How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag (The Perfect Summer Activity for Kids)
When the temperatures start climbing, we’re always looking for simple ways to cool off that don’t require leaving the house. This ice cream in a bag recipe has quickly become one of our favorite summer traditions because it’s part science experiment, part backyard game, and part delicious treat.
The best part? Instead of standing around waiting for the ice cream to freeze, the kids get to help make it happen! Whether you’re tossing it back and forth, rolling it across the grass, or (our favorite) bouncing it on the trampoline, the movement is all part of the fun.
If you’re looking for an easy activity to fill a hot afternoon, this one checks every box.
Ingredients:
2 cups half & half
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rock salt (also labeled as ice cream salt)
Ice
4 gallon-size ziplock bags (we recommend double bagging the ice cream mixture)
Directions:
In a ziplock bag, combine the half & half, sugar, and vanilla extract. Seal the bag and gently mix until the sugar has dissolved. Place this bag inside a second bag to help prevent leaks. Fill the bottom of a gallon-size ziplock bag with ice and about half of the rock salt. Place the sealed double-bagged cream mixture into the center of the ice. Add more ice and the remaining rock salt around and on top of the bagged cream mixture. Seal the gallon-size bag tightly. Now for the fun part! Keep the bag moving for 10–15 minutes. Try:
- Tossing it back and forth
- Rolling it across the grass to each other
- Bouncing it on the trampoline (our kids’ favorite!)
As the ice melts, add more ice and rock salt if needed. Once the ice cream has thickened, remove the inner bag, wipe it clean so no salty water gets inside, and enjoy!
Our Favorite Toppings
This vanilla ice cream is delicious on its own, but it’s even more fun to set up a little topping bar!
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed Oreos
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh peaches
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate syrup
- Mini marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Chopped peanuts
Why We Love This Activity
We love activities that feel like play without requiring a lot of prep, and this one is exactly that. The kids stay busy, everyone gets moving, and at the end you have homemade ice cream to enjoy together.
It’s also a fun way to sneak in a little science lesson. The rock salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, allowing the cream mixture to freeze while it’s constantly moving. The kids don’t even realize they’re learning because they’re too busy having fun.
Whether you’re spending the afternoon in the backyard, hosting a playdate, or looking for something different to do on a hot day, ice cream in a bag is one of those activities we come back to every summer.
If you try it, let us know what toppings your family comes up with, we’re always looking for new combinations!
X.o. Grace
