For this video, we have a free kid’s ice sensory play idea! Take toys you already have and freeze them in water. Give the kids a spoon and let them chisel out the toy from the ice. You can do individual toys in a bag or put a bunch together in a bowl. Kids will love getting their toys out and experimenting with different tools and methods. Play this year-round, outdoors, or even inside in a bath during the cold months. This ice sensory play idea gives kids playtime while also helping them use problem-solving skills and a little bit of scientific experimentation. The best part about this sensory play idea is that it’s free!
After Christmas, it was on our agenda to go through and donate a bunch of toys the kids have outgrown or no longer play with. Our basement is a smaller space and while there’s plenty of room to watch a movie or play, there isn’t enough space for hundreds of plastic toys. When we decided to refresh our basement, we wanted to do so without spending much money and without creating more storage for toys. Instead, if the toys didn’t fit into our current storage solutions, off to the donation center they went! Check out our $100 weekend playroom makeover.
If you’re looking to re-organize your playroom or give do a quick playroom makeover, the best thing you can do is to declutter. Decluttering doesn’t cost you anything and you can do it as often as you’d like. While I painted and created a cute mini-playschool in this refresh, decluttering made the most impact.
Step 2: Paint
Our basement was a blue/gray color and since we only have one window down there it made it feel pretty dark. While I love the look of a dark-colored and moody basement, I wanted to brighten ours up. The color I chose is Behr, Cotton Knit. I used it on the walls and the fireplace.
Step 3: Re-Imagine an Unused Nook
We have a little nook in the basement that’s pretty small. We will likely do a storage solution in it one day For now, the kids voted for mini-play school. I used Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint, a table, stools, and a globe we already had to set it up. The only cost here was the paint but it’s a fun new way to use an unused space.
Step 4: Use Your Existing Storage
We already had these six-cube storage organizers (@Amazon) in weathered gray. I also had a set of square wicker baskets @Amazon that go inside. We made a pact to only keep toys that would fit inside these baskets. We used what we already have to organize each basket by theme. A couple of their favorite larger items sit on top and the rest of the floor space is now open to play.
$100 2-Day Basement Playroom Make-Over Before and After Photos
Made by Kids 