Parents Spend 3 Days Building a Rainbow Ice Igloo, Transforming Yard Into a Winter Wonderland
Let’s be clear: we’re all in favor of an at-home movie day complete with pajamas and hot cocoa, especially on a snow day. But, for some families, the icy weather is a sign to bundle up and embrace what winter—or, in this case, a multi-state snow storm—has to offer. Parents-of-two, Yulia and Steve Hayek, aka @the_Hayeks, are definitely the latter.
In a viral time-lapse video posted on TikTok and Instagram, the Hayeks built a massive rainbow ice igloo using 240 blocks of ice. “I woke up one day and Yulia, next to me, was like, ‘I want to build an igloo.’” Steve tells Motherly. “I was like, ‘You’re crazy,’ at first, but hey, we rock together.”
Inspired by TikTok user @whatwillwethinkofnext’s video posted in December 2025, Yulia knew she and her husband could make the rainbow ice igloo a reality. Over the course of three days, the couple used aluminum molds to create hundreds of multi-colored bricks and build a playhouse for their kids. The nearly sub-zero temperatures created a rough work environment. But Steve and Yulia found a way to make the freezing weather work in their favor, all in the name of making lasting family memories.
“It is work, but the reward is definitely nice,” Steve says. “The smile on all the kids’ faces [is great].”
Building the igloo brick by brick
Like any part of parenting, when it comes down to constructing the igloo, the trick is teamwork. Working together, the Hayeks spent three days building up the walls of the multi-colored igloo, with their kids popping in occasionally to help build the base of the structure.
“These people built an igloo and I’m still trying to take the clean laundry out of the dryer that’s been sitting there for over a [week] & has been dried at least 5 times,” reads one awestruck Instagram comment.
While you may have to work a little bit of winter magic to reconstruct the rainbow igloo with your family, it is doable if you have the time and patience. (Though Steve recommends building a shorter base to simplify the process.)
Yulia and Steve began by laying out 80 disposable aluminum pans filled with snow, water, and food coloring in their front yard. After letting the ice blocks freeze, they released each block from its tray and refilled them to create a second batch of rainbow bricks. Ultimately, the couple ended up with 240 blocks of ice.
From there, they built a snow base to use as a stencil and set to work laying out the outline of the igloo with the bricks. Gradually, they began to build upwards, making sure to leave a narrow opening at one end of the igloo to use as an entrance. When the dome began to curve, gravity started to work against them. But, using “grout” made of snow and water — and a lot of patience — they carefully secured each brick with their children’s safety in mind.
“It did take a lot of work, but it’s all about [making] the kids happy,” Steve tells Motherly. “The whole neighborhood came over, and they played. Everybody was happy.”
Making the space feel like home
Once construction was complete, Yulia and Steve invited their kids inside to help decorate. Adding a few blankets, soft lighting, and an electric fireplace, they made the inside of the rainbow igloo feel like home.
What’s left to do once you’re finally moved into your rainbow ice fort? According to Steve, watch some of his kids’ favorite YouTube videos as a family. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids,” he says. “Sooner or later, they’re going to grow up, they’re going to leave, so [we want them to] leave with these few memories.”
From the outside, the igloo looked even cozier. The lights inside made the igloo glow like a jack-o’-lantern, shedding multi-colored patches of light across the snow. In person, the striking display attracted families from around the neighborhood. Online, the rainbow igloo video has received over 70 million views across social media.
Since sharing the video, the Hayeks’ comments section has been flooded with messages from spellbound parents. “I love that it’s colored rainbow so much!!! 
,” one person writes on Instagram. Another comment reads, “Awesome job!!!!!!! Wowowow.”
While they know not everyone has the time to replicate the colorful display, the Hayeks hope to see more parents embrace the rainbow ice igloo trend and enjoy time outdoors with their families.
Experiencing an unforgettable snow day
At the end of the day, the Hayeks just want their kids to have fun—thanks to, not despite, the subzero weather. By taking advantage of snow days, Steve says he and Yulia hope to build lasting memories that their kids will cherish for years to come.
At the time of publication, the Hayeks’ igloo is still standing. Even when the rainbow ice igloo comes down, they’re confident the memory of building it and spending time together will stay with their children. As for next year, Steve adds, “[Yulia] is aiming at a bigger one. The mastermind is at work. We’ll see what she’s cooking.”
source https://www.mother.ly/news/viral-trending/rainbow-ice-igloo-video/
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