A new year is the perfect time to spark curiosity with hands-on learning through play. Sensory experiences invite children to explore, experiment, and create in joyful ways.
This month, Baby Bloomers is exploring Arctic Adventures, encouraging our youngest learners to discover the world through touch and movement. Sensory play supports early development while giving caregivers simple ways to connect and explore alongside their little ones.
To bring some of that sensory fun home, try this cool winter-inspired activity together.
At Home Activity: Ice Sculptures
Create your own chilly constructions using simple kitchen supplies! This activity blends sensory play, creativity, and early engineering as children experiment with ice, color, and balance to build unique sculptures.
Materials
- Ice Cube Molds
- Food Coloring
- Salt
- Spray Bottle (with warm water)
- Large Plate, Bowl, or Tray
- Tongs
Steps
- Freeze water with drops of food coloring until fully hardened.
- Place ice cubes on a plate, bowl, or tray to begin exploring.
- Use hands or tongs to pick up and move the ice cubes.
- Experiment by using salt and warm water to melt part of an ice cube, then hold another ice cube on top for 15 – 20 seconds until they stick together.
- Continue stacking to build unique creations, problem-solve when towers fall, and observe how colors mix together as the ice melts.
As children build ice sculptures, they’re exploring big ideas through play. They experiment with science by observing melting and temperature changes, practice engineering as they balance and stack structures, and build fine motor skills through grasping and placing ice cubes. Open-ended activities like this encourage creativity and problem-solving through playful discovery.
Looking to keep the sensory exploration going all year? Thinkery Members receive discounted access to programs like Baby Bloomers, plus unlimited visits and hands-on learning experiences for every season.
