Frozen Ice Escape Activity

Frozen Ice Escape: A Cool, Hands-On Activity for Kids

Looking for a fun, low-prep sensory activity that’ll keep your kids busy (and cool) for a while? Let me introduce you to our new favorite game: Frozen Ice Escape—part science experiment, part treasure hunt, and 100% fun.

Here’s how it works:

Grab two bowls and fill them with small toys that can handle a little water and ice—think plastic animals, LEGO minifigs, My Little Ponies, action figures, or any random bits you can find under the couch cushions. Once the toys are in, fill the bowls with water and pop them into the freezer. Let them freeze for a few hours or overnight.

Pro tip: Take them out about 5–10 minutes before playtime so they loosen up just enough to pop out of the bowl molds.

Next, set up your kiddo’s “ice excavation station.” This will get wet—trust me. Lay down a towel or take the whole setup outside if the weather’s nice. Give your kids paintbrushes, small bowls or buckets of warm water, and if you have any, plastic play tools (the more dramatic the better—tiny chisels, spoons, even kid-friendly hammers).

Then let the fun begin. Your kids will love trying to “rescue” their toys trapped inside the frozen blocks, brushing and pouring water like little archaeologists.

Now, full transparency: The first time I did this, I got a little eager and didn’t wait long enough. My Little Ponies and Elsa made their great escape in under five minutes. But I learned my lesson—Cars and the Ninja Turtles went into round two, and this time, I made sure the ice was rock solid. It took serious effort (and a lot more water), but they eventually got their heroes out.

This activity kept them busy for over 30 minutes—no screens, no whining, just focus, creativity, and wet sleeves. We’ll definitely be doing it again!

Have you tried your own version of Frozen Ice Escape? Let me know how it went—or what surprise toy your kid was most excited to rescue