There’s just something about summer and ice cream that goes hand in hand. Whatever your favorite flavors, it’s one of those simple joys kids absolutely love, mine included! This paper plate ice cream craft is a fun and creative way to bring that same excitement into your home, without the sugar rush.

What makes this ice cream craft extra fun is how flexible it is. You can mix and match colors, create your own favorite flavors, or even design something completely silly and unique. From bright rainbow scoops to classic chocolate and strawberry, kids can really make this project their own. It’s a great summer activity that feels relaxed, creative, and easy to set up.

Materials for your Ice Cream Craft

For this paper ice cream craft, you only need a few simple supplies that you probably already have at home. Grab a paper plate, some pink and purple paint or colors of your choice, construction paper, scissors, glue, and a marker. 

These basic supplies make it an easy craft idea for busy days, and you can always add extras like glitter, stickers, or different paint colors if you want to get more creative with your design.

I’ll link them below on Amazon for convenience, but you can pick these craft supplies up in any store. 

• Paper plates – uncoated ones like these are much better for crafting. We also buy paper plates from Costco.
• Acrylic paint
• Scissors
• Markers
• Construction paper

How to Make Your Ice Cream Craft

Start by cutting your ice cream scoop shapes from the paper plate using the template (download this free at the end of the blog post). If you want to make your ice cream bigger and taller with even more scoops, you can do that just add more paper plates.

Then you can go ahead and paint them in pink and purple just like in the example, or choose any colors you like. Let the paint dry before moving on to the next step so everything stays neat.

Next, cut out the cone template from construction paper.

Use a marker to outline the cone, then draw diagonal lines across it.

Adding white lines on top gives it that classic waffle cone look and really brings the whole craft together.

Once everything is ready, glue the painted paper plate scoops together to form your ice cream,

then attach them to the cone.

You’ll start to see your ice cream come to life at this stage, and it’s always fun for kids to see their project come together. Now you can start adding decorations and toppings to your ice cream, which is a great chance to let your creativity loose!

Add some sprinkles with markers

And cut a cherry for the top

Glue it to the top of your ice cream and you’re all done

But as I mentioned, using these templates and shapes you can go crazy and decorate however you like so you don’t have to stop here if you have more ideas. You could add pom poms, glitter, sequins, beads… so many things!

How to make a Paper Plate Ice Cream Cone Craft

A bright and fun paper plate ice cream craft that’s perfect for summer, letting kids paint, cut, and create their own colorful ice cream designs.

Print

Materials

• Paper plate
• Paint eg purple and pink
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers

Tools

• Printer for the template

Instructions

1. Print and cut out the ice cream templates and cut the paper plates to size
2. Paint them your chosen colors
3. Cut the cone template and outline it using a marker. Then draw diagonal lines using a white marker.
4. Attach the paper plates together then attach it to the cone.
5. Add your final decorations

Download the Ice Cream Craft Template PDF

To make this ice cream craft even easier, you can use the free template. It helps guide the shapes and keeps everything simple for younger kids. Just print it out, cut the pieces, and you’re ready to go. Printables like this are such a great way to turn a quick idea into a smooth, stress-free activity.

This project is a perfect mix of creativity and hands-on fun. Kids get to paint, cut, glue, and design their own ice cream, which makes it feel more like play than a structured activity. It’s also a great way to build fine motor skills while still keeping things light and enjoyable.

Plus, there’s no right or wrong way to make it. Whether your child wants a triple scoop rainbow cone or a simple single scoop design, it all works. That freedom is what makes this kind of craft so engaging.

So, if you’re looking for easy summer craft ideas for the kids to stay busy making, this paper plate ice cream project is a great one to keep on hand. It’s simple, affordable, and full of opportunities for creativity. Perfect for a quiet afternoon at home, a playdate, or even a quick classroom activity.

More Summer Crafts for Kids

Looking for more fun summer activities to keep the kids busy? There are so many creative craft ideas you can try, from beach-themed projects to colorful outdoor-inspired crafts. Summer is the perfect time to get creative with simple supplies and let kids explore their imagination.

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If you enjoyed this ice cream craft, don’t forget to share this post with friends and family so they can join in the fun too!