It’s officially summer, which means we’re filling our freezers full of ice cream for those moments where you just can’t get cool enough. And because we’re always looking for excuses to invite over friends and neighbors, we’re bringing you fun ideas for a DIY ice cream social that’s sure to be a hit with the littles and grownups.
Grab your ice cream scoops and start planning! National Ice Cream Day is July 17.
GET STARTED
Make some homemade ice cream! For a recipe card, simply click here or on the image below for a PDF to print. Then, cut out the card and add it to your recipe box. Party tip: print on cardstock and hand it out to your friends during your ice cream social.
SET UP AN ICE CREAM BAR
Gather all your favorite ice cream fixings—sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel, maraschino cherries, nuts, whipped cream, and more. Place them in fun, colorful containers to match your ice cream social theme and let your friend get in touch with her inner child! We’ve created cute toppings cards for your next ice cream party. Click here or click on the images below for a PDF to print. Cut out your cards, fold on the dotted line, and make your table a little more festive.
HAVE SOME FUN
Play a festive game of pin the cherry on the sundae! It’s a sweeter take on the classic game pin the tail on the donkey. Simply make your own oversized sundae with leftover craft supplies like construction paper and paint and cut out paper cherries for each player. Blindfold, spin, and laugh as players try to pin their cherries to the top of the sundae. Serve ice cream as a consolation prize.
HAND OUT GIFTS
National Ice Cream Day is a great way to encourage others and show them you care. Think about your family, friends, neighbors, and greater community—who could use an ice cream cone and a note of encouragement right now?
If you can’t deliver treats without them melting, pick up some freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches, also known as astronaut ice cream, in the camping section of your local store. It’s just as sweet and will definitely bring a smile to a loved one’s face.
How are you celebrating with your friends this summer? Tell us in the comments and tag @LifewayWomen on social media!
Juliana Wilson is the social media and influencer marketing specialist for Lifeway Women. She is passionate about encouraging women and girls to dig into God’s Word and pursue an active relationship with Christ every day. Juliana loves Instagram-worthy ice cream, coffee dates, and traveling with her husband, Ben. Look for them on NBC’s hit obstacle course show, American Ninja Warrior!
