Did you know July is National Ice Cream month? It makes since, right? Is there anything better on a hot day than an ice cold ice cream treat? Let’s all give Kentucky Senator Walter Dee Huddleston a round of applause for introducing the resolution to make July National Ice Cream Month in 1984. Now that is some politics I can get behind. And in case you are wondering the bill was signed by a President Ronald Reagan that same year.
So now that you know the great importance this month holds, it’s time to start planning a celebration! Weather you want to celebrate on National Ice Cream Day, (the 3rd Sunday of the month) or make it a month long celebration here are ten ways to celebrate this delicious day!
1. Host an ice cream party. Make it simple, invite over a few friends or family to make ice cream sundaes. You can provide the ice cream and have everyone bring a few of their favorite toppings. This could even be done while social distancing if each family has their own picnic blanket and you took turns fixing the sundaes.
2. Make an ice cream graph. Sneak in a little Math and have your kids graph everyone’s favorite ice cream. Call family or put a pole on social media and then use the data collected to create graphs or other simple math problems. Of course, you should definitely conclude the lesson by sampling the winning ice cream flavor.
3. Turn your vehicle into an ice cream truck and deliver treats to friends and neighbors. We had a blast doing this for the first day of summer, but it’s equally fitting for National ice cream month. Make a menu on poster board, stock the cooler with treats (and ice) and hit the road.
4. Visit a new ice cream shop. I love locally owned ice cream shops with all the charm, but any new place will do the trick.
5. Get in the kitchen and make some homemade ice cream, or an ice cream treat. We recently got an ice cream maker for my husband for Father’s Day, and we plan to perfect homemade ice cream. You can also make ice cream in a bag.
6. Make a list of ice cream flavors you would like to try and start checking them off. Maybe one a week, or do a taste testing all at once. I think it would be extra fun to create a score card and rank each flavor.
7. Read some ice cream themed books. You can even print out some ice cream coloring pages for kiddos to color while they are listening.
8. Get those creative juices flowing and have a create your own flavor competition. Have each participant provide an ingredient list ahead of time, then you will be sure to have all the ingredients on hand. My husband is known for his at home “blizzard” skills. After he mixes in all his add ins he always refreezes for a bit so it’s not too liquid-y. You can pick a judge or have a secret ballot. (Of course, no voting for your own creation!)
9. Spread the ice cream love by sending handmade cards and ice cream gift cards to family or friends. Whose day wouldn’t be cheered by getting a sweet little package in the mail?
10. Do some ice cream art. This puffy paint recipe is perfect for creating ice cream inspired masterpieces!
No matter how big or small your celebration, I hope you make the best memories!
Cheers!
Meg
