Get ready to dive into some ocean arts and crafts for toddlers! Your little ones will love these fish, oyster, and sandcastle-themed crafts, sensory bins, and art explorations.

Art projects like these are perfect for 18-month-olds through 3-year-olds to dive into. Toddlers at this age are learning all about independence and want to try to do things on their own. Having arts and crafts that allow little ones to create exactly as they like—while still having it turn out beautifully, instilling pride—is a fabulous idea!

Be sure to set a bit of extra time aside as you are doing arts and crafts with your little one, as this will allow them the space they need to make their art look exactly as they want. 

Another way to support your toddler’s development is by adding extra time throughout your day to go slow and let your little one try to accomplish things on his or her own. For example, when you are heading outside, start getting ready a few minutes early (or maybe more than a few minutes!) so your toddler can practice putting his own shoes on. Small things like this support healthy development and make for happy toddlers, too.

Alright, back to the ocean-themed crafts and activities!

I don’t know about you, but I just love focusing on a theme when learning and playing with my little ones. It makes it so much easier to really dive into that learning. We can gather library books, print off pictures, sing songs, and find awesome crafts and activities in such a fun way.

In fact, having a simple toddler activity planned for you each and every day—in exactly this way—is what my Playful Days Toddler Program is all about!

We build vocabulary and build a strong knowledge base by playing with seven themes—one of which is The Ocean! Not only will this provide your little one with a beautiful foundation for learning, but it will provide just the right amount of structure to those long days at home with wee ones and build beautiful memories as well.

The activities below are great examples of the daily activities you will find in my Playful Days Toddler Program!

You can read all about my Playful Days Toddler Program right here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/pages/playful-days

And just before we dive into these ocean-themed crafts and activities for toddlers, would you like a fun printable to enjoy together? This one is totally free and a wonderful, learning-filled activity for you to enjoy with your toddler. You can grab it right here:

Ocean Arts and Crafts for Toddlers

These activities are great examples of similar activities that can be found in my Playful Days Toddler Program.

Frozen Shaving Cream Ocean by Hello Wonderful – This sensory bin for toddlers is so unique and the perfect ocean activity for little ones to really dive into. Freezing the shaving cream gives it a totally new consistency. I love shaving cream as a base for sensory play, as it is so surprisingly easy to clean up! 

Soap Foam Ocean Sensory Bin by Views from a Stepstool – This version of a sensory bin is equally clean—got to love that! Whip up some soap foam by blending dish soap with water and add a few drops of blue food coloring. Pop in those sea creatures and let your toddler’s imagination take over.

Ocean Themed Yoga by Pink Oatmeal – Helping our toddlers slow down and practice gross motor skills at the same time is a definite win-win! As you dive into your ocean theme with your little one, consider adding in some ocean-themed yoga as well.

Ocean Oyster Pearls by Things to Share and Remember – This oyster craft is just the sweetest! There is so much going on with it as well—art and painting exploration, fine motor bead threading—far more than meets the eye. This is a fabulous ocean-themed craft for toddlers!

Sand Castle Painting by Still Playing School – While the toddler version of this craft won’t look like this one, it will be a meaningful process art activity and full of fun! What toddler wouldn’t love the opportunity to experience painting with puffy sand paint?!

Rainbow Fish Craft by Active Littles – This is such a fun fish-themed craft for toddlers! All you need is some contact paper and cardboard and you’re set. Not only does this one turn out cute no matter what, but it is also fabulous for strengthening fine motor skills and is a great sensory experience to boot.

Straw Blowing Art Project – Practice breath control while your little one blows through a straw to create beautiful ocean waves!

There you have them, my friend! Fun, learning-filled ocean arts and crafts for toddlers.

I find planning one activity like this a day for my little ones is the perfect way to break up the day. If you are the same way, be sure to check out my Playful Days Toddler Program right here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/pages/playful-days

Thank you so much for reading, my friend!

xo
Sarah