Host an ice cream party with lots of flavor. Kids can build their own sundaes -- real and imagined. Just supply the ice cream, fun toppings, and PLAY-DOH Compound.  

• Setup:
Create two separate workstations: One for building real sundaes, and one for creating fun and crafty "sundaes" with PLAY-DOH Compound. It's important to keep them separated, because PLAY-DOH Compound is fun to play with, not to eat. Lay down plastic tablecloths on both workstations to make clean-up a breeze. Provide PLAY-DOH Compound and extend the playtime with playsets like the PLAY-DOH Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe and Cake Makin’ Station.  

• Crafts
Click here to find lots of PLAY-DOH creations and fun crafts, complete with step-by-step instructions, that will be the "cherry" on top of your ice cream party.



FRESH IDEAS

"Ice Cream Cone"
Level: Intermediate
This PLAY-DOH "ice cream cone" is so fun to make, you'll finish it lickety-split. Use our suggested PLAY-DOH Compound colors or invent your own "flavors."  

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Yellow
Pink
White
Red
Blue
Green


"Sundae"
Level: Intermediate
Making a PLAY-DOH "sundae" is almost as fun as eating a real one!
Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Red
White
Blue
Green

First ...
•    Roll two large balls and one small ball.
•    Flatten one large ball into a pancake.
•    Pinch around the sides to create a scalloped edge.

Next ...
•    Attach the scalloped-edge piece to the top of the small ball and bend the edges so it becomes a cup.
•    Flatten the bottom of the small ball so the cup sits flat on your workstation.
•    Put the remaining large ball into the cup and, using a tool or your fingers, shape it to look like scoops of ice cream.

Finally ...
•    Roll one medium rope and one small rope.
•    Wrap the medium rope around the top of the "ice cream" to look like "whipped cream."
•    Pinch one end of the small rope to make it look like a spoon.
•    Roll a small ball and place it on top of the "whipped cream" to make a "cherry."

Looks yummy!  You're done!



Ice Cream Truck
Level: Advanced
It just wouldn't be summer without an ice cream truck. Use the suggested pink "ice cream," or choose your own "flavor."

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Pink
Brown
Soft Blue
Black
Red
Yellow
Other colors as desired

"Birthday Cake"
Level: Intermediate
A great party activity or simply fun for one, this festive PLAY-DOH "birthday cake" has flecks of color in its "frosting."

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Pink
Teal
Orange
Blue
Red


CRAFT IDEAS

Server Hat
Have kids create this fun ice cream parlor server hat as an ice cream party craft.  Kids can wear their creations to build on the ice cream party theme – don’t forget to take pictures!  You're ordering up a whole lot of fun when you make an ice cream parlor server hat. Click here to print out the pattern and follow the simple step-by-step instructions.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • Three sheets of 8 ½ x 11 white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue the printout onto cardboard for better results.


Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out all three patterns.
2.    Cut off the border on all three pieces and along the solid red line.
3.    Fold all three pieces in half along the dotted line.
4.    Slide the folded yellow piece into the folded outer pieces.
5.    Apply tape to the outer edges only.
6.    Fold along the dotted line and tape edges to complete your server hat.
7.    Orders up!



Name Tag
Print out these cute name tags and write in real or imagined names -- the sillier the better! Click here to print out the pattern, and follow the step-by-step instructions.



What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • 8 ½ x 11 white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue the printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out pattern.
2.    Cut out name tags along solid lines.
3.    Write in a name on each tag. (Use the child's real name, or make up a silly one -- the sillier the better.
4.    Apply a piece of tape to the top edge of the tag so it sticks to clothing.
5.    Hello, my name is Fun!


"Waffle Cone"
How many scoops of "ice cream" made of PLAY-DOH Compound can fit into these "waffle cones"? Make a bunch and see! Click here to print out the pattern, and follow the step-by-step instructions.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • Three sheets of 8 ½ x 11 white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out pattern.
2.    Cut out pattern along solid lines.
3.    Wrap brown edge of "cone" around to dotted line, and tape the white strip underneath.
4.    Fill "waffle cone" with "ice cream" made from PLAY-DOH Compound.
5.    One scoop or two?


