world oceans day celebration ideas for toddlers

Every year on June 8, organizations around the world join together to observe World Oceans Day and draw attention to the critical need for change. Many believe that ocean health starts at home.

What a great opportunity for a FUN play date, outing or learning opportunity. Here are some ideas!

Events Around Town
As you might expect, The National Aquarium in Baltimore is having quite the ocean fete. Aquatic-themed Animal Encounters will take place in the Harbor Overlook at 10:30, 12:30, and 3:00. Stop by the Children's Discovery Gallery for arts and crafts, and check out fun and educational stations throughout the Aquarium. Don't forget to visit the new dolphin calves while you're there! Our Ocean Planet: The Dolphin Show resumes on June 8*, it will be in a special baby-dolphin-friendly, quiet format of low activity and low noise so that the calves are as undisturbed as possible during this critical period of life.

The Maryland Zoo is diving into aquatic fun, too! The Zoo is hosting 1, 2, 3 and the Seas: Counting on You! Dr. Seuss’s famous fish, alongside their Zoo and aquarium pals, will help kids and families get to know funny fish “from here to there” and learn how everyday actions impact their ocean home. Stop by Base Camp Discovery for fun giveaways – Dr. Seuss style!

The Enoch Pratt Hampden Library Branch will celebrate with a special ocean-themed story time, complete with songs and crafts. Takes place from 4 PM - 5 PM.

If you're up for a short trek to Annapolis, check out the celebration at Pottery Barn Kids. PBK has teamed up with National Geographic for a celebration of World Oceans Day at stores nationwide in the US and Canada. They will have hand-on activities, giveaways and fun facts to share with kids of all ages.

Staying In? Try one of these ideas
Dr. Seuss' beloved classic One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish will be a huge hit with the toddlers in your life. Check out the book from your local library, purchase it from your favorite book store or download the interactive storybook app for your iphone.

Make it an Ocean movie night! You could stick with a fan favorite like Finding Nemo, but Oceans from DisneyNature is JUST as engaging. Your tot will be mesmerized by the underwater scenery!

Feeling crafty? Break out the tissue paper, glue and paper plates to create this adorable tissue paper fish from the Kiboomu website. It's toddler friendly and non-intimidating for less-than-artistic parents, too! Or pull out the finger paint and create a quick handprint crab, like this one found on Pinterest.

Check in on the animals -- literally. Monterrey Bay Aquarium has live underwater webcams. Pull it up on the screen and talk about what you're seeing with your toddler. Chances are, they'll squeal just as much as the first time they saw the whale in Free Willy. (Oh wait, you haven't shown that movie to your toddler? Well, Pat showed the Bug and she LOVED it. Can you hear the Michael Jackson song playing?)

Get Your Ocean Snack On
What's a celebration without a little food? You could stick with the tried and true goldfish crackers (you probably have them in your pantry right now) or you could get a little more sea-venturous. The sherbert fish featured above from Sisters Stuff is adorable! All you need is some select fruit and sherbert. Or use a muffin tin to create beach-inspired pretzel dipping fun, like was done on Toddler Boredom Busters.

How are you planning to celebrate World Oceans Day?