As summer approaches, many kids are getting excited about a visit to the ocean and all of the fun summer activities that come with it.
One way to get into the summer spirit is by making this popsicle stick shark craft!
It’s perfect for kids of all ages, and with this free printable template, it’s simple enough for kids to make.
So dive into this ocean-themed activity today and be sure to check out all of our other shark activities for kids!
Shark Craft Ideas
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Supplies
- Mini popsicle sticks
- Blue paint
- Paintbrush
- Permanent glue dots
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Shark template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the shark template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
Line up 7 mini popsicle sticks in a row. Take 2 more mini popsicle sticks and stretch a glue dot across each one. Glue the 2 mini popsicle sticks horizontally across the 7 mini popsicle sticks. Alternatively, you can use hot glue to secure the popsicle sticks down.
Next, flip over the 7 mini popsicle sticks and paint it blue. Let dry completely before moving on.
Create the shark by gluing the mouth piece to the bottom of the popsicle sticks.
Place the eyes in the middle of the popsicle sticks and glue it above the mouth.
Take the top fin and glue it to the top and back of the shark.
Finish up by gluing the side fins on each side of the back of the shark.
Isn’t this such a cute popsicle stick craft for kids? It’s perfect for summertime!
More Ocean Ideas For Kids
We love finding creative ways to help kids learn about different topics, and an ocean theme is always a hit! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to incorporate an ocean theme into a unit study, whether it’s through crafts, hands-on activities, or even printables.
And the best part is that each of these activities can help kids practice fine motor skills, exercise creativity, and learn more about the fascinating world beneath the waves! Read on below for our favorite ideas.
Kids Books About The Ocean
Reading to your young children is not only enjoyable, but it’s also great for their development. It can help them develop strong language skills and so much more.
In addition, children who are read to regularly tend to have larger vocabularies and increased reading comprehension. Reading also helps children develop a love of learning! So, why not start your ocean unit with some fun children’s books about the ocean?
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!
Kids’ Ocean Crafts
Crafting is not only a fun activity, but it can also help kids develop important life skills. For example, working with scissors helps to improve fine motor skills, and painting can help teach color recognition.
In addition, crafting can also foster creativity and imagination. Kids can explore different materials and techniques to see what they can create. As they experiment, they learn to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
Ultimately, crafting is a great way for kids to have fun while also developing important life skills. So be sure to add in some more fun ocean crafts:
Octopus Handprint Craft – Little artists will have so much fun with this easy and cute octopus handprint craft for kids that requires no paint! It is the perfect activity to keep little ones entertained on a too hot day.
Paper Plate Fish Craft – This fish craft for kids is creative and fun to make. It’s a great way to explore the ocean with your children. They will love making their own fish and picking out the colors they want to use.
Crab Paper Bag Puppet Craft – This craft is perfect for kids who love to pretend and use their imagination. Simply grab a brown lunch sack and get started!
Ocean Activities For Kids
Children love to cut things out, and these jellyfish cutting activity pages are the perfect way to help them practice their scissor skills. Each page features a different jellyfish scissor activity that the kids can try. As they work, they will develop their fine motor skills and coordination!
These fun color by number fish printables are a great way for kids to practice fine motor skills and number recognition. There are six different printables to choose from, each with a unique fish. Simply print out the pages, and then let your child color in the fish according to the key. These printables are perfect for a quiet activity at home.
STEM learning is so important for kids, and what better way to encourage STEM than with these fun and educational ocean pattern block mats! These mats are perfect for helping kids learn about shapes and colors, while also developing their fine motor skills. And best of all, they’re completely hands-on, so kids will be engaged and excited the whole time.
More Ocean Ideas To Explore
- Future Marine Biologist Kids’ T-shirt
- Ocean Play Dough Kit
- Ocean Animal I Spy Printables
- Orca Girls’ Dress
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!
More Ideas For Kids
Popsicle Stick Shark Craft For Kids
This popsicle stick shark craft is a fun and easy way to get into the summer spirit!
Materials
- Mini popsicle sticks
- Blue paint
- Paintbrush
- Permanent glue dots
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Shark template
Instructions
- Download the shark template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Line up 7 mini popsicle sticks in a row. Take 2 more mini popsicle sticks and stretch a glue dot across each one. Glue the 2 mini popsicle sticks horizontally across the 7 mini popsicle sticks. Alternatively, you can use hot glue to secure the popsicle sticks down.
- Next, flip over the 7 mini popsicle sticks and paint it blue. Let dry completely before moving on.
- Create the shark by gluing the mouth piece to the bottom of the popsicle sticks.
- Place the eyes in the middle of the popsicle sticks and glue it above the mouth.
- Take the top fin and glue it to the top and back of the shark.
- Finish up by gluing the side fins on each side of the back of the shark.
Popsicle Stick Shark 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.