Blogger / 28 July, 2025 / Nanny Anita

Coloured Ice Play

Wow I can not believe that we have had at least 3 heatwaves in the UK, and it isn’t even the end of July yet.  Although there has been some changeable weather over the last week, the temperature has still been pretty high.  Well, it has felt that way to me at least, but then again, I think anything over 22 c is hot.  At work I have been setting up the perfect coloured ice play from NC to help keep cool.

Make sure you follow my outside activity board on Pinterest for more ideas.  Don’t forget to save the pin for later.

To do your own coloured ice play you will need:

• Tray
• Ice moulds
• Food colouring (optional)
• Bowls
• Spoons
• Reusable ice cubes

This activity will take a little prep time as the water will need time to freeze.

Fill up your ice moulds, adding colour to the water is optional, and put them into your freezer to freeze.

When everything is ready you can either add them to your sensory tray just by themselves with some bowls/spoons etc.  Or you can add some water into the tray first and then add the ice and all the utensils. The reusable ice cubes are fun to add but be mindful if you have a little one that puts everything in their mouths.

I have set this up for NC twice.  The first time we used it inside and the second time we did it outside.  Both times were a success, but they both have their pros and cons.  Obviously, it is messy so having it inside isn’t ideal.  Having it outside means it melts quicker.

I don’t add salt to my ice play.  It is a fun way for older children to melt ice, especially if things have been frozen in the ice that they have to rescue.  But adding salt to ice makes it super cold and can lead to ice burns.

NC loved playing with this.  As always, I was supervising her the whole time as she is prone to putting things in her mouth and I was aware that her eating the ice is a) not great for her teeth and b) poses a chocking hazard.

And of course, she ended up in the tray.  Although not for very long as the water was rather cold.

If you enjoyed this coloured ice play, be sure to check out my sponge water balloons and cardboard box oven.

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