Summer is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to share 6 of our favorite kid-friendly popsicle molds for healthy, refreshing treats. Plus, we’ve got 10+ colorful and healthy popsicle recipes for a little extra inspiration when those dog days of summer hit.
Medically reviewed and cowritten by Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Best Popsicle Molds for Kids
Have you ever made your own homemade popsicles?
After seeing these fun and colorful popsicle molds, you’ll definitely want to! Making popsicles with these kid-friendly popsicle molds is also a great way to use up any fruits or veggies in your fridge or freezer that are about to expire. Simply blend them up into a smoothie and freeze them into popsicle molds!
Read on for what to look for in popsicle molds, 6 kid-friendly popsicle molds, and our favorite popsicle recipes.
What to Look for
There are many different types of popsicle molds available. And even though it truly is very easy to make your own popsicles, here are some things you might want to consider if you’re going to put in the effort.
- Drip tray or guard: Many popsicle molds have a drip tray or drip guard built in these days to help catch some of that inevitable melty popsicle; however, some are more pronounced than others. With older kids, this might not be as important, but with babies and toddlers, anything to help minimize a mess can be helpful.
- Size of the base: We’re talking about the base that you’ll pour your popsicle mixture into and then place in the freezer. Depending on how much freezer space you have and how many popsicles you’re making at one time, you may want something that doesn’t take up a lot of room.
- Size of the molds: With toddlers or younger kids, starting off with smaller-sized popsicle molds is best (because, trust me, you could be eating a lot of popsicles in the foreseeable future if your little one decides they don’t want to/can’t finish it all). Older kids will do better with medium-sized popsicle molds.
- Easy to clean: Dishwasher safe is always a bonus in our books, or at least easy to handwash.
How to Clean Popsicle Molds
Cleaning popsicle molds is pretty straightforward. Simply handwash them with warm, soapy water or place them in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both plastic and silicone molds are available for popsicles; however, silicone molds seem to release popsicles a little easier than plastic ones.
Homemade popsicles will have the best flavor and texture if used within 3 months.
6 Favorite Popsicle Molds
These popsicle molds are all very budget friendly ($10-20) and are definitely worth the cost, as you can use them for years to make so many different kinds of popsicles.
Best for Baby & Toddlers
Best for Kids
Expert Tips
- If you make smoothies often but don’t always finish the entire batch, you can pour leftover smoothies into popsicle molds. Kids may even be more open to trying the flavors of a smoothie in popsicle form, instead of drinking it!
- If your popsicles seem to be sticking in the mold, running the base under warm water for about 30 seconds will help release a popsicle easily.
- After taking your popsicles out of the molds, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put them back in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then remove the tray and place your popsicles in a freezer-safe bag or container. This second freezing helps popsicles hold their shape a little better so they won’t melt as quickly when eating them.
- Keep your popsicles smooth in texture, or mix them up by adding diced bits of fruit for variety.
These Zoku Mini Pop Molds make 9 mini pops in a fun, bite-sized round shape. This size is perfect for babies and toddlers. The silicone molds release easily from the base and each mold includes a stick with a drip guard.
This set of 6 silicone popsicle molds is made of food-grade silicone. Each mold holds 4 ounces and is a good size for toddlers and older kids.
These mini silicone popsicle molds include 7 different colored molds. Each mold holds 2 ounces, making them a good size for babies and toddlers.
Zoku’s classic pop molds includes 6 molds that hold about 3 ounces each. Drip guards help catch messes and I love the covers so you can store leftovers.
These cute rainbow-colored popsicle molds include 6 popsicles that hold 3.3 ounces each. The outer frame of the popsicle molds is made of high-quality food-grade plastic, so that it stands sturdy in the fridge.
These collapsible popsicles molds make it easy to remove popsicles, with just a simple push from the bottom. No need to run it under warm water, and no broken ice pops! Each mold holds about 3 ounces.
Favorite Popsicle Recipes
Here are several of my favorite popsicle recipes for inspiration. From traditional fruit popsicles, to green smoothie pops, and even healthy funfetti popsicles, there’s a recipe for every taste!
Green Smoothie Popsicles
These Green Tropical Smoothie Popsicles are an amazing frozen summer treat for toddlers and kids that are filled with a (not-so) hidden-veggie – spinach!
Get the recipe
Yogurt Fruit Popsicles (super easy!)
These Yogurt Fruit Popsicles are the perfect healthy treat for baby, toddler and kids this summer! They are easy to make with only 3-ingredients and with a prep time of less than 5 minutes. PLUS.. there are 8 easy fruit flavors you have to try!
Get the recipe
Rainbow Popsicle for Toddlers + Kids
These rainbow popsicles are the perfect summertime treat for your toddlers and kids. This healthy frozen treat is loaded with fresh fruits and made with no added sugar. These colorful ice pops are quick and easy to make with only two ingredients!
Get the recipe
Sweet Beet Popsicles (plus, 5 fun flavors to try!)
These 3-ingredient Sweet Beet Popsicles are a baby, toddler and kid favorite and are going to be a staple in your house this summer! Delicious, refreshing and creamy, these frozen treats go beyond just a tasty pop, they are also full of veggies, fruit and protein. Plus – there are 5 fun flavors to try!
Get the recipe