Valentine’s Day is all about love—love for family, friends, and even the world around us.

While we often think about hearts and chocolates, this special day is also a great time to inspire a love for something bigger: our planet! One of the most magical places on Earth is the ocean, full of incredible creatures, shimmering waves, and endless discoveries.

For preschoolers, building an early love for the ocean can create lifelong respect for nature and conservation. Here are five fun and engaging ways to help your little ones fall in love with the ocean this Valentine’s season and beyond.

1. Read Ocean-Themed Books Together

Books are a wonderful way to spark curiosity in young minds. Choose colorful picture books with engaging stories about sea creatures, mermaids, or ocean adventures. Stories like Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle or Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae introduce kids to ocean life in a fun and rhythmic way. Reading about the ocean can make preschoolers feel connected to it, even if they’ve never been to the beach.

2. Create Ocean-Inspired Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are a perfect way to encourage creativity while teaching about marine life. This Valentine’s Day, swap traditional heart-shaped crafts for ocean-themed ones! Try making:

• Handprint fish or jellyfish using paint and paper
• Ocean "love cards" decorated with seashells and painted sand (which makes a great eco-friendly alternative to glitter!)
• A tissue paper collage of an underwater scene

Through hands-on activities, preschoolers can develop an emotional connection to the ocean while expressing their creativity.

3. Visit an Aquarium or Watch Ocean Documentaries

If you live near an aquarium, take a special trip to see marine animals up close. Watching fish swim, observing playful sea otters, or seeing jellyfish glow can be a magical experience for preschoolers. If an aquarium visit isn’t possible, try watching short, kid-friendly ocean documentaries. Shows like Octonauts or BBC’s Blue Planet (with shorter clips) can introduce little ones to the wonders of the sea in a captivating way.

4. Play Ocean-Themed Games and Songs

Music and movement help preschoolers learn and remember concepts better. Play ocean-themed songs like Baby Shark (a classic favorite) or Slippery Fish by Charlotte Diamond. You can also create simple ocean games, such as:

• Pretending to be different sea animals while swimming or crawling on the floor
• Playing “hide and seek” as different ocean creatures
• Using blue scarves or fabric to create "waves" and pretend to be dolphins jumping through them

These activities make learning about the ocean fun and interactive!

5. Teach Simple Ways to Protect the Ocean

Even preschoolers can learn small but meaningful ways to care for the ocean. Teach them:

• To never leave trash behind at the beach
• To use reusable water bottles instead of plastic
• To be gentle with sea creatures and tide pools

By making these lessons simple and positive, preschoolers can develop a sense of responsibility and love for the ocean from an early age.

A Valentine’s Gift for the Ocean

This Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate love in all its forms, let’s extend that love to the ocean. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and care for the sea, we can help raise a generation that cherishes and protects our blue planet.

How will you inspire your little one to love the ocean this year? Share your favorite ocean activities in the comments!