MiniMariners - Turn Curiosity Into Ocean Adventures

A hands-on North Sea play kit for young explorers (ages 4–10)

MiniMariners brings the North Sea to life through play and storytelling. Our Starter Habitat Kit lets children build habitats, meet sea creatures, and dive into mini story cards and activity challenges - uncovering the hidden wonders of life beneath the North Sea, one adventure at a time.

Note: All visuals on this site were created using AI image-generation tools to illustrate early product concepts — a creative step before moving to real designs and prototypes.

Discover the North Sea Piece by Piece

The MiniMariners Starter Kit lets children build a North Sea habitat, piece by piece, from sandy shores and seagrass meadows to rocky tide pools. As tiles come together, new marine creatures appear, stories unfold, and curiosity grows.It’s part puzzle, part playset, part science lab and entirely screen-free fun. The Starter Kit sparks curiosity and helps children care for our blue planet.Why families love it:🌊 Screen-free play that sparks creativity and storytelling
🧩 STEM learning - build habitats & discover species
🔄 Open-ended play - rearrange, retell, rediscover
🎁 Gift-ready & safe with durable design
♻️Eco-friendly play: Made from rescued ocean-bound plastics and natural materials - turning waste into wonder.

Meet MiniMariners

MiniMariners turns curiosity into ocean adventures - bringing the North Sea into children's everyday lives through playful storytelling and hands-on discovery.Rooted in marine research and child development, we collaborate with scientists, educators, and designers to blend STEM learning, storytelling, and exploration into one unforgettable experience. The Starter Kit helps kids discover one species, one habitat, and one story at a time.MiniMariners is a social enterprise that uses playful, nature-inspired kits to spark curiosity and care for the ocean, with a percentage of every kit funding hands-on ocean conservation and restoration initiatives.

Our Mission & Impact

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet - yet most of us know so little about it. At MiniMariners, we believe early ocean education can inspire a generation of protectors, problem-solvers, and dreamers.Through hands-on, screen-free play, we help children explore the North Sea, connect with marine life, and develop a lifelong bond with the ocean. The Starter Kit sparks curiosity at home while contributing to a global wave of care - turning playtime into a small but meaningful step toward protecting our blue planet.We begin with the North Sea and will later expand to other European sea basins, bringing even more habitats and species to life for young explorers.

Join the MiniMariners Crew

We are just getting started and we would love you on board! Whether you are a parent, educator, designer, scientist, or simply someone who loves the sea, your voice can help shape what comes next.Sign up via the form below to:
🧩 Help shape the Starter Habitat Kit and what comes next
📬 Get early updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks
🌊 Reserve your Starter Habitat Kit at 50% offThis is not just a toy, it is a mission to spark curiosity, inspire care for our oceans, and bring families closer to nature through play. Hop aboard and be part of the crew making it happen.

Mini FAQ

Who is MiniMariners for?
MiniMariners is designed for children aged 4 to 10. Whether your child loves the ocean or you are looking for a screen-free educational activity, this kit is a fun and engaging way to learn through play.
What exactly is in the kit?

The MiniMariners Starter Habitat Kit gives children everything they need to build and explore their own North Sea world. Inside you will find:

  • Interlocking habitat pieces that connect to create a seascape.
  • Sea creature pieces to place in the habitat, move around, and discover.
  • Story & mission cards that invite children to short adventures and fun challenges.
  • A reusable take-along pouch that keeps all parts together and makes it easy to bring on trips.
Are there other kits available?

Right now, we are focused on one hero product: the North Sea Starter Habitat Kit. It’s simple, fun, and easy to store — the perfect way to begin your MiniMariners adventure.

More habitats and add-ons are planned for the future, but Early Crew members will always get first access (and the best discounts).

When will it be ready?
We are building the very first North Sea Starter Habitat Kit right now. Early Crew members will get behind-the-scenes updates, a chance to share feedback, and priority access when pre-orders open in late 2025. First kits will ship in Spring 2026.
How much will it cost?

The The North Sea Starter Habitat Kit is expected to cost around €19–29 when it launches.

Early Crew members who sign up now will receive 50% off and first access to the limited early editions.

Is it suitable for my child’s age?
MiniMariners is designed for kids aged 4–10. The pieces are safe, easy to grip, and tested with real children during prototyping.
What will kids learn?
Through play, kids explore the North Sea ecosystems, discover fascinating species, practice storytelling, and build problem-solving, fine motor, and spatial skills — all while having screen-free fun.
Is it safe for young kids?
Absolutely. The kit is designed for ages 4+, with smooth edges and non-toxic materials. Pieces are sturdy and sized so there are no small parts that pose a risk for toddlers under 3. We also co-design and test with real families to make sure everything is child-friendly.
What materials are the kits made from?

Our Starter Kit is designed with sustainability in mind. Habitat tiles are made from recyclable or natural materials, while the marine figures use durable recycled and ocean-bound plastics. As we grow, we will continue testing new eco-friendly materials like cork and wood.

Can I gift this to someone?
Yes! MiniMariners kits make wonderful gifts. You will be able to send a kit directly to another address, and we will even include a printable gift card with your message.
Is this a subscription or a one-time purchase?
The first kit will be a one-time purchase. In the future, we may offer expansion kits — but you are never locked into a subscription.
Do I need to know anything about the ocean to use it with my child?
Not at all! Each Starter Kit comes with a simple guide and fun facts — no science background needed. You will learn together as you build and explore.
Can I cancel or change my pre-order?
Yes! You will be able to cancel or update your pre-order anytime before shipping. We will send a reminder before payment is charged and the kit is sent.