Ultimate Guide to Shark Week Family Fun

The Ultimate Guide to Shark Week includes activities, crafts, games, fun snacks & treats, a book selection, cocktails, and what to watch.

Summer is not my favorite season. There is too much heat, humidity, and pollen. But on a positive note, summer gives me a few joys like vacation, garden-fresh everything, rosé (not all day – but I love a chilled glass), and most importantly more downtime with my girls.

I also look forward to a summertime favorite: Shark Week!

Shark Week never disappoints and will return to Discovery Channel on Sunday, August 9.  What began over 30 years ago as a week of shark-themed educational programming has expanded into a week-long national phenomenon.  This year I am looking forward to exploring the waters of New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. 

Discovery’s Shark Week shines a light on how the coronavirus has affected sharks.

In addition to being wildly entertaining, Discovery hopes to educate fans on why healthy oceans need sharks.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has a shark lagoon webcam that runs around the clock. Watch the shark’s daily feeding at 5:00 PM ET.

Shark Week Activities, Crafts, & Games

Shark Week Journal

This FREE 27-page Shark Week journal is a true gem. Inside you will find a world map of sharks, bookmarks, fact sheets, a cottie catcher cutout, vocabulary scavenger hunt, book log, and more.

Don’t Wake the Shark Game

Here you have a Shark Week do it yourself craft and game. Only five items required to make this Don’t Wake the Shark game by MollyMoo. You can download the game tiles for free – no sign up necessary.

Shark Paper Tube Craft

I love crafts that use simple household objects. This hello, Wonderful craft using a toilet paper tube (or a paper towel tube cut to size) will surely get the kiddos in the spirit of Shark Week.

Shark Week Origami w/ How To Video

This origami craft is perfect to celebrate Shark Week. Easy Peasy Fun provides a free downloadable PDF and a how to video to help simplify the process. Cool, right?

Shark Bite Game

When will the shark bite? You’ll never know until you play. So much anticipation and excitement build up while playing Shark Bite. Game set up is simple. Little ones four and older will have a blast.

Shark Week | Book Selection

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Bookshop supports small local book stores.

Shark Week Bait Popcorn

Five simple ingredients to make Shark Week popcorn. We can thank Happy Go Lucky for this quick, fun, and sweet snack.

Shark Marshmallow Pops

Cute. cute. cute. The Decorated Cookie calls this Shark Week creation “Chompie“. For those who are craft challenged, there is a short video to guide you.

Shark Week Popsicles

Shark Week Popsicles require four items and a few hours in the freezer. That’s it. These go well with a shark story.

What to Watch | Kids

Programming for Discovery’s Shark Week is heavily geared towards teenagers and adults. But, don’t let that keep the kiddos from learning something new and being engaged.  Below are Shark Week friendly resources from National Geographic Kids.  One favorite is the What Sam Sees! series.

All About Sharks | National Geographic Kids

Shark Drive | What Sam Sees – National Geographic Kids

Swimming With a Small Shark | What Sam Sees – National Geographic Kids

Shark Video Finale | National Geographic Kids

What to Watch | Teens & Adults

Discovery traditionally has 20+ hours of televised programming for Shark Week – running from 8:00 PM to midnight. To add to the fun, on Sunday, August 9, Mike Tyson will kick off the week going head to head with a shark during Tyson vs. Jaws:  Rumble on the Reef.

Adult “Sharktails”