Related categories
About this activity
Ice Cube Painting freezes watered-down paint or food colouring in ice trays with lolly sticks. Children paint as the cubes melt, creating watery colour washes that stay cooler than outdoor chalking. Perfect summer-heat indoor alternative, rainy craft days, and supervised toddler art with a wipeable table mat.
Print & play
Printables to go with this activity
These printable sheets pair with this activity — print, then follow the steps above.
View printablesMaterials needed
- Ice cube tray
- Watered paint or food colouring
- Lolly sticks
- Thick paper
- Tray or wipeable mat
Preparation time
Overnight freeze + 5 minutes setup
How to play
- 1The night before, mix watered paint into an ice tray, insert lolly sticks, and freeze solid.
- 2Cover the table with a mat, set out thick paper, and pop cubes free just before painting.
- 3Hold the stick like a brush and swipe melting colour across the page — lean cubes, do not smash.
- 4Overlap two colours on purpose and watch them blend as they melt.
- 5Leave pictures flat to dry, wipe the tray, and rinse sticks for reuse.
Learning benefits
Colour mixingFine motor skillsCause and effectSensory play
Best for
Tags
summer heatindoorlow-costtoddlersage-5KS1craftrainy-dayschool holidays
Seasons
summerspring
Occasions
summer heatschool holidayrainy dayquiet time
Key stages
EYFSKS1
Weather
HotRainyAny Weather
SEN-friendly note
This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.
Safety note
Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.
