This summer, I’ve made it a priority to find the best outdoor activities and play ideas for our kids. Because making sure our toddler and preschooler can have fun right in their backyard is super important.
One toddler activity (also safe for baby) we stumbled upon was ice painting. What a clever way to help little ones get creative with colorful art and cool off at home!
We decided to use homemade ice pops and let them create a fun piece of art. That way if they wanted to give it a little taste, I’d know it’s be perfectly fine (as all little kids tend to do when learning).
This painting with ice toddler activity, is a bit messy but so much fun!!
I thought this was such a fun way to let my toddler cool off from the heat while exploring his artistic side, so we took it a step further and added our favorite kid-friendly ingredient, Kool-Aid!
Here’s what we used:
- Colored packets of Kool-Aid
- Ice cube trays
- Popsicle sticks
- Plastic wrap
- Cups
- Spoon
- Scissor
- Poster board
Here’s what we did:
I used several colors of Kool-Aid packets mixed in with water to create the assortment of colors for painting: red, green, orange etc. I only used a few colors here, but you can create more vivid and additional colors by simply combining them.
After the colors were transferred to an ice cube tray (purchased at the dollar store), I covered the trays with plastic wrap. This plastic wrap is the secret to getting your popsicle sticks to stay in place! (Note: I’ve seen other blogs use toothpicks as well, but decided on sticks simply because I wanted them to be more durable).
I also halved the popsicle sticks before inserting through the plastic and carefully placed the mixture into the freezer overnight.
The next day, we were ready to paint! I unwrapped the tray of ice and carefully removed each cube.
I set up the “paints” and “canvas” out on the deck and let my son go at it.
He even decided to explore some body art ;)!
Of course at one point he just wanted to suck on the pops…luckily I made them a bit too sour for his liking so he decided to use them for what they were meant for this time!
Here’s the final look!! This was such a perfect activity to stay cool under the sun as we round out our favorites before summer’s end!
Have you ever tried painting with ice? How did it go?
Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.
Oh I love this idea! Totally trying it this week 🙂
Tricia recently posted…Lovely Little Things, 28
Amazing idea! I’m going to Pin it to my Sensory Activities board!
Jennifer recently posted…Back to Basics: Learning Size and Capacity
What a fun idea and a great way to cool off here in Florida. I like that you dont have to worry if they put it in their mouth because it is not harmful. It looks like they had a great time.
Maggie Anders recently posted…It’s The Balm Review and Giveaway
what a great idea, This is so so cool
Terri recently posted…Marriage Tip #3
What a cool idea! This looks like a blast. Thanks for stopping by to share on our Facebook page today. I just pinned and will be sharing on Facebook too! Enjoy the rest of your week.
Heather recently posted…Click and Chat Social Media Link Up #22
So much fun! I wish we had made smaller ones like you when we did this activity 🙂
Amanda @artsy_momma recently posted…Brica i-Hide Car Seat Organizer with Tablet Viewer {Review & Giveaway}
This has got to be the most ingenious idea I’ve ever heard. Thanks so much for sharing! It’s always nice to have easy and non-toxic for our precious babies!! Awesome!!
What a creative idea! I’m going to pin this so I remember to do it with my son. It’s a perfect activity for summer.
Tricia the Good Mama recently posted…A Fall To-Do List
What a “cool” idea! I’ll have to try this when the heat wave comes again. Thanks for sharing!
Pamela L (Rookie Parenting) recently posted…10 Parenting Tips – How To Be A Good Parent
What an awesome idea! This looks like so much fun. I bet even my older kids would have a blast doing this. Great post!
Nicole recently posted…Vervida Bags
We tried this with paint, but I love the Kool-Aid idea – must have smelled awesome!
Emma @ P is for Preschooler recently posted…Recycled Magazine Butterfly Craft
This is such a wonderful idea! I want to try it out myself. Just making a promise not to drink Kool-Aid ever.
Joanna Sormunen recently posted…The Queen With The Frozen Heart 19
What a fun activity! My kids will love this!
What a great idea. I am going to share with my daycare friends.
Tamara recently posted…Changing the Toilet Paper Will Not Cause Brain Damage
I love this idea ! Genius ! And I imagine it really keeps your toddler busy, if not by painting then by eating ! 🙂
Joanna recently posted…Bewitching Projects Link Party #7
This is perfect for a hot day! I can definitely see the temptation in wanting to eat the ice cubes.
Melissa recently posted…Bras are Uncomfortable….and a Few Other Things I’m Noticing as I Get Older
I’ve done this with my older two, and can’t wait to do it with my youngest!! I’m pinning, so my new mommy friends can try it!
Jacqui recently posted…What Does it Mean to Do it All?
This is awesome! I plan on doing this with my much, much older daughter 🙂