I cannot believe we’re already more than halfway through 2021, and that my kids will be off to school again soon. I plan to soak in these last few weeks of summer with as much time as we can spend together, and that includes a lot of fun outdoor time! There is nothing more fun or refreshing than a delicious summery drink when outside, whether next to the pool or playing at the park.
It’s important to stay hydrated during the summer months, especially as we creep into August which can be a scorcher in some places. And, while water is the best hydration option, it can become boring for kids over time. Just like most items that attract kids’ interests, anything colorful, bubbly, and interactive will entice them to engage with more than a plain product. I love finding ways to include my kids in the kitchen, too.
These treats are also perfect to serve at an end-of-summer party. Fresh or frozen, this list of kid-friendly summer drink ideas is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Keeping reading for a roundup up of a few of my favorite go-to summer drinks that are great for kids and “kids at heart!”
Kid-Friendly Summer Drinks
Make-Your-Own Fruit Smoothie
This would be a fun party activity for your kiddos. At the beginning of the day, set up a few bowls with different fruit options all chopped up in bowls. Have the kids then create a smoothie bag with their chosen fruit creation. Label the baggies with each child’s name, then freeze for 2-3 hours. Take turns with each kid placing their frozen fruit mixture into a blender (below are several linked options for quick cleaning between blends), and serve in a fun party cup with a paper straw. Each kid can compare how unique and delicious their smoothie is, and get a good serving of daily fruit while at it!
- strawberries
- blueberries
- blackberries
- raspberries
- bananas
- pineapple
- mango
- cherries
- Use coconut water or almond milk to mix for two different flavor combos
Rainbow Lemonade
I shared this one on my Instagram a few weeks ago, Rumi loved it! Ingredients are from one of my favorite grocery stores, Smart & Final.
- Lemonade using First StreetLemonade Concentrate
- Fruit ice cubes (blend equal parts fruit and water or lemonade then freeze in ice cube trays)
- Serve in a cup with a fun straw, your toddler will love this no-added-sugar treat!
Creamsicle Smoothie
Popsicles are a classic summer treat, so why not make them in drink form? This is a great, healthier, option to a traditional Creamsicle. With these ingredients, you could almost serve this for breakfast or a snack!
- 1 cup orange juice (the real fresh squeeze kind is even better and fun for the kids!)
- Frozen banana (1) – the riper when frozen the sweeter they’ll be!
- Pineapple chunks (frozen)
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (added protein!)
- Add all ingredients to a blender, and let your kiddos push the button
Shirley Temple
A classic kid-friendly drink that will also please the kid at heart! You can also make this with Sprite or lemon or lime-flavored sparkling water for a modern take.
- 1 can Ginger Ale
- A quick splash of Grenadine
- A few Maraschino Cherry to garnish
- Serve over ice with a fun straw. Your kiddo will love watching the Grenadine seep down into the glass, the cheery on top!
Fruit-Infused Water
Keep a pitcher of fruit-infused water around for a quick and refreshing alternative to plain filtered water. You can infuse literally any fruit into a large pitcher of water for a great taste, including any berry, pineapple, mango, lemons, and limes. You can even use cucumbers and herbs, such as mint, for a light refreshment! There are some super fun infusion drink bottles for on-the-go too, so you can take your infused hydration with you anywhere.
I love offering my kids healthier alternatives to sugary juices or sodas that are attractive at their ages. These fun drink ideas are something kids will love, and are even fun for mom, too. Just add a splash of your favorite spirit and you have an adult version of these summer treats!
What is your go-to summer drink for your kiddos? Tell me more in the comments and head to Instagram to share your stories and tag me @mommydiary.