Ice cream has long been associated with children's birthday parties. After all, birthday cake just isn't the same without a scoop or two of ice cream on the side. However, you don't have to stop with just a scoop; you can put ice cream center stage and make it the main theme of your kid's birthday party.
An ice cream themed birthday party is generally easy and fun to create, although it can get a little messy at times. There are many different variations to experiment with: a sundae party, ice cream social, ice cream cone party and even BYOB (bring your own banana) party where children can craft their own banana splits. If you can swing it, it's a fun idea to have many different ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from, so that each child can create their own unique concoction;just like at frozen yogurt chains like Tutti Frutti or Menchi's. The best part is that you can generally find everything you need at your local grocery store.
Because they can be messy, ice cream parties are typically best held outdoors, with the garage or a picnic shelter as an alternative in case of bad weather. If this still sounds like too much mess (after all, sticky kids will still have to head indoors to use the lavatories), you might consider a field trip to the local ice cream parlor for the ice cream eating portion of the party. You can still play games and do other activities at your home.
Finding decorations for an ice cream themed party is usually quite easy. You'll likely find some fun ice cream decorations, including sundae cups and plastic cones, at your local party store or even a dollar store. You may be able to find some streamers, balloons and other party decorations with an ice cream theme; but if you can't, basic colors will do. Pastels work well, or you might opt for the full spectrum of the rainbow, to emulate sprinkles and other candy colors. If you prefer to get creative, you could make your own ice-cream decorations and invitations using tag board, construction paper, paints and markers.
Creating and enjoying ice cream sundaes or treats is certainly the main event at any ice cream themed birthday party, but this won't keep the kids entertained for very long. Plus, after all that sugar, they're going to have some energy to burn off. Be sure to plan some fun activities, such as ice cream cone relays (best done with the cone only or with plastic novelties to avoid a mess). You could also create an inexpensive "pin the cherry on the ice cream cone" game using tagboard and construction paper. The possibilities are nearly endless (and generally inexpensive) if you're willing to get creative.
Party favors can be inexpensive for an ice cream theme as well. You might find some plastic ice cream bowls, spoons or novelties at your local discount or dollar store. Add in some candy toppings and a gift card to your local ice cream parlor chain (just a few dollars will do), and you've got a goody bag that any kid would rave about.
Nearly every red-blooded kid loves ice cream, so you can be rest assured that this theme will go over well. However, you may want to check with the parents of your guest list before you decide to commit to this theme, just to be sure that none of your kid's friends are lactose intolerant.
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