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 they’re totally manageable. I’m sharing my favorite tips and inside “scoop” to pull together this iconic theme.

Setting Up

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.

For this theme I went for a nostalgic feel with bistro table, and vintage style serving pieces. It’s also colorful with some retro patterns incorporated in small ways.

A picnic table or portable folding table would also work well, and a popup canopy or patio umbrella helps with shade.

Decorations and Tips

Use a garden shelf or potting table to set up a “build your own sundaes” bar. Add a cute sign if you like, although it’s not necessary, and decorate the area with whimsical garden stakes.

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! You simply fill them with your favorite flavors and freeze until ready to eat.

Display the pushups inside a low vase fitted with craft foam, and then cover the foam with colorful candies. The foam holds the push pop sticks upright and in place.

Sundae Toppings

You can go all out if you want, or stick to a few classics. For this party I provided 4 dry toppings, 2 sauces, and sugar cones in addition to the pushups and ice cream bowls.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of topping ideas, it is some of our favorites. Keep in mind you can add almost any crushed cookie or candy of your choosing

• 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

Activities

If the weather is too hot, set up the food indoors and then send the kids outside to play. After all that sugar you’ll want them to expend some extra energy! In this modern world of electronics and tech devices, I strongly urge you to introduce “vintage play” to the children.

Have some old fashioned games and equipment available such as jump ropes, ball toss, and hula hoops. Prepare water balloons for a balloon toss, or have a game of tug-o-war. Other childhood favorites are red light-green light, mother may I, and sack races.

Fill a kiddie pool to wade and splash in, or set up a sprinkler to run through. And if you have the space, a slip and slide is always a blast!

More Ice Cream Party Ideas

Turn your ice cream sundae social into a banana split bar or an ice cream sandwich bar where guests make their on combos. They work as great add-ons for a kids garden party too.

You can also set up an ice cream soda bar with a few adult friendly add-ins for the grownups, or a colorful ice cream floats bar for kids birthday celebrations.

Having an ice cream social is as much a time-tested pastime as setting up a kids lemonade stand. It’s fun and interactive, and allows kids to enjoy their summer break!