This one is cool... literally! Ice painting turns frozen water and food coloring into a vibrant sensory experience that feels like magic.

Little ones “paint” by sliding or dabbing colorful ice cubes onto thick paper or printable coloring sheets. As the ice melts, it leaves watercolor trails and blends that are downright beautiful.

It’s a calm, absorbing activity that also gives kids a full sensory workout: it’s cold, it’s colorful, it’s full of surprises.

Bonus: You can prep the ice weeks in advance and keep it in your freezer - ready to pull out when the day needs a little color.

What You’ll Need:

• Ice cube tray (or silicone mold)

• Water

• Food coloring (or washable liquid watercolors)

• Popsicle sticks (or cut-down craft sticks)

• White cardstock, watercolor paper, or printable coloring sheets

• Rimmed tray or cookie sheet (for mess containment)

• Old tablecloth or drop cloth

• Optional: droppers, paper towels, aprons, pipettes, flour/cornstarch

Caregiver Corner:

• Prep ahead! Mix the colored water and freeze into cubes with sticks - these will last weeks in the freezer, so it’s great to do in batches.

• If using printable coloring sheets from the Calm Countdown pack, try printing on thicker paper and in a tray to catch any excess water.

• Add ½ tsp of flour or cornstarch to the water before freezing for more vivid color results.

• Set everything up before the kids arrive. This activity is best done in a contained area like a tray or outside. (Or even in an empty bathtub!)

Directions:

1. Make your paint cubes. Fill the tray with water and stir in a few drops of food coloring per cube. If you want bolder colors, go generous. Add a craft stick into each section and freeze solid—overnight is best.

2. Set the stage. Place your printed card or blank paper on a rimmed tray like a baking tray. This will catch the melting water. Add a cloth under your surface if indoors.

3. Paint with ice! Let the cubes sit out for 3–5 minutes so they soften slightly. Then hand them over to your child and let the melting magic begin. They can swipe, press, or dab color across the paper. Watch as colors blend like watercolors!

4. Extend the play. Use droppers or pipettes to add extra water and help the ice melt faster. Talk about the colors blending, or point out shapes they’re “coloring in.” If the paper gets too wet, gently blot with a towel or switch to a fresh sheet.

5. Let dry. Once the artwork is done, lay the paper flat to dry. The colors will set as soft, dreamy blends—perfect for hanging up or gifting.

Bonus: 

Does cornstarch boost color in ice painting?

Yes. Adding a tiny bit of cornstarch (or flour) slightly thickens the water mixture. This helps the melting paint:
→ sit on the surface instead of running everywhere
→ carry more pigment
→ create richer, more watercolor-like trails

This is a common preschool-art hack and widely used.

Correct amount (based on best practice):

→ ½ teaspoon per ½ cup (120 ml) of water
OR
→ A pinch in each cube section (not precise, but works fine for parents)

Most ice cube trays hold about 12 cubes, and a full tray usually uses ½–1 cup of water total.

So ½ tsp per ½ cup is a safe, accurate direction.

Tips:

• Draw over in sections with a white crayon or candle. The area will be void of any color and make a magical artwork kids love!

• Store leftover cubes in a zip-top bag and refreeze - one mom used the same set for three painting sessions.

• Try the mess-free version: seal a coloring sheet and a few drops of color inside a ziplock freezer bag. Tape it down and let your toddler squish and smear without any cleanup!

• Let them explore: they’ll likely touch, squish, and giggle. Yes, fingers may get stained - but it’s all part of the fun (and it washes off!).

Why It’s Worth It: This is creative magic in a tray. Kids get sensory input (cold, wet, colorful) while building fine motor skills and experimenting with color. It’s calming, low-pressure art, and the process is just as rewarding as the final result. And not only can the ice can be prepped far in advance, it can also be stored for months for repeated use.

Before you go…

Grab the free Christmas Coloring Cards we made for you — and enjoy a fun craft and bonding session with your little ones this holiday season!

Follow this link here to download this freebie now!