If your family is looking for creative family activities, Stretch-n-Grow always advocates something outdoors, active, and energizing; but sometimes the weather doesn’t agree. In the summer it can get too hot to be outside. No one wants a sunburn! When the heat index gets too high, all we really want is something cold. By making your own ice pops, you and your kids can make customized treats that will taste good and provide a creative outlet for the young ones.

For the adults, knowing exactly what went into the popsicle can be reassuring. It gives you control over the sugar levels. Over time, too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, affect moods, and lead to tooth cavities. Making popsicles at home can also help you avoid dyes, which is important if your child has certain kinds of allergies.

Making popsicles is also an affordable craft. The supplies are easy to find and can be found in bulk. Some supplies you may want include:

• Popsicle sticks: You can buy these in bulk of varying amounts and price points. You can buy them for less than $10 from places like the grocery store, a craft store, or Amazon.
• Popsicle molds: If this is an edible craft you want to do frequently, buying silicone, plastic, or even shaped molds for less than $25.
• Plastic or paper cups: If you aren’t ready to buy a mold, you can make these recipes in solo cups or dixie cups; you will just need to cut the cup off the popsicle when it is completely frozen.
• If you want to make some of the more complex recipes, having a blender will be helpful.

Here are some recipes to get you started. No measurements are listed because that will change based on taste, needs, and supplies. Have fun experimenting with ingredient amounts!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

• Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Greek Yogurt, Milk or non-dairy substitute, chocolate chips.
• For a smoothie effect, put into a blender before pouring into the molds. For a layered look, spoon ingredients into the molds.

Orange Creamsicle

• Ingredients: Orange juice, Greek Yogurt, Milk or non-dairy substitute, vanilla extract.
• Combine in a blender if using Greek yogurt. If not, pour directly into molds.

Fruit Smoothie Treat

• Ingredients: Bag of frozen mixed fruits (berries, tropical fruits, etc.), coconut water, milk, or non-dairy substitute. If you don’t like any of these liquids, water works as well to help maintain texture.

Fruity Yogurt Pop

• Ingredients: Greek Yogurt, slices of your favorite fruit, optional vanilla extract or fruit extract to flavor the yogurt.

If you want to flavor the Greek yogurt, mix your yogurt with your flavoring of choice. Spoon the Greek yogurt into the molds or cups, and insert your fruit slices in at random, or in patterns.  Want to add some crunch? Add some chia seeds! Make one for you with a frozen chai tea latte!

Stick your popsicle sticks into your molds and freeze for a couple hours. Enjoy!

Making popsicles at home lets you control how healthy, or decadent, your iced treats are, while unleashing your family’s creativity when it is hot out. Share your favorite homemade Popsicle recipes on social media using #sngpopsicles!