Nothing says summer like a frozen treat on a sweltering hot day. July is officially National Ice Cream Month, and what better way to capture that sweet summer feeling than hosting an ice cream social? A party or play date with ice cream as its theme is about as cool as it gets for young kids – and it’s practically effortless to throw together. Head outside if you can, because sticky messes are guaranteed!

Here’s the scoop on what you’ll need for an afternoon of refreshing fun (hint: it’s not much!).

ICE CREAM

Variety is the spice of life, but when it comes to kids, it can cause decision fatigue. Two or three classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate or strawberry are all you truly need. Remember, it’s all about the toppings, so keep your bases simple and delicious.

SERVING BOWLS

Presentation is part of the fun, and our Last Drop™ Silicone Straw Bowls were practically made for ice cream! Cute, colorful, and practical, the built-in straws send toddlers to the no-slurp zone in style. P.S. They would make sweet take-home gifts for little guests, too!

TOPPINGS

Create a DIY topping bar that’s as colorful as it is sweet! Use divided candy dishes and serving bowls to display a kaleidoscope of chopped fruits, sprinkles, cookie pieces, chocolate chips, nuts (if allergies aren’t a concern), and other toppings your little ones love. Whipped cream and chocolate syrup are non-negotiable!

FOR THE MOMS: ESPRESSO

Give the parents in attendance a fun twist on that 3pm caffeine fix! Affogato is a classic two-ingredient Italian treat that’s super easy to make and serve immediately. Just pour espresso over a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, and you have an elegant summer pick-me-up for your grateful grownup guests. No espresso? Coffee works too and is just as delicious.

ICE CREAM ALTERNATIVES

If you want to celebrate Ice Cream Month but don’t have any on hand, or need to accommodate a lactose tolerance issue, you can whip up a batch of “nice cream” instead! Nice cream is a healthy treat made from frozen bananas that can be customized any way you like. All you need is frozen banana slices and a food processor or powerful blender (really!).

Basic Nice Cream Recipe

1. Chop three large bananas into rounds and freeze.
2. Run frozen banana slices through blender or food processor for at least 3 minutes. You may have to stop and scrape the edges down a few times. Add a touch of maple syrup, if desired.
3. Serve immediately for a soft serve consistency, or freeze for a few hours and scoop.

Chocolate Chip Nice Cream: Simply fold in your desired amount of chocolate chips.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Nice Cream: Follow the recipe above and add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder and half a cup of frozen strawberries to the mix.
Berry-Licious Nice Cream: Follow the recipe above and add frozen blueberries to the mix.
Tropical Nice Cream: Follow the recipe above and add frozen mango chunks and a splash of orange juice.

And while it’s not technically ice cream, this homemade cherry berry frozen yogurt recipe is also a big hit!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream socials! Because summer days may be fleeting, but ice cream party memories last forever.

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