Whale Fun for Kids

Whales are the gentle giants of the ocean! These amazing animals are mammals, just like people, but they live in the water their whole lives. Whales are super smart and love to swim, play, and sometimes even jump out of the water! There are many different types of whales, and they can be really, really big. Let’s learn more about these incredible sea animals!

Watch a Whale in Action!

Whales are fun to watch because they leap, splash, and swim through the ocean with big tails and friendly sounds.

What is a Whale?

Whales are large, warm-blooded marine mammals that live in the ocean. They breathe air through a blowhole on top of their heads and take care of their babies like other mammals.

• Whales are not fish – they are mammals!
• They have lungs and need to come up to the surface to breathe
• There are two main types: baleen whales and toothed whales
• Some whales sing songs to talk to each other

Where do Whales live?

Whales live in oceans all around the world. Some like warm water, and others like cold water. They travel long distances every year to find food and to have babies.

• Whales live in every ocean on Earth
• Some whales live near the Arctic and Antarctic
• Others swim near coasts or in deep ocean waters

What do Whales eat?

Whales eat different things depending on their kind. Some eat tiny sea animals called krill, and others eat fish or squid.

• Baleen whales eat krill and plankton by filtering water through their baleen plates
• Toothed whales eat fish, squid, and sometimes other small animals
• Blue whales can eat up to 4 tons (3,600 kg) of krill in one day!

How big is a Whale?

Whales are the biggest animals on Earth! The blue whale is the largest whale and can be as long as two school buses.

• Blue whales can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) long
• They can weigh more than 200,000 pounds (90,700 kilograms)
• Even baby whales are as big as a car when they are born!

What sound do Whales make?

Whales make lots of interesting sounds like songs, clicks, and whistles. They use these sounds to talk to each other and find their way around underwater.

Cool Whale facts

Here are some fun and awesome facts about whales that kids love to learn!

• Whales can hold their breath for over an hour
• Some whales sing songs that can be heard for miles underwater
• Whales travel in groups called pods
• Humpback whales like to leap out of the water and splash
• Whale babies are called calves
• Blue whales have hearts the size of a small car
• Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually dolphins
• Whales sleep with one eye open

Printables and coloring fun

Have fun with whales even when you’re not near the ocean! Print and play with these fun whale activities:

• Download Whale Coloring Page (PDF)

Whales in the eco-system

Whales are important animals in the ocean. They help keep the ocean healthy and feed other animals with the nutrients they spread around.

• Whales help mix nutrients in the ocean when they swim
• Whale poop helps grow tiny sea plants called phytoplankton
• Some whales are endangered and need protection
• Saving whales helps other sea animals too

Ask a grown-up to help you learn more

There are lots of great places online to learn more about whales. Ask an adult to help you explore these pages:

• National Geographic: Blue Whale Facts
• Whale | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
• World Wildlife Fund: Whale

Fun questions about Whales

Ways to donate and support Whales

Whales need our help to stay safe and healthy in the ocean. People can help by learning more, sharing what they know, and supporting groups that protect whales and their ocean homes.

Donate to Help Us Save Whales