Fourth of July Fun: Shaving Cream “Ice Cream” Sensory Play!
- Gina
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make this fun and festive sensory set-up!
Looking for a creative and mess-friendly way to celebrate Independence Day with little ones?
Dive into the magic of shaving cream ice cream sensory play , a colorful, squishy, and totally patriotic activity that sparks creativity and supports early childhood development.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a playdate, or simply want a fun way to cool off indoors, this red, white, and blue sensory setup is a hit for toddlers and preschoolers alike.
Why We Love It
Hands-on fun that stimulates touch, sight, and even smell!
Encourages imaginative play and language development.
Super simple to set up and budget-friendly.
Easy cleanup (and no sticky sugar highs from real ice cream!).
Learning Through Play:
Fine motor skills: Scooping, squeezing, and swirling all help develop hand strength and coordination.
Color recognition: Talk about the colors of the American flag and how they mix.
Imaginative play: Kids can run their own “ice cream stand,” take customer orders, and role-play different scenarios.
🧼 Cleanup Tips:
Keep wipes or damp cloths nearby.
Play outside or cover your table with a plastic tablecloth or tray.
Use a small tub of warm, soapy water for easy handwashing when play is done.
Are you looking for more ice-cream themed play?
Check these out:
These activities are so fun for summer but can be enjoyed all year long!
Did you know that sensory play activities can be an amazing tool for self-regulation?
They can be so calming for kids (and adults). While their hands are busy scooping, pouring and exploring, they are calming their bodies and their brains.
Sensory play can also be a safe way to release BIG emotions through banging, smashing and squishing!
Materials:
Shaving cream
Red and blue food coloring
Sensory tray or bowls
Spoon
“Toppings” (optional)
Plastic cones or bowls
Scoops
Step 1: Squirt shaving cream into your bowl. Add in 3-5 drops of food coloring and mix well. Add more if you want a darker color.
Step 2: Repeat for any additional colors that you want.
Step 3: Add a bowl of toppings, if you want. I used dry rice from a previous sensory set-up.
Step 4: Add ice cream cones, bowls and scoops and PLAY!
Kids can go in with their scoops or dig in with their hands. It allows for each person to explore based on their own personal sensory boundaries.
Activities like these are amazing for that reason and so many more!!
Is there a way to make this taste-safe?
Try making it with whipped cream topping!
How do you clean it up?
If you are playing outdoors, use a hose for clean-up. If you are playing indoors, scrape what you can into the trash and then rinse with soap and water in the sink.
What age is this recommended for?
Any child who is no longer exploring with their mouths.
What can I use besides food coloring?
Washable paint, luster dust or a tiny bit of liquid watercolors. Be mindful of your clothing and surfaces.
Does food coloring dye their hands?
Depending on how much food coloring you use, there may be a small amount of color transfer. It washes off with soap and water!
Can I leave this set-up for a few days?
Shaving cream is more of a one-time use activity. I leave it out for the day, then clean it up when we are finished playing.
🇺🇸Bonus Idea: Ice Cream Stand Pretend Play
Add a cash register, apron, or pretend menu to extend the activity into a full dramatic play experience. Kids can take turns being the “server” or the “customer” at their very own 4th of July ice cream shop!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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