When the summer heat hits the Philippines, nothing beats a cold, colorful treat to cool down the kids. Instead of buying sugary snacks from the store, why not create DIY ice pops and refreshments that are both healthy and fun to make? These homemade treats are perfect for bonding time and are a great way to sneak in fruits and other nutritious ingredients into your child’s diet.
DIY ice pops and refreshments recipes
Here are 6 creative DIY ice pops and summer refreshments your kids will love—and you’ll feel good serving!
1. Tropical Fruit Fiesta DIY Ice Pops
Bring the flavors of the tropics right into your freezer! These DIY ice pops are packed with Filipino favorites like mango, pineapple, and banana. Just blend the fruits with a splash of calamansi juice and a bit of honey, then pour into molds. For extra fun, add whole fruit slices before freezing.
Tip: Use ripe mangoes from your local palengke for that extra tamis and vibrant color.
Image from Canva
2. Buko Pandan Cream Pops
This Filipino classic dessert gets a fun frozen twist! To make these DIY ice pops, mix buko (young coconut strips), pandan-flavored gelatin, condensed milk, and all-purpose cream. Pour into molds and freeze overnight.
Kids love the chewy surprise in every bite—and parents will appreciate the nostalgic flavors!
3. Choco-Banana Swirl Pops
If your child loves chocolate and bananas, they’ll go bananas for this treat! Mash overripe saba bananas, mix with a bit of milk, and swirl in melted tablea chocolate or cocoa powder for a rich and creamy DIY ice pop.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a fun, cookie-like texture.
Image from Canva
4. Colorful Gulaman Ice Cubes + Fruit Juice Splash
Want something that’s both refreshing and visually exciting? Make colorful DIY ice pops using cubed gulaman (gelatin) in various colors and add them into popsicle molds filled with fresh fruit juice like dalandan, watermelon, or grape juice.
Not only is this easy and low-cost, but the burst of colors makes it super exciting for kids!
5. Melon Milk Ice Pops (Melon-Gata Style)
Inspired by the classic street favorite “melon sa gata,” this DIY ice pop combines grated cantaloupe, coconut milk, and a touch of evaporated milk. It’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for cooling down after playtime under the sun.
Hack: Use a melon scraper to get nice long shreds of cantaloupe that kids will enjoy slurping.
Image from Canva
6. DIY Ice Pops with Yogurt & Cereal Layers
Turn breakfast into a frozen treat! Layer plain or flavored yogurt with kid-friendly cereals like cornflakes, honey stars, or even crushed SkyFlakes. Add some diced fruits like strawberries or kiwi in between for extra goodness. Freeze and serve for a unique DIY ice pop that’s both fun and filling.
Bonus: These are perfect for picky eaters or kids who love munching on snacks all day.
Final tips for making DIY ice pops with kids
- Get your kids involved! Let them choose the fruits, mix the ingredients, and pour the mixture into the molds. It’s a great sensory activity too.
- Use reusable molds or small plastic cups with sticks for a zero-waste option.
- Add fun extras like edible flowers, chia seeds, or crushed nuts if your child enjoys texture.
- Store popsicles in an airtight container or ziplock to avoid freezer burn and keep flavors fresh.
Beat the summer init with these DIY Ice Pops!
These DIY ice pops and refreshments are more than just delicious—they’re a creative way to spend quality time with your children, encourage healthier eating habits, and celebrate the beauty of local flavors. So grab those fruits, pop them in the freezer, and enjoy the summer the cool, tasty, and Filipino way!
