Kids are easily drawn to ice cream shops because of the sweet cold treats in various colorful flavors. However, with the intensive competition in the industry, it is important that ice cream shops start considering ways to keep kids entertained while they enjoy their ice cream, or as they wait in line.
Note that with a good number of creative activities and games, it is possible to retain the interests of kids as well as turn an already fun outing into a memorable, engaging experience.
Best Ice Cream Shop Activities and Games for Kids to Keep Them Happy and Engaged
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Ice Cream Tasting Challenge
This is one of the most popular activities you can put in place particularly since it lets kids try out different flavors beyond their usual favorites.
You just have to organize mini cups of assorted ice cream flavors and allow them to taste each one. You can turn it up by asking them to guess the flavors while blindfolded.
Another way to add a twist to it is by including some uncommon flavors such as green tea or lavender. Be sure to reward participants with small prizes or a certificate, especially for the best guesser.
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Build A Sundae Station
Kids love being adventurous and creative, and nothing gives them that opportunity to explore their sweet tooth such as a DIY sundae station.
This more or less entails allowing children to come up with their own sundaes by picking a wide array of ice cream flavors, toppings, syrups, and whipped cream.
Keep in mind that the opportunity to come up with their own dessert masterpiece will surely keep them engaged and enhance their enthusiasm.
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Ice Cream Art Corner
You can set up a small art corner where kids can sit down with coloring books, crayons, and markers to create their own ice cream-inspired drawings.
Aside from the fact that it works to engage their imagination, it will also ensure they stay calm while parents relax or finish their desserts.
Be sure to make available coloring sheets featuring ice cream cones, sundaes, and ice cream trucks. Don’t forget to make available a wide range of crayons, markers, and stickers.
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Ice Cream-Themed Bingo
This is one very exciting way to convert waiting times into a fun game that the kids will love. Aside from the fact that it is a good game, it is also easy to set up.
You only have to come up with bingo cards that feature varying ice cream flavors, toppings, and shop-related items (e.g., cones, sprinkles, chocolate syrup) rather than numbers. Call out items at random, and the first child to get five in a row gets a prize. This could be free toppings, scoops, or small toys.
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Story Time with Ice Cream Characters
Consider coming up with a designated time slot where a staff member or special guest is tasked with reading a story related to ice cream.
This might be tales regarding magical ice cream shops, funny ice cream characters, or even DIY story time where kids also get to contribute to the narrative.
This storytelling time cultivates a sense of community as well as ensures that kids remain engaged in a group activity. Don’t forget to pick from a wide range of fun, ice cream-related stories or invent your own.
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Scoop and Race
Another good option to consider is infusing physical activity into the fun by putting together a “Scoop and Race” game. This entails providing children with spoons and small scoops of (non-melting) foam ice cream and asking them to carry their “scoops” across the room without dropping them. This relay race format aside from promoting teamwork, tends to enhance coordination as well as friendly competition.
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Guess the Ice Cream Flavor by Smell
This is another way to add a twist to the traditional ice cream tasting game. This game activity is meant to challenge kids to guess the flavor of ice cream just based on its smell.
It is without doubt a very exciting and educational way to further train their sensory skills while keeping them engaged. To put it together, just scoop varying ice cream flavors into cups. Get the kids to close their eyes whilst they smell the cup, guessing the flavor with no single taste.
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Ice Cream Trivia
You will ask a series of fun facts and questions regarding the history of ice cream, the varying types of ice cream across the globe, or facts regarding their favorite flavors.
You can let kids answer individually or in teams, just make available trivia cards with questions and multiple-choice answers. You can give small rewards for each correct answer.
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Ice Cream Scavenger Hunt
This entails organizing an in-shop scavenger hunt where kids get the opportunity to find hidden ice cream-themed items. These items could be small ice cream cone figurines, sprinkles, or toppings hidden somewhere around the shop.
You can spice it up with gifts or small rewards for kids who succeed in finding all the items on the list. Come up with a checklist of safe items for kids to find, such as a cherry, sprinkles, or an ice cream scoop.
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Interactive Ice Cream Workshops
This is another exceptional option especially if you want something out of the ordinary. It is more or less about offering ice cream-making workshops where kids get the opportunity to learn how ice cream is made.
You can also offer a hands-on activity that features mixing their own small batches, selecting ingredients, as well as understanding the science behind freezing and flavoring. Consider ending the session with a tasting session where the kids get to enjoy their creations.