Summer Holidays Day 2: “Mum, I’m Bored!” – Fun Ice Cream Ideas For Kids

It’s Day 2 of the summer holidays — and already the “Mum, I’m bored!” chorus has begun. Keep kids cool, creative (and distracted!) with these fun ice cream ideas.

It’s Day 2 — and already you’re hearing that oh-so-familiar chorus:

“Mum… I’m boooored!”

We’ve all heard it. (Usually right as you’re sitting down with your coffee or finally finishing that umpteenth basket of laundry.)

And let’s be honest — Day 1 looked so promising! Sunshine, good intentions, maybe even a Pinterest board of summer fun.

Well… now it’s time for Plan B (aka: keep them busy and keep them cool).

✅ In This Article, You’ll Find:

• Cool ice cream & lolly recipes for all ages (yes, even your too-cool-for-this teen)
• Fun kitchen-based distraction tactics (ahem, strategic chores)
• Recipes kids can make themselves — no fancy gadgets needed
• No-churn ice cream and sorbet recipes for instant scooping gratification
• A budget-friendly frozen treat guide using cupboard staples
• Our fave kit & mould recommendations (plus what you can sub in a pinch)
• Information on The Cuisinart Frost Fusion® — because “Is it ready yet?” is a summer soundtrack
• 10 extra ideas to stretch across the week (or until the rain sets in)
• And yes… something a little boozy for the grown-ups too 🍸

Click on the following link if you’d prefer to head straight to our Summer Holiday Fun Recipes, or read along to find out more.

☀️ The Long Haul Begins…

Six weeks. SIX. WHOLE. WEEKS.

That’s the length of the average UK school summer holiday — and while that can mean lie-ins, outdoor adventures, and the occasional peaceful cuppa… it can also mean endless cries of boredom, snack raids every 12 minutes, and the growing challenge of keeping everyone occupied without resorting to a screen (again).

But here’s the silver lining (and it’s delicious):

• The kitchen can become your secret summer sanctuary. 🧁

Getting kids involved in simple, hands-on kitchen activities — especially ones that result in sweet rewards — is a brilliant way to:

• Keep them engaged (at least for a while)
• Encourage creativity and food confidence
• Build lifelong skills in a low-pressure, fun environment
• And most importantly… make memories

Whether it’s stirring a base, layering fruit into lolly moulds, or inventing their own signature flavour, giving kids room to experiment with frozen treats can transform a chaotic day into a creative one.

And don’t worry — we’ve got ideas for every age, mood, and pantry level. So if you’re already halfway to frazzled… you’re in the right place.

Let’s turn those “I’m bored!” sighs into “Can I make the next one?” 🍦🎨

🍭 Step 1: Distract & Delay — With Strategic “Fun” Tasks

Before the ice cream’s even churned, why not buy yourself a few golden minutes of prep time with these cleverly disguised chores (er, activities – we can only but try…):

• Sundae Station Setup: laying out spoons, bowls, sprinkles (and wiping down the counter…)
• Who Can Fold the Fastest?: Laundry race with a prize of picking the first flavour
• Kitchen Olympics: sweeping, hoovering, or ‘Wipe the Windows Like a Pro’
• Scoop & Sort: their bedrooms before they scoop and swirl
• Design a new flavour on paper: yes, even if it involves glitter and gummy bears

💡 Did You Know? Engaging kids in even light kitchen tasks boosts food confidence and helps them feel part of the process — especially if dessert is the reward.

Time to Chill (Literally) – Easy Recipes for Kids of All Ages

Now that the preparations are done and the kids have (hopefully) stopped chanting “Is it time yet?” — let’s get going with the delicious part.

We’ve got a collection of easy, no-churn, no-drama frozen recipes for every age and kitchen confidence level. Think hands-on fun, no fancy gadgets required, and results that are both kid-approved and parent-pleasing.

And yes, they really are that simple — so you might just get a moment to yourself while they stir, layer, and lick the spoon.

Ice Lollies (Popsicle) for All Ages

Easy, no-churn, and perfect for hands-on fun — here are three ice lolly recipes based on age & skill level.

👶 For Little Hands (Ages 3–6): Fruity Rainbow Ice Lollies

Supervised, but mostly DIY-friendly
No blending, no fuss — just layering juice & fruit in silicone moulds.

