[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.
Under the SeaDizunī
The Little Mermaid, a film featuring Ariel, the beloved Disney character and mermaid princess.
Set in an underwater world, just watching this movie gives you a summery vibe! From this film, we’re introducing Under the Sea, sung by the red crab Sebastian.
It’s a song that tries to stop Ariel, who longs for the human world, by telling her that life on land is the worst.
How about spending a delightful summer moment with this bright, lively song and the cool, refreshing world under the sea?
We are little pirates!hiromichi & tanizou
This is a lively dance song that’s also used at nursery and kindergarten sports festivals.
It was first introduced on the album “Hiromichi & Tanizou’s It’s Sports Day—Let’s Go Big!” released in March 2011.
The lyrics, about becoming little pirates and setting off on adventures with your friends, are wonderfully bold! Along with the comical and easy-to-learn choreography, dance as if you’re the hero of the story! Move your bodies together as parent and child, and nurture cooperation and a spirit of challenge.
[Sea Nursery Rhymes] Fun Children’s Songs with an Ocean Theme (11–20)
Hyokkori Hyoutan-jimaLyrics: Hisashi Inoue / Morihisa Yamamoto ・ Music: Seiichirō Uno
It’s an exhilarating song for setting off on an adventure, with lyrics by playwrights Hisashi Inoue and Morihisa Yamamoto and music by composer Seiichirō Uno.
Its buoyant melody carries a powerful message about overcoming any hardship together with your friends.
This track is famously known as the theme song for an NHK puppet show that began airing in April 1964—some of you may have been hooked on it back then! There are many videos available with choreography, so why not use them as a reference and get moving energetically with the kids?
Swim! Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato
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?
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.
Spotted garden eel!!Ryūzō 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.