Looking for a fun way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day with your family? At Port Discovery Children’s Museum, we love combining hands-on play with learning and one of our favorite Ice Cream Day activities this year is making homemade ice cream using an ice cream ball. It’s simple, active, and a great project to try at home with kids!
What is an Ice Cream Ball?
An ice cream ball is a special tool that allows you to make real ice cream through movement and play. Instead of using an electric ice cream maker, you would pour the ingredients into a sealed ball and roll or shake it around. With a little effort and a lot of fun, you’ll end up with a fresh batch of homemade ice cream.
Why It Works: A Little Bit of Science
The ice cream ball uses the science of the phases of matter and motion to turn a liquid mixture into ice cream. When ice and salt are combined in one chamber of the ball, they create a super-cooled environment that freezes the ice cream mixture in the other chamber. Rolling or shaking the ball helps evenly distribute the cold and speed up the freezing process.
How to Make Ice Cream Using an Ice Cream Ball
If you’d like to try this project at home, here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients and Supplies:
- Ice cream ball (available online or at select kitchen and toy stores)
- Ice cubes
- Rock salt or coarse sea salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Pour the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract into the inner chamber of the ice cream ball. Seal the chamber tightly.
- Fill the outer chamber with ice and a few handfuls of salt.
- Secure the lid and start rolling, shaking, or tossing the ball. This can take 15 to 20 minutes.
- Check the ice cream halfway through to stir and scrape the sides if needed.
- Once the mixture has firmed up, open the chamber, scoop, and enjoy your homemade treat!
Why Families Love It
Making ice cream with an ice cream ball is more than just a way to enjoy a sweet treat. It’s a way for kids and families to:
- Move and play while learning a basic science concept
- Work together on a hands-on project
- Create lasting summer memories
Join Us at Port Discovery for Ice Cream Day
Want to experience the fun in person without the mess at home? Join us at Port Discovery for our special National Ice Cream Day Celebration. Families will have the opportunity to make ice cream using our ice cream ball, along with enjoying other playful and interactive ice cream-themed activities throughout the museum.
Whether you visit us for the event or try this activity at home, it’s a great way to combine play, learning, and a classic summer favorite.