Dolphin Activities for Toddlers
Do you want creative ways to entertain your toddler while learning something new? You’ll love these Dolphin Activities for Toddlers. These ideas are playful, low-prep, and designed to keep young minds engaged while they learn about one of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures.
If you haven’t checked it out, see my fun ocean activities for kids list. It’s a great place to find printables you can easily mix with these dolphin ideas.
I’ve gathered hands-on activities, crafts, and printables for ocean-themed learning. Whether your child loves art, food, or sensory play, something here will catch their interest.
Keep reading and bookmark this post—you’ll want to return to it.
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Fascinating Dolphin Facts
Toddlers might be small, but they’re naturally curious. I like starting with fun facts to get my kids interested in any animal before we move into the activities. These are simple enough for young kids to understand.
- Dolphins talk to each other using sounds like clicks and whistles.
- They are mammals, which means they breathe air just like we do.
- Dolphins live together in groups called pods and help each other.
My Favorite Books About Dolphins
I always keep a few dolphin books when we start animal-themed activities. Stories and colorful pages help set the scene and make the topic feel real.
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Under The Sea: A surprise under every flap!Little Dolphin: Finger Puppet Book: (Finger Puppet Book for Toddlers and Babies, Baby Books for First Year, Animal Finger Puppets) (Little Finger Puppet Board Books, FING)Good Night Dolphins (Good Night Our World)Safari Readers: Dolphins (Safari Readers – Wildlife Books for Kids)Under the Sea – Silicone Touch and Feel Board Book – Sensory Board BookExplore My World Dolphins
Why Learn About Dolphins?
Learning about dolphins introduces kids to the bigger world under the sea. It helps them develop curiosity about animals, water habitats, and how different creatures live.
When I talk about dolphins with my kids, it opens up questions about teamwork, communication, and how animals care for each other. It’s also fun to encourage early science thinking without needing a complicated lesson.
Recommended Dolphin Toys
Ocean-themed toys are perfect for keeping toddlers entertained while they’re soaking up new knowledge. Look for things like animal figurines, simple puzzles, or themed play sets—anything that gets them using their hands while talking about this sea animal.
Nuby Dolphin Squirter with Splash Squirter Balls, BPA Free, 10+MBedwina Dolphin Water Wiggler Toy – (Pack of 2) 4.75-Inch Water Snake Sensory Fidget Toys & Slippery Water Tube for Birthday Party Favor or Game Prizes for KidsLAMAZE Water Symphony Toddler Auditory Sensory Bath Tub Dolphin Toy for Kids, MulticolorPlaymobil Wiltopia Dolphin Animal FigureLovesTown Wooden Puzzle for Toddlers, Educational Alphabet and Number Jigsaw, Building Blocks for Preschool Learning, Dolphin Theme, 26 PCSMy Little Vet Basket – Dolphin from Deluxebase. Kids Veterinary Doctor Kit with Soft Plush Dolphin, Medical Tools & Portable Carrier, Pretend Play and Educational Toy for Ages 3+
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start any of these dolphin activities, grab a few basics to make things easier:
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Crayons, markers, or paint
- Paper (construction or printer)
- Printable worksheets
- Sensory bin materials (beans or rice) depending on what is safe for your child
- Simple craft items like paper plates, coffee filters, or dot markers
More Ocean Activities To Try
If your toddler is hooked on ocean creatures, you’ll want more ideas to keep the momentum going. There are plenty of under-the-sea themes you can use to extend the learning beyond dolphins.
- Ocean Activity Mats
- Sea Animals Worksheets for Kindergarten
- O is for Ocean Coloring Pages
- Ocean Animals Alphabet Printable Pack by 3 Boys and a Dog
- Printable Ocean Charades Game by Darcy and Brian
With all of these toddler-friendly dolphin learning ideas, you’re set for a week or more of ocean-themed fun. Whether you try one activity or all of them, you’ll be giving your toddler something engaging and meaningful to do.