It’s summer. It’s hot. In fact, today the weather icon on my computer is a thermometer ON FIRE. It’s tempting to stay inside with the air conditioner on full blast. But parents know it’s not fun to stay cooped up inside with active children. Instead, stay cool outside by playing with ice.*
Stay Cool this Summer with Ice Play
Ice and water play never get boring! Here are a few easy ways to get started:
Simply. A bucket filled with ice cubes is sure to spark some free play. Provide your children with small containers and spoons for scooping. Add some toy animals and you have an instant arctic habitat. Toy helicopters and airplanes might circle overhead looking for someone to rescue. If you have a small kiddie pool, purchase a few bags of ice from the corner store and fill it up. You kids might decide to hop right in!
Colorfully. Add a few drops of food coloring to water before freezing. Put the colored cubes in a large bin of water and watch what happens when the colors mix. Children will enjoying swirling the colors with popsicle sticks. You can also use the colored cubes to “paint” or the sidewalks, or provide them with paper to create a masterpiece.
Archaeologically. Become an ice excavator. Freeze toys or other objects in blocks of ice. For extra interest use containers of varying shapes and sizes. Paper cups and plastic storage containers work well. Give your children a few tools (nothing too sharp) so they can chip away at the ice in order to get the treasure. The hotter the sun, the faster the ice will melt to help your little archaeologists. You can also provide a large bucket of water in which to float the ice treasures.
Scientifically. Try an easy ice and string science experiment with ice and salt. Place a wet piece of string on an ice block and sprinkle with salt. Wait a minute or so and the string will adhere to the ice, allowing you to pick it up.
Deliciously. Did you know you can make ice cream in a bag? Full instructions and a video: how to make ice cream in a bag.
And parents can play, too: fill a tall glass with ice, add your favorite beverage, sit back in the shade and watch your kids play.
*Remember small ice cubes can be a choking hazard. Supervise young children appropriately.
MaryAnne K says
Fantastic list! My kids LOVE making ice cream in a bag!
Raising a Happy Child says
I have yet to try ice cream in a bag. Sounds like a great cool summer for you 🙂
Sweet Counter Class Resources says
Freezing watercolours is a good way to have fun too. You freeze them then have them melt on paper. It's educational and artistic at the same time.
Lynn says
As a reminder, food coloring stains hands, so if you use it and make "ice crayons," have the kids wear gloves. I learned the hard way. 😉
Erica MomandKiddo says
Excellent tip, Lynn! Thanks.