Celebrations

39 Fun Ice Cream Party Ideas for 2025 To Get Everyone Scooping

by: Ashley Reut

Published on Jul 8th 2025

Few things bring people together like ice cream. An ice cream party doesn’t need a reason, but you might be surprised how many occasions are worth celebrating with a few scoops and some good company. According to Harvard Summer School, recognizing small wins can boost motivation, mood and confidence. That sounds like the perfect excuse to grab a cone.

An ice cream party can mark a milestone, celebrate a summer break or just be a fun way to hang out with friends. It’s like a cocktail party for the under-21 crowd and plenty of adults are happy to join in too. From backyard setups to DIY sundae bars, these ice cream party ideas will help you turn any summer party theme into a sweet celebration.

Ice Cream Party Ideas for Kids

1. DIY Sundae Bar

DIY ice cream bar — *Turn dessert into an activity (via Pinterest)*

Little eyes light up at the sight of a sundae station. This simple ice cream party idea for kids is an instant crowd-pleaser — just set out as many toppings and sauces as you can find and let them build their dream dessert.

2. Include a Gift Bag

No children’s party is complete without a little take-home goodie bag, and this one is perfect for an ice cream party idea for kids. Let the kids decorate pint containers together, then fill them with a wooden spoon, a favorite vanilla ice cream recipe and a few fun mix-ins.

3. Waffle Cone Hats

Cone party hats — *Classic party hats get an upgrade (via Pinterest)*

Classic cone birthday hats totally work for an ice cream party, just give them a sweet twist. All it takes is some craft paper, markers and a little imagination.

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4. Decorate Your Own Cone

Sure, the ice cream’s the main event, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put some thought into the cone, too. Fancy shops dip their ice creams in sprinkles or crushed nuts — you can do the same at home. Set up a station with cones, frosting and a few topping options, and let the kids make them their own.

5. Play-Doh Ice Cream

Play-Doh never gets old, especially when there’s pretend ice cream involved. Let the kids go wild creating their own mini cones and sundaes before the real scoops come out. It’s a simple way to keep little hands busy and imaginations going.

6. Serve Ice Cream Cake

Nothing says party like cake, and nothing says ice cream party like ice cream cake. It’s easy to slice, fun to eat and gives you that wow moment when you bring it out.

Ice Cream Party Ideas for School

7. After-School Floats

root beer floats — *A fizzy throwback everyone will love (via Canva)*

All you need is vanilla ice cream, a pack of plastic cups and your favorite sodas. Root beer is the go-to, but they will go crazy for other soda-flavored floats.

8. Ice Cream Potluck

There’s nothing wrong with asking parents to pitch in, and a potluck makes it easy. Each kid can bring something small — cones, toppings, whipped cream — and suddenly you’ve got everything you need for a full ice cream party.

9. Ice Cream Cone Tower Challenge

This ice cream party idea for school is perfect for testing creative problem-solving skills. Have kids compete to build the tallest structure they can using only ice cream cones and a sticky “glue,” like marshmallow fluff. Future engineers, this one’s for you.

10. Blind Tasting

Once you’ve made sure there aren’t any allergy concerns, a blind tasting is one of those ice cream party ideas for school that kids won’t stop talking about. Let them take turns guessing flavors while their classmates cheer — simple, silly and a guaranteed hit.

11. Ice Cream Storytime

Ask each student to bring their favorite flavor — or one tied to a good memory — and share a short story about why they chose it. This ice cream party idea for school lets each student sample a whole bunch of different flavors of ice cream while they get to know their classmates better.

Ice Cream Party Ideas for Adults

12. Boozy Ice Cream Floats

The easiest way to turn an ice cream party idea into an adult party? Add alcohol. Those childhood floats hit different with a splash of vodka or a boozy twist like spiked milkshakes.

13. Make it Competitive

Got friends who go all out in the kitchen? Challenge them to craft their best ice cream flavor and bring a pint or two to face off in a taste test. This is one of those ice cream party ideas for adults that gets everyone bragging — and maybe even a little inspired.

14. Everything in Cones

Adults want more than just ice cream, so serve up savory snacks in style. Try mini charcuterie cones or creative cone-based appetizers. This ice cream party idea for adults keeps the theme going while giving guests something new to snack on.

