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How to Set Up And Play Don't Break the Ice?

Published on
5 min read
How to Set Up And Play Don't Break the Ice? image

Best Ice Breaker Games to Buy in October 2025

1 Hasbro® Don’t Break The Ice Game

Hasbro® Don’t Break The Ice Game

  • EXCITING PRESCHOOL GAME WHERE KIDS HELP PHILLIP THE PENGUIN!
  • FAMILY FUN FOR AGES 3+, KIDS KEEP PENGUIN ON TOP OF FALLING ICE!
  • PERFECT GIFT FOR KIDS; CLASSIC GAMES FOR MEMORABLE FAMILY NIGHTS!
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$9.99 $16.99
Save 41%
Hasbro® Don’t Break The Ice Game
2 BestSelf Icebreaker Card Deck – 170 Conversation Starters to Spark Meaningful Connections | Ice Breaker Game for Adults, Friends & Couples | Date Night, Team Building & Family Card Game

BestSelf Icebreaker Card Deck – 170 Conversation Starters to Spark Meaningful Connections | Ice Breaker Game for Adults, Friends & Couples | Date Night, Team Building & Family Card Game

  • SPARK AUTHENTIC DIALOGUES: 170 PSYCHOLOGY-BACKED QUESTIONS FOR DEEPER CONNECTIONS.

  • VERSATILE ENGAGEMENT: PERFECT FOR ALL SETTINGS-GAME NIGHTS, GATHERINGS, OR MEETINGS.

  • THOUGHTFUL GIFT CHOICE: IDEAL FOR ANY OCCASION, ENHANCING RELATIONSHIPS AND FUN!

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BestSelf Icebreaker Card Deck – 170 Conversation Starters to Spark Meaningful Connections | Ice Breaker Game for Adults, Friends & Couples | Date Night, Team Building & Family Card Game
3 TableTopics Original Conversation Starter Cards for Adults to Break The Ice with 135 Questions for Parties, Gatherings, Small Groups, & Team-Building

TableTopics Original Conversation Starter Cards for Adults to Break The Ice with 135 Questions for Parties, Gatherings, Small Groups, & Team-Building

  • SPARK LIVELY DISCUSSIONS ANYWHERE: PERFECT FOR ANY SOCIAL SETTING OR EVENT.

  • UNIQUE GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: IDEAL FOR HOSTS, BIRTHDAYS, AND HOLIDAYS.

  • FOSTER CONNECTIONS WITH ENGAGING QUESTIONS: BUILDS INCLUSIVITY AND CLOSENESS.

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$17.49
TableTopics Original Conversation Starter Cards for Adults to Break The Ice with 135 Questions for Parties, Gatherings, Small Groups, & Team-Building
4 NORTH AMERICAN WEEKEND Icebreaker Questions Tumbling Tower Game™ - 54 Fun Conversation Starters - Family and Friends Party - Team-Building, Corporate, Get to Know You

NORTH AMERICAN WEEKEND Icebreaker Questions Tumbling Tower Game™ - 54 Fun Conversation Starters - Family and Friends Party - Team-Building, Corporate, Get to Know You

  • ENGAGE & ENTERTAIN: PERFECT BLEND OF HUMOR AND DEEP DISCUSSIONS!

  • UNIQUE 54-BLOCK DESIGN: NO REPEATS ENSURES FRESH FUN EVERY GAME!

  • VERSATILE & FAMILY-FRIENDLY: IDEAL FOR ANY OCCASION, FOR ALL AGES!

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$39.99
NORTH AMERICAN WEEKEND Icebreaker Questions Tumbling Tower Game™ - 54 Fun Conversation Starters - Family and Friends Party - Team-Building, Corporate, Get to Know You
5 QUOKKA Icebreaker Cards with 500+ Questions - Adults Kids Family Conversation Cards Game - Break The Ice Family Game for Kids 8-12 - Perfect for Family or Adults Game Night I Travel Version

QUOKKA Icebreaker Cards with 500+ Questions - Adults Kids Family Conversation Cards Game - Break The Ice Family Game for Kids 8-12 - Perfect for Family or Adults Game Night I Travel Version

  • 95 ENGAGING CARDS: 500+ FUN QUESTIONS TO SPARK LIVELY CONVERSATIONS!
  • EASY & INCLUSIVE: SIMPLE RULES REDUCE SOCIAL ANXIETY FOR EVERYONE.
  • FAST-PACED FUN: KEEPS ALL AGES ENTERTAINED WITHOUT BOREDOM!
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QUOKKA Icebreaker Cards with 500+ Questions - Adults Kids Family Conversation Cards Game - Break The Ice Family Game for Kids 8-12 - Perfect for Family or Adults Game Night I Travel Version
6 We! Connect Cards – Conversation Starter Game for Team Building, Office Icebreakers, and Adult Group Activities – Designed for Work, Employee Connections, and Engagement – Featured by TEDx 60 Cards

We! Connect Cards – Conversation Starter Game for Team Building, Office Icebreakers, and Adult Group Activities – Designed for Work, Employee Connections, and Engagement – Featured by TEDx 60 Cards

  • BUILD TRUST THROUGH INTERACTIVE EXERCISES AND CONVERSATION CARDS.
  • 60 COLOR-CODED CARDS SPARK MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE IN ANY SETTING.
  • TRANSFORM MEETINGS WITH ENGAGING ACTIVITIES AND VIDEO TUTORIALS.
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$29.95
We! Connect Cards – Conversation Starter Game for Team Building, Office Icebreakers, and Adult Group Activities – Designed for Work, Employee Connections, and Engagement – Featured by TEDx 60 Cards
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ONE MORE?

