When the summer sun is blazing, nothing hits the spot like a cool, refreshing treat. Whether you’re lounging in the backyard, heading to the park, or hosting a pool party, these chilled recipes are the perfect way to beat the heat. Even better? These treats are simple enough for kids to help make—so you’re not just keeping cool, you’re also keeping those little hands busy.
From fruity popsicles to frozen yogurt bites, here are 7 easy, delicious, and kid-friendly cold treat recipes that your whole family will love this summer.
1. Frozen Yogurt Bark
This easy no-bake treat looks fancy but takes just a few minutes to prep—and it’s endlessly customizable.
What You’ll Need:
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2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
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2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
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Your favorite chopped fruits (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, banana)
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Granola or crushed cereal for crunch
How to Make It:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix yogurt with honey or maple syrup.
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Spread the yogurt mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
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Sprinkle chopped fruit and granola on top.
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Freeze for at least 2–3 hours, then break into pieces.
Kid Task: Let your little one decorate the yogurt with fruit and crunchies. It’s like making edible art!
2. No-Churn Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
No ice cream maker? No problem. This healthy, creamy treat uses just a blender and a few ingredients.
What You’ll Need:
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2 ripe bananas (sliced and frozen)
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1 cup frozen strawberries
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1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
How to Make It:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
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Eat immediately as soft-serve or freeze for a firmer scoop.
Kid Task: Let your child push the blender buttons (with supervision!) and serve their own bowl.
3. Watermelon Slushies
These naturally sweet slushies are as refreshing as they are simple—and the perfect way to use up leftover watermelon.
What You’ll Need:
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4 cups cubed watermelon (frozen)
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Juice of 1 lime
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1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)
How to Make It:
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Blend frozen watermelon cubes, lime juice, and honey until slushy.
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Serve immediately with a fun straw!
Kid Task: Kids can help scoop the watermelon and press the blender buttons. Add some paper umbrellas for tropical vibes!
4. Frozen Grape Pops
These are hands-down one of the easiest frozen treats to make—and surprisingly addictive!
What You’ll Need:
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Seedless grapes (green or red)
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Toothpicks or skewers
How to Make It:
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Wash and dry grapes thoroughly.
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Thread grapes onto toothpicks or short skewers.
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Freeze for at least 2 hours.
Frozen grapes are like tiny, all-natural popsicles. Serve them in a bowl on hot days for a refreshing, poppable snack.
Kid Task: Threading the grapes onto skewers is a great fine motor activity for kids!
5. Rainbow Fruit Ice Pops
Store-bought popsicles are fun, but homemade ones let you control the sugar and sneak in real fruit. These layered pops are as pretty as they are tasty.
What You’ll Need:
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Blended fruit or fruit juices (think strawberries, mango, kiwi, blueberries)
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Popsicle molds or small cups with sticks
How to Make It:
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Blend each fruit separately with a splash of juice or water.
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Pour the first fruit layer into your mold and freeze for 30–60 minutes.
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Repeat with the next fruit layer, freezing between each one until you’ve built your rainbow.
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Freeze fully overnight.
Kid Task: Have your kids choose the fruit colors and help pour each layer. It’s a mini science lesson in freezing, too!
6. Yogurt-Filled Berry Bites
These bite-sized treats are perfect for little mouths and make a great snack or dessert.
What You’ll Need:
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Fresh strawberries or raspberries
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Greek yogurt
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Optional: mini chocolate chips or sprinkles
How to Make It:
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Wash and dry berries. Hollow out strawberries if needed.
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Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill berries with yogurt.
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Sprinkle with toppings and freeze for 1–2 hours.
Kid Task: Your child can spoon or squeeze the yogurt into the berries and add the toppings. Simple, satisfying, and no fancy tools required!
7. Frozen Banana Pops
These chocolate-dipped banana pops are a crowd-pleaser—and much healthier than store-bought ice cream bars.
What You’ll Need:
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Bananas, cut in half
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Popsicle sticks
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Chocolate chips (melted)
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Toppings: crushed nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut
How to Make It:
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Insert a stick into each banana half and freeze for 1–2 hours.
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Dip in melted chocolate, then roll in your chosen toppings.
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Freeze again until set.
Kid Task: Kids love decorating the banana pops—set out a toppings bar and let them go wild!
Tips for Kitchen Fun with Kids:
Cooking cold treats with kids doesn’t just cool them down—it also builds life skills. Here are a few ways to make the experience smooth and fun:
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Use kid-safe kitchen tools like small knives, mini spatulas, and measuring spoons. Brands like Tovla Jr. offer safe utensils designed for little hands.
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Keep it low-stress. Focus on fun and exploration over perfection.
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Let them lead. Give kids age-appropriate responsibilities—from measuring and pouring to decorating and plating.
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Talk while you cook. Use this time to talk about healthy choices, flavors, colors, and textures.
Final Scoop
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, get creative, and enjoy simple moments with your kids—and these chilly recipes are the perfect excuse. Whether you’re blending up fruit, decorating banana pops, or crafting a rainbow of homemade ice pops, you’re not just cooling off—you’re creating memories.
So grab your ingredients, let your little chefs join in, and enjoy these deliciously frosty treats all summer long. Happy snacking!
P.S. Want to level up your summer cooking with kid-safe tools? Try a Tovla Jr kids' cooking kit that empowers children to help in the kitchen safely and confidently. Summer is sweeter when everyone’s involved. 🍓🍦🍌
