This is the perfect time of the year for getting creative with DIY activities for kids. It’s not too hot but it’s still warm enough to play outside during the day. The four games below are all based around water and ice. They’re easy to set up, inexpensive, and they’ll keep the kids amused for hours.

Please note: some of these activities feature glass or small parts and should not be used with young children.

Hidden treasure

Give each of your kids an ice block and let them excavate the hidden treasure within! Start by filling half a container with water (plastic cups work well for this). Put the half-full container in the freezer and wait for it to turn solid. Next, add your ‘hidden treasure’. This could be a small toy or a piece of plastic jewellery. Choose something that sinks in water and won’t be ruined if it gets wet. Fill the remaining half of the container with water, covering the treasure. Pop the container back in the freezer and wait for it to freeze.

When your ice blocks are ready, give each child a teaspoon, some room temperature water, and some salt. You could even get creative by adding some food colouring to their water. Ask the kids to spoon the coloured water and salt over the ice. The water will create beautiful patterns as the ice melts and the treasure is slowly revealed.

Musical glasses

First, take a set of matching glasses. Ideally, choose tumblers or something with a steady, wide base. Pour a different amount of water into each glass. Aim to get the water levels staggered between full and almost empty. Next, ask the children to tap gently on the rim of each glass with a wooden spoon. You will find that each glass makes a different sound.

Now, it’s up to your little composers to create a tune from the glasses. This game will work without food colouring but if you have some handy, it makes a nice addition. Colouring each glass will make it easier for the kids to remember their sequences.

Ice chalk

This arty activity can be accomplished with ingredients from your kitchen cupboard! All you need is water, flour, and food colouring. Begin by mixing together 1 part water with 1 part flour. Next add a few drops of food colouring and mix thoroughly until you have an even colour. Now pour the mixture carefully into an ice lolly mould or another suitable container.

Ideally your chalks will be shaped like large, chunky crayons but any shape will work. You could even use a standard ice cube tray. Repeat this several times with different food colourings. Lastly, pop your moulds into the freezer. When the mixture solidifies, you’ll have a set of icy, rainbow pavement chalks.

Ice sculptures

Start by preparing a set of ‘arty ice cubes’. Before you put the trays into the freezer, add glitter, food colouring, sequins, and anything else you can find (these won’t be edible ice cubes). Create as many cubes as you can with the trays you have available. Have the kids standing by with bowls of room temperature water and paintbrushes.

When the ice cubes are ready, pop them out onto a tray. These are now your ‘building blocks’. Show the kids how to ‘glue’ the blocks together using the water and paintbrushes. As the water makes contact with the ice, it will freeze, securing the cubes to one another. See who can build the biggest ice sculpture. This game works best indoors or in the shade – avoid hot sunshine!

We hope you have fun with these DIY games, and always remember: play safe!

[Photo by dhester]