I ordered these Arctic Animals
- Gather your materials. You will need a plastic tub that will fit in your freezer( dollar store !) , a smaller plastic container, something heavy to place in the container ( I used frozen chicken sausage), a freezer and some arctic animals.
- Start by filling your tub part way with water. Do not fill it all the way it will be so heavy and possibly dangerous. Place the smaller container in and weigh it down. This will create a open area for water inside the icy terrain. Freeze.
- Remove the smaller container and fill the open area with water. I filled mine with lukewarm water.
- Add animals and play.
We kept ours low to the ground 
on a stool in the bathroom so spills and splashes could be no biggie ( and also because the light it way better for pictures than in my kitchen). The next few times we played we played in the kitchen on a towel on the floor. -
Talk about which animals stay on land , which live only in the water and which can swim and walk on land.
We talked a bit about predators and prey as well ( especially when her brother joined in the next day). We noticed how the water was so cold even though it was warm-ish when we poured it in and why that was. And most importantly we played and played and played. 
Nicole says
My daughter loves ice play! Thank you for sharing.
Chelsea Stillwell says
What a cute idea!!! Where did you get all your arctic animals?
admin says
They are from Safari here is a link : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GJ5GMW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=notifoflca-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GJ5GMW
ronnie says
This is the cutest idea!!!
jodiej says
Awesome and so simple! thank you! just ordered the animals. Kids are so excited!
Aurora Risdon says
This is such a fun and creative idea. I wish I had thought of this when I was teaching young children with autism. I really think they would have loved it! Happy New Year!
Jen says
Oh my goodness.. awesome! We played with snow inside in small containers with tools the other day and they had a blast. I love the idea of combining learning about artic animals with the ice play. so cool. Thanks for sharing.
Jen 🙂
Jen says
Yeah.. so excited.. just ordered the animals. Thanks for sharing the link!
Jen says
Yeah.. so excited.. just ordered the animals. Thanks for sharing the link!
Kristina says
Genius Allie! I pinned this yesterday but had to come back and let you know how fabulous I thought this is. Maybe we’ll let our princesses go on an adventure to the arctic this afternoon. Water play is always a hit at our house!
admin says
I showed my little girl your Princess bath and we will be doing it asap! We actually made a Princess craft that I will blog about next week.
Susan says
What fun! We did a blubber mitt experiment in icy cold arctic water. This would have made a great addition. Next time we go on an “Arctic Expedition”, we’ll do this. Thanks.
Melissa says
We’ve made space for this bin to be in our freezer semi-permanently since you posted this activity! SO much fun. I’ve shared our experience at: http://tinkerbean.tumblr.com/post/45872891359/the-arctic-and-antarctica
Joyce @Childhood Beckons says
Seriously fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing.
ruth says
First time seeing this, free great idea!
Tiffany says
That’s awesome! How long till the ice melts? I work with autistic children and in a group program which usually lasts 3 hours, will it make it through all 6 of my groups?
Allison McDonald says
If you pop it in the freezer between classes I bet it would be rad.
Penelope says
Thank you for this easy (yet brilliant!!) idea! I did this today with my kids (3.5 and 1.5) and they loved it! My 3.5yo especially enjoyed it. Thank you!!