Order Pad
What'll it be? Check out the tasty looking options pictured on this authentic-looking order pad. Click here to print out the pattern, and follow the step-by-step instructions.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • Three sheets of 8 ½ x 11 white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print both order pad patterns onto 8 ½ x 11 sheets of paper.
2.    Glue or tape the two sheets back to back. If you glue them, allow the glue to dry.
3.    Cut along solid red vertical lines, making sure not to cut through the center.
4.    Fold right half behind the left side.
5.    Fold top half behind bottom half.
6.    You're employee of the year!

• Real Snacks  
Yummy ice cream and fun toppings are a must at an ice cream party. So are these frozen fruit juice pops you can make yourself. Click here to follow the simple instructions for a tasty treat that's fun and refreshing.

• Song and Dance
Dance to golden oldies from the 1950s to create the atmosphere of a classic diner -- a perfect backdrop for making sundaes.

• Games
Print out server hats, name tags, order pads, and waffle cones. Kids can take turns being servers and customers at a make-believe ice cream parlor.  You can also have a contest to see who can create the most awesome sundae -- real and imagined.  

Make her dreams of a perfect birthday come true with a fairy-tale-themed party.

• Setup
Create a fairy-tale feel with lots of pink, purple, and sheer and shimmery fabric draped around the room. Sprinkle gems, glitter, and sequins on tabletops to make them shimmer. And don't forget to supply lots of PLAY-DOH Compound and extend the arts and crafts with playsets like the PLAY-DOH FAIRY TALE COLLECTION including Hansel and Gretel, The Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood. 
 
• Crafts:
Conjure some fun with fresh ideas and crafts every fairytale party needs.  

FRESH IDEAS

Fairy
Level: Beginner
Create this pretty fairy and play happily ever after. Making her is so easy, it almost feels like magic. 
 
Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Pink
White
Yellow
Peach

"Cupcake"
Level: Beginner
Looks yummy! This pretty "cupcake" is a must at any tea party. Play with different PLAY-DOH Compound colors to create a whole batch.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Pink
White
Red
Blue
Yellow
Purple

Present
Level: Intermediate
Great things come as small packages. Create the present as shown, or use other colors for special occasions like Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, etc. What a great gift!

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Blue
Green
Yellow
Pink

Teacup
Level: Advanced
Tea for two? It's up to you! Create one teacup or a whole set, complete with PLAY-DOH "sugar cubes."

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Pink
Soft Pink
Blue
Soft Blue
White

Jewelry
Level: Advanced
Make a bracelet and matching ring out of the suggested colors of PLAY-DOH Compound, or create your own sparkly looks.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Pink
Yellow
Blue
Other colors as desired

"Birthday Cake"
Level: Intermediate
A great party activity or simply fun for one, this festive PLAY-DOH birthday cake has flecks of color in its "frosting."

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Pink
Teal
Orange
Blue
Red


CRAFTS
Crowning Glory
Every prince and princess needs a crown. It's a good thing that paper crowns are super easy and fun to make.

What You Need:
• Construction paper
• Clear tape
• Scissors
• Crayons and/or marker (optional)
• Glitter, sequins, stickers, etc. (optional)

Instructions:
1.    Cut a piece of construction paper in half, lengthwise
2.    Tape the two short ends together.
3.    Wrap the paper around her head and measure how big the crown needs to be.
4.    Mark where the paper overlaps.
5.    Tape down the overlapping section.
6.    Cut a zigzag shape along the top of the crown.
7.    Decorate as Her Highness desires.
8.    You rule!

Wand and Wand You Go
Create your own fairy or magic wand with a chopstick and aluminum foil. Simply wrap foil tightly around a chopstick (shiny side out, of course), and ta-dah! Magic!

• Real Snacks
Tea sandwiches, colorful cupcakes, and fancy cookies are perfect for a princess and her friends. Pink lemonade served in little teacups is a royal departure from plain old plastic or paper cups.

• Games
Every little princess loves to play dress-up, so bring out your old clothes, scarves, hats, and costume jewelry -- then watch as your child and her friends transform themselves into royalty. Or simply ask your guests to come dressed as their favorite fairytale character.  Voila!

