How to Draw an Ice Cube: Easy 9-Step Guide for Kids

This fun, screen-free drawing activity is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. Using just a pencil, eraser, and paper, you will learn how to create a 3D ice cube complete with melting droplets. It is a fantastic way to practice basic geometric shapes and shading techniques.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of a melting ice cube on a white background.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Base

A simple outline of a rounded cube shape drawn with light pencil strokes.

Start by outlining the main body of the cube. Use soft, curved lines for the sides and ensure the corners are rounded. Teacher's Tip: Think of this as a 'puffy' square rather than a sharp one.

Step 2: Defining the Top

Adding a parallelogram to the top of the cube to establish 3D depth.

Add a parallelogram on top to create the cube's lid. Keep the lines slightly curved to maintain that melting, organic feel. Tip: Make sure the corners connect smoothly to the sides.

Step 3: Adding Internal Depth

Drawing internal lines to define the front and side faces of the ice cube.

Draw a curved line to separate the front face from the side. Add smaller curves along the edges to suggest the thickness of the ice. Tip: Use a light touch here to keep the drawing looking transparent.

Step 4: Creating Ice Cracks

Adding jagged, intersecting lines to the ice cube to simulate cracks.

Add intersecting curved lines across the top and corners to represent cracks in the ice. Tip: Don't make them too straight—ice cracks are usually jagged and irregular.

Step 5: Adding Melting Droplets

Drawing small U-shaped water droplets on the surface of the ice cube.

Draw small 'U' shaped lines on the face of the cube to show melting water. Tip: Vary the size of the droplets to make them look more natural.

Step 6: Detailing the Translucency

Adding wavy lines to suggest the transparency of the ice cube.

Draw wavy 'Y' shaped lines across the visible faces. This helps the viewer see through the ice to the back corners. Tip: Keep these lines faint so they don't overpower the main shape.

Step 7: Drawing the Puddle

Drawing a wavy puddle shape around the base of the ice cube.

Draw a long, wavy line around the base of the cube to form a puddle. Tip: Make the puddle uneven to show that the ice is melting in different directions.

Step 8: Refining the Puddle

Refining the edges of the puddle with a continuous wavy line.

Continue the wavy line to complete the puddle's outline. Tip: Use a smooth, flowing motion with your wrist to get that liquid look.

Step 9: Final Touches

Adding final details like small ripples and stray water droplets.

Add ripples around the corners and draw a few separate oval-shaped droplets near the puddle. This adds a sense of movement to your drawing. Tip: Less is more—don't crowd the page with too many droplets!

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

A finished, colored drawing of a melting ice cube with blue highlights.

Color your ice cube using light blues, whites, or leave it clear. Tip: Use a darker blue for the edges to make the ice look thick and cold.