures) to build empathy and introduce the idea of protecting animals and keeping their homes clean.
Q: Do I need to live near a beach to do these activities?
A: Not at all! All five ideas can be done at home, in your backyard, or in a nearby park. It’s about making the connection to the ocean, not the location.
Looking for Ocean-Themed Activities Nearby?
If you're based in Southern California, here’s a great place to explore with your little one:
Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach, CA
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
This family-friendly aquarium is home to over 12,000 marine animals and offers hands-on learning experiences that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Around World Oceans Day, the aquarium also hosts themed activities focused on ocean education and conservation.
Visit: www.aquariumofpacific.org
Whether you visit in person or explore their virtual exhibits, it’s a great way to bring your child’s curiosity about the ocean to life.
Why It Matters
Celebrating World Oceans Day doesn't require grand gestures. Small, thoughtful activities can make a lasting impact on your child's understanding and appreciation of our oceans. By integrating fun with education, you're nurturing environmentally conscious individuals who value and protect our planet's precious resources.
