We all scream for ice cream! Sometimes a craft that matches a snack or treat is all you need to make a summer memory. Whether you’re going to try a science experiment like making ice cream in a bag or just want an easy way for kids to get creative this paper plate ice cream craft is a fun one!

This craft uses cardstock paper, a glue stick and paint sticks and can be completed in 20 minutes! It’d be great for a kicking off summer party or to be paired with our printable ice cream cone template. Paper plate crafts are great because they really spark creativity from turning something simple into something unique and fun.

paper plate cut in half with paper circles cut out to make it look like ice cream in a bowl.

Craft Oveview: Paper Plate Ice Cream Craft

Ready In: 15-20 minutes

Makes: One taco paper plate ice cream craft that kids can make to help celebrate summer!

Supplies: All you need is a paper plate, construction paper, a glue stick and a beige paint stick.

Why You’ll Love It: This is a simple craft that can be a fun activity to kick off summer!

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Key Supplies

Tempura paint stick– I love these for paper plate crafts! You don’t have to wait super long for them to dry and they’re easy for little hands to use. You could also use acrylic paint or markers.
Glue stick- you could use school glue but the glue stick worked great when I made these.
Construction paper in taco topping colors. You could use tissue paper, cardstock or colored paper for this as well.

paper plate, strips of construction paper, cardstock circles, a glue stick, red pom poms and paint markers on a counter.

How to Make a Paper Plate Ice Cream Craft

paper plate painted a light beige color.

Step 1. Paint your paper plate a light brown or beige color. You can use acrylic paint, markers, or I recommend using Tempura paint sticks.

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Step 2. Cut your paper plate in half. I did a scallop cut! Use a crayon or a slightly darker paint color to make it look like a waffle bowl/cone.

A pink, white and brown circle made from construction paper glued to half of a beige paper plate to look like ice cream.

Step 3. Cut out cardstock circles to look like scoops of ice cream. Using a glue stick, glue them to the back of your paper plate.

Step 4. After you’ve glued on your ice cream scoops, add any details! I used cut paper to make sprinkles and a red pom to be a cherry. Glitter would be a fun addition too!

More Paper Plate Crafts for Kids

Two paper plates that have been painted yellow and decorated to look like a taco.

Get the Recipe

This paper plate ice cream craft would be the perfect way to kick off summer! Or as a fun craft at an ice cream social themed birthday party!

Cost $3

Yield 1 craft

Prep 5

Cook 15

Ingredients

▢ 1 paper plate
▢ 1 tempera paint stick (you could also use markers, crayons, or paint.)
▢ 3-4 pieces cardstock paper (you could use scraps of different colors too!)
▢ 1 glue stick
▢ 1 red pom
▢ 3-4 colors of construction paper (or confetti, glitter, or anything else you want to 'top' your ice cream with.)

Equipment

1 pair of scissors

Instructions

Paint your paper plate a light brown or beige color. You can use acrylic paint, markers, or I recommend using Tempera paint sticks.
Cut your paper plate in half. I cut mine to make it look like it was curvy!
Use a crayon or a slightly darker paint color to make it look like a waffle bowl/cone.
Cut out cardstock circles to look like scoops of ice cream.
Using a glue stick, glue them to the back of your paper plate.
After you've glued on your ice cream scoops, add any details! I used cut paper to make sprinkles and a red pom to be a cherry. Glitter would be a fun addition too!