Sharks, crabs, fish and walruses, the ocean is FULL of amazing creatures. If you’re ready to make a splash and dive into a world of creativity, you’ll love this huge list of ocean animal crafts for kids we’ve curated for you!
Whether you’re learning more about the sea with your students or just having some beachy-fun with your kids at home, these cute crafts are just what you need.

Ocean Animal Crafts for Kids
With some basic craft supplies and a bit of imagination, your kids can try out this paper bag jellyfish craft at home! It’s an easy craft that even young children can make with minimal adult help.
Preschoolers love this super easy, sparkly jellyfish craft. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach vacation or just in the mood for some summer fun, this jellyfish craft will spark creativity and imagination in your little ones.
Practice those fine motor skills and dive into discussions about the ocean and underwater environment. It’s so easy and fun, this jellyfish craft is sure to float to the top of your kid’s favorite activities.
Get ready to make a splash with this jaw-some shark craft! Whether it’s to complement a marine life study unit, to gear up for an upcoming shark week party, or just for fun, this is the perfect shark craft for you.
Using a paper plate as your ocean background, you can make your starfish puppet move by wiggling the popsicle stick. This easy starfish craft comes with a printable template to make it even easier for little kids!
The ocean is teeming with life waiting to be explored. Sea turtles are an adorable and fascinating animal for kids to study and adore. You can dive under the sea and go on an underwater adventure with this fun sea turtle craft. Grab your free printable template and some googly eyes and let the fun begin!
This paper plate fish craft looks just like Nemo! Using recycled materials, this is a great ocean animal craft idea if you’re learning more about waterway pollution or your kids are feeling crafty. Older children and teens will be able to use hot glue with adult supervision, while younger children will need adult assistance.
Use the free printable template to make your own paper plate crab craft! You can either use half a paper plate to simplify the craft for young kids, or fold a plate in half and fill it with rice to make your own oceanic musical instrument or sensory shaker!
Get ready for another fin-tastic craft with this popsicle stick shark puppet that swims in an ocean themed paper plate background. Use the free printable template from Crafty Kids Play and make a splash with this creative craft!
If you love crafts that you can play with after you make them, you’ve got to try out this paper plate turtle craft with a moving head. Your kids will love pulling the tail to make the head turn and using the craft template to get things done in a flash.
You might find a big sunbathing walrus on the shore in the Arctic but did you know they swim too? This unique ocean animal is the perfect inspiration for an easy and fun popsicle stick walrus craft.
Learning about sea creatures? You can use this free template to make an adorable paper whale craft of your own! Sometimes the best crafts are the simple ones. Just grab your craft paper, scissors, glue and markers and you’ll be ready to dive into this craft.
This cute ocean animal coffee filter craft makes for a great decoration once it’s done! Your kids can hang them in their bedroom windows or display them where everyone can see.
Inspired by the deep blue sea, this cute ocean craft project from Darcy and Brian is a fin-tastic way to engage kids in imaginative play. With simple materials and easy-to-follow instructions, children can craft their own toothy shark friend to roam the waters of their imagination.
Take a dip into the world of oceanic wonders with this delightful paper stingray craft from Mama Likes This. With just a few common crafting supplies, kids can create their own majestic stingray to glide through imaginary underwater realms. It's an educational and fun activity that will have children eager to explore the depths of their creativity.
Get ready for a pinch of fun with this easy crab craft for kids! Craft Play Learn presents a simple yet adorable craft project that allows children to create their very own crustacean companion. Easy crafts like this allow for minimal materials and maximum creativity. Kids can personalize their crabs and let their imaginations scuttle away to ocean adventures.
This dollar store-inspired clay pot shark craft is from Creatively Beth! Using inexpensive materials, kids can have a great time transforming ordinary clay pots into toothy sharks ready to explore the depths of their imagination. With step-by-step instructions, this craft project is perfect for sparking creativity and ocean-themed adventures.
Bring a burst of color to craft time with this vibrant paper plate tropical fish from Crafts by Amanda! Using simple supplies and easy techniques, kids can create their own dazzling and colorful fish to adorn their walls or play with during imaginative adventures.
This easy jellyfish craft from Simple Everyday Mom is the perfect craft to help kids let their creativity flow! Designed with simplicity in mind, this craft project is perfect for young children exploring their artistic talents. With just a few supplies, kids can create their own colorful jellyfish to hang and display, inspiring imaginative underwater adventures.
With its simple materials and easy-to-follow instructions and free craft template, this craft project is perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy. It's a great way to spend a rainy day or to decorate for an ocean-themed party; shark crafts like this are great for kids!
Using colorful clay and simple techniques, kids can mold and shape their own fishy friends to swim through imaginary seas. Sea crafts like this are hands-on activities that encourage creativity and exploration.
With just a few rocks, some paint, and a little creativity, kids can transform ordinary stones into fearsome sharks ready to roam the ocean floor with this easy tutorial. It's a fun and creative way to explore art and nature.
Dive into a world of imagination with this easy turtle bookmark corner from Red Ted Art! Perfect for young book lovers, this craft project combines creativity with functionality. With just a few simple folds, kids can create their own adorable turtle bookmarks to keep their place in their favorite stories.
Kids love this adorable paper plate dolphin craft from Taming Little Monsters! With just a few simple supplies, kids can create their own playful dolphins to swim through imaginary oceans. It's a fun and easy craft project that's perfect for dolphin lovers of all ages.
Here’s a quick and fun paper plate jellyfish craft from Conserva Mom! Using basic supplies and easy-to-follow instructions, kids can create their own colorful jellyfish to hang and display while learning more about ocean animals. If you're doing this craft with preschool students, you can hole punch the paper plate ahead of time and let their little fingers get in some fine motor skill work lacing yarn through the holes.
Manatee Craft for Kids (with FREE Template) • In the Bag Kids' Crafts
Explore the gentle giants of the sea with this adorable manatee craft from In The Bag Kids Crafts! Children can create their own adorable manatee companion, fostering an appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
If your kids like an easy cut and paste craft, this puffer fish is for you! Grab your scissors and glue stick for some simple crafty fun. Designed with preschoolers in mind, this blow fish craft project is sure to ignite their imagination and creativity, whether they're dreaming of a beach vacation or just in the mood for some summer fun.
You’ll have a whale of a time with this whale paper plate craft. All you need are simple supplies from around your home and you’ll be making a splash in no time.
Make your own clown fish just like Nemo, using a fun tape resist technique for this creative fish painting.
Which Ocean Animal Craft Will You Try First?
Whether you’re looking for ocean craft ideas to learn more about sea animals or you’re just hoping to add a splash of summer fun to your kid’s day, I hope you love this huge list we’ve put together for you.
Stick around In The Playroom for more fun crafts and activities for kids of all ages!
- 38 Jawsome Shark Crafts for Kids
- 28 Fin-tastic Fish Crafts for Kids
- 10 Ocean Coloring Pages for Kids
- Dried Chickpeas Ocean Sensory Bin
If you enjoyed these ocean animal crafts for kids, please go ahead and share the blog post with friends, or pin to your Pinterest board. Thanks so much!


Super cute! Love these.