Ice Block Excavation Sensory Play
Freeze small toys in a block of ice and let your toddler chip, pour warm water, and excavate the treasures — cold, wet, and completely absorbing.
What You'll Need
- 1Large plastic container
- 2Small waterproof toys
- 3Squeeze bottle
- 4Warm water
- 5Table salt
- 6Spoon
- 7Baking tray or bin
What You'll Need
A large plastic container or bowl
Small waterproof toys (plastic animals, gems, figures)
A squeeze bottle filled with warm water
Table salt
A spoon
A baking tray or bin to catch melt water
How to Play
Fill a large plastic container with water and drop in small waterproof toys.
Freeze overnight until you have a solid block of ice with toys trapped inside.
Pop the ice block out (run warm water on the outside of the container) and set it on a baking tray.
Give your toddler a squeeze bottle of warm water, a spoon, and a salt shaker.
Show them how squirting warm water melts channels in the ice, revealing toys underneath.
Sprinkle salt on the ice and listen to it crackle as it creates tiny tunnels.
Let your toddler chip, pour, and excavate until every toy is rescued.
Tips
Freeze in layers for better toy distribution — fill halfway, freeze, add toys, then add more water and freeze again.
The temperature contrast between warm water and cold ice is a powerful sensory experience.
Add food coloring to the water before freezing for a more dramatic, colorful melt.
This activity builds patience and persistence — two qualities worth practicing at this age.
Do this outside on a warm day and the melting happens faster, or inside on a cold day for a longer excavation session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: large plastic container, small waterproof toys, squeeze bottle, warm water, table salt, and 2 more items.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 2-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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