Dive into a world of fun with these 15 under the sea party games and activity ideas! From creative crafts to high energy games to burn off cake energy, there are endless ways to bring your aquatic adventure to life. Let’s dive in!
1. Shark Attack Tag
This high-energy game involves one child being the “shark” while the others are “fish.” The shark must try to tag the fish, who have to “swim” away to safety. This is a great way to burn off some energy while having lots of fun. For added fun you could let the shark wear a costume to add to the realism.
2. 🦈 Pin the Tail on the Shark
This underwater twist on the classic “pin the tail” game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Blindfolded players take turns trying to pin the shark’s tail in the right spot—while following silly ocean-themed action prompts first, like “wiggle like a jellyfish” or “pretend to ride a wave.” Like the pictured version of the game? We’ve got it available for instant download here.
3. Create Your Own Sea Creature Crafts
Set up a craft station with various supplies like paper plates, paint, googly eyes, and glitter. Encourage kids to make their favorite sea creatures, such as jellyfish, crabs, or starfish. This creative activity is a great way to keep little hands busy and spark their imagination.
4. DIY Seashell Necklaces
Provide colorful beads, string, and seashells with pre-drilled holes so the kids can create their own seashell necklaces. This craft doubles as a party favor they can take home!
5. Mermaid Tail Relay Race
Organize a relay race where kids have to “swim” on land while wearing mermaid tails or using large, fabric tails. This game is sure to bring lots of laughs and encourage teamwork.
6. Ocean Sensory Bin
Fill a large bin with water beads, plastic sea animals, and seashells. Let the kids explore and play with the different textures and items. This sensory activity is especially great for younger children.
7. Underwater Treasure Hunt
Hide small “treasures” like seashells, plastic coins, and ocean-themed toys around the party area. Give the kids a treasure map or clues to help them find the hidden treasures. This adventure is perfect for sparking imagination and exploration!
8. 🖍️ Under the Sea Birthday Coloring Placemat
Add a splash of creativity to your ocean party table setup with these adorable printable activity placemats! Kids can color friendly sea creatures, navigate a maze, solve a word search, play tic-tac-toe, and count starfish—all on one page. It’s an easy way to keep little ones entertained while they wait for cake or food. Like the pictured placemat? We’ve got it available for download here.
9. Fishing Game
Create a “fishing pond” with a kiddie pool filled with water and floating toy fish. Give each child a fishing rod with a magnet at the end to “catch” the fish. This is a fun and interactive game that all the kids will enjoy.
10. Bubble Blowing Contest
Give each child a bottle of bubbles and have a contest to see who can blow the biggest bubble, the most bubbles, or even catch a bubble without popping it. This simple yet fun activity is sure to be a hit! An alternate approach with older kids could be to use blue chewing gum to blow the bubble instead. This activity is sure to be a good one for funny photo opportunities.
11. Underwater Dance Party
Put on some ocean-themed music and have an underwater dance party. Use blue streamers or bubble machines to create an underwater atmosphere. Encourage the kids to dance like their favorite sea creatures.
12. Coral Reef Coloring Station
Set up a coloring station with coral reef-themed coloring pages and a variety of crayons and markers. This is a great quiet activity that allows kids to unwind while still having fun.
13. Jellyfish Limbo
Set up a limbo game with a jellyfish theme. Use a limbo stick decorated with streamers to resemble jellyfish tentacles and see who can go the lowest without touching the tentacles!
14. Ocean Animal Puppet Show
Provide a variety of ocean animal puppets and let the kids put on their own puppet show. This activity encourages creativity and storytelling, and it’s always fun to see what stories the kids come up with. It’s a good idea to provide an example puppet show before having the kids come up with their own ideas. This will help provide them with some ideas going into the activity.
15. Build Your Own Sandcastle
If you have access to a sandbox or can bring some sand into a contained area, set up a sandcastle-building station. Provide molds, buckets, and shovels for the kids to build their own sandcastles. This is a fantastic tactile activity that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Save Time & Money On Party Planning With Our Ocean Birthday Printables
Now that you have an array of exciting under the sea-themed activities planned, don’t forget to add some finishing touches to make the party truly memorable! Check out our collection of printable under the sea birthday products, including invitations, banners, thank you cards, cupcake toppers, and more. Our customizable designs are perfect for adding a personalized touch to your child’s special day, ensuring that your under the sea celebration is a tidal wave of fun! All of our under the sea party printables can be found here.
