Planning a birthday party that’s both fun and affordable can sometimes feel like trying to scoop ice cream with a fork. But fear not! With a little creativity and some help from my free printables, you can throw an unforgettable ice cream-themed party without breaking the bank. In this post, I’ll cover some ideas to plan a fun ice cream party. Plus, if you scroll down you can get my set of FREE Ice Cream Party Printables. Ready to scoop up some cool ideas? Let’s get started.
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Ice Cream Party Theme
Why an ice cream party, you ask? It’s simple. Ice cream is a favorite summer time treat among kids and adults alike, making it the perfect theme for a children’s party. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize flavors, toppings, and decorations to suit any preference.
Imagine the squeals of delight as kids deck their cones with rainbow sprinkles and syrups. An ice cream-themed party is bound to be a hit. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. DIY Ice Cream Invitations
Start by sending out colorful invitations that set the tone for your party. You can easily make your own ice cream-themed invites with cardstock, construction paper, and some craft supplies.
Cut out shapes of ice cream cones or scoops from colored paper, add glitter or stickers, and write out the details of the party on the back.
Alternatively, you can print off my free printable invitations (link below) and customize them with your party info. You can also import the file into Canva.com and customize the invitation with your info there.
2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
No ice cream party is complete without an ice cream sundae bar. Set up a table with different flavors of ice cream, toppings, and sauces for guests to create their own delicious treats.
You can also include some fun options like gummy bears, crushed cookies, or fresh fruit. Don’t forget to have plenty of bowls and spoons on hand!
3. Ice Cream Cone Balloon Arch
Create a picture-perfect backdrop for your party with an ice cream cone balloon arch! Simply blow up balloons in various colors and tie them together in the shape of an ice cream cone.
You can add paper cutouts for the cone and sprinkle-shaped confetti for an extra touch. Hang it up behind your dessert table or use it as a photo booth backdrop.
4. Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Instead of traditional cupcakes, try making ice cream cone cupcakes for your party. Simply fill ice cream cones with cake batter and bake them in the oven.
Once they are cooled, top them with frosting and sprinkles to resemble real ice cream cones. Not only are these delicious, but they also make for cute decorations on the dessert table.
Add a finishing touch by topping each cupcake with a cute cupcake topper. I have created some free printable ones (link below) that you can use or you can make your own with toothpicks and paper cutouts.
5. Pin the Cherry on the Sundae
Put a twist on the classic party game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” by playing “Pin the Cherry on the Sundae”. Create a large ice cream sundae cutout and have blindfolded guests try to place a red paper cherry in the correct spot.
You can also make it more challenging by having different sized cherries and giving out prizes for those who get closest. Download a printable version here for a fast and easy game idea.
6. Ice Cream Piñata
No party is complete without a piñata, so why not make it an ice cream cone shaped one? Fill it with candy and small toys for your guests to enjoy. You can also decorate it with tissue paper or paint to resemble different flavors of ice cream. Have fun watching everyone take turns trying to break it open.
This Ice Cream Pinata goes great with any ice cream party theme and matching my free printables.
7. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Take your party treats to the next level by making ice cream cookie sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in sprinkles for a fun and tasty treat. You can also have different types of cookies and ice cream flavors for guests to mix and match.
9. Ice Cream Float Bar
For a more adult-friendly option, set up an ice cream float bar with various soda flavors and scoops of ice cream. Let guests mix and match their own combinations, or provide recipe cards for unique float ideas. This is a fun and nostalgic twist on a classic party drink.
10. Ice Cream Themed Games
Don’t forget to keep the party going with some ice cream themed games. Coloring pages of ice cream cones or a scavenger hunt for different flavors can keep kids entertained.
For older guests, have an ice cream trivia game or play “Finish the Phrase” for some friendly competition.
Free Printable Ice Cream Party Printables
To really tie your ice cream party together, I have created this set to use as decorations, party favors, and more. The set includes invitation template, cupcake toppers, Soda/water bottle labels, Thank you cards, Food labels, Welcome sign, and a coloring page. Click the button below to download.
They are available for download in PDF format and can be printed on standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper for personal use only.
Ice Cream Party Invitation
Invite your guests to the sweetest party in town with these colorful and fun ice cream party invitations. You can personalize them with the date, time, location, and any other important details. Print them out or send them electronically to save on paper.
Cupcake Toppers
Add a touch of cuteness to your cupcakes with these adorable ice cream themed cupcake toppers. Simply print them out, cut them out, and attach them to toothpicks or skewers for an easy decoration.
Soda/Water Bottle Labels
Give your beverages a fun twist by adding these soda/water bottle labels to your drinks. They can be easily wrapped around any standard sized bottle.
Thank You Cards
Show your appreciation to your guests with these cute and colorful thank you cards. Write a personalized message on the back or leave them blank for a simple but sweet token of gratitude.
Food Labels
Make sure everyone knows what delicious treats they are indulging in with these ice cream themed food labels. Simply print them out, write the name of the dish, and place them next to the corresponding items on your dessert table.
Welcome Sign
Welcome your guests to the party with this fun and festive welcome sign. Hang it up at the entrance or use it as a backdrop for photos. It’s a great way to set the tone for your ice cream party.
Coloring Page
Keep the little ones entertained with this adorable ice cream coloring page. Print out multiple copies and let their creativity run wild as they use different colors and toppings to create their own unique ice cream cone.
Conclusion
An ice cream party is a fun and delicious way to celebrate any occasion. With these ideas, you can create the ultimate ice cream experience for your guests. From decorations to activities, these printables will make planning and hosting the perfect party a piece of cake (or should we say, scoop of ice cream?). So go ahead, get creative and have a “sweet” time at your next ice cream party!
If you like these ideas , make sure to check out our other themed party ideas for even more inspiration. Happy planning!