Ingredients:

• Apple juice or coconut water
• Sliced banana, blueberries, strawberries
• Optional: edible glitter or star sprinkles

Method:
Let kids layer fruit and juice in moulds. Freeze 4–6 hrs. That’s it!

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🧒 For Mid-Sized Makers (Ages 7–11): Banana-Choc Swirl Lollies

A little more hands-on. Microwave or blending may be needed.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• Splash of milk or yoghurt
• Optional: mini choc chips

Method:
Blend banana, cocoa & milk. Add chocolate chips. Pour into moulds. Freeze overnight.

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🧑‍🎓 For Cool Teens (12+): Tropical Sunrise Layered Pops

They want something Instagrammable, obvs!

Ingredients:

• Mango purée (from fresh or canned)
• Strawberry purée
• Coconut milk
• Lime juice

Method:
Layer purées and coconut milk with a dash of lime in between. Use a skewer to swirl gently. Freeze. Snap. Post. Eat.

👉🏽 Check out our article: Fun Ice Cream Recipes for Kids – Getting Children Involved in the Kitchen

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Kid-Friendly Kit – Lolly Moulds & Frozen Treat Tools

Want to make fruity lollies, layered pops, or cheeky chocolate-dipped creations? A few clever accessories can make it easier (and a lot more fun).

At minimum, we recommend:

• Silicone or plastic ice lolly moulds (easy-release is key!)
• Reusable or wooden sticks
• A jug or funnel for pouring
• Baking tray or board to keep moulds flat while freezing

💡 Did You Know? Silicone moulds tend to unmould more cleanly than rigid plastic — ideal for layered or swirled lollies where you want to see the patterns shine!

You can keep it super simple with just yoghurt pots or ice cube trays — but if you’re ready to upgrade the kit, we’ve pulled together a few helpful ideas.

No need to overthink it — kids don’t care if it’s a unicorn shape or a yoghurt pot. But they do love unmoulding their creations and saying: “I made that!”

👉🏽 For more info on equipment needed check out our article – What Equipment Do You Need to Make Homemade Ice Cream?

👉🏽 Browse Ice Lolly Moulds directly on Amazon

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Try These No-Churn Freezer Favourites

If you’ve already worked your way through every ice lolly mould in the house — or your teenager has declared “Ice lollies, really? I’m not a baby, Mum” — Fear not. We’ve got you covered.

These two no-churn recipes are great all-rounders:
✔️ Simple enough for kids to make
✔️ Satisfyingly scoopable
✔️ No fancy gadgets required (just a blender or food processor)

They’re brilliant as after-lunch cool-downs, DIY dessert projects, or late-night “because we deserve it” bowls. And yes — they still count as holiday fun.

🍌 Quick No-Churn Banana & Honey Ice Cream

A naturally sweet, creamy treat — ready in minutes and freezer-friendly

(Prep Time: 10 mins | Freeze Time (optional for firmer texture): 2 hours | Yields: 4 small servings)

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (frozen in slices)
• 150ml double cream or coconut cream (for dairy-free)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional – depends on banana ripeness)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or freeze for 1–2 hours for scoopable results.
3. Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or a dollop of nut butter.

Nutritional Info (per serving):
Calories: ~160 | Sugar: 10g | Fat: 9g | Sat Fat: 6g | Protein: 2g

💡 Did You Know? Freezing overripe bananas is a great way to cut waste — and they churn into surprisingly creamy ice cream bases, even without dairy.

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🍓 No-Churn Berry Sorbet

Vibrant, refreshing, and made with just 3 ingredients

(Prep Time: 5 mins | Freeze Time: 3–4 hours | Yields: 4–6 servings)

Ingredients:

• 300g frozen mixed berries
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2–3 tbsp sugar or agave syrup (adjust to taste)

Method:

1. Blitz frozen berries and lemon juice in a food processor until crumbly.
2. Add sweetener and blitz again until smooth and glossy.
3. Serve as-is (soft), or freeze for 3–4 hours until firm.

Nutritional Info (per serving):
Calories: ~90 | Sugar: 12g | Fat: <1g>

💡 Did You Know? A splash of lemon or lime juice doesn’t just add zing — it also balances the natural sweetness of berries and helps the colour pop.