15. Ice Cream Fondue

Got a fondue pot (or chocolate fountain) gathering dust? Fire it up. Guests can dip scoops into warm fudge, caramel or a hard shell topping for truly delicious ice cream party ideas for adults

16. Sweet Happy Hour

Skip the bar and host a sweet happy hour instead. Line up a few flavors, add some toppings and call it a party. This low-key ice cream party idea for adults is a midweek win that doesn’t require a tab.

17. Ice Cream Truck Decorating

This unique ice cream party idea for adults is a wonderful team-building activity that promotes creative thinking. Divide into two groups (or more!) and design the ideal ice cream truck, complete with mock-ups, colorful drawings and vivid descriptions.

Ice Cream Party Decorations

18. Paper + Balloon Cone

DIY balloon cones — *Budget-friendly, DIY ice cream party ideas are easy to make (via Pinterest)*

It’s so easy to make these adorable ice cream party decorations using craft paper and balloons. Roll your brown paper into a cone shape and staple or tape it together. Add a yummy pastel-colored balloon on top for your scoop and you’ve got an adorable centerpiece or hanging decoration that really sells the theme.

19. DIY Stamped Napkins or Tablecloth

There are tons of cute ways to make homemade ice cream party decorations, and these adorable napkins are so easy. Using basic shapes like triangles and circles to hand-stamp ice cream cones on plain napkins or even a table runner. Use soft pastel shades for the “ice cream,” like pink, yellow and soft green. It’s one of those ice cream party ideas that adds charm without much effort

20. Colorful Spoons and Plates

Although minor, it’s the little details that make your ice cream party decorations special. You can go as affordable as simply buying pastel colored spoons, dishes and napkins. Or, you can check out Hobby Lobby or a similar store for some really cute ice cream-themed dishware. Either way, these little touches go a long way toward pulling together your ice cream party ideas.

21. Ice Cream Headband Bar

Set up a craft station where guests can make their own headband in the ice cream theme. Offer supplies to make a makeshift scoop with a pom-pom cherry on top, or craft paper for waffle cone texture.

22. Sugar Sweet Florals

Add a bit of extra fun to your floral centerpieces by using the double-vase trick. Fit a smaller vase inside a larger one, and fill the space in between with yummy toppings like sprinkles or mini gummy bears. This cute ice cream party decoration is a cheap way to add more color and tie the theme together.

Ice Cream Party Food Ideas

23. Pre-Scooped Cones

scoops of ice cream — *Pre-scooped ice cream makes things quicker and cleaner at party time (via Canva)*

It goes without saying that ice cream will be on the menu for any ice cream party idea. But if you’re serving a crowd, try this hack: pre-scoop your ice cream into muffin liners and freeze them in a tin. When it’s time to serve, just pop one onto a cone or into a dish and you’re ready to roll. One of the simplest ice cream party ideas that makes a big difference.

24. Go Homemade

It’s pretty tough to mess up ice cream, in all its sweet, creamy goodness. So for your next ice cream party idea, why not show off a little? Make a batch from scratch and serve it up as part of the experience. Bonus points if you let guests churn their own.

25. Custom Cookies

You can never have too much sweetness. Ice cream cone-shaped sugar cookies, wafer cookie sandwiches or decorated shortbread — these easy desserts fit perfectly with your ice cream party ideas. Especially for birthdays, a mix of ice cream-themed treats helps carry the theme all the way through.

26. Miniature Sweet Hors D’Oeuvres

Swap the usual tea sandwiches for something cooler. Think mini ice cream sandwiches, parfaits in tiny glasses or even mini cones. Set them out on chilled trays or keep them over dry ice for that extra wow factor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for guests who like to try everything.

27. Don’t Forget Pie

Apple pie and ice cream are a classic cookout menu combo, but don’t stop there. From bonfire-ready hand pies to fresh peach or berry pie slices, this ice cream party food idea adds a little summer cookout energy to your menu. Just don’t skip the scoop on top.

28. Add Fruit

Banana splits are just the beginning. Try sundaes with peaches, nectarines or cherries, topped with crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts. Ice cream party ideas with fruit feel a little more grown-up — and maybe even a little healthy.

