An ice cream social, or an ice cream party at home, is a great party theme for any event or special occasion — from summer party ideas, to children’s birthday party themes, or even holiday party ideas! Here’s how to host ice cream social from topping ideas, decoration ideas, and a supplies checklist!
These will work for ice cream social ideas for adults, an ice cream party for kids (or a mix of ages!), or even if you need ice cream social ideas for school or groups parties. (Some people even have an ice cream social fundraiser to raise money for their favorite charity!)
Ideas For Ice Cream Social
Don’t miss more ideas for your ice cream social checklist below!
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Your ice cream social menu should include a variety of ice cream flavors, as well as a range of ice cream toppings. You’ll also want to have non-ice cream items (even if it’s just water and other drinks). If you want to keep the party to a minimum, you don’t have to serve much beyond that (but some people serve cake and baked goods, too).
The cost of an ice cream social will depend on a number of factors, such as the number of guests, the number and type of ice cream you serve, how many ice cream toppings you provide, if you’ll have drinks and alternatives for ice cream, and other costs like party favors, game prizes, and setup costs. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around $5-$10 per person for food and drink items, with additional overhead costs if you have those.
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You’ll also want to include some no dairy treats for those who can’t eat dairy products or prefer something else.
Alternatives to ice cream:
The old fashioned ice cream social was first celebrated in the early 1800s. It referred to a type of gathering where people would enjoy ice cream and other desserts, sometimes cakes, and socialize. Today, the term is used to describe any type of party or gathering where ice cream is served.
Let’s get to the fun ice cream social event ideas!
Get creative with your names for ice cream social!
In addition to ice cream and toppings for the ice cream (toppings list below), you’ll also need supplies for ice cream social:
If you’re having a smaller ice cream party (like a an ice cream birthday party for kids), try these cute ice cream bowls and spoons .
GREAT RECIPE FOR THIS PARTY:
Your ice cream party definitely needs fun ice cream sundae ideas and a wide variety of toppings!
Ice Cream Sundae Toppings List:
If you’re wondering how many toppings for ice cream social, don’t! You can go as big as you want or just offer a few shaker sprinkles (like chocolate sprinkles and rainbow sprinkles) and squeeze toppings like this .
Your ice cream social extravaganza doesn’t need a ton of party decorations!
Ice cream social decorations ideas:
If you’re having an ice cream birthday party theme and want to give out party favors or just want to have something special for kids at your party, try:
These are fun for ice cream birthday party activities or if you’ve been wondering what do you do at an ice cream social!
Ice cream social games and activities:
These work for ice cream social ideas for school, ice cream social ideas for work, an ice cream social birthday party and more!
ALSO CHECK OUT MORE SUMMER FUN IDEAS: Fun Beach Snacks For Kids
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Jacqueline Wilson has been creating crafts and making theme recipes for over 20 years. She loves making real food fun and cooking recipes with her daughter Ella, creating recipes based on children's book themes, and also creating fun kids activities! She is also an educator, wife, homeschool mom, #1 Bestselling Author, and Parent Busters podcaster. LEARN MORE ABOUT JACQUELINE'S BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE ON THE ABOUT PAGE