• Song and Dance
This is where fairy tale princesses become rock royalty. Break out the karaoke machine and turn on the spotlight.  Don’t forget your favorite fairytale CD. 
 

Bring sun and fun to your party. Throw a beach-themed blowout, filled with beach balls, ocean creatures, and more things that are fun to make with PLAY-DOH Compound.

• Setup
Create a summery scene when you bring outdoor furniture, tableware, and accessories indoors. Or, better yet, take the party outside! Create a workstation for guests to create with PLAY-DOH Compound. Don’t forget to extend the play with playsets like the PLAY-DOH MAGIC SWIRL ICE CREAM SHOPPE, the PLAY-DOH BEACH CREATIONS MINI BUCKET, and the PLAY-DOH BURGER BUILDER. They'll get along just beachy!

• Crafts 
Click here to make a splash with fresh ideas and crafts that are lots of fun to make.


FRESH IDEAS

Seashell
Level: Beginner
Create a little piece of a beach with this seashell made from three PLAY-DOH Compound colors. Listen closely -- you might just hear the sea.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Pink
Orange

Beach Party: Dolphin
Invite this playful dolphin to your beach party..

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Blue
Yellow
Pink
Teal
Black

Beach Party: Seagull
Kids will flock to this activity. Create one or many seagulls in different poses. How many poses do you suppose there are?

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Purple
Orange

Beach Party: Life Preserver
PLAY-DOH Compound to the rescue! This adorable life preserver will float everyone's boat -- even though it won't actually float!

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Orange
Yellow

Beach Party: Beach Chair
Sit back, relax, and zzzzz. Create the perfect beach chair for summer snoozing.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Brown
Yellow
Pink
Purple
Light Blue

Flip-Flops
Level: Beginner
These teeny, tiny, totally adorable flip-flops are pink and purple, but you can use any color combo. Let your fashionista flourish!

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Pink
Purple

Sandcastle and Shovel
Level: Beginner
You don't need a beach to build a sandcastle -- just your imagination and PLAY-DOH Compound. Flecks of color create the look of sparkling sand.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Red
Blue

CRAFTS

Beach Umbrella
Kids can top off their beach scenes made from PLAY-DOH Compound with a bright and cheerful umbrella. Click here to print out the pattern and follow the step-by-step directions.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • 8 ½ x 11 sheet of white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out pattern.
2.    Cut out umbrella patterns along solid lines. Fold along dotted lines.
3.    Tape indicated areas together.
4.    Poke a toothpick through the umbrella top. Apply a small ball of PLAY-DOH Compound to the top of the umbrella to make a colorful tip.
5.    Apply a second small ball of PLAY-DOH Compound to the underside of the umbrella to secure the toothpick in place.
6.    Form a round base out of PLAY-DOH Compound and stick the umbrella in it.
7.    You're made in the shade!


Mini-Sandbox
Think of it as a beach in a box -- and the perfect place to set your beach umbrella or plant a palm tree. Click here to print out the pattern and follow the step-by-step directions.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • 8 ½ x 11 sheet of white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out pattern.
2.    Cut along solid lines and fold inward along dotted lines.
3.    Fold all four vertical edges inward to create box shape. Glue the corners of the pattern to the base. Allow 15 minutes to dry.
4.    Fill your sandbox to your liking.
5.    Dig?

Palm Tree
No proper beach is complete without a palm tree. (Watch out for falling coconuts!) Click here to print out the pattern and follow the simple step-by-step directions.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • 8 ½ x 11 sheet of white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out patterns.
2.    Fold tree top patterns in half along dotted line to create a crease, then leave open.
3.    Glue the backs of the tree top patterns together. Allow 15 minutes to dry. Cut along solid lines.
4.    Slide tree top "A" into tree top "B" as indicated.
5.    Cut tree trunk patterns along the solid lines. Fold along dotted lines. Tape over the tabs.
6.    Place tree top stem into the opening of the tree trunk.
7.    Fun has officially begun.


Tropical Island Play Mat
Pass these play mats around to spark the imaginations of your little beachcombers. They're perfect for creating scenes with figures made from PLAY-DOH Compound. Click here to print your play mat.

