Ice Block Excavation Sensory Play

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

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.

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.