Summer is here, and as a dad, I’m always looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without resorting to constant screen time. Between the endless "I’m bored" complaints and the blazing heat, I wanted to come up with an idea that’seasy, fun, and guaranteed to please. That’s when it hit me—what’s better on a hot day than ice cream? And not just any ice cream—an entire DIY sundae station where the kids can get creative (and maybe a little messy) while building their dream desserts. It’s simple, interactive, and a guaranteed hit.
Here’s how I turned our backyard into an ice cream wonderland and why you should give it a go, too.
Setting Up the Sundae Station
First things first, this isn’t as complicated as it might sound. I’m no Pinterest dad, but I know how to throw together something fun with what we already have lying around. The key is keeping it colorful, customizable, and, above all, kid-friendly.
I grabbed a folding table and a bright tablecloth (because let’s face it, everything looks more festive with a splash of color). Next came the bowls and toppings. The variety is what makes this so exciting for kids, so I made sure to include plenty of options. Here’s what we used:
- Ice cream flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Simple and classic.
- Toppings galore: Sprinkles, mini marshmallows, crushed Oreos, gummy bears, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, hot fudge, whipped cream, and cherries (because, come on, no sundae is complete without a cherry on top).
If you’re feeling fancy, you can add unique toppings like pretzels, chopped nuts, or even fresh fruit. My kids vetoed the fruit idea, but hey, you might have a more health-conscious crew.
Ice Cream Rules? Not Today
One of the best parts of making a sundae station is that there are no rules. Want whipped cream as your base? Go for it. Want to pile on every single topping until your bowl overflows? I say live your dream. Watching my kids let their imaginations run wild was the highlight of my day.
My youngest decided that gummy bears and caramel sauce were the ultimate combo (questionable, but okay), while my oldest took a more methodical approach, layering each topping like a dessert architect. Me? I kept it simple—chocolate ice cream, crushed Oreos, hot fudge, and whipped cream. Dad’s got to treat himself, too, right?
The Joy of Controlled Chaos
Now, I won’t lie—things got messy. Between the sprinkles and the occasional rogue scoop of ice cream, it looked like a sugar explosion had gone off in our backyard by the end of it. But honestly, that was part of the fun.
My advice? Embrace the chaos. Lay down a tarp or set up the station outdoors like I did. This way, clean-up is as easy as shaking out the tarp or hosing down the patio. Plus, the kids loved the freedom to get a little wild without me hovering over them with napkins every five seconds.
Making It a Bonding Moment
What surprised me most about our sundae experiment wasn’t just how much fun the kids had—it was how much we laughed and connected as a family. There’s something about food, especially when it’s paired with a hands-on activity, that brings people together.
We talked about the most ridiculous sundae combinations we could imagine (potato chips and ice cream? Someone actually wanted to try this). We shared bites of our creations and debated who the “sundae champion” of the day was. It’samazing how something as simple as ice cream can spark so much joy and conversation.
Bonus: Turning It Into a Summer Tradition
After seeing how much the kids loved it, I decided this wasn’t just going to be a one-time thing. Sundae stations are officially our new summer tradition. And why not? It’s affordable, easy to set up, and offers endless possibilities.
Next time, I’m thinking of adding a theme—maybe a tropical vibe with pineapple, coconut flakes, and mango ice cream. Or a movie night sundae bar with popcorn and candy mix-ins. The beauty of this idea is that it can be customized however you like.
Tips for a Successful Sundae Station
If you’re inspired to try this with your own kids, here are a few tips to make it a smooth experience:
- Set boundaries for toppings: While I loved letting the kids go wild, I also quietly supervised to make sure no one dumped an entire jar of sprinkles in one go.
- Pre-scoop the ice cream: To keep things moving smoothly (and prevent meltdowns from kids waiting their turn), I scooped the ice cream into bowls ahead of time and kept them in the freezer until we were ready.
- Have wet wipes handy: Trust me, you’ll need them.
- Keep it inclusive: If your kids have friends over, make sure to ask about allergies or dietary restrictions. There are plenty of non-dairy ice creams and gluten-free toppings available these days.
Why I’d Recommend It to Any Parent
As a dad, I’ve tried plenty of activities to entertain my kids, but there’s something uniquely special about building sundae stations. It’s not just about the ice cream (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about giving your kids the freedom to create, to get messy, and to enjoy something they built themselves.
Plus, it’s a chance for us parents to step back and just enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Watching the kids’ faces light up as they take their first bite of their outrageous creations is a reminder that sometimes the best moments are the ones that aren’t overcomplicated.
So, if you’re looking for a summer activity that’s as fun for you as it is for your kids, grab some ice cream, set up a sundae station, and see where the day takes you. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
