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Ice Skating Penguin Sensory Activity

Your kids will LOVE playing with this ice skating penguin sensory activity! It is so easy to set up and will provide endless hours of sensory play during the winter season.

I just made my kids a penguin sensory bin and they had so much fun playing with it. But then this ice skating penguin sensory play idea popped into my mind, I knew I had to create this one too.

And it was so worth it. This is probably one of my kids favorite winter sensory activity so far! Plus, it took me less than five minutes to set it up.

This engaging and imaginative activity combines sensory exploration with creative storytelling, perfect for chilly days indoors.

Here is how to set up this ice skating penguin activity for your kids today, along with the benefits they will get from playing with it.

ice skating penguin sensory bin all set up

Benefits of a Penguin Ice Skating Sensory Activity

Here are just a few of the benefits your toddler will get while playing with this fun winter sensory play:

  1. Imaginative Play: Toddlers will love guiding their penguin figurines across an icy surface, creating stories and scenarios.
  2. Sensory Stimulation: The cold, slippery ice and smooth figurines provide a multi-sensory experience.
  3. Motor Skill Development: Maneuvering penguins across the “ice rink” strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  4. STEM Learning: Introduce basic science concepts like freezing, melting, and friction during play. It was one of our favorite winter STEM activities we’ve done too!
Penguin Ice Skating Sensory Activity (2)

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How to Set Up the Ice Skating Penguin Sensory Activity

Here is all you need to get started with this ice skating sensory play idea:

supplies needed for penguin ice skating

Instructions

The night before the activity, fill the ice tray halfway with water.

Stand the penguins in the tray cups. Once they are all standing, carefully put the tray into the freezer so none fall over.

The next day, when the penguins are frozen in place, remove them from the tray and place them in a bin with trees.

Then let your kids play and have fun!

kid playing with ice penguins

Play Suggestions

  • Encourage kids to have the penguins skate around while avoiding the trees.
  • Set up a game to have the penguin race. Place an object under one side of the bin to make a slope that they can slide down and race.
  • Start a discussion about how the ice feels and how the ice is slowly melting.
  • Encourage your toddler to create a story about the penguins’ ice skating adventures and share it with you!
  • Let kids decorate the edges of the rink with winter-themed stickers or markers.
long view of ice skating penguins

Ways to Expand Play

A Penguin Ice Skating Sensory Activity is not only fun but also opens the door to creative extensions for even more engaging play. Here are some ideas:

Add Snow Elements

Sprinkle artificial snow, cotton balls, or shaving cream around the ice rink to create a snowy landscape.

Learning Opportunity: Encourage sensory exploration with different textures while building a winter wonderland.

Create an Obstacle Course

Add small blocks, figurines, or other objects to create an obstacle course for the penguins to navigate.

Learning Opportunity: Foster problem-solving and storytelling as toddlers guide penguins through the course.

Penguin Races

Use straws to blow air and “race” the penguins across the ice rink.

Learning Opportunity: Introduce concepts like force and motion in a playful way.

Ice Painting

Add a few drops of food coloring to the ice and let toddlers paint the ice rink with brushes or their hands.

Learning Opportunity: Explore color mixing and creativity while engaging with the sensory elements of ice.

Warm Water Play

Add a bowl of warm water and encourage your toddler to experiment with melting small ice cubes or warming the penguins.

Learning Opportunity: Teach about temperature differences and cause-and-effect relationships.

These activities not only enhance the sensory experience but also introduce science, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They’ll keep your toddler entertained while they learn through play!

Final Thoughts

This sensory activity is quick to set up, reusable, and sparks creativity while subtly teaching science concepts. It’s perfect for encouraging independent play or sharing a bonding moment with your child.

So get some penguins, freeze them in ice, and have it ready to go tomorrow for your toddlers! You won’t regret it!

Check out these other Christmas activities for toddlers:

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