Since I am enjoying spring break with the fam, I am all about kids activities this week!
This activity is so simple, but kids are obsessed with it. Our neighbors ask us ALL the time to freeze stuff for the ice break game. So we did again today since I had my nephews over for a sleepover.
All you do is get a bunch of toys of varying sizes and weight. I had the boys each pick out the toys they wanted to freeze the night before. They each got a container, filled them up with water, and put it in the freezer.
The FIRST thing they asked when they woke up (at 6am, no less) was if they could check on the ice blocks!
I got the ice out by running cold water on the outside of the container for a bit, then we went outside for a smash party! It doesn’t get much easier than that. You can make the ice thin and give your kids little plastic tools to hammer it with… or you can make a huge chunk and give them a rubber mallet like I do. (I know, I know… probably not the BEST idea, but I watch them carefully, and I make them cover their eyes with sunglasses or goggles)
The kids LOVE smashing stuff and seeing what toy they helped ‘break free’. It usually turns into some elaborate, imaginary game that is fun to watch play out.
Tips & Tricks:
- If you use filtered water the ice block will be crystal clear, which is pretty cool. Tap water will freeze a little cloudy.
- Matchbox cars are fun to freeze, but a lot of the cars we have froze end up losing a tire or two after thawing. It doesn’t happen all the time, but consider yourself warned.
- The edges of the ice can be pretty sharp, so just make sure your kids are careful & wear something to protect their eyes.
- If you don’t want to use a hammer, just give your kids a spray bottle or a jug of warm water and they can get the toys out that way. (it would take longer too, if you are looking for something to keep them occupied for awhile)
If you are looking for something fun to do INDOORS, check out my post on how to make SLIME!
This is genius! Our spring break is in a few weeks and this will be in our to do list. Also great for a birthday party.
Jenny I never thought of it for a birthday party… that would be a great idea! And the kids could keep the little prizes they defrosted! 🙂
I absolutely LOVE this! I am going to do this next week!
This sounds like SO much fun. Thanks for the idea!
This is great. I love this. My daughter would love this.