Erupting Ice Chalk for Playtime

Julien K., Hometalk Team
by Julien K., Hometalk Team
4 Materials
$7
10 Minutes
Easy
We had a taste of spring weather here the other day and with mild temperatures, my kids were so excited to get outside and play! I thought it was a perfect time to give this recipe for erupting ice chalk a try. My little ones had a ball watching the colors melt and fizz into one another. Our driveway has never been so colorful (and, it washed away easily). The best part about this budget-friendly chalk recipe? You can create virtually any color you would like! So, have fun with it and let the little ones help you create it too.


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SUPPLIES:


- Baking Soda


- Corn Starch



- Food Coloring or Liquid Watercolor Paint


- Freezer


Step 1: Add 1/4 cup baking soda.


Step 2: Add 1/4 cup corn starch.


Step 3: Add 1/2 cup water.


If you need to add a little more water than this, go ahead. You want to ensure the mixture is able to pour into an ice cube tray without being too thick and chunky.


Step 4: Add your color. Mix well.


I chose to use liquid watercolor, but you can also use food coloring. I'd recommend using something that is washable if you are concerned about staining your hands, clothing, cement, etc.


*Note: The recipe above makes one color at a time. If you'd like to use multiple colors, make separate batches using the same method for each.


Step 5: Pour your colors into an ice cube tray. Place in your freezer.


Step 6: Remove from the freezer.


My batch was ready within 6 hours, but every freezer varies. So, keep checking on it!


Step 7: Pop each piece out of your ice cube tray. And you've got colorful ice chalk ready to play with!


My daughter loved experimenting with blending the colors more than writing with it. The brighter colors were so vibrant when we wrote with them.


We loved piling them on top of each other, and watching them blend into one another. New colors were always being created. It had such a cool fizz effect when they started to melt. Have fun with it and enjoy this activity in warmer temperatures for the full effect.
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 7 questions
  • Lir31785992 Lir31785992 on Jun 03, 2018

    Can these be made ahead of time and kept in a plastic bag in the freezer? We go camping and this would be great forcthe young kids to do!!

  • Julie K Julie K on Jun 04, 2018

    Could you use some liquid dish detergent in the mix to help with the clean up?

  • Chelley Chelley on Aug 22, 2021

    Can you substitute the baking soda?

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