How To Make A Soap Hockey Rink: A Fun DIY Project For Kids


Sharing is Caring


Ice hockey is a beloved sport in many countries, and it can be a fun activity for children of all ages. If your child is an avid hockey fan, they may love having their very own hockey rink to play with at home. However, creating a traditional rink in your backyard can be costly and time-consuming. That’s why we’ve come up with a fun alternative: a DIY soap hockey rink! In this article, we will show you how to make a soap hockey rink that your child will love, using just a few materials that you probably already have at home.

Before we get started, let’s talk about what you’ll need. You’ll need a few simple materials, including a plastic container, some soap, and a few other supplies. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a soap hockey rink before – this project is easy and fun for both kids and adults. Let’s get started!

By the end of this article, you’ll have a step-by-step guide to making your own soap hockey rink. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun activity to do with your child or a teacher looking for a creative project for your students, this DIY soap hockey rink is sure to be a hit. So grab your materials, put on your creative hat, and let’s get started!

Gather Your Materials

If you’re looking for a fun DIY project to do with your kids, creating a soap hockey rink is a great choice. To get started, you’ll need a few key materials. First, you’ll need a large container to serve as the base of your rink. A plastic bin or tray works well for this. Next, you’ll need some soap – this will be used to create the surface of your rink.

Other essential items include a measuring cup, a mixing spoon or spatula, food coloring, and any additional decorative items you may want to use to make your rink unique. For example, you could add small plastic hockey players or trees to create a winter scene.

Once you have your materials, you’re ready to get started. Creating a soap hockey rink is a simple and fun process that you and your kids will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time together while also getting creative.

Now that you have an idea of what you’ll need to create your soap hockey rink, it’s time to start gathering your materials. Once you have everything you need, you can move on to the next steps of the process.

Find a suitable container

  1. Select a container that will be big enough to accommodate the size of the hockey rink you want to create. A plastic storage container or a baking dish works well for this purpose.

  2. Ensure that the container has straight sides and is at least 2 inches deep to prevent the soap from spilling over the edges of the container while you’re creating your rink.

  3. Wash the container thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Dry it completely before you start building your soap hockey rink.

  4. If you want to make a larger rink, you can use multiple containers and connect them together to create a bigger surface. Just make sure that they are the same height and width, and that they fit snugly together.

  5. You can also get creative and use unconventional containers to create unique rink shapes. Just make sure that they are sturdy enough to support the weight of the soap and water.

  6. Consider using a mold to create a custom shape for your rink. Silicone molds are a good option as they are flexible and easy to work with. You can find them in various shapes and sizes online or at a craft store.

Once you have found a suitable container, you’re ready to move on to the next step of creating your soap hockey rink.

Gather small hockey sticks and a puck

  • Search for miniature hockey sticks: Visit your local sports store to purchase miniature hockey sticks. They can also be found online or at toy stores.
  • Make your own sticks: If you can’t find small hockey sticks, you can make your own using craft materials like popsicle sticks or cardboard.
  • Get a small puck: Purchase a small puck that will fit within your container. If you can’t find a small puck, you can also make your own using materials like foam or cardboard.
  • Consider alternative options: If you can’t find small hockey sticks or a puck, consider using other small items like straws and cotton balls as sticks and a ball.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials for your soap hockey rink, you are ready to start building. Follow the next steps to create your soap hockey rink and get ready for some fun!

Fill the container with soap

Now it’s time to fill your container with soap. Choose a soap that will create a solid surface for your hockey rink. Clear glycerin soap works best, but you can use any soap that hardens when it cools. Cut the soap into small pieces and melt it in the microwave or on a stove top using a double boiler.

Add color and scent to your soap if you want to make your hockey rink more interesting. You can add a few drops of food coloring and essential oils to the melted soap before pouring it into the container. Stir well to ensure that the coloring and scent are evenly distributed throughout the soap.

Pour the melted soap into the container and let it cool and harden. The soap should be about 1 inch thick. You can speed up the process by placing the container in the fridge or freezer, but make sure it’s level.

