Sea-Inspired Fun: 32 Ocean Crafts for Kids [With Simple Materials]

Kids light up when they talk about the ocean. Whether they’re sharing stories about a trip to the beach or the cool creatures they spotted at the aquarium, that excitement is hard to miss. The fun ocean crafts for kids brings some of that energy home. A colorful jellyfish made out of tissue paper, or a painted seashell mosaic can help keep the stories going just a little longer. Even if the beach is far away, these hands-on projects invite a little of that discovery and wonder into your living room. I’ve seen kids sit for ages, sorting through their favorite shades of blue, layering on glued bits of sand, or drawing the wild shapes of dolphins and sea turtles. Simple supplies like paper plates, yarn, and markers are all you need. For younger kids, I usually stick with activities that focus on texture and color—think wiggly seaweed or puffy paint starfish. For older kids, more detailed art or even simple science tie-ins (why do fish have fins, anyway?) can keep things interesting. Either way, it’s a low-pressure way to let them get creative and talk through what they’ve seen or what they hope to see next time. If you’ve got a favorite ocean memory, share it with them and work it into the project. That personal touch always brings the biggest smiles.