Cool Summer Play Ideas for Under 5s: Keep Little Ones Happy and Safe in the Heat

When temperatures rise, it can be a challenge to keep little ones cool, engaged, and safe.

But hot weather is also the perfect excuse to get creative with refreshing, sensory-rich play activities that support learning and development — all while helping children beat the heat.

Let's jump straight into cool summer play ideas for under 5s!

1. Ice Cube Painting

A sensory and creative activity that introduces colour mixing and fine motor control.

You Will Need:

• Ice cube tray

• Water

• Food colouring or washable paint

• Craft sticks or toothpicks

• Paper (cardstock works best)

  
  

Method:

1. Mix water with a few drops of food colouring or paint and pour into the tray.

2. Add sticks into each compartment and freeze overnight.

3. Once frozen, pop them out and let children "paint" with the melting cubes on paper.

Developmental Benefits:

• Encourages fine motor development through grip and hand control

• Introduces colour theory and mixing

• Supports early mark-making and creativity

  
  

2. Frozen Toy Rescue

A great way to encourage problem-solving, coordination, and fine motor strength.

You Will Need:

• Small plastic toys (animals, dinosaurs, vehicles)

• Plastic containers or muffin tins

• Water

• Optional: Salt, warm water in droppers or spray bottles, toy hammers etc.

Method:

1. Freeze toys in containers of water.

2. Give children tools to “rescue” the toys from the ice — try warm water, salt, or plastic spoons.

3. Talk about how the ice melts and changes state.

Developmental Benefits:

• Builds problem-solving and logical thinking

• Strengthens hand muscles and coordination

• Introduces basic science concepts like states of matter

  
  

3. Citrus & Herb Water Play

Engages the senses with scent, texture, and colour, and supports role play and motor skills.

You Will Need:

• Sliced lemons & oranges

• Herbs

• Large tray or shallow tub

• Water

• Cups, jugs, whisks, and spoons

  
  

Method:

1. Fill the tub with cool water and float citrus slices and herbs on top.

2. Let children scoop, pour, squeeze, and stir.

3. Chat about smells, floating/sinking, and colour changes.

Developmental Benefits:

• Boosts sensory exploration through smell, touch, and sight

• Encourages early maths (volume, capacity, cause & effect)

• Supports role play, language development, and motor control

  
  

4. Ice Lolly Role Play

Perfect for imaginative play and early numeracy and language skills.

You Will Need:

• Real or pretend ice lollies (or use playdough and lolly sticks)

• Toy till, menu boards or signs (or use a calculator and cardboard for a DIY till)

• Aprons and hats for roleplay

Method:

1. Set up an ‘ice lolly shop’ outdoors or in a shady corner.

2. Encourage children to take turns being the shopkeeper and customers.

3. Support with counting, turn-taking, and using ‘shop’ vocabulary.

   
   

Developmental Benefits:

• Enhances social interaction and imaginative play

• Supports counting, number recognition and turn-taking

• Encourages communication and role play language

  
  

5. Nature Soup

A sensory exploration that supports creativity, schema play and descriptive language.

You Will Need:

• Bowls or tubs of water

• Natural bits – flower petals, leaves, herbs, sticks etc.

• Ladles, scoops, and spoons

Method:

1. Fill containers with water and invite children to add their nature-based ingredients.

2. Stir, mix, scoop and serve their ‘soups’.

3. Talk about smells, colours, and textures as they play.

Developmental Benefits:

• Supports sensory development and schema play (transporting, mixing, combining)

• Boosts descriptive language and storytelling

• Encourages independent, imaginative thinking

Final Note:

Always supervise water play and provide plenty of shade, sunscreen, and water. Keep a cool, damp cloth nearby and take regular breaks inside.

Playful learning doesn’t stop in summer — it just gets a little more splashy!

Check out our other guides to summertime

Nature Play in Summer: Why it's Worth the Mess - click here to read the guide.

Looking after your little one during the heatwave - click here to read the guide.

Sun Safety for Under 5s - click here to read the guide.

7 activities to keep your little one cool this summer - click here to read the guide.

Safe Sleep During Summer - click here to read the guide.