Melt My Ice Heart Game

Melt My Ice Heart is a simple game that gets teens laughing and moving. It works well at youth group meetings or retreats. It’s messy, active, and full of surprises. But it’s not just fun—it also helps youth think about how they treat each other and how they open up to God.

Sometimes young people build walls around their hearts. They may act tough or distant. This game is a chance to talk about how God can melt a frozen heart. It can also help teens reflect on how they respond to love, kindness, and faith. A frozen heart doesn’t change overnight, but God keeps working.

This game also encourages teamwork. Each group has to work together to melt the ice. They need to communicate, listen, and try new things. That can help them build stronger friendships and learn to trust each other more.

Lastly, it’s just a great way to be silly and have fun together. Games like this help break down barriers. They let youth be themselves and connect in a natural way. Afterward, you can talk about what it means to have a warm, open heart—with each other and with God.

• How to Play
• Printable Instructions
• More Youth Ministry Games

This game can help youth think about how our hearts can grow cold. In the Bible, Pharaoh had a hard heart. He refused to listen to God. Even when signs and wonders came, he stayed stubborn. Sometimes we are like that too. We resist change. We ignore what God is trying to show us. Holding a frozen heart in our hands helps us picture that.

In the Gospels, Jesus met people with frozen hearts. Some were angry. Some were afraid. Some just didn’t want to believe. But Jesus kept loving them. He showed mercy, told stories, and healed the sick. His love had the power to melt even the hardest heart. This game can lead to a talk about how Jesus wants to melt our hearts too.

Teens often deal with stress, sadness, or doubt. They may feel frozen inside. This game gives them a way to laugh and relax. But it can also remind them that God is always working on them. He wants to bring peace, warmth, and joy. A frozen heart doesn’t have to stay that way. God’s love can change everything.

• Large heart-shaped ice molds or 8 oz paper cups (1 per team)
• Towels (1 or 2 per team)
• Access to a freezer
• Optional: stopwatches or timers

Setup Instructions

1. Fill each mold or cup with water and freeze overnight until solid.
2. Remove the ice from the molds. If using paper cups, peel the paper off the frozen ice.
3. You may need to run warm water over the molds or cups to help release the ice.
4. Place a towel or two on the ground for each team. This helps with the melting mess.
5. Divide the group into teams of 3 to 6 players.
6. Give each team one ice heart and one towel area.

How to Play

1. Tell the teams that the goal is to melt their ice heart as fast as they can.
2. They may only use their bodies—no tools, no outside heat.
3. They can hold it in their hands, sit on it, put it under their arms, etc.
4. Set a clear rule: no placing the ice in anyone’s pants or shirt.
5. The first team to melt their ice heart completely wins.
6. You can declare a time limit if needed and judge who has the smallest chunk left.

Notes and Variations

• To make the game harder, use larger molds or freeze small objects inside the ice.
• If the weather is cold, do the game inside on a surface that can get wet.
• If outside in the sun, the game may go faster, which can be fun too.
• Always check for slippery floors. Have paper towels or mops nearby.
• Encourage laughter and creativity—but always keep it safe and respectful.

What is the Melt My Ice Heart game?

The Melt My Ice Heart game is a fun group activity where teams race to melt a large heart-shaped ice cube using only their body heat. It’s a silly but meaningful game for youth ministry.

How many players do you need for the Melt My Ice Heart game?

You can play with any number of players. Divide the group into teams of 3 to 6 people. Each team gets one ice heart to melt.

What materials do I need for the Melt My Ice Heart game?

You need large heart-shaped ice cubes or frozen water in paper cups. You’ll also need towels to soak up the water as the ice melts.

How long does the Melt My Ice Heart game take?

It depends on how cold the ice is and how creative the players are. Most games take about 10 to 20 minutes.

Can we play the Melt My Ice Heart game indoors?

Yes. Just be sure the floor can get wet and isn’t slippery. Put down towels and play on a non-slip surface.

Is the Melt My Ice Heart game safe?

Yes, if you remind players to keep the ice out of their clothes and avoid putting it on their faces. Always supervise the game.

funny at first. But after a while, it gets uncomfortable. That’s a good reminder of how a cold heart can feel—numb, stiff, and closed off.

This game helps teens think about what it takes to let go of that coldness. They see how love, grace, and effort can bring warmth back to the heart. It doesn’t take deep talks or perfect answers. It starts with something as small as a melting heart in their hands.

When youth feel safe, they start to reflect. This silly activity might lead to a real moment of faith. It might help them open up in prayer or reach out to a friend. That’s the beauty of a game like this—fun first, but room for grace to follow.

So let the hearts melt. Let the laughter echo. Let God do the rest.

Give this game a try at your next youth meeting, retreat, or social night. It’s easy to set up, fun to watch, and helps teens think about how God works in our hearts.

We’d love to hear how it goes. Did you add your own twist? Did your teens come up with funny strategies? Share your ideas and notes in the comment section to help others make the game even better.