Updated May 15, 2024
Jellyfish are unique creatures.
They are so common that everyone knows about their existence and so different that most people know hardly anything about them.
For example, many people believe that they can’t swim much, if at all.
Jellyfish are strong swimmers, and their bodies are perfectly made for it. Help kids get a head start on their jellyfish knowledge with these 17 jellyfish crafts for kids.
17 Jellyfish Crafts for Kids
Glowing Jellyfish Craft by Little Bins for Little Hands
Teach kids about bioluminescence with this glowing jellyfish craft.
Yarn, paper bowls, and a few other materials are all it takes.
Scrape Painted Jellyfish Windsock Craft by Kids Craft Room
Scrape painting is a fun process art technique that creates unique jellyfish.
Kids will wear themselves out running around with the windsocks that they make.
Paper Jellyfish Craft by Arty Crafty Kids
Make a fun textured jellyfish using bubble wrap.
The printable included makes setup so much easier.
Cupcake Liner & Handprint Jellyfish by Our Kid Things
Sometimes, keeping things simple is the name of the game.
This cupcake wrapper and handprint jellyfish couldn’t be much more straightforward, but the results are too cute to argue with.
Lacing Jellyfish Craft by Mama of Minis
Here is another printable template that will help this craft take off quickly.
Kids can practice their lacing skills while putting the tentacles on this jellyfish.
Jellyfish Name Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
This jellyfish craft project allows kids to practice spelling their names.
Print out the printables and cut out the pieces to prepare everything.
Upcycled CD and Ribbon Jellyfish Craft by Fireflies & Mud Pies
CDs used to be the big thing back in the day.
Nowadays, they’re a dime a dozen, but they make great craft projects.
Turn one into a shiny, colorful jellyfish with only a few steps.
Paper Bag Jellyfish Craft by Two Kids and a Coupon
Paper bags are another great craft supply that many people have lying around.
With just a few simple steps, you can turn one into a jellyfish.
Printable Jellyfish Puppets by Picklebums
One cool thing about jellyfish is how they swim around.
Print these jellyfish puppets, cut them out, and let kids swim with them for hours.
Jellyfish Craft +Free Template by Mommy Made That
Try this jellyfish craft for more colorful puppet fun.
The printable template makes it easy to do, and adding felt brings a new dimension to the fun.
Easy Paper Plate Jellyfish Craft by Taming Little Monsters
Turning a paper plate into a neat-looking jellyfish is easier than it sounds.
It’s simple enough that no template is required.
Jellyfish Handprint by The Best Ideas for Kids
These handprint jellyfish could not be cuter.
To boost the cute factor, make sure to get some nice, big googly eyes.
Jiggling Jellyfish Cupcake Liner Craft by A Little Pinch of Perfect
There are plenty of crafts out there that call for crazy-looking jellyfish tentacles.
But this craft uses the pleated sides of cupcake wrappers to make some great tentacles.
Tissue Paper Jellyfish Craft by Easy Peasy and Fun
Tissue paper is another excellent material for making jellyfish tentacles.
Combine those tentacles with the printable jellyfish for a fun little craft.
Rainbow Streamer Jellyfish Puppets by Messy Little Monster
Using only four supplies, this craft makes a fun little jellyfish that even young kids can help with.
And they will love playing with their little jellyfish puppets afterward.
Additional Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Ocean Sensory Bin
- Create a sensory bin filled with blue water beads or dyed rice to represent the ocean. Add plastic sea animals, including jellyfish, to encourage imaginative play and exploration.
- Bubble Wrap Printing
- Use bubble wrap to mimic the texture of a jellyfish. Paint the bubble wrap and press it onto paper to create bubbly, jellyfish-like patterns. This activity is great for developing fine motor skills.
- Jellyfish Movement Game
- Encourage kids to move like jellyfish by swaying and floating around the room. Play ocean sounds or calming music to set the mood and let them practice their jellyfish moves, which helps with coordination and gross motor skills.
- Ocean-Themed Story Time
- Set up a cozy reading nook with ocean-themed books (see list below) and plush sea creatures. Read aloud and engage children with questions about the story and illustrations, enhancing their listening and comprehension skills.
- Salt Dough Sea Creatures
- Make salt dough (flour, salt, and water) and let kids shape their own sea creatures, including jellyfish. Once dry, they can paint their creations.
- Under the Sea Collage
- Provide blue construction paper, tissue paper, and various craft materials to create an ocean scene. Encourage kids to add jellyfish, fish, and other sea creatures using different textures and colors.
- Jellyfish Counting Game
- Create jellyfish cutouts with numbers on them. Have kids place the correct number of tentacles (ribbons or strings) on each jellyfish. This fun activity helps with number recognition and counting skills.
Books About Jellyfish and Sea Animals for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- “Peanut Butter and Jellyfish” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- A delightful story about the unlikely friendship between a jellyfish and a seahorse. It’s a tale of kindness and helping others, perfect for young readers.
- “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen
- Follow Mr. Fish as he learns to turn his frown upside down with the help of his ocean friends. This rhythmic and colorful book is a hit with little ones.
- “Jellyfish” by Carol K. Lindeen
- A non-fiction book that introduces children to jellyfish, with simple text and engaging photos. It’s great for curious minds wanting to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
- “Commotion in the Ocean” by Giles Andreae
- A fun and rhyming book that takes children on an adventure through the ocean, meeting various sea animals, including jellyfish. The playful text and vibrant illustrations make it a favorite.
- “Mister Seahorse” by Eric Carle
- Follow Mister Seahorse as he meets other underwater fathers who take care of their babies. The beautiful illustrations and sweet story are perfect for preschoolers.
