Frozen Castle Painting: Simple Sensory Fun

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to create this simple frozen painting activity!

I know what you’re thinking…WHY?!

I don’t blame you, but I promise you’ll be a believer once I explain it to you!!

This is made from a sand castle bucket I bought at the dollar store. All you have to do is put in the freezer filled with water. I freeze it over night to make sure it’s completely frozen.

Once it is solid, run it under warm water to loosen it and then tip it over onto a sensory bin. I added in a bowl of water, watercolor paints and a paintbrush.

Instinct activity!

So, why do you ask? Great question!

Frozen activities are fun, engaging and unexpected- this makes them novel for kids! Painting on paper…we have done that! Painting on ice- that’s new and exciting and unique!

While they paint, they will be exposed to and work on a TON of skills.

• Fine motor skills

• Creativity

• Problem solving

• Color identification

• Temperature

• Cause and effect

They also have so many language opportunities. They can ask and answer questions such as:

What happens to the paint as the ice melts?

What happens when the colors mix together?

What is happening to the water in the bowl?

Talk about stories, movies or shows with castles in them. Talk about going to the beach and building sand castles. Talk about the swirls and the colors and the melting ice!

So much learning and exploring happening, all through play!

Want to see this same activity with the alphabet?! Check it out HERE!

If you don’t have a castle mold, that’s OK! It’s just as fun with regular ice cubes, or freezing water in a bowl!

Want to extend your learning even more?! Check out our fizzy ice castle HERE!

To help contain the mess, put butcher paper or anold towel underneath the bowl or bin. You could also take this outside on a warm day!

It’s such a fun way to get outside and get some fresh air! It can also be super calming for kids (and adults!) Painting, or any kind of sensory activity/craft can help to regulate our bodies and brains!

You’re done painting…now what?!

If there is still an ice castle left, you can rinse it off and put it back in the freezer for next time!

All done with it? Melt it and toss it!

You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children for safety.