The best animal rescue activity to beat the summer heat, perfect for every age!
Dreading going outside in this summer heatwave but sick of feeling stuck inside? Try this simple ice play activity using items you already have around the house! Not only does it give your kids the autonomy they desire, the sensory integration they want, and the fine motor practice they need, BUT IT IS FUN!
All you need:
🟡 Small Tupperware containers or ice trays
🟡 Small toys or figurines
🟡 A freezer, hehe
🟡 Food coloring (optional)
🟡 Tools- hammer, screw driver, utensils, shovel, warm water, anything you have around the house that you trust your child with!
Fill a plastic Tupperware container or ice tray with water. Add anything to the water!!! I’m talking food coloring, glitter, confetti, small figurines, little toys, anything you have around the house. No need to buy anything new!
I would also like to mention that if you do use food coloring, make sure to mix the color well. If you don’t incorporate the color properly then it will settle on the bottom and dye your childrens’ hands and clothes!
Once you get your items set in your water, all you need to do is place it in your freezer!
After it is frozen, run it under room temp water until the ice removes from the Tupperware container. Place it outside with tools from your garage and let your kids play!
One of my best suggestions is to give your kids the resources without the rules!
Give them the ice, the tools, the freedom, and let them figure it out on their own. There is no right or wrong way to do it. My oldest started smashing with a hammer and ended with putting it in the pool water that sat in the sun for a few hours (pretty smart if you ask me)! My youngest son tried throwing it on the ground or… eating it.
The boys seriously had the best time playing outside and doing this ice activity! Normally when we play outside they do their own thing (mainly involving mud and water) so I was honestly surprised at the amount of time and attention they gave to this. Both ages, one and two and a half, were capable of manipulating the ice and rescuing the animals. Every once and a while dad stepped in to help a bit, but majority of the time they figured out a way to get the animals out themselves.
SOO… if your child is going bonkers stuck inside due to the summer sun, throw some animals in a container of water before nap, and it should be ready to go by afternoon!
*We added food coloring to our ice to mix it up, but the boys would have had just as much fun without it.*