Looking for a fun, low-cost sensory play idea? Painting with ice is an easy way to combine art, sensory exploration, and a bit of messy fun!
What You’ll Need
- Muffin tray or ice cube tray
- Water
- Food coloring
- Small toys or popsicle sticks
- Paper (thicker paper works best to hold up against melting ice)
- A tray or shallow bin (to catch the drips)
The How to
- Prep the Ice: Fill each muffin tin with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Stir to mix the colors.
- Create Handles: Place small toys into each section of the muffin tray. These act as little handles for easier gripping—perfect for tiny hands! (Popsicle sticks work too and are great for fine motor skills.)
- Freeze Overnight: Let them freeze completely. Patience is key!
Our Experience
JJ was 16 months old when we did this activity—still a very young toddler. I set up a tray with paper and put the ice in. He didn’t exactly paint a masterpiece, but that’s totally okay! Here’s what happened:
- Confusion First: Honestly, he had no clue what to do with the ice cubes! He chewed on them (thinking they were treats), ran around with them, and placed them in and out of the tray.
- Modeling the Fun: To encourage painting, I showed him how to rub the ice on the paper. I kept repeating the color names and talking about how the ice felt—”Brrr, so cold!”
- Toddler Takeaway: He didn’t do much painting, but that’s the beauty of toddler activities—they explore in their own way!
Age Matters
This activity made me realize that “toddler” is such a broad age range. What works for a 16-month-old might be very different from what engages a 2-year-old. At this stage, sensory exploration is key, but structured activities like painting might be better suited for older toddlers who have more control and understanding.
So, while JJ didn’t use the ice as intended, he still had fun, and I count that as a win. For older toddlers, this activity might lead to more focused painting and color mixing fun!
Tips for Your Ice Painting Adventure:
- Your “paint brush”: I had issues with getting the bath toys to hold onto the ice. I would use animal figurines, such as dinosaurs that may be easier to stick to.
- Sensory Learning: Talk about what they feel (“cold,” “wet”) and see (“blue,” “green”). This builds their vocabulary and understanding of the world.
- Want to use popsicle sticks?: Cover your muffin pan or ice cube tray with foil and stick them through!
- Waterproof Play Mat: I love having a playmat to keep everything contained, plus you can do sensory play inside. This is one is my favorite.
Even though our painting session didn’t turn out as planned, it was a fun, chilly experience full of learning moments. And hey, who doesn’t love a good ice pop run around the house
Have you tried ice painting? Share your icy adventures in the comments below! 🌈❄️