What you need:
    • Access to color printer
    • 8 ½ x 11 sheet of white paper or cardstock
    • Scissors
    • Clear tape
    • HINT: If using regular paper, glue printout onto cardboard for better results.

Instructions:
1.    Using a color printer, print out pattern.
2.    Cut along exterior white edges, as indicated, making sure not to cut the center strip.
3.    Join sheets together and tape along the center white strip.
4.    Welcome to your own private island!

•Real Snacks
Cold, fruity drinks with tiny paper umbrellas are a must at a beach party. So are simple, fun snacks like healthy chips, dips, fruit, and frozen treats. Here are a few simple ideas.

Smoothies Galore
Break out the blender and whip up smoothies made to order. Have fresh tropical fruit like pineapples, mangos, papayas, bananas and guava on hand. Mix a medley of fruit with ice and juice, milk, or water for a beach drink that's delish.

Chips and Dip
Choose baked chips and fresh dips like hummus, guacamole, and tabouleh as a lighter alternative to regular chips and sour cream-based dips.

• Game
This party calls for beach blanket bingo! The kids may be too young to remember the classic movie, but they'll have fun playing bingo while stretching out on beach blankets.

Song and Dance
Put on surf music -- anything from the Beach Boys and Dick Dale to newer surf bands like the Mermen and Los Straitjackets -- to capture the mood and spark a contest to see who can out-twist the rest. 

 

When it comes to fun, nothing tops a pizza party! Satisfy rumbly tummies with real pizza -- and satisfy their appetites for fun by making make-believe "pizzas" with PLAY-DOH Compound.

•Setup
Create two separate workstations: One is for creating real pizzas, complete with fresh dough and toppings, and the other is stocked with PLAY-DOH Compound and playsets like the TWIRL N TOP PIZZA SHOPPE. That way, the kids can create play "pizzas" while you wait for the real ones to bake. It's important to keep the workstations separate, because PLAY-DOH compound is fun to play with, but not to eat.

• Crafts 
Create fresh ideas, like "pizzas" made with PLAY-DOH Compound, and other crafts that will be the life of your party.

FRESH IDEAS

"Pizza"
Level: Intermediate
When it comes to making this slice of PLAY-DOH "pizza," no birthday party  activity tops it! Follow our suggestions, or add your own "toppings."

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Yellow
Red
Green
Orange
Red

Party Hat
Level: Beginner
Get the party started! This festive party hat will get everyone in the mood for creative fun at a party or play-date.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Yellow
Purple
Blue
Green
Orange
Red

Balloons
Level: Intermediate
Make your birthday party celebration extra special by making a bouquet of balloons out of PLAY-DOH Compound.

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
Blue 
Yellow 
Red 
White 

"Birthday Cake" 
Level: Intermediate
A great party activity, this festive PLAY-DOH "birthday cake" has flecks of color in its "frosting." Kids can give their "birthday cake" creations to the birthday boy or girl. 

Colors of PLAY-DOH Compound you’ll need:
White
Pink
Teal
Orange
Blue
Red

CRAFTS

Pizza Prize
Invite guests to sign and doodle your paper "pizza." It's a fun and unique souvenir your child will have from her party.

What you need:
White poster board, cut into a large circle
Markers,crayons, and PLAY-DOH Compound
Instructions:
1.    Draw "slices" in the "pizza," one for each guest and your child.
2.    Write the name of a different child in each slice.
3.    Each kid decorates a slice and writes a message to your child.
4.    These slices are always "well done," and they make great leftovers ... forever!

Pizza Pizzazz
White paper plates – a staple in pizzerias –  turn into works of art.

What you need:
White paper plates
PLAY-DOH , Markers, crayons, paint, etc.
Decorations like stickers, feathers, string, etc. (optional)

Instructions:
1.    Pass out paper plates.
2.    Put out art supplies.
3.    Set imaginations free.
4.    Hang and admire.
5.    HINT: Hang paper plates close together and take a photo of the collage. Send the photo as a "thank you" note.
6.    HINT: Create some paper-plate artwork ahead of time to inspire your guests.

• Real Snacks
If you're making your own pizzas, supply yummy toppings like cheese, veggies, meats, even pineapple and ham! Serve salads and other favorite side dishes to go with the pizza.

