The heatwave we are having has been wonderful , i've loved being able to be outside more and really enjoyed the longer evenings . But when you have small children, the heat can be a nightmare!
So i've put together some simple play ideas using ice to help cool little ones down!
Ice play is a great activity for children of all ages. It is so quick and simple to make and you can easily add extra sensory elements using scented herbs, flavoured oils, colouring and textured natural materials.
Ice painting
Using a large ice cube tray, fill with water and add a good few drops of different coloured food colouring to each cube. Add a wooden lolly stick and let it freeze !
You've made your own ice paint sticks, which are also edible so are fine
for little ones that like to put everything in their mouth too!
Take outside and play on paper, in the washing up bowl or even on the paving slabs!
Edible sensory ice cubes
All you need for this activity is an ice cube tray, water and some edible sensory materials like scented herbs, edible flowers, fruits or food flavourings. Lavender and mint are wonderfully calming herbs to use, but you could also use uplifting fresh citrus fruit slices. Other ideas are below.
Scented herbs like Lavender, Basil, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley and Chives.
Edible flowers like Roses, Dandelions, Elderflower, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Borage, Pansy’s or Primroses.
Citrus fruit slices or citrus peel play shapes like oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit.
Other chopped fruits like strawberries, melon, raspberries, blackberries, apple, plum, peach or grape quarters.
Simply place a selection of the different sensory materials into the ice cube tray and then fill it with water. Place the tray in a freezer for a few hours, or overnight to freeze. Then pop out the ice cubes and enjoy them in sensory play.
These would be wonderful in pretend play with mud kitchens. Your little one will enjoy exploring all the different scents, tastes and textures as the ice melts. *Please just be aware of the choking hazard of the ice cubes or any other materials you use with small children.
Coloured ice building blocks
Teddy absolutely loves this activity! They are so simple and quick to make and great fun to build, play and experiment with .
All you need to make these are some old yogurt pots or an ice cube tray (silicone moulds would also work), water, food colouring and a freezer. * please note too much food colouring will stain hands and clothes !
Fill the yogurt pots, ice cube tray or silicone moulds with water and then add different drops of food colouring to each . Then pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight to freeze. Pop the colourful ice blocks out onto a tray or outdoors surface and have fun experimenting with stacking, building and sliding the blocks in any way you like.
Let me know if you try any of these activities. Tag @baby_bears_den with any pictures. We'd love to see!
Love Elisa xx
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