[Sea Nursery Rhymes] Fun children's songs themed around the sea
During summer vacation, many families probably go to the beach with their children, don’t they? There are so many ways to play at the beach that you can enjoy yourself all day without getting bored.
In this article, we introduce children’s songs and nursery rhymes related to the sea.
In addition to classics like “Umi” and “Ware wa Umi no Ko,” we’ve gathered sea-themed songs that kids are sure to love.
It’s perfect for when you want to listen to summery nursery rhymes or discover various songs about the ocean.
Some songs are great for singing and dancing, so on days that are too hot, try having fun moving your body indoors at home!
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[Sea Nursery Rhymes] Fun children’s songs with an ocean theme (1–10)
swim goggles
This is a very charming fingerplay song where children peer through “glasses” made with both hands to look for sea creatures.
Asking “What’s there next?” sparks their imagination.
The song has been performed by various creators, with some videos on YouTube surpassing one million views—proof of its popularity.
Its widespread use as early childhood material also attests to how enjoyable it is.
If you freely change the creatures in the lyrics and tell them, “The ocean is full of mysteries!”, you may further draw out children’s curiosity and spirit of inquiry.
Glide, glide, glide through the sea.
This song is packed with the excitement of exploring the sea.
Swimming alongside sailors and meeting creatures like seahorses and turtles will spark children’s curiosity.
The song has been featured on Pokémon Kids TV and is popular with kids.
It’s perfect for parents and children to enjoy together with hand motions! If you show pictures of sea creatures while singing, it might help nurture language and knowledge through play.
Swim! Taiyaki-kunMasato Shimon
This is a song by Masato Shimon that tells the story of a taiyaki who, fed up with its boring daily life and dreaming of freedom, runs away to the sea.
Released in December 1975, the song became a massive hit, topping the charts for 11 consecutive weeks as an insert song on the children’s program Hirake! Ponkikki.
Many listeners likely remember the taiyaki’s seafaring adventure set to a wistful melody—and its slightly bittersweet ending.
Through this piece, you can not only imagine the unique sight of a taiyaki setting out to sea, but also take the opportunity to think together with your child about the deeper question: What does freedom really mean?
[Sea Nursery Rhymes] Fun Children’s Songs with an Ocean Theme (11–20)
Fish HeavenHiromi Shibaya
Created to promote eating fish, this piece is a familiar tune from the fresh seafood section at supermarkets.
The lyrics feature 31 types of seafood, including Pacific saury and scallops, and convey the fun of eating fish.
It’s perfect for sparking children’s interest in fish and marine life.
After its debut in 1991, the CD release in March 2002 became a major hit, making the song widely known across generations.
Singing and dancing to it with your kids might make your time at home even more enjoyable.
The Little BoatKazuko Fukuda
This work features a gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics.
Centered on the theme of the parent-child bond, it was created for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” It expresses the wonders of the world as seen through a child’s eyes and the kindness of a parent who answers those curiosities, leaving listeners with a warm, cozy feeling.
Sung over the years by successive “big brother” and “big sister” singers on “Okaasan to Issho,” the song stimulates children’s imagination and helps foster communication between parents and children.
It’s a perfect track for a family trip to the seaside in summer or for relaxing time at home.
Mambo Jimbetatsu!Lyrics and Music: Nodoka Beppu
This is a playful song where beloved ocean creatures like sunfish and whale sharks make one cheerful entrance after another to a lively beat.
Created by Nodoka Beppu, who draws inspiration from children’s smiles, the song features catchy phrases that make the most of the sounds of each animal’s name.
The video on the childcare website is also very popular, suggesting it’s widely enjoyed in real settings.
Dancing as if you’re ocean creatures might spark children’s rich expressive abilities.
Spotted garden eel!!Ryuzo Fukuda, Kazuto Ozawa
It’s a fun exercise song that lets you pretend to be that unique creature popping its head out of the ocean sand.
I’ve heard it’s popular at preschools as a “warm-up dance.” The track was created by the unit of Ryuzo Fukuda, Kazuto Ozawa, and Skanpo, and was included on the album “Marutto Minna no Asobiuta,” released in July 2019.
With simple choreography that gently sways the body, it can help loosen children up while building their excitement for the activities to come.