Have you had your first summer heat wave yet? The temperatures are rising, the humidity is too, and we’re all getting a little bored with the regular sidewalk chalk and bubbles. We need something new, cheap, fun, and anti-heat.

Here are some gorgeous ways to get your DIY going outside, while keeping cool too. You can build with ice fractals, draw with ice paint, or spelunk with ice egg excavations. So clear out some space in your freezer asap (who needs that freezer-burned chili from last winter, anyway?!) and freeze something tonight – you’ll be all set for tomorrow’s cries of “I’m bored!”

DIY Ice Cube Boats
See the tutorial at Alpha Mom

The most adorable little boats are the easiest to make. I’ve seen them with food-dyed ice too, if you need a little more color in your kiddie pool!

DIY Erupting Ice Chalk
See the tutorial at Learn Play Imagine

I think we may try this project just to capture gorgeous photos like the pic above – what an amazing temporary art project for a sunny afternoon!

DIY Ice Tunnels
See the tutorial at Art and Creativity

There is so much experimentation you can create with a block of ice, paints, and salt. What a gorgeous way to spend a summer afternoon!

DIY Ice Volcanos
See the tutorial at Reading Confetti

For the science lover in all of us, these little volcanos are a sweet surprise– I can’t wait to try these at home with my girl.

DIY Ice Paints
See the tutorial at Growing a Jeweled Rose

Bring your paper and “paints” outside for a super messy activity that’s easy to clean up with the hose. It’s also a great chance for some hilarious photos of the kiddos covered in paint!

DIY Ice Eggs
See the tutorial at A Little Learning for Two

If you want a project that keeps the kids occupied for a long time, hide some new treasures in a big frozen balloon of ice. They’ll be chiseling for hours– well, at least for several minutes!

Pictured at the top of this post: Ice Fractal Sculptures, see the tutorial at Happy Hooligans.