Need an easy summer activity? Try an ice sensory bin activity.
Nothing is better than a spur of the moment toddler activity especially when that activity ends up being one of the best ever…. meet the ice sensory bin.
Ok so maybe this isn’t going to win any activity awards, but this ice sensory bin won a lot in my book for the amount of independent quiet time my toddler spent totally engaged.
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Setting up an ice sensory bin for your toddler is a piece of cake.
Just like all my favorite toddler activities, this icy activity is so easy to put together.
Great toddler activities don’t need to be super fancy. Sometimes, they just need to be ice and water and the toddler will handle the rest.
And this activity is exactly that.
Just a few supplies to make an amazing outdoor activity
Materials:
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I took our trusty project BFF, aka under the bed storage tub, and dumped the entire ice maker into it. I wanted my toddler (25 months old) to be able to play with the ice, listen to the sound as it clinks together, and experience the cold of it.
I also added just a smidge of water so everything would be floating and there would be an option to separate ice from water. Oh, Oh! and some food coloring (that’s optional but it makes it so fancy and fun).
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What did my toddler do with this ice sensory bin?
I gave my toddler slotted spoons, ladles, our favorite tiny colanders and off he went.
He had more fun straining the ice cubes then anything else. There’s something magical in separating the water from the ice that seems to capture his attention.
He transferred the ice cubes, scooped them, and stirred his soup. He had a ball imagining and creating a little icy world.
What’s my toddler learning here?
There’s actually a lot of learning going on in this ice sensory activity.
Here’s everything my toddler is learning:
- Pouring skills
- Transferring skills
- Science skills (understanding ice and the relationship to water)
- Sensory skills (this is tactile experience for him)
This activity is so much more than just a child playing with ice. This is some serious and significant learning happening.
This became a two-for-one activity!
We left this up all day and – no surprise – it melted after lunch.
That meant after nap time, our ice sensory had become a water bin and we loved it. Well, he loved the play and I loved the sitting to watch him play.
I swapped out the colanders for some measuring cups and boom – we had a pouring station. Now that’s the kind of activity I am here for.
Making an ice sensory bin is perfect for toddlers!
An ice bin is a terrific activity – it’s just so quick, easy, and man does it hold their attention span.
This activity is magic. Something about the ice really captures my toddler’s attention. I hope it does the same for you!
When will you make an ice sensory bin for your toddler?
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Mirela says
An ice bath is probably what kids like the most. Pouring water from a mug to the mug, stiring tea in the water or splashing with water is great fun. I haven’t play with ice cubes yet but I think that this isn’t a problem. Eventually ice will melt. An additional entertainment is wiping the floor dry because it’s wet everywhere.
Brittney says
What a great idea to add a new texture/temperature to playing with water (which my son already adores). I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for the idea.