To set up and play Don't Break the Ice, first lay out the game board on a flat surface. Insert all the ice blocks into the tray so they form a solid sheet of ice. Each player takes turns using the ice pick to tap out one ice block at a time without causing the penguin figure to fall through the ice. The game continues until the penguin falls through the ice, and the player who caused the penguin to fall loses the game. The goal is to be the last player remaining without causing the penguin to fall through the ice. Enjoy playing this fun and suspenseful game with family and friends!

What is the importance of hand-eye coordination in Don't Break the Ice?

Hand-eye coordination is important in Don't Break the Ice because it requires players to use their hands to carefully remove ice blocks without causing the entire structure to collapse. Good hand-eye coordination helps players to accurately aim and hit the ice blocks without causing any unnecessary damage. This skill is essential for successfully playing the game and allows players to have more control over their movements, increasing the chances of winning. Additionally, practicing hand-eye coordination in games like Don't Break the Ice can help improve motor skills and overall coordination in players.

How to set up Don't Break the Ice game?

  1. Remove the ice blocks from the frame and lay them out in a single layer on a flat surface.
  2. Place the ice frame on top of the ice blocks, making sure it is securely in place.
  3. Each player takes turns tapping out one ice block at a time using the plastic mallet provided. Be careful not to break the ice!
  4. The game continues until the penguin falls through the ice frame. The player who removes the block that causes the penguin to fall loses the game.
  5. To set up a new game, reset the ice blocks and frame as outlined in steps 1 and 2.
  6. Have fun playing Don't Break the Ice with friends and family!

How to enhance the gameplay experience of Don't Break the Ice?

There are a few ways to enhance the gameplay experience of Don't Break the Ice:

  1. Use different strategies: Instead of randomly tapping on the ice blocks, try to strategically choose which blocks to tap in order to create more tension and excitement in the game.
  2. Add obstacles: You can introduce obstacles such as time limits or restrictions on which blocks can be tapped, to make the game more challenging and engaging.
  3. Change up the game rules: Add new rules or variations to the game, such as allowing players to only use one hand to tap the blocks or giving players a limited number of taps to complete the game.
  4. Play with more players: Don't Break the Ice is traditionally played with two players, but you can easily add more players to make the game more competitive and fun.
  5. Create a theme: Add a theme to the game, such as a winter wonderland or a race against time, to make the gameplay more immersive and exciting.
  6. Use different tools: Instead of using the traditional mallet provided in the game, try using different tools like chopsticks or a spoon to tap the ice blocks, adding a new level of challenge and creativity to the game.

How to keep score in Don't Break the Ice?

In the game Don't Break the Ice, players take turns tapping out ice blocks while trying to keep a polar bear on top of the ice. The goal of the game is to not be the player to knock the polar bear through the ice.

To keep score in Don't Break the Ice, players can assign points based on the number of turns it takes for a player to cause the polar bear to fall through the ice. For example, the player who knocks the polar bear through the ice could receive a certain number of points, while the other players receive points based on how many turns they had left before their turn caused the polar bear to fall.

Alternatively, players can simply play the game for fun without keeping score and focus on the excitement and strategy of trying to keep the polar bear on top of the ice.

What is the appeal of Don't Break the Ice to different age groups?

  1. Children: Don't Break the Ice is appealing to children because it is a simple and straightforward game that doesn't require complex rules or strategies. It also involves a sense of suspense and excitement as players take turns trying to remove ice blocks without causing the ice to collapse. Additionally, the colorful and engaging design of the game board and pieces can attract the attention of younger players.
  2. Teenagers: Teenagers may enjoy playing Don't Break the Ice because it offers a level of skill and challenge that can be engaging and competitive. The game requires a steady hand and careful planning to strategically remove ice blocks without causing the structure to collapse. This can appeal to teenagers looking for a fun and competitive activity to enjoy with friends or family.
  3. Adults: Adults may find Don't Break the Ice appealing as a nostalgic and entertaining game that can be enjoyed with friends and family. It offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience that can be a fun way to relax and unwind. Additionally, the game's quick setup and playtime make it a convenient and casual option for social gatherings or game nights.

Overall, the appeal of Don't Break the Ice to different age groups lies in its simplicity, suspenseful gameplay, and social interaction opportunities. It is a versatile game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.