Chill by the Pool: Cool Ideas for National Ice Cream Day

Your pool’s already the star of the show; adding ice cream makes it sweeter. But between melting sundaes, splashing kids, and sticky fingers, National Ice Cream Day needs a little planning to keep things fun flowing and the stress low.

The good news? A few easy touches, like build-your-own floats, themed games, and pool party prep tips, go a long way. Just simple ways to make it feel festive without the fuss.

Here’s how to make this year’s celebration one to remember.

Indulge in Delicious Ice Cream Treats by the Pool

Nothing says summer like a pool day with your favorite frozen treat in hand. Whether it’s scooping sundaes with the kids or sipping on a float between swims, these sweet ideas are easy ways to keep everyone smiling and cool. Your pool’s doing the heavy lifting; let the ice cream handle the rest.

Here are a few pool-friendly treats your crew will love:

Create Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Station

Want to keep everyone happy without hovering over the food table? A DIY sundae station is always a hit, and it’s easier to pull off than you might think.

Start with a few go-to ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Then toss in something unexpected like cookie dough, mint chip, or even a dairy-free option if you’ve got guests who need it.

Now for the fun part:

• Toppings: Crushed cookies, sprinkles, gummy bears, chopped nuts, and marshmallows.
• Sauces: Chocolate syrup, caramel, and strawberry sauce.
• Fruits: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, and pineapple chunks.
• Extras: Whipped cream and cherries for the perfect finish.

Let guests build their dream bowl. Kids usually go wild with the sprinkles, while grown-ups might reach for the fruit and nuts (or both—no judgment here).

Your sundae station will run itself, and everyone leaves happy.

Explore Tropical Ice Cream Flavors

If you’re looking to mix things up, tropical flavors are the way to go. Mango, coconut, passion fruit, lychee, each one brings a little island flavor to your backyard.

Try pairing coconut ice cream with chunks of pineapple or mango with a splash of lime syrup for a bright, refreshing combo. These flavors are light, fruity, and made for poolside snacking.

Enjoy Cool and Fizzy Ice Cream Floats

There’s just something about the combo of fizzy soda and creamy ice cream that never gets old. Floats are fun, easy to make, and customizable. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic Root Beer Float: Vanilla + root beer
• Tropical Twist: Coconut ice cream + pineapple soda
• Berry Delight: Strawberry ice cream + lemon-lime soda

Want a grown-up twist? Add a splash of rum, vodka, or prosecco. No matter how you mix it, these floats are cool, sippable, and made for bendy straws.

Fun Activities to Pair with Your Ice Cream Indulgence

Ice cream’s great on its own, but add a few games or crafts and you’ve got a day guests won’t forget. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or entertaining teens, these quick setups bring extra fun without extra work.

Play Ice Cream-Themed Poolside Games

A little friendly competition goes a long way, especially when the theme is dessert. These ice cream-inspired games are quick to set up and fun for all ages:

🍦 Ice Cream Cone Relay

• How it works: Split into teams and give each one a spoon and a scoop of ice cream, or a soft ball if you’re keeping things clean.
• The goal: Balance the scoop on the spoon and race to the finish without dropping it.

Pro tip: For younger kids, swap in a bigger “scoop.” For older kids or adults, throw in a few obstacles for extra laughs.

🍨 Sundae Scoop Toss

• How it works: Set up cones or buckets and take turns tossing in small balls or bean bags.
• The twist: Assign different point values or vary the distance based on age. You can even hand out small prizes for the highest scores!

These games are easy to set up and easy to love.

Get Creative with Ice Cream Crafts

Need a breather from the splash zone? Ice cream-themed crafts are a fun way to cool down and keep hands busy, no screens required.

• Ice Cream Cone Collage. Grab brown paper for cones and colorful tissue paper for the scoops. Tear, layer, and glue to create custom cones. Sprinkles, stickers, or glitter are optional. This quick project is perfect for little ones and easy to clean up.

• DIY Ice Cream Magnets: Use bottle caps, magnets, paint, and a little glue. Decorate them like tiny ice cream treats with beads or buttons as toppings. Stick them on the fridge as a reminder of the sweetest pool day ever.

These crafts are fast, fun, and screen-free. Plus, they double as take-home souvenirs.

Host the Perfect Ice Cream Day by the Pool

With a bit of prep, an ice cream-themed pool day can feel special without turning into a marathon.

Plan and Prepare for a Day of Treats

Every great pool party starts with a solid game plan. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get the fun flowing:

• Invites: Send digital invites or fun paper ones with a heads-up on the theme and anything guests might want to bring.
• Decor: Bright banners, inflatable ice cream cones, colorful pool floats—easy touches that set the mood.
• Menu: Stock a few favorite ice cream flavors, add plenty of toppings, and include non-dairy options for your dairy-free friends.
• Schedule: Keep it loose but organized—build in time for sundaes, games, crafts, and float breaks.

Pro tip: Start mid-afternoon, when the sun’s out but not scorching. You’ll get the best light (and the best photos), and your treats won’t melt before they’re enjoyed.

Keep Your Ice Cream Deliciously Cold

Now for the part every pool host has wrestled with: keeping the ice cream cold. Here’s what you could do:

• Coolers + Ice Packs: Use insulated coolers with lots of ice packs, and stash them in shady spots.
• Pre-Scoop Magic: Scoop ice cream into cups ahead of time, freeze them, and bring them out when it’s time to serve.
• Keep It Closed: Don’t leave coolers or containers open longer than you have to; keeping the cold air in makes a big difference.

Every scoop stays creamy, not soupy, if you follow these tips.

Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment

Fun’s the goal, but being safe and tidy makes it better for everyone. Here’s how to keep your space guest-ready:

• Trash + Recycling: Set up a few clearly-marked bins around the yard so guests know where to toss cups, napkins, and wrappers.
• Wipe + Sanitize: Keep napkins, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer within reach. Trust us, someone’s going to need one mid-sundae.
• Eyes on the Pool: Always have an adult keeping watch when swimmers are in the water. If you’ve got a bigger crowd, it might be worth bringing in a lifeguard for peace of mind.

Doing this prep pre-party gives you more time enjoying the day and less time worrying about messes or mishaps.

Make This National Ice Cream Day One to Remember

When you mix a sunny pool day with build-your-own sundaes, fizzy floats, and a few fun games, you don’t need much else to make the day feel special. With just a little prep and some good company, you’re all set for a sweet, low-stress celebration that hits the spot for kids, grownups, and everyone in between.

Whether it’s a quick scoop with the family or a full-on backyard bash, the joy’s in the little things: sticky fingers, colorful toppings, and laughter echoing off the water. That’s what makes National Ice Cream Day worth celebrating poolside.

And if your checklist’s getting long? We’ve got you. Poolie can handle cleaning the pool and tidying up the poolside area, so you can focus on the fun stuff (like perfecting your sundae skills).

So grab your scoops, load up on sprinkles, and dive in. Your pool’s ready—and now, so are you.