Ice Cream Party Games and Activities

29. Ice Cream Trivia

easy trivia questions and answers — *Trivia is more fun when it's about ice cream (via Canva)*

Whether you’re a fountain of frozen facts or just googling as you go, trivia is an easy way to get guests talking. Make it local by including questions about your neighborhood ice cream shop. It’s one of those low-prep ice cream party ideas that works for any age group

30. Pin The Cherry on The Cone

A sweet twist on a classic party game. All you need is craft paper works great for the little cherries, or you can go the pom-pom route, so long as you add a bit of string for the stem.

31. Ice Cream Paint Off

Get your guests in the creative spirit with a painting station. Provide some prompts like banana splits or waffle cones to spark some creativity. It’s an easy ice cream party idea that gives guests something fun to do while they wait for the real treats.

32. Ice Cream Stick Puppets

Craft time meets party time. Using popsicle sticks, pom-poms and markers, let kids create their own ice cream puppet pal. Bonus points for putting on a little show for their friends!

33. Ice Cream Spoon Race

Swap the egg for a scoop. Balance an upside-down ice cream cone on a spoon and race your way to victory. This is one of those ice cream party ideas that gets everyone laughing, whether you’re hosting kids, adults or a mix of both. It even makes for a friendly and fun outdoor family game.

34. Frozen T-shirt Challenge

Kids will find this ice cream party activity hilarious. Freeze crumpled wet T-shirts the night before, then challenge kids to be the first to thaw, unfold and wear theirs.

Ice Cream Party Ideas At Home

35. Make Your Own Ice Cream Sandwich

Whether it’s a laid-back Friday night or your kid's birthday party, chances are you’ve already got what you need for this fun ice cream party idea at home. Whip up a fresh batch of cookies or brownies (or both) and let people make their own ice cream sandwiches.

36. Make Ice Cream With Salt

This classic science experiment doubles as one of the most hands-on ice cream party ideas at home. With just salt, Ziplocs and a little shaking, kids will be amazed when their creamy mix turns into real ice cream.

37. Try New Mix-Ins

Get creative with your sundaes by testing out ingredients that aren’t usually on the menu — like crushed pretzels, chili flakes or even a drizzle of olive oil. It’s one of those simple ice cream party ideas at home that brings something new to the table.

38. Sundae Competition

ice cream sundaes — *Part dessert, part competition (via Canva)*

Everyone in the family has their own style, and that’s exactly what makes this activity fun. Each person builds their best sundae, presents it, shares a bite and casts their vote. It’s an easy ice cream party idea at home that’s part dessert, part game show.

39. Make Homemade Syrups

Spend some time in the kitchen turning fresh fruit into toppings or making your own caramel sauce from scratch. Then gather the family for one of the sweetest ice cream party ideas at home — taste-testing your creations over scoops.

Ice Cream Party Ideas FAQs

How Do You Make an Ice Cream Party Fun?

The fact that your party is based around ice cream pretty much sets you up for success. But a few things that make any party fun can help. Playing upbeat music puts guests in a good mood and makes them want to dance. Offering games and activities so people have options other than just talking is a great way to make any ice cream party idea memorable.

What Food To Serve at an Ice Cream Party?

It’s up to you whether you want to go the all-sweet route or mix in some savory options. Kids are easy to please with pizza or chicken nuggets before dessert. For adults, think charcuterie boards, light bites or even a pasta salad. Any savory snack makes a sweet ending feel more satisfying.

How Much Ice Cream Do I Need for 25 People?

Plan for about ½ cup per person, and round up to account for seconds, spills or generous scoops. Four to five gallons should cover your group comfortably, especially if your ice cream party ideas include a sundae bar or tasting flight.

What Is the Current Trend for Ice Cream?

You may have noticed a trend towards plant-based offerings in other spaces (like meat), and the same trend is holding true for ice cream. Dairy-free options are booming, with oat milk and coconut-based pints taking over freezer shelves. Unique international flavors — like ube, black sesame and lychee — are also on the rise, showing up in both boutique brands and local scoop shops.

For your next summer hangout — maybe even a pool party — skip the formality and scoop up something everyone loves. Ice cream party ideas bring together kids and grown-ups with no-frills fun, sweet treats and just the right amount of chaos. Whether it’s a backyard bash or a low-key night in, there's always room for ice cream.

For even more fun party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!