Ice Excavation
Prepare the Night Before
- Fill a large container (a mixing bowl or food storage container) with water.
- Drop in 8–10 small plastic toys — dinosaurs, animals, or small figurines work great.
- Optional: add a few drops of food colouring for a coloured ice block.
- Freeze overnight (at least 8 hours) until completely solid.
What You'll Need on the Day
- Your frozen ice block (popped out of the container)
- A tray or baking dish to hold it
- A spray bottle filled with warm water
- Small tools: a plastic spoon, a craft stick, a turkey baster
- Optional: salt (speeds up melting around the tools!)
- A towel — this gets wonderfully messy!
Let's Excavate!
- Place the ice block on the tray and let your toddler touch it first: "Whoa — is it cold?"
- Show them the tools and explain: "We're going to rescue the animals trapped inside!"
- Let them spray warm water on the ice and watch it melt and drip.
- Use the spoon and craft stick to chip and poke — celebrate each toy they free!
- Sprinkle a little salt and watch it melt channels through the ice — explain that salt makes ice melt faster.
- Count the rescued toys when they're all free. Who was hiding in there?
What They'll Learn
💡 Parent Tip
The anticipation of freezing toys the night before is half the excitement — let your toddler help choose which toys go in! This activity is brilliant on a hot day outside. The ice can last 30–45 minutes of engaged play. Try themed ice blocks: all dinosaurs one week, all sea creatures the next!