July just might be the sweetest time of year. July 16 is National Ice Cream Day — but the whole month is a celebration of delicious frozen desserts, too!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July to be National Ice Cream Month, and the third Sunday in the month National Ice Cream Day. 

You could honor the holiday by going to the store and getting a big tub of vanilla or your favorite pint of caramel brownie fudge chunk. But why not try a fun and different way of enjoying ice cream this year?

These quirky methods are especially great to try out with kids of all ages.

Ice Cream in a Bag: This is the simplest method, perfect for passing around a preschool classroom. Keep the flavor simple — this recipe sticks to vanilla — and have kids bring toppings to share. It works for dairy free options, too!

Ice Cream in a Ball: The company Yaylabs sells a few varieties of ice cream-making ball, including this playground-style one. Take the kids out for a quick game of kickball, followed by dessert.

Ice Cream the Old-Fashioned Way: Check out your grandma’s attic, keep an eye on your neighborhood yard sales or head online to find an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream maker. Kids can take turns cranking the handle. 

Ice Cream By Bigfoot: You’ll have to head to eBay or other online resale shops to find this perfectly Pacific Northwest-themed ice cream maker — pedal-powered with Bigfoot feet!

After you’ve squished, kicked, churned, or pedaled your way to a fabulous treat, find a new recipe and try again! July may be National Ice Cream Month, but the average American eats about 4 gallons of ice cream annually. That means we celebrate all year long.