I don’t know about your kids, but my preschooler can’t wait to go back to school. Despite summer play dates, she is sorely missing her pint-sized posse. She literally squealed when she got the welcome back to school letter from her new teachers!

School doesn’t start for her for another two weeks, but we scooped up a plan to host an ice cream social at one of our favorite playgrounds to celebrate heading back into the classroom. Built-in entertainment and a perfect way to introduce a few new classmates/friends into the group.

The best part about this (un)official gathering was that it was so easy! We provided the ice cream (thanks to Breyers; see note below). Other families brought cookies, drink boxes, water, clean-up gear, etc. Perfect way to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

Back to School Ice Cream Social - (cool) progeny

Because we were hosting the shindig at a playground, we had to plan a bit to make the ice cream transport smoothly. I opted to pre-scoop into decorated plastic cups and freeze them ahead of time. No mess, no drip! Once I scooped the ice cream, I transferred the cups to disposable aluminum baking pans. Topped each tray with a piece of freezer paper and covered everything with aluminum foil. Rather than use ice, I put freezer packs in the bottom of the cooler. Placed the trays in and voila! Easy transport, easy to consume. No worries about melting ice.

Back to School Ice Cream Social - (cool) progeny

Toppings were another story. Anything that required scooping probably wasn’t a good idea for 30 or so people with picnic blankets. Instead, I grabbed two large shakers of sprinkles and put caramel and chocolate sauce into picnic-style condiment squeeze jars. A utensil caddy provided care-free transport and easy access for little hands. As you can imagine, rainbow sprinkles were the most popular ice cream topping.

Back to School Ice Cream Social - (cool) progeny

The whole soiree? A bit like a band reunion tour. It’s like they never stopped playing!

Back to School Ice Cream Social - (cool) progeny

… and now the kiddos are even MORE excited to start school! Truly a #deliciousmoment.

(cool) progeny giveaway

GIVEAWAY: Want to win a gift card to Target and FREE Ice Cream to host your own social? {Who wouldn’t?} Breyers is giving one lucky CP reader a $25 gift card to Target and 2 FREE ice cream coupons to nab your family’s favorite Breyers flavor! All you have to do to enter is fill out this form. Want a second chance to win? Leave a comment telling us how you celebrating back to school with your pint sizers! You have Monday, September 2, 2013 at midnight to enter. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older and reside in the United States.

Editor’s Note: This post is part of the Breyers’ Delicious Moments campaign, for which I am an ambassador. Now through September 23, families nationwide are encouraged to submit their delicious moments – a sundae creation, favorite flavor or even a fun family photo – to Facebook.com/Breyers. One lucky winner will be showcased within the Winner’s Gallery each week and will receive a PC tablet and a year’s supply of Breyers. Because we are a program ambassador, we’ve got more fun ice cream-related content coming your way next month plus more opportunities to nab some free Breyers. Score!