Are you ready for your little one’s under the sea birthday party but not sure what activities will keep all of their friends entertained? Is your child crafty, full of energy, or extra creative? With this list of 24 different party games and crafts, you’ll find the perfect mix of activities to keep everyone entertained and make the day unforgettable.
Crafting Activities:
- Create Pool Noodle Fish
Check out this tutorial on how to make a pool noodle fish by Happy Toddler Play Time. The fish is made from a slice of a pool noodle, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. And the best part about this craft is that it can be put in the water! After your guests make some, have them float them in a pool of water for an interactive craft. - Create Turtles using Paper Bowls
Have your guests use paper bowls and construction paper to create their own turtles. To create the turtle, turn the bowl upside down to make the turtle’s shell. Then, use the construction paper to craft the turtle’s legs, tail, and head. Tape all the pieces together and paint it to look just like a turtle. - Create Jellyfish with Paper Plates
Another craft you can make with paper plates is a jellyfish. Cut the paper plate in half to make the jellyfish’s body and then tape paper streamers to the cut side for the tentacles. Then, just add some paint and googly eyes and your guests will have their very own jellyfish.
- Coral Reef Painting with Sponges
If you’re looking for a painting activity to do at your party, then have your guests make a coral reef with sponges. Just cut the sponges into different coral shapes and provide plates with different colored paints. Have your guests dip their sponges into the paint and press them to their canvases to create a colorful reef. This painting activity is great for guests of any skill level. - Paint Sea Shells
For an easy to set up craft, have your guests paint sea shells. Just provide the sea shells and some paint and let your guests get to decorating. You can also punch holes in each shell and provide some cordage to turn their shells into wearable art. - Craft Pearl Bracelets
Have your guests create their own bead bracelets. For an ocean theme, provide fake pearls and sea creature charms. Check out these Silver Charms that come in 7 different shapes including dolphins, turtles, and starfish.
- Create a Jellyfish in a Bottle
If you want crafts at your ocean party then you’ve got to check out this tutorial for a Jellyfish in a Bottle by Our Little Project. The craft uses a plastic bag to create a realistic looking jellyfish floating in a bottle. It’s a super easy craft and your guests will love getting to take home their very own jellyfish. - Make an Ocean in a Bottle
Another bottle craft you can add to your party is an ocean in a bottle. Have your guests fill their bottles with water, some baby oil to make waves, and a few drops of food coloring. You can also provide stickers for the outside of the bottles and sea creatures, glitter, and shells for the inside. - Make Ocean Slime
What kid doesn’t like to stick their hands in gooey slime? Have your guests make their own that they can take home with this tutorial by The Best Ideas for Kids. To make it ocean slime, make the slime blue or green and add lots of glitter.
Physical Activities:
- Catch the Fish
Draw a picture of a fish with chalk on the cement. Then, have your guests throw a hula hoop at the fish to try and “catch” it. Whoever gets the closest to catching the fish is the winner.
- Crab Walk Relay Race
Have your guests participate in a relay race, but with an ocean themed twist. Instead of running, your guests will have to walk like a crab as they make their way towards the finish line. - Ocean Limbo
A game of limbo could be a fun addition to your party. To make the game ocean themed, hang some paper streamers from the stick. You guests will have a blast trying to fit under the stick while being grabbed by “jellyfish tentacles.” - Feed the Sharks
Let your guests feed the sharks by throwing plastic fish into their mouths. Just paint some sharks on a wooden board, cut holes where their mouths are, and provide buckets full of their favorite treats.
- Pin the Horn on the Narwhal
A simple twist on pin the tail on the donkey, this game just requires a picture of a narwhal, some paper horns, and a blindfold. Put your picture on the wall, blind fold the player, spin them around, and then let them try to put the horn on the narwhal. For a pre-made game, check out this Pin the Horn on the Narwhal game. - Shark Tag
Turn a normal game of tag into a game of shark tag by giving the player that’s “it” a shark fin to wear. You can have them sing the Jaws theme song as they chase the other players. - Fish Bowl Toss
Set out some fishbowls on the ground and have your guests try to throw balls into them. Just like a real carnival game, you can make the bowls worth different points depending on their distance and hand out prizes to those who get the most points. Check out this listing for 12 Plastic Fish Bowls that would be perfect for this activity.
- Bubble Pop
Set out a bubble machine and let your guests chase the “ocean bubbles.” You can also play some ocean themed music while everyone tries to catch the bubbles before they pop.
Creative activities:
- Coral Reef Building
Dye some dried pasta with all the colors of a coral reef and have your guests use them to create a reef in a bowl of sand. Your guests will love arranging these pieces of “coral” into a bright and vibrant reef. To complete the reef, place some sea creatures throughout the sand.
- Create Your Own Aquarium
Give your guests the gift of the ocean by providing them everything they need to make an ocean aquarium. Set out some rocks, animal figurines, and ocean plants for your guests to fill their aquarium tanks with. Check out this Under the Sea DIY Tank for everything you’ll need. It includes 6 acrylic boxes, sea animals, water plants, water beads, and pearls. - Adopt a Sea Creature
Have your guests pick out their very own sea creature to take home. You can provide them with an adoption certificate and let them get creative with naming their new friends. Check out this listing for Mini Plush Marine Animals. They come with their very own carry cases and adoption certificates.
- Ocean Search Sensory Tub
An ocean themed sensory tub is a great activity for a party, especially if you have younger kids attending. For this sensory tub, use water, soap, and food coloring to make a blue foaming ocean that you can hide sea creatures in. Have your guests sit around the tub and try to find the creatures hiding in the ocean’s depths. For a full tutorial on how to make the foam, check out Views for a Step Stool. - Sand Dig
Playing in sand is a great sensory activity for children. You can provide buckets and shovels so your guests can make some sandcastles. Or, try hiding some treasure in the sand for a treasure hunt. - Create Sea Slugs with Play Dough
Watch your guests get creative as they create their very own sea slugs with play dough. Have them roll the play dough into a slug shape and then use tooth picks to make antenna and spines. You can also provide some googly eyes to give the slugs some extra character.
- Ocean Tattoo Station
Let your guests pretend to be at a tattoo parlor and provide them with lots of ocean themed temporary tattoos. The kids will love decorating themselves and each other. Check out this listing for Ocean Temporary Tattoos which includes sea creatures, sea shells, and bubbles.
I hope you found these activity ideas helpful. Let me know in the comments if you plan on trying any of these ideas for your little one’s party.
Hosting an ocean themed party and not sure what foods to serve? Check out 23 Sea Worthy Foods – The Perfect Menu for an Ocean Birthday.
