10 Ways to Play with Ice Cubes

We love these ways to play with ice to make art, explore sensory activities, and do STEM experiments for kids.

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On hot summer days, entertain the kids with a hands-on activity that’s literally cool. Try one of these ways to play with ice cubes for a simple activity that can provide hours of fun.

We rounded up some easy play ideas that are a mix of arts and crafts, some STEM experiments, and some all-around fun messy play.

To get started, our main supply is ice (or water, a freezer, and some patience). Most of these activities use everyday items that you might already have at home or can pick up from the store inexpensively.

Tips for playing with ice

• Most of these activities are messy (some just with water, others with paint). You probably want to set up outdoors and might also want to put down a dropcloth or something similar.
• Dress for mess too! We recommend having an outfit that can get dirty/stained or even just an old adult-sized tee shirt that kids can wear when doing messy activities.
• Ice is very cold, of course, and small pieces can pose a choking hazard. Use your best judgment about which activities are appropriate for your child and always supervise littles.
• Get creative! The ideas we featured here are suggestions to help you get started. Incorporate your child’s interests and items you have at home to make each activity your own.

Ice play activities

Ice sun catchers

Make some beautiful ice decorations that resemble sun catchers. These ice sun catchers from Child’s Play ABC are made with natural materials, so as they melt in the summer sun they’ll benefit wildlife in your backyard.

Ice smash excavation

There’s something about smashing and digging away at an ice block that makes a fun sensory experience for kids. This ice excavation activity from Mommy Evolution takes some time to set up but will amaze and entertain your child.

Melting ice experiment

Visit The Chaos and The Clutter for a deceptively simple melting ice experiment. This is a fun learning activity for kids of all ages. You can tailor the learning to your child’s age to find out how ice melts and what makes it melt faster.

Ice chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a classic summer activity for kids; combining it with ice is even more fun! Learn how to make chalk ice with The Best Ideas for Kids. It’s a messy fun activity your kids can do outdoors.

Ice magnifying glass

This ice magnifying glass experiment from STEAMsational is a fun educational activity. Gather the supplies and make a clear ice magnifying glass, then use it for some hands-on STEM activities.

Painting ice cubes

If your kids love messy sensory play, they’ll adore this ice cube painting activity at Days with Grey. You’ll want to set this up outdoors and plan for cleanup, but your children are learning a surprising number of things while playing!

Ice cream in a bag

Have you ever made ice cream in a bag? Mix up the ingredients and get busy shaking the container. The ice will turn it from liquid to real, creamy ice cream. Get the recipe and instructions for kids from Messy Momma Crafts.

Ice candle

Did you know you can use ice to make real candles that you can burn? Follow the instructions from Craft Bits to make ice candles you can use this summer or gift as handmade gifts.

DIY igloo

Make a miniature igloo to learn about ice and animal habitats with a hands-on activity from Child’s Play ABC. There are lots of ways to customize this play idea for your kids’ interests. Turn it into a sensory bin and even add some snow.

Colored ice

Make your own colored ice in any shape with this easy idea from Creative Family Fun. Once you’ve made the ice cubes, there are lots of ways to play with them, do experiments, and more.

This list of ways to play with ice is sure to enhance your summer playtime! Get ready to explore hot and cold, learn about melting, and make some unique summer art with your kids.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• Family Summer Bucket List Printable Template
• 12 Imaginative Play Activities to Pretend for Kids
• Bean Mosaic Art Kids Craft Ideas