• Games
Games like musical chairs, Mother May I, sardines, freeze tag, charades, and hide-and-seek are all party favorites. Set up clear boundaries and rules so everyone has a good time.
 
• Songs
Once revelers are seated and enjoying pizza, start a song everyone can sing along with. Songs like "On Top of Spaghetti," "Who Stole the Cookie From the Cookie Jar," "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," and others sung in rounds or in turns are great fun. It gives new meaning to "singing for your supper"!



 

Choose a Theme
Decide on a theme for your party. It sets the tone for the event and offers inspiration for decorations, activities, presents, and costumes. Some popular ideas are food themed parties like ice cream and pizza, and, princess, fairytale, pirate, jungle, sports, and beach themes. Then go with the theme that best captures your child's sense of wonder. Click here for some theme ideas.

Stick to the Theme
Ask the kids to create things that reflect the party's theme. Each child can make his or her own creation, or they can work in teams to create a princess, pirate, lion, or anything else that fits the party's theme.

HINT: It's easier for kids to work together on a picture that lies flat on the table. Each child makes a piece of the picture, and then everyone puts the pieces together to create the complete picture.


Free Style
Instead of sticking to a theme, let guests create whatever they wish. Supply the PLAY-DOH Compound, modeling tools, and toys, and just let their imaginations run free.

Tic-Tac-DOH
Play a game of Tic-Tac-DOH on your workstation.

Instructions:
a.    On your workspace, make a tic-tac-toe grid out of PLAY-DOH Compound. (It should be at least 12" x 12".)
b.    Make X's and O's out of PLAY-DOH Compound, measuring no bigger than 2" x 2".
c.    Break into groups of two.
d.    Follow the rules of tic-tac-toe.
e.    Let the games begin!


Stick the Tail on the Donkey (or Rabbit, or Whale, or …) 
This is hands-down the most fun version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey!

Instructions:
a.    Invite kids to help create a donkey or other animal in the center of your workstation. (It should be at least 15" wide.)
b.    Everyone creates a tail to stick on the animal. It can be realistic or kooky. For example: Try a long, curly, swirly tail for a rabbit.
c.    Kids take turns being blindfolded and turned around three times before they try to stick a tail on the animal.
d.    The winner is whoever gets closest to where the tail should be!

Every Picture Tells a Story 
Take a moment to read your child's favorite story to the kids at the party. Be as animated as you can be. Ask the kids to create something from the story out of PLAY-DOH. You can even read the story again and ask the kids to act it out with their PLAY-DOH Compound creations.

Make Some Memories 
Capture a beautiful memory of your child's special day.
What you need:
• PLAY-DOH Compound in lots of colors.
• Markers and/or crayons
• Poster board (or workstation tablecloth)
• Camera

Instructions:
a.    Ask the kids to make a handprint in their favorite color of PLAY-DOH Compound.
b.    Arrange the handprints on the poster board, leaving enough room between the handprints for the kids to sign their names, draw a picture, or write a message.
c.    OR: You can also use the tablecloth as the background.
d.    Photograph the poster.
e.    Print out the picture. Frame it. Share it. Love it.

Host a Gallery Opening 
Display all the things the kids created during the party. Place a little card with the artist's name and title of the piece next to each artwork. When parents come to pick up their children, invite them to visit the gallery. Discuss and praise the artwork, and offer up some refreshments to make it feel like a real gallery opening.

Thank You Notes
Take individual photos of the works of art. Print the photos out and use them as thank you notes. Your guests and their parents will love receiving these photos and knowing that they helped make your child's party a very special occasion.

PARTY FAVORS

PARTY BAG
Share the fun and share the creativity with the PLAY-DOH Party Bag full of 15 cans of PLAY-DOH modeling compound. Featuring gift tags on the top of each one, these brightly colored cans are perfect for passing out to your friends at your next party. You can each mold cool things on your own or combine to create one giant, amazing creation! Sure to keep imaginative kids entertained anywhere.

PARTY PACK
For the best party in town, grab this tube filled with 10 mini cans of PLAY-DOH modeling compound!  Makes great party favors! Includes 10 one-ounce cans of modeling compound