As those hot summer days are approaching, you’ll want to get your kids outside as much as possible. Though you may already have the pool, water table, or trampoline, their attention spans only last so long.
That’s why it’s great to have some activities up your sleeve that should keep them occupied while outside. The activities that will keep them cool on a hot day are also a plus!
This Ice Block Toy Dig is a simple activity that your toddler will love! There is very little prep and it actually has to hold their attention until the entire ice block melts! Read on for more details.
My kids are obsessed with ice. I’m not sure why, but my 20 month old loves to just carry it around with him as it melts through his fingers. I don’t know why you’d want to hold something so cold, but kids don’t care!
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic bin of any size. I used a 6 quart Sterilite storage bin that I use to keep the kid’s crafts and material organized.
- Small toys. You can use Mega Blocks, Legos, small beads or any little plastic toys.
- Water
- Pan or baking sheet
- Toy tools. You can also use sticks, spoons, or any other hard object for banging
Be sure to supervise your child if you are using materials that could be a choking hazard.
What To Do:
- Fill your plastic tub with water until almost full.
2. Top it off with all your small plastic toys that you chose to throw in.
3. Place it in the freezer for a few hours until it’s completely frozen.
4. Flip it over to get the whole block of ice out. You may have to wiggle the sides of the plastic bin, but mine came out very easily.
5. Place the whole ice block on a baking sheet or cooking pan to stay put.
6. Give your child a few play tools if you have them: toy hammer, toy screwdriver, toy drill to play excavator and try and chip at the ice until they get the toys out. You can also use sticks, spoons, or any longer plastic object that they can bang. It will be a bit difficult for them to get the toys out of a fully solid block of ice so waiting for it to melt a bit is helpful.
7. As the ice melts, the toys will reveal and become easier to pry out.
Keep your toddler staying cool with this fun ice block activity on a hot, summer day! They’ll love watching the ice melt and learning about how water changes from a solid to a liquid.
Be sure to use lots of new vocabulary to improve language and cognitive skills as well. Check out more Outdoor Activities to Do With Your Toddler here.
