Hosting an ice cream social is a perfect summer activity that pairs a deliciously sweet treat with great company. Here are a few ice cream social ideas to help you plan a fun and enjoyable event.
What is an Ice Cream Social
Similar to an ice cream party, an ice cream social is all about ice cream and fun.
One of the best things about an ice cream social is that the emphasis is on the ice cream and socializing. Meaning, you don’t have to worry too much about decorating your space or offering various food items.
In planning your ice cream menu, consider the following questions:
- Do my guests have any allergens or dietary restrictions, such as nuts and dairy? (If so, consider adding dairy-free options and omitting any nut-based toppings)
- What kind(s) of ice cream layout do I want to offer? (Milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cones, cups, etc.)
Ice Cream Social Ideas
Ice Cream Flavors
For your ice cream menu, you can go with classic and foundational flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry and let the toppings be the star.
Or you can offer some unique and specialty flavors, allowing your guests to try something new.
How to Serve Ice Cream
You can offer cones, bowls, and/or sundaes for guests to build their ice cream.
Ice Cream Bar Ideas
Setting up a toppings bar for your ice cream social is a great activity within itself.
It will help spark the inner child within your guests as they get to mix and match toppings and create their own ice cream.
For the bar, place each topping in its own serving bowl along with mini serving ladles and tongs.
To make your bar a little bit more special and for greater ease, label each bowl so that guests can know what the different toppings are.
Here are some tasty topping suggestions:
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Sprinkles
- M&M candy
- Whipped cream
- Sour gummy worms
- Shredded coconuts
- Maraschino cherries
- Mini chocolate chips
- Sauces (caramel, chocolate, hot fudge, etc.)
- Fresh sliced fruits (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)
Ice Cream Social Tips
To keep the ice cream from completely melting during the event, fill disposable aluminum pans with ice and nestle the ice cream containers inside the ice.
Lastly, since ice cream can be a messy treat, make sure to have plenty of napkins and towelettes handy for guests.
Ice Cream Social Games
Considering that an ice cream social involves socializing, it’s a great idea to incorporate some fun activities and games to kickstart the socializing and entertainment aspect.
Here are some suggestions that you can incorporate into your ice cream social to help liven up the experience.
20 Questions
In playing 20 questions, a player has to think of a person or an object.
The remaining players have the opportunity to ask 20 questions in order to guess what it is. The main player has to answer in the form of yes or no. If the players guess the item correctly, then it’s another person’s turn to think of an object.
Charades
Charades is a classic party game where a player is limited to gestures in order for their teammates to guess the word/phrase.
Taboo
The goal of Taboo is for players to guess the words on the card.
However, it’s made difficult since the player with the card is limited in the types of hints that they can give.
You can divide your guests into pairs/groups and have a playfully competitive match.
Name That Tune
Players have to guess the name of a song in a limited amount of time simply by hearing its rhythm.
Photobooth
Have a photo booth with props and backdrops inspired by ice cream and encourage guests to take silly pictures.
For photo booth design ideas, check out Pinterest for some easy and aesthetic inspiration.
Musical Freeze Dance
Players have to dance to a song and when the music stops they have to freeze.
Whoever moves is out of the game and the songs continue and stop again until there is one person left standing.
Outdoor Games
If you’re having your ice cream social outdoors, here are some entertaining outdoor games that your guests will love.
- Corn hole
- Limbo
- Giant jenga
- Mini golf
- Giant connect four
These are just a few Ice cream social ideas to get you started. With a little imagination, you can come up with even more fun games and toppings for your ice cream social. So get planning and have fun!
