Nothing screams "Summer's here!" quite like a ripe, juicy bite of watermelon. Take advantage of the seasonal favorite's short shelf life by serving it up in an extraspecial way. Whether you're carving a whole melon or turning it into a frozen treat, these 15 fun ideas are sure to delight your little ones. Eat up!
Watermelon Tacos
These watermelon tacos [1] let Mom take a break from the grill or oven and offer a healthy and unexpected light bite. Customize with whatever suits your kids' palates.
Source: POPSUGAR Studios
Birthday Cake
Celebrate a Summer birthday with a refreshingly unexpected treat — a watermelon cake [2]!
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [3]
Watermelon Cones
Skip the ice cream and serve up scoops of fresh watermelon [4] instead!
Source: Party Pinching [5]
Watermelon Dippers
Forget the chips and salsa; at your next Summer gathering, serve watermelon sticks alongside this sweet and easy dip recipe [6].
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [7]
Convertible Bug
Beep, beep! This fruit-filled bug [8] is sure to be a hit at your next backyard bash.
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [9]
Watermelon Juice
Quench kids' thirst without the sports drinks — this recipe for watermelon juice [10] is simple, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants.
Heart You
Kebabs aren't just for dinner! These fruity skewers [11] make for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert.
Source: Martha Stewart [12]
Minion
Despicable Me fans will swoon over this edible Minion [13] made with a yellow melon.
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [14]
Penguin
Waddle on over for a nosh of this sweet penguin carving [15].
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [16]
A Friendly Hedgehog
Serve up skewers of watermelon in a hedgehog [17] for a fun surprise.
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [18]
Watermelon Pops
These adorable watermelon ice pops [19] use lime sherbet for the rind of the watermelon and mini chocolate chips for the "seeds."
Source: Eat Yourself Skinny [20]
Kiwi Watermelon Popsicles
All you need to make Mom Endeavors' fruit-filled treats [21] are watermelon, kiwi, and a little bit of water.
Source: Mom Endeavors [22]
Watermelon Strawberry Mint Popsicles
These watermelon popsicles [23] aren't just delicious, they're also totally guilt-free, something health-conscious parents will appreciate.
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Watermelon Lego Bricks
Make them for a birthday party or just an ultracreative snacktime. Either way, these watermelon Legos [24] are guaranteed to delight kids (and let's be honest, adults too!).
Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board [25]
Watermelon Cake
Our friends over at POPSUGAR Food [26] show us how to skip the bakery for a fruity Summer sweet.
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts