If your kids are curious about ocean life or just love a good painting project, they’ll have a blast with this easy fish painting for kids!
It’s a fun and simple way to add a splash of the sea to your summer activities—even if you’re totally landlocked.
This goldfish art project is perfect for home or the classroom. It allows little ones to get creative while learning about underwater animals.
Scroll down to see how to make it with your kids, and don’t forget to check out more of our favorite ocean crafts for kids!

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Fish Art For Kids
It’s simple enough for young children to paint on their own and it’s great for fostering your child’s creativity!
Supplies
- White art paper or watercolor paper
- Liquid watercolors (or regular watercolor paint)
- Googly eyes (we used .5″ eyes)
- Circle punches (we used .5″, 1″ & 1.5″ punches)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Black marker
- Paintbrush
- Beta fish template (unlock the image at the end of the post to go to the download page)
Directions
Start by downloading and printing the template. Once the template is printed, gather the materials for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring this beta fish to life!
First, guide your child to paint the beta fish in any shade of paint that you want. Let dry, then cut out and set aside.

Paint the seagrass in varying shades of green. Let dry then cut out and set aside. Paint the seashells in your choice of colors then let dry. Cut out and set aside.

Next, help your child to paint your art paper with the liquid watercolor in shades of blue, green and hints of yellow. Let dry completely.

Now, glue all the pieces onto the blue background. To give it a little more depth, glue some of the seagrass pieces behind the fish shape and some in front of the fish.

After you’ve glued everything to the blue background, glue the googly eye onto the fish.
Finally, encourage your child to use the circle punches to cut out a few circles of varying sizes. These will be the bubbles. Use the black marker to draw on the reflective lighting on each bubble (see pictures for example).

While you’re here, check out our ocean coloring pages There are so many fun ideas!

Fun Humpback Whale Headband Craft
Ocean Unit For Kids
With an ocean unit study, you can make learning interesting and engaging. Pick your favorite ideas from the list below and get started right now!

Fun Ocean Books For Kids
One of the most effective strategies to help your children develop and grow is to read aloud to them. Reading gives many benefits, including enhanced vocabulary, focus, and imagination! Add in some of these highly-rated ocean books for kids:
The Snail and the Whale– Julia Donaldson, author of the famous book The Gruffalo, brings kids another fun book about an unlikely set of friends. Snail and Whale have lots of fun together in this colorful book!
Shark Lady– This children’s book is based upon the true story of Eugenie Clark, aka, The Shark Lady. Learn about her love of sharks, her discoveries, and the inspiring message of going after what you want in life.
The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!

Ocean Kids’ Crafts
Handprint Jellyfish Craft – Looking for a fun and ocean-themed activity to keep the kids entertained? Look no further than this adorable handprint jellyfish craft! Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also perfect for teaching little ones about these fascinating creatures. So get your crafting supplies ready and get started!
Related: Ocean Cutting Practice Pages
Shark Headband Craft – This shark craft is perfect for turning any little one into a fearsome predator of the sea. It’s also a great way to get them excited about learning more about ocean life.

Paper Plate Octopus Craft – This octopus craft is perfect for kids who love the ocean. It’s a fun way to practice fine motor skills, and it’s a great way to learn more about sea creatures. Plus, it’s just plain adorable!
Shark Painting for Kids – This easy peasy craft would be perfect when added to any ocean-themed lesson plans! Your kids will have so much fun painting a shark, and their little hands will get a good fine motor-workout, too!
Ocean Activities For Kids
These fun ocean themed board games will keep your kids entertained for hours on end. From cooperative games to math games, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, they’re all educational, so you can feel good about letting your kids play them.
Try this Paper Plate Fish Craft
Want to make learning fun? Try out these ocean pattern block mats! They’re a great introductory STEM activity and will help kids practice fine motor skills.

These ocean animal printable preschool worksheets are perfect for kids who love ocean animals. With a variety of activities to choose from, your little one will be entertained and educated at the same time!

Try these layers of the ocean coloring sheets next time your kids need a calming activity. They’re the perfect activity for younger and older kids, as little ones can practice coloring while older kids can learn about the different zones of the ocean.
Download these free ocean theme coloring pages and let your kids’ creativity soar!
Octopus Paper Bag Puppet Craft
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

Watercolor Fish Art Project For Kids
Materials
- White art paper or watercolor paper
- Liquid watercolors or regular watercolor paint
- Googly eyes we used .5″ eyes
- Glue stick
- Black marker
- Beta fish template
Instructions
- Download the beta fish template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Begin by painting the beta fish in any shade of liquid watercolors that you want. Let dry then cut out and set aside.
- Paint the seagrass in varying shades of green. Let dry then cut out and set aside. Paint the seashells in your choice of colors then let dry. Cut out and set aside.
- Next, paint your art paper with the liquid watercolor in shades of blue, green and hints of yellow. Let dry completely.
- Now, glue all the pieces onto the blue watercolor background. To give it a little more depth, glue some of the seagrass pieces behind the fish shape and some in front of the fish.
- After you’ve glued everything to the blue background, glue the googly eye onto the fish.
- Finish off by using the circle punches to cut out a few circles of varying sizes. These will be the bubbles. Use the black marker to draw on the reflective lighting on each bubble.
Free Goldfish Template

Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.
Barb
Wednesday 5th of June 2024
These projects give the grandchildren so much creativity practice that it is really enjoyable to see what they produce each time.
Sam
Thursday 6th of June 2024
Oh, wonderful! I'm glad you can use them!
Jessica
Friday 16th of June 2023
Look like so much fun
Sam
Monday 19th of June 2023
Yes! It's great!
Jaqueline
Monday 12th of June 2023
can't wait to do it with my students
Sam
Tuesday 13th of June 2023
Awesome! Hope they have fun!
Elizabeth
Tuesday 30th of May 2023
So excited to try this with this my class!
Sam
Friday 2nd of June 2023
Oh, great. I hope they like it.
Wendy
Monday 8th of May 2023
I would love to get the beta template!
Sam
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you. Once you've been confirmed as an email subscriber (by clicking the link in the first email), you simply enter your email in any of the forms and it'll automatically redirect you to the download page.