When we were little, our parents told us stories about dolphins—that they were the benevolent servants of the sea, helped lost sailors, and played with kids who swam too far out to sea.
Whether the stories were true or not, they left us with one impression—dolphins are magical.
The truth is that dolphins are very interesting creatures. Not only are they some of the smartest animals in the world, but they are also fun-loving swimmers. And the more you learn about them, the more you will fall in love with their ocean escapades.
So, if you’re ready to go down this rabbit hole, here are 15 fun and fascinating dolphin facts for kids that will shock you and bring a smile to your face.
15 Fun And Fascinating Dolphin Facts For Kids
1. Dolphins are not fish
Dolphins may live in the ocean, but they aren’t fish (they are mammals, just like us). That means they breathe air through lungs, they are warm-blooded, and mother dolphins provide milk for calves to suck on. Like us, dolphins give birth to live young rather than laying eggs like fish. Isn’t that amazing?
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2. They are unable to breathe underwater
Dolphins do not have gills like fish do. Instead, they breathe through a special hole on top of their head called a blowhole. Every few minutes, they swim up to the surface, take a big breath, and dive back down again. It’s similar to us having to come up for air when we swim in a pool.
3. Dolphins also need to keep one eye open when they sleep
Dolphins sleep using only half their brain at a time. This makes it possible for them to leave one eye open while continuing to swim slowly and still observe the surrounding area for predators. Imagine taking a nap while also keeping an eye on things—that’s dolphin multitasking!
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4. They are fast swimmers
If you consider yourself quick on a bike or in running shoes, then a dolphin would beat you. They are capable of swimming up to 20 miles per hour (faster than most boats). By moving their powerful flukes back and forth in the water, they are able to swim with agility and grace.
5. Dolphins love to play
Dolphins are famous for their playful nature. They can ride waves, whip seaweed around, leap high into the air, and even play tag among themselves. Researchers think play allows dolphins to learn lessons they need to survive, but it’s also evidence that they know how to have fun, just like kids do.
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6. They talk to each other
Language is very important to dolphins. They communicate through a variety of clicks, whistles, squeaks, and even by slapping their tails on the water. Every dolphin has its own whistle, almost like a name, so other dolphins can call directly to it. It’s kind of like having your own underwater ringtone!
7. They are very smart
Dolphins are considered to be one of the wisest animals in the world. They can solve problems, identify symbols, and even comprehend commands from trainers. Many studies show they can remember things for decades. Just think of them as geniuses of the sea.
8. Dolphins travel in groups
Dolphins do not prefer to live alone. They are gregarious and usually live and feed in groups of 10–15 dolphins (called pods). At times, pods join together into a “superpod” of hundreds of dolphins swimming in synchrony—like a super-sized dolphin party on the high seas.
9. Dolphin babies are referred to as calves
Dolphins are born into the world as calves. Calves tend to stay close to their mothers, swimming right along their sides for protection and warmth. When there are other adult dolphins in the pod, they help take care of the young. Dolphins are quite loving and supportive of one another.
10. Dolphins can leap very high
If you have ever seen dolphins at an aquarium show or in the wild, you know they can jump! Dolphins will flip, twist, and leap 15 or more feet in the air. Scientists believe they do this for fun, for communication, or to rid themselves of annoying parasites.
11. Through echolocation they can “see” underwater
Dolphins don’t always rely on their eyes to find food or dodge obstacles. They use echolocation, which means they emit sound waves that bounce off objects and return as echoes. This helps them see in dark or murky water, kind of like a superhero sonar.
12. Dolphins have friends
Like us, dolphins form close bonds with each other. They travel and play with the same few friends and help one another when one is sick or wounded. Some dolphins have even been documented staying with their best friends for years—proof that friendship exists in wildlife as well.
13. They have teeth, but aren’t able to chew food
Dolphins have 80 to 100 teeth, but they never use them for chewing. Instead, they use their teeth to grab slippery fish or squid and swallow their food whole. Their stomach does all the work of breaking it down.
14. Dolphins have the ability to recall people
Dolphins have amazing memories and are able to recognize humans based on their voices and faces. That’s another reason they’re so sociable in aquariums and marine parks—in fact, they remember trainers and visitors who have spent time with them.
15. They can live a long time
Depending on the species, dolphins live 40 to 60 years in the wild. That’s close to the average human lifespan. With good care and a safe environment, they are able to play, learn, and raise their offspring at a steady pace.
Final Thoughts
Dolphins may seem like ordinary creatures living in the ocean, but in reality, they are full of surprises. From their playfulness to their impressive intellect, it’s no wonder they have been the subject of stories for centuries.
So the next time you hear about dolphins, remember—they are far more than friendly swimmers. They’re some of the most fascinating creatures in the sea, and we still have a long way to go to learn everything about them.
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