If you have some pretty cold temperatures outside or are stuck in the Polar Vortex, how about you try these easy-to-make ice lanterns! A fun winter activity the kids will love to do and it doesn’t require much time except for the freezing part! Also, explore some simple science with states of matter. Winter science and play combine with a bit of art for a cool effect!
EASY TO MAKE ICE LANTERNS FOR WINTER
WINTER ACTIVITIES WITH ICE
Make these easy ice lanterns for a fun winter activity to do with the kids. Of course, it will be prettier with a snowy canvas to spread them out on, but as long as you have cold temperatures outside, they will be just fine! There’s plenty for kids to do in this Polar Vortex!
And if you don’t have cold temperatures, well ice lanterns are still fun to make. These make a great addition to your winter solstice activities as well.
Make sure kids explore states of matter while they set up their DIY ice lanterns too!
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WINTER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
We love science you can do in any kind of weather, so for winter, we offer both snow and non-snow activities! Whether you have plenty of the white stuff outside, are stuck in a Polar Vortex, or live somewhere hot and sunny, you WILL find winter science you can try right here!
These winter science experiments are great for preschoolers through to early elementary grades! Check out some of our favorite winter science activities below:
BUILD ICE LANTERNS
SUPPLIES:
- Large balloons
- Food coloring
- LED battery flicker lights
ICE LANTERN SET UP
STEP 1. You can get started by adding about 4 drops of a different color liquid food coloring to each balloon. Alternatively, you can mix water and food coloring in a pourable container.
STEP 2. Carefully fill your balloons about 1/3 way full with water from your faucet.
TIP: You want to carefully remove the balloon from the faucet so the food coloring and water don’t splash around.
Now if you have some extra balloons, I know your kids will love making these icy dinosaur eggs. MUST try!
STEP 3. Tie off the balloons and set them outside in the snow to freeze overnight. Or you can stick them in your freezer!
STEP 4. Once your water balloons are frozen, carefully remove the balloon from the frozen ice. Have your kids dig small little holes along the sidewalk/path or around the yard and set your lights in the snow with an ice lantern on top.
Watch them glow!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND ICE LANTERNS
Water exists in three states of matter. Water is, of course, a liquid, snow and ice are solids, and water vapor is a gas! Water and ice also are also a great example of reversible change. Water can change to ice and back again without the chemical composition being affected.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Walking Water Experiment
Make sure to get the kids outside to test out their lanterns! These would be fun to have out for an after-dark party!
SIMPLE TO MAKE ICE LANTERNS FOR COLD WEATHER FUN!
Click here or the photo below for more great winter science ideas to try indoors or outdoors this season!
BONUS WINTER IDEAS