Trim any excess soap from the edges of the container. You can use a sharp knife to cut the soap flush with the edge of the container or leave a little bit of soap above the rim to make it easier to attach the boards later.

Choose The Right Soap

When it comes to making a soap hockey rink, choosing the right soap is crucial. Look for a clear, glycerin-based soap for best results. Avoid opaque or milky soaps as they tend to dry out quickly and can be harder to work with. You can also use a melt and pour soap base which is readily available in craft stores and online.

Another important consideration is the color of the soap. A clear or blue soap is ideal for creating a rink-like effect. Adding a drop or two of blue food coloring to the soap mixture can also help achieve a more realistic look.

It’s also a good idea to choose a soap that is fragrance-free or has a mild scent. This will prevent the soap from overwhelming the room with its smell and make it more enjoyable for everyone to play with.

Remember, the soap you choose will ultimately determine the success of your soap hockey rink. Take your time to choose the right one and your kids will have hours of fun playing with it.

Use clear or white soap

When choosing the soap for your hockey rink, clear or white soap is the best option. This is because colored soap can stain your hands, clothes, and any other surfaces it comes into contact with.

Clear or white soap is also easier to dye if you want to add color to your rink. Colored soap can be difficult to dye and may not give you the desired color you want.

Another benefit of using clear or white soap is that it allows you to see the hockey sticks and puck more clearly, making it easier to play the game.

Creating The Rink Surface

Step 1: Cut the soap into small pieces using a knife or grater. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to melt the soap.

Step 2: Place the soap pieces in a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until the soap is completely melted.

Step 3: Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the melted soap and stir until the color is evenly distributed. Use more or less coloring to achieve your desired shade of blue.

Step 4: Pour the melted soap into the container, filling it to a depth of about 1 inch. Smooth out the surface with a spatula or spoon and allow the soap to harden completely before proceeding to the next step.

Let the soap cool and harden

Once you have poured the melted soap into the container and added any additional decorations or colors, allow the soap to cool and harden completely. This process can take several hours, so be patient and resist the urge to touch or play with the soap before it has fully hardened.

Once the soap has hardened, carefully remove it from the container. If the soap is still soft or not fully hardened, it may break apart when you try to remove it.

Once you have successfully removed the soap from the container, it is time to start creating the hockey rink surface. Use a knife or cheese grater to create a rough surface on the top of the soap. This will create the perfect surface for playing hockey with your small sticks and puck.

Score the surface with a knife to create a rough texture

To make the rink surface more realistic, score the surface of the soap with a sharp knife. Make long lines across the surface of the soap to create a rough texture, similar to ice. Be careful not to cut too deep and damage the container.

Creating a rough texture on the soap will help the puck slide more smoothly and make the game more realistic. The rough texture will also help prevent the puck from bouncing too much, making it easier to control.

After scoring the surface, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess soap shavings. This will make it easier to slide the puck across the surface of the soap without any obstructions.

Constructing The Boards

Measure and Cut: To create the boards, measure and cut the wooden planks to the desired length and height.

Attach the Boards: Using a drill and screws, attach the planks together to form the rectangular shape of the rink. Ensure the boards are sturdy and secure.

Add Bracing: To add support and stability to the boards, attach diagonal wooden braces to the corners and sides of the frame using screws.

Use pretzel sticks to create the boards

Pretzel sticks are a simple and inexpensive way to create the boards for your homemade hockey rink. First, decide how tall you want your boards to be and cut the pretzel sticks to the appropriate length. Then, use frosting or melted chocolate to glue the pretzel sticks together in a rectangular shape.

Be sure to create corner pieces by cutting the pretzel sticks at a 45-degree angle and using them to form a neat corner. You can also use pretzel rods to add height to the boards and create a more realistic look.

Once your boards are assembled, let the frosting or chocolate harden completely before attaching them to the rink surface. You can use more frosting or chocolate to attach the boards to the surface or use toothpicks to secure them in place.

Attach the boards to the container with hot glue

Once you have your pretzel stick boards ready, it’s time to attach them to the container. To do this, you’ll need a hot glue gun and some glue sticks. Make sure the container is clean and dry before starting. Apply a thin line of hot glue to the bottom edge of one of the boards and quickly press it against the side of the container. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets. Repeat this process for all four sides.

