Ice cube painting is a great all ages activity. It’s one of those easy indoor activities that takes minimal supplies and set up, and big kids can definitely help you prepare it.
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My oldest kiddo loves art. He loves coloring, creating, drawing, painting, sensory activities. He loves it all. I am hoping he shares that love with his sister. So we decided to do an art activity that both kids can do.
I used to love doing this ice cube painting activity with my preschoolers. It is a multi-level activity, being that we work on skills when we get the activity ready together (one of my favorite types of activities) and then we work on patience to wait for the water to freeze, and then we do the activity.
We started out with my trusty silicone candy mold. (affiliate link). I love using this thing. I used it when I made my garbage disposal tabs, too. But I don’t use it for food. That’s like cross contamination!
We set up on the floor (the best work space, in my opinion) with the candy mold, some water in a measuring cup with a spout, craft sticks, aluminum foil, food coloring and a baking sheet.
Supplies for ice cube painting
- Silicone candy mold
- Water
- Measure cup with pour spout
- Food coloring
- Cookie/baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Paper
Ice cube painting directions
- Set up with a large work space. Place your silicone mold on a baking sheet.
- Fill the measuring cup with water and fill each cavity about 3/4 of the way with water.
- Drop food coloring into each cavity. Be creative! Lots of drops, mix colors, a few drops, etc.
- Place a piece of aluminum foil over the mold.
- Poke holes in the foil in each cavity with the craft sticks.
- Freeze until solid.
- When it’s solid, take the craft sticks and ice out and paint away!
Unfortunately for Reagan, she was pinned down in her little car for the set up of this activity. Sorry girl. Didn’t want another mess to clean up.
Obviously she was very upset about this.
This is good for babies, too because it’s alright if they put it in their mouths. It’s just water and food coloring. I gave Reagan her pacifier during this though. She was in one of those moods.
I think people forget that activities like this ice cube painting work on more than just painting. Reagan is working on her grasp, hand eye coordination, throwing skills (much to my dismay), so many things.
Dylan actually took it upon himself to finger paint with it also. He discovered that if you dip your finger onto the ice, you can paint with your finger. 9 times out of 10 he finds other things to do with an activity. I love that about him!
He also really liked using 3 and 4 at a time.
This ice cube painting is a kind of project that is truly about the process, not the end product.
Do your kiddos like painting? Check out this post – 50 household items your kids can use as paint brushes.
