Fun Shark Toys for 3 Year Olds
If you’re looking for new ways to bring some excitement into your kid’s playtime, you’ll want to check out this list of Fun Shark Toys for 3 Year Olds. I’ve tried a bunch of these with my older kids, and they kept coming back to them again and again. There is something about sharks that truly captivates a preschooler’s attention.
If you’re just getting started or you want to expand your ocean-themed learning, be sure to visit my collection of Shark Activities for Kids. It features crafts, worksheets, and themed packs all in one place, making planning easy.
I’m sharing some unique shark-themed toy ideas that work well for learning through play. There are books, puzzles, and sensory toys, and I’ve also included a few of my favorite early-learning printables. Continue reading if you’re seeking practical ways to make ocean life both fun and educational.
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3 Surprising Facts About Sharks
Sharks are way more interesting than what we see in cartoons. When my son got curious about these sea creatures, we started digging into some fun (and lesser-known) facts:
- Sharks never run out of teeth: They can lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime, but new ones keep growing in rows. This makes them always ready for their next snack.
- Some sharks glow in the dark: Certain species, like the lanternshark, give off a greenish light underwater. Scientists believe this glow helps them communicate or stay hidden.
- They’ve been around longer than dinosaurs: Sharks have existed for over 400 million years. That means they were here before trees even existed.
Recommended Shark Books
If you want to build a themed book basket, I’ve curated my favorite shark-themed books for kids that are both engaging and age-appropriate.
How It Works: SharkMy Little Golden Book About SharksNever Touch a Shark!Good Night Sharks (Good Night Our World)Hark! A Shark! All About Sharks (The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)Big Shark, Little Shark (Step into Reading)
How can we make learning about sharks enjoyable?
There are tons of easy ways to build interest in ocean animals at home. Here are a few ways we bring shark fun into our homeschool day:
- Hands-on play: Using figurines, shark games, and themed activities helps kids connect ideas with real-world creatures.
- Storytime themes: A good story with a shark twist keeps them engaged and laughing.
- Sensory activities: Activities such as water bins or texture play add a hands-on layer that makes facts stick. You have to try this Shark Sensory Bin, but consider replacing the water beads, as they are no longer recommended.
- Printable packs: These shark printables are my go-to for quick setup and consistent practice.
Recommended Early Learning Printables
I always keep a stash of early learning printables nearby, especially on busier days. My favorite early learning sets include tracing sheets and lacing cards, which are perfect for developing fine motor skills.
Skills Kids Can Build With These Ocean Animal Toys
These shark toys aren’t just fun—they build real learning moments too. Here are some of the skills your child will be practicing as they play:
- Imaginative play: Open-ended toys encourage storytelling and creative thinking.
- Fine motor coordination: Toys that involve lacing, sorting, or grabbing strengthen hand muscles.
- Problem-solving: Games and puzzles challenge kids to think ahead and explore cause and effect.
- Color and number recognition: Several of these toys sneak in early math practice.
More Shark Activities to Explore
Want to go even deeper into shark-themed learning? Here are a few more shark activities we’ve enjoyed:
- Shark Life Cycle Worksheets
- Shark Activities for Kindergarten
- Shark Worksheets for Preschoolers
- Shark Preschool Pattern Worksheets by Homeschool Preschool
- Paper Plate Shark Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
I hope this list gave you some fresh toy ideas that combine fun with learning. These shark-themed options complement your science lessons nicely, making it easy to build excitement around ocean animals.