Mermaid Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Magical Summer Treat for Kids

Ready to bring some enchantment to your summer snack time? These Mermaid Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect combination of texture, color, and cool sweetness—all with a splash of mermaid magic. This treat is easy to assemble, requires no baking, and delivers big visual appeal, making it a favorite for summer parties, ocean unit celebrations, or just a fun afternoon in the kitchen with kids.

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Made with pre-packaged rice krispies treats, strawberry ice cream, and glittery mermaid sprinkles, this recipe is a make-ahead dessert that kids can help create and then enjoy once frozen. Whether you’re looking for a homeschool activity, a birthday party treat, or a hands-on reward after a learning block, these sandwiches are a whimsical way to beat the heat.

What You’ll Need To Make Mermaid Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches

6 store-bought rice krispies treats
3 cups strawberry ice cream
6 tablespoons mermaid-themed sprinkles
Parchment paper for prep and freezing
Optional: Mermaid-themed napkins, straws, or serving plates for an extra festive feel

You can find pre-made rice krispies treats and themed sprinkles online or at most grocery stores. Using store-bought items helps save time and lets kids focus on assembling and decorating.

How to Make Mermaid Ice Cream Sandwiches

1. Scoop out about 1 cup of strawberry ice cream and place it on top of one rice krispies treat. Use the back of the scoop or a spoon to gently spread it out to the edges.

2. Top with a second rice krispies treat and press down gently to form a sandwich. Repeat for all three.

3. Pour your mermaid sprinkles onto a piece of parchment paper. Carefully roll or press each side of the ice cream sandwich into the sprinkles to coat the edges.

4. Place each completed sandwich on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least three hours, or until the center is fully solid.

5. Serve cold and enjoy your magical, mermaid-inspired creation.

These are fun for kids to make and even more fun to eat. Each sandwich turns into a colorful, glittery dessert that’s packed with summery flavor.

Why This Treat Is a Learning Activity in Disguise

At first glance, this looks like a simple snack—but it’s also a chance for kids to learn and grow through hands-on experience.

Fine motor skills are built as children scoop, press, and roll their creations
Following directions becomes natural as kids walk through step-by-step assembly
Sensory exploration happens through touch (squishy ice cream, crunchy sprinkles), color, and taste
Creative expression comes into play as each sandwich becomes a unique work of edible art
Responsibility and patience are reinforced by waiting for the final frozen result

Whether your child is helping with a little or doing most of the work independently, this activity builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Extension Ideas for More Fun and Learning

Want to turn this snack into a longer activity or themed day? Try some of these extensions

Have kids design their own “mermaid menu” including sandwich flavors, sprinkle options, and fun names
Pair the treat with mermaid-themed crafts like decorating seashells, making paper crowns, or coloring undersea scenes
Create a short writing prompt or comic strip about a mermaid who opens an ice cream shop under the sea
Use this activity as part of a celebration for finishing a summer reading goal, chore chart, or learning milestone
Set up a “dessert assembly station” where kids build and decorate their own sandwiches during a party or playdate

These small extras can stretch the fun and turn your snack into a full experience.

Book Pairings to Match the Magic

Pair your Mermaid Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches with a themed story for a relaxing post-snack read-aloud

“How to Catch a Mermaid” by Adam Wallace – A fun, rhyming story that’s great for early elementary readers
“Pearl” by Molly Idle – A beautifully illustrated story about a mermaid learning the value of small things
“The Mermaid” by Jan Brett – A gorgeously detailed retelling of The Goldilocks story with an underwater twist
“Oona” by Kelly DiPucchio – A brave and curious young mermaid goes on an underwater adventure
“Julian is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love – A heartwarming story of imagination and self-expression

Pairing food and books is a great way to encourage literacy while connecting stories to real-world experiences.

Tips and Variations

Want to mix things up or accommodate different dietary needs? Try these fun twists

Use different ice cream flavors like vanilla, cotton candy, or raspberry swirl
Substitute gluten-free or homemade rice krispies treats for food sensitivities
Swap the mermaid sprinkles for rainbow jimmies, edible glitter, or themed candy pearls
Make mini versions using snack-sized rice krispies for younger kids or smaller servings
Wrap leftovers in parchment and freeze for a cool after-dinner surprise

This is a flexible recipe that can easily be adapted for the group you’re serving or the supplies you have on hand.

A Magical Make-Ahead Treat for Summer Smiles

Mermaid Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect way to combine summer sweetness with imagination and fun. With minimal prep and big visual payoff, they’re ideal for birthday parties, themed learning days, or just a special way to celebrate the season.

Simple enough for kids to make and beautiful enough to impress, this treat brings a little mermaid magic to your table.

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