With my husband home on summer break (from teaching) I am constantly looking for ways to spend a little one on one time with my two and a half year old. I have been searching different blogs and facebook pages (I'm addicted!) for a few free ideas. Yesterday we had a ton of fun playing with ice!

I doesn't get cheaper or easier than this one, and it kept her entertained for over an hour. It was also nice to spend a little time outside without over heating. Saturday night I collected 3 of Tiny's plastic toys, which are constantly laying around the house so this wasn't difficult. I took out some Ziplock plastic containers and put one toy in one container and then two toys in the other. I filled them with water from the tap and popped them in the freezer. I then took three disposable plastic cups, filled with water, added four drops of food coloring, and placed those in the freezer as well.

Sunday as an incentive for her to lay down for her nap, I promised a little suprise Mommy and Tiny time when she woke up, I also added in that we would play outside for it. That got her down to sleep quickly.

After nap I took a large plastic bowl, took the ice out of the containers, and we headed outside while Daddy stayed inside with Teeny.

Tiny had a blast, she was a little nervous and shy of the cold at first, but it took her no time at all to warm up (ha!). She loved throwing the ice to break out the toys and she loved sliding the ice once the ground had a little puddle on it.


Showing her cheesy smile. Yes, she is in a disposable diaper, I wasn't sure if the food coloring in the puddles would stain and I didn't want to ruin a cloth diaper. The food coloring didn't stain, so she will be back to normal next time.


Trying to get all the ice off of her penguin.


I do not reccomend using My Little Ponies or anything else with "hair" it did not break out of the ice well.


This idea was taken from Play at Home Mom - follow her on facebook she is awesome!