Ice Cream Party Ideas for Kids Summer Fun

When school is ending and the kids have a long hot summer ahead, why not celebrate with an end of school ice cream social that’s fun for the classroom or the neighborhood kids. Or turn these ideas into a fun summer birthday celebration.

The styling and décor are simple to do and appeal to every mom because it’s totally doable. I’m sharing my favorite tips and inside “scoop” to pull together this iconic theme.

Start by setting up outdoors if you have the space. This way the children can make their own creations without worry of making a mess. It also allows for backyard activities such as making tie dye tee shirts, or playing yard games.

If the weather is too hot, set up the food indoors and then send the kids outside to play. Have some old fashioned games available such as jump ropes, ball toss, hula hoops, etc.

Ice Cream Party Decor

Use a garden shelf of potting table to set up a “build your own sundaes” bar. Add a cute whimsical sign if you like, although it’s not necessary.

Place dry toppings in classic sundae fountain glasses for a feeling of nostalgia.

Pour syrups or sauces into small carafes that are easy to pour.

Pre-scoop ice cream into acrylic sundae bowls so kids can grab one and begin topping it. I suggest doing this several hours ahead and keeping the bowls in the freezer until ready to serve.

Wrap a can of whipped cream with colorful coordinating scrapbook paper. That makes it more attractive and helps it blend in with the rest of the decorations.

Use coordinating fabric (or paper) patterns and colors to create a DIY framed display. Add it to the shelf and tables for an inexpensive touch. Line a serving tray with more of the same fabric, and tie remnants around jars or carafes to dress them up.

Display ice cream cones inside a tall apothecary jar for an ice cream parlor feel.

Offer push-ups filled with sherbet for a bit of nostalgia that reminds us of the ice cream truck. Don’t you just love these push pop containers! Display them inside a low vase fitted with craft foam, and then cover the foam with colorful candies.

Toppings

Here are some of our favorite topping ideas for an ice cream sundae bar.

• Crushed Oreos
• M&M’s
• Colorful sprinkles
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Peanut butter chips
• Mini peanut butter cups (Reese’s)
• Nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pistachios)
• Fudge sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Strawberry sauce
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries

More Ice Cream Party Ideas

• Set up an ice cream soda bar for birthday celebrations.
• Celebrate the 4th of July with a red, white and blue ice cream float bar.
• You can also set up a more adult version ice cream soda bar.
• Add an banana split bar for showers and parties.
• Make an ice cream sandwich bar and let guests make their on combos.