💰 Budget-Friendly Frozen Fun

Holidays are expensive — there’s no doubt about it. Between summer clubs, snack raids, and the occasional last-minute day trip that somehow costs £40 before you’ve even left the driveway, it adds up fast. But keeping the kids cool and entertained doesn’t have to break the bank.

You don’t need a freezer full of Waitrose organics or a Pinterest-perfect pantry to make magic.

Some of the best frozen treats come from what’s already in your cupboards — think tinned fruit, value-brand yoghurt, or that lonely lemon you forgot to use last week.

With just a few simple ingredients (and a little creative flair), you can turn budget-friendly basics into icy masterpieces that taste like summer, without tasting like sacrifice.

Here are some examples of simple, budget-friendly ingredients you’ll likely have already;

• Canned fruit in juice (peaches, pineapple, mango) blitz up beautifully for sorbets
• UHT coconut milk + frozen bananas = instant creamy base
• Leftover yoghurt pots = easy moulds for mini lollies
• Lemon juice + honey + water = a sharp & simple granita

💡 Did You Know? Fruit purées made with tinned fruit often freeze smoother than fresh — thanks to higher sugar and lower fibre content.

❄️ Bonus – 10 More Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Ideas

Mix, match, and try one each day for the next fortnight (or until the rain returns).

1. Strawberry yoghurt swirl lollies
2. Lemon-lime slushies (use the Frost Fusion!)
3. Raspberry ripple no-churn ice cream
4. Frozen banana-peanut butter pops
5. Apple juice & mint granita
6. Fudgesicle-style chocolate ice lollies
7. Watermelon + lime blender ice
8. Fruity ice cube skewers (freeze grapes, melon, etc)
9. Vanilla & sprinkle “ice cream playdough” (edible!)
10. Orange creamsicle sorbet

Looking for Even More Hands-On Fun?

If your kids love the process just as much as the treat, or you’re after an activity that burns a little energy, ice cream in a bag is always a hit.

It’s science, snack, and sensory fun all in one. Plus, no blender or machine needed — just zip-lock bags, salt, ice, and enthusiasm.

👉🏽 Check out our article – Bags of Fun – How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

🍨 Need It Fast? Say Hello to The Cuisinart Frost Fusion®

Summer holidays have just begun… and already, the words “Is it ready yet?” are echoing down the hall.

That’s where the Cuisinart Frost Fusion® comes in:

• No pre-freezing.
• No “maybe tomorrow” disappointment.
• Just on-demand frozen treats in around 25 minutes.
• And it happens to have a particularly cool name too!

With 6 preset functions, it’s perfect for ice cream, slushies, sorbets — even frozen cocktails (yes, we’re getting there). It’s a fantastic all-in-one appliance!

👉🏽 Check out our full hands-on review of the Cuisinart Frost Fusion Ice Cream Maker

💡 Did You Know? The Cuisinart Frost Fusion can keep ice cream scoopable for up to 2 hours — ideal for when one child forgets they even asked for it.

🍸 And For The Grown-Ups…

You deserve a little reward for getting through today’s flavour-fuelled chaos.

We’ve got you covered, too, with one of our cocktail-inspired frozen creations to help you re-freeze your sanity!

• 👉🏽 Strawberry Daiquiri Sorbet – A Boozy Frozen Treat
• 👉🏽 Dairy-Free Coconut Mojito Sorbet (With Mocktail Options)
• 👉🏽 Cocktail-Inspired Ice Creams, Sorbets & Ice Lollies for Long Hot Summer Days

Go on. You’ve earned it. 🍹

The Final Scoop

Day 2 of the holidays and already counting down to September? You’re not alone. But a little frozen fun can go a long way.

From toddler-proof lollies to TikTok-ready teen treats — and a cheeky mojito sorbet for you — ice cream is the perfect way to keep everyone (temporarily) sweet.

So go forth, freeze boldly, and remember: the dishwasher is part of the fun.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Summer Holidays Day 2: “Mum, I’m Bored!” Fun Ice Cream Ideas For Kids – and we have inspired you with our ideas and suggestions to help keep the kids engaged and creative during the holidays. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

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