July Eco-Activity: Ice Fossils

Looking for a fun, sensory-rich activity to beat the heat and spark your child’s imagination? This month at Rutabaga, we’re excited to share one of our favorite summer nature-inspired play ideas: Ice Fossils!

This simple, open-ended activity combines science, sensory play, and problem-solving—plus it’s a total hit on hot days.

What Are Ice Fossils?

Ice fossils are frozen “treasures” your child can excavate using warm water, salt, and whatever kid-friendly tools you have on hand. Just tuck small toys, nature finds, or household objects into containers, fill them with water, and freeze overnight. By morning, you’ve got your very own icy dig site!

How to Make Them:

  1. Grab a few small containers (ice cube trays, yogurt cups, or food storage containers all work great).

  2. Place small toys or objects inside—think dinosaurs, LEGOs, buttons, leaves, or nature finds.

  3. Fill with water and freeze overnight. Add herbs, flower petals, or food coloring for extra sensory flair.

  4. Once frozen, pop the blocks out and set them outside on a towel or tray.

Time to Excavate!

Give your child a set of “excavation tools” to free their treasures from the ice. Try:

  • Spoons

  • Droppers or syringes

  • Warm water in a spray bottle or squeeze bottle

  • Salt (sprinkle it on to melt the ice faster!)

  • Old toothbrushes or play dough tools

Not only is this activity super engaging—it also helps build fine motor skills, patience, and early science concepts like melting and temperature.

Keep It Nature-Inspired

Make your ice fossils feel even more special by freezing items collected during a nature walk or backyard adventure. Acorns, flowers, small stones, or herbs add texture, scent, and a little wonder to the experience.

Let your child lead the way with their imagination—and don’t be afraid to get a little wet in the process! Ice Fossils are a perfect way to cool off, play creatively, and connect with nature, even when you're stuck indoors or on the stoop.

Stay cool and happy excavating!
— The Rutabaga Toy Library Team

Thanks to our friends at The Many Little Joys and Childs Play ABC and Happy Tot Shelf for the pics and inspo- Check out thier blogs for more icy ideas!

Haley Friel