These dolphin and whale activities for kids with free printables have been some of Sunshine's favorites. She absolutely loves learning about marine mammals and anything that swims in the ocean.

What I love about these dolphin and whale activities is that they teach so many different things about these beautiful ocean creatures. 

The images are absolutely stunning and help young learners understand the differences between each dolphin and whale.

Add dolphin and whale figures to enhance the activities and kids can't take their eyes and hands off of them.

Dolphin and Whale Activities for Kids with Free Printables

Many of the printables in this post come from our Dolphins and Whales Printable Pack. This printable pack is designed for children in Montessori preschool and elementary classrooms.

Dolphin and Whale Nomenclature and Description Cards

Sunshine absolutely loves these dolphin and whale nomenclature and description cards. We chose dolphins and whales that match figures we have at home, but can rotate them out for other cards when she's ready to learn about more.

Sunshine matches nomenclature cards with description cards and then places the correct dolphin or whale figure on the matching set.

Source: The printable for this activity is included in our Dolphin and Whale Printable Pack.

Dolphin and Whale Identification Clip Cards

These dolphin and whale identification clip cards go perfectly well with the nomenclature cards above. Sunshine uses the nomenclature cards as a control when she needs it.

In this activity Sunshine uses the whale and dolphin markers to mark the correct answer on the clip cards.

Source: The printable for this activity is included in our Dolphin and Whale Printable Pack.

Dolphin and Whale Body Part Nomenclature and Description Cards

Learning about dolphin and whale body parts is so much fun! We've chosen to add animal figures to the activity so Sunshine can identify the parts on the figures. If you don't have figures, that's okay.

Sunshine picks a picture card. I then read the corresponding description card. After that, she picks an animal figure and shows me the body part. 

Once Sunshine knows what each body part is, we will no longer use description cards. She will be able to work with picture cards and figures independently.

Source: The printable for this activity is included in our Dolphin and Whale Printable Pack.

What Do Whales Eat? Baleen versus Teeth Sort

Some whales have teeth. Others have no teeth. This activity is designed to teach children what whales eat depending on if they have teeth or not.

Sunshine will sort the teeth and baleen cards out, learning about different foods whales eat.

Source: The printable for this activity is included in our Dolphin and Whale Printable Pack.

How Big are Dolphins and Whales? Estimating Length Clip Cards

Sunshine really enjoys measuring. We've worked on measuring inches. This activity introduces measuring by feet. 

Sunshine will learn to read the measurement on the card. She will then use rulers to see just how big each whale and dolphin are. More rulers will be provided for extra long whales.

Once Sunshine uses rulers to measure the dolphin or whale we will discuss rounding and estimations to help her choose the correct answer on the clip cards.

There is so much learning in this math activity!

Source: The printable for this activity is included in our Dolphin and Whale Printable Pack.

Dolphin and Whale Behaviors and Tricks Activity

This activity is Sunshine's favorite on our shelves. I can't blame her. It is super fun!

Sunshine picks out a picture card that shows a whale or dolphin behavior. I read the corresponding description card. She then picks out a figure and any other items necessary to demonstrate the behavior.

Once Sunshine knows the descriptions, I will no longer read them. She will simply pick a picture card and demonstrate the behavior.

I was a little worried about adding water play to an activity, but Sunshine has done very well following rules and boundaries.

Source: The printable for this activity is included in our Dolphin and Whale Printable Pack.

Lung or Gills Sorting Cards

One of the most fascinating aspects of whales and dolphins is that they are mammals and breathe air. 

In this activity Sunshine sorts dolphins and whales with lungs and blow holes from sharks with gills. 

The true-to-life images are great in this activity. Sunshine loves to use her magnifying glass as she sorts through the images.

If you're looking for more of a challenge, cut off the words at the bottom of the cards.

Source: The Lungs or Gills Sorting Cards are a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions below.

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