I cannot believe we’re already halfway through 2023, and that my kids will be out of school soon. I plan to soak in these next few summer days 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 on a hot summer day, 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 super refreshing treats are also perfect to serve at an end-of-summer kids’ party. Fresh or frozen, this list of kid-friendly summer drinks is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Keep reading for a roundup of a few of my favorite go-to easy recipe summer smoothie and drink recipes that are “kids at heart” themselves!
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 them 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
This is one of my favorite lemonade recipes (next to strawberry lemonade)! I shared it on my Instagram a few weeks ago, Rumi loved it! Ingredients are from one of my favorite grocery stores, Smart & Final.
- Frozen 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 fun 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
Sparkling Fruit Punch
This fizzy and fruity drink is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of different fruit juices and sparkling water creates a refreshing and thirst-quenching beverage that kids will love.
- Fruit juices of your choice (such as orange, pineapple, and cranberry)
- sparkling water
- ice.
Fruit Juice Slushies
Slushies are a fun and icy treat that kids will enjoy. They come in different flavors and colors, making them perfect for a summer party or a day at the beach.
- Ice
- fruit juice or flavored syrup
- water.
Watermelon-Lime Juice
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit, making it a great ingredient for kid-friendly summer drinks. Adding a splash of lime juice gives it a tangy twist that kids will love.
- Watermelon chunks
- lime juice
- ice
Strawberry Milkshake
A classic milkshake is always a hit with kids, especially during the summer. Using fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream creates a sweet and creamy treat that is perfect for a hot day.
- Fresh strawberries
- vanilla ice cream
- milk.
Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
This tropical smoothie is a great way to cool down during the summer. The combination of pineapple and coconut creates a refreshing and exotic flavor that kids will enjoy.
- Pineapple chunks/Pineapple juice
- coconut milk
- ice.
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 of 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 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 kid-friendly summer drinks are something they will love, and are even fun for moms, 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.