15 Under The Sea Party Games and Activities That’ll Make A Splash!
Dive into a world of fun with these 15 under the sea party games and activity ideas! From creative crafts to high energy games to burn off cake energy, there are endless ways to bring your aquatic adventure to life. Let’s dive in!
1. Shark Attack Tag
This high-energy game involves one child being the “shark” while the others are “fish.” The shark must try to tag the fish, who have to “swim” away to safety. This is a great way to burn off some energy while having lots of fun. For added fun you could let the shark wear a costume to add to the realism.
2. 🦈 Pin the Tail on the Shark
This underwater twist on the classic “pin the tail” game is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Blindfolded players take turns trying to pin the shark’s tail in the right spot—while following silly ocean-themed action prompts first, like “wiggle like a jellyfish” or “pretend to ride a wave.” Like the pictured version of the game? We’ve got it available for instant download here.
3. Create Your Own Sea Creature Crafts
Set up a craft station with various supplies like paper plates, paint, googly eyes, and glitter. Encourage kids to make their favorite sea creatures, such as jellyfish, crabs, or starfish. This creative activity is a great way to keep little hands busy and spark their imagination.
4. DIY Seashell Necklaces
Provide colorful beads, string, and seashells with pre-drilled holes so the kids can create their own seashell necklaces. This craft doubles as a party favor they can take home!
5. Mermaid Tail Relay Race
Organize a relay race where kids have to “swim” on land while wearing mermaid tails or using large, fabric tails. This game is sure to bring lots of laughs and encourage teamwork.
6. Ocean Sensory Bin
Fill a large bin with water beads, plastic sea animals, and seashells. Let the kids explore and play with the different textures and items. This sensory activity is especially great for younger children.
7. Underwater Treasure Hunt
Hide small “treasures” like seashells, plastic coins, and ocean-themed toys around the party area. Give the kids a treasure map or clues to help them find the hidden treasures. This adventure is perfect for sparking imagination and exploration!
8. 🖍️ Under the Sea Birthday Coloring Placemat
Add a splash of creativity to your ocean party table setup with these adorable printable activity placemats! Kids can color friendly sea creatures, navigate a maze, solve a word search, play tic-tac-toe, and count starfish—all on one page. It’s an easy way to keep little ones entertained while they wait for cake or food. Like the pictured placemat? We’ve got it available for download here.
9. Fishing Game
Create a “fishing pond” with a kiddie pool filled with water and floating toy fish. Give each child a fishing rod with a magnet at the end to “catch” the fish. This is a fun and interactive game that all the kids will enjoy.
10. Bubble Blowing Contest
Give each child a bottle of bubbles and have a contest to see who can blow the biggest bubble, the most bubbles, or even catch a bubble without popping it. This simple yet fun activity is sure to be a hit! An alternate approach with older kids could be to use blue chewing gum to blow the bubble instead. This activity is sure to be a good one for funny photo opportunities.
11. Underwater Dance Party
Put on some ocean-themed music and have an underwater dance party. Use blue streamers or bubble machines to create an underwater atmosphere. Encourage the kids to dance like their favorite sea creatures.
12. Coral Reef Coloring Station
Set up a coloring station with coral reef-themed coloring pages and a variety of crayons and markers. This is a great quiet activity that allows kids to unwind while still having fun.
13. Jellyfish Limbo
Set up a limbo game with a jellyfish theme. Use a limbo stick decorated with streamers to resemble jellyfish tentacles and see who can go the lowest without touching the tentacles!
14. Ocean Animal Puppet Show
Provide a variety of ocean animal puppets and let the kids put on their own puppet show. This activity encourages creativity and storytelling, and it’s always fun to see what stories the kids come up with. It’s a good idea to provide an example puppet show before having the kids come up with their own ideas. This will help provide them with some ideas going into the activity.
15. Build Your Own Sandcastle
If you have access to a sandbox or can bring some sand into a contained area, set up a sandcastle-building station. Provide molds, buckets, and shovels for the kids to build their own sandcastles. This is a fantastic tactile activity that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Save Time & Money On Party Planning With Our Ocean Birthday Printables
Now that you have an array of exciting under the sea-themed activities planned, don’t forget to add some finishing touches to make the party truly memorable! Check out our collection of printable under the sea birthday products, including invitations, banners, thank you cards, cupcake toppers, and more. Our customizable designs are perfect for adding a personalized touch to your child’s special day, ensuring that your under the sea celebration is a tidal wave of fun! All of our under the sea party printables can be found here.