Make sure that the boards are attached securely and evenly. You don’t want them to be crooked or wobbly. If you notice any gaps or unevenness, you can fill them in with a little more hot glue and smooth it out with your finger.

Let the glue dry completely before moving on to the next step. This may take a few minutes depending on how much glue you used. Once the glue is dry, your boards should be firmly attached to the container and ready for the next step!

Adding The Finishing Touches

Step 1: Fill the rink with water and allow it to freeze completely. This may take several hours or overnight depending on the temperature.

Step 2: Use a snow blower or shovel to clear any snow from the surface of the rink before each use.

Step 3: Install outdoor lighting or use portable floodlights to illuminate the rink for nighttime skating.

Create a center ice circle using food coloring

To add some authenticity to your DIY hockey rink, create a center ice circle using food coloring. Use a ruler to measure the center point of your rink, then trace a circle around it using a pencil and a piece of string.

Once you have the circle drawn, fill it in with blue food coloring. If you want to get fancy, you can add white food coloring to create a more textured look.

Let the food coloring dry completely before using the rink. Once it’s dry, you can add some finishing touches, such as player figurines or mini nets.

Enjoy Your Soap Hockey Rink!

Congratulations, you have successfully created your own soap hockey rink! With just a few simple steps, you can now enjoy hours of fun playing mini-hockey games with friends and family.

Remember to keep your rink clean by washing it regularly with clear or white soap and warm water. You can also add some fun decorations to your rink to make it more personalized.

We hope you have enjoyed this DIY project and that it has inspired you to get creative and make more fun and unique creations at home.

Use the hockey sticks and puck to play a game

Now that your soap hockey rink is complete, it’s time to play a game! Take the hockey sticks and puck and get ready to face off against your opponent.

The game can be played just like a regular game of hockey, but with soap sticks and a soap puck. The goal is to score more goals than your opponent.

Remember to be careful while playing, as the soap surface can become slippery. It’s also a good idea to have a towel handy in case of any spills or messes.

Rinse off the soap to reuse the container

Once you are done playing with your soap hockey rink, you can rinse off the soap and reuse the container for other purposes. This is a great way to reduce waste and get the most out of your materials.

First, use warm water to rinse off the excess soap from the container. Then, use a sponge or cloth to clean the container thoroughly. Make sure to remove any remaining soap residue.

Once the container is clean, you can dry it and use it for storage, planting, or any other creative idea you may have. It’s a great way to repurpose materials and reduce your environmental footprint.

Experiment with different colors and designs for the rink surface

One of the great things about making your own soap hockey rink is that you can get creative with the design. Try using different food coloring combinations to make unique rink surfaces.

You can also experiment with adding different textures to the surface of the soap to make it more realistic. For example, you could try adding a layer of coconut flakes to create a snow-like texture on the surface.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things! The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your own soap hockey rink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do I need to make a soap hockey rink?

To make a soap hockey rink, you will need a container, pretzel sticks, blue soap dye, a hockey puck, hockey sticks, hot glue, and food coloring.

How do I construct the boards for the soap hockey rink?

To construct the boards, you will need to break the pretzel sticks into small pieces and glue them to the inside of the container. Then, you will need to melt the soap and mix in the blue dye. Pour the soap into the container and let it harden.

What are the steps to create a center ice circle for the soap hockey rink?

To create the center ice circle, you will need to mix food coloring with water and pour it into a small bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the soap rink and let it harden. Once it has hardened, carefully remove the bowl.

How do I play a game on the soap hockey rink?

To play a game on the soap hockey rink, use the hockey sticks to push the puck around the rink. The boards will keep the puck in play. Be careful not to hit the boards too hard, or they may break.

Can I reuse the container after making the soap hockey rink?

Yes, you can reuse the container after making the soap hockey rink. Rinse it out thoroughly to remove any soap residue, and it will be ready for use again.

Craving More Content?

Ice Hockey Central