So there I was, staring at the paper goods at Dollar Tree, when this Paper Plate Ice Cream Truck kid craft idea came to life. It was like a light bulb went off!
With just a few simple steps, I made my crazy thought come to life within minutes!
Keep scrolling to see how I “built” my very own paper food truck and hopefully it will inspire you to recreate one with your child too! I even made it super easy by offering a FREE template below to get you started! #gluedtomycrafts
Paper Plate Ice Cream Truck Craft Idea
A little back story. When I was little, I remember how the ice cream truck would come through my grandma’s village in Germany during the summer months. It was always a real treat for my cousin and I to get a real waffle cone with a scoop or two of gelato. I wish I could go back to those simple moments and relive them just one more time. And although it doesn’t have much to do with this craft, it’s nice to think back on it 🙂
Anyways – back to the awesome paper plate food truck craft tutorial!
Today’s Paper Plate Ice Cream Truck art project is not just a craft idea but it also doubles as something kids can use their imagination with and have some pretend play afterwards, as well!
You could even add your child’s picture to the window for a custom look! PLUS you don’t need to be limited by our instructions or supply list in this particular post. The best part is that not EVERY truck has to be alike, so don’t be scared to pull out various supplies and craft mediums so those creative juices can really flow! Think stickers, ribbons, glitter etc!
So whether for summer or everyday craft fun, I hope our tutorial and free ice cream truck printable come in handy for you! Find all the details and free download below!
Happy crafting, my friends! Don’t forget to have some ice cream afterwards, in honor of your paper ice cream truck assembling! Be sure to also tag us on Facebook or Instagram afterwards, so we can see your hard work! We can’t wait to see your crafty paper plate ice cream truck creations in action! #gluedtomycrafts
PAIR YOUR PAPER ICE CREAM TRUCK CRAFT WITH —> Handprint Ice Cream Keepsake Canvas For Kids To Make!
Ice Cream Truck Craft Supplies:
- 7 1/8″ SQUARE PINK Paper Plate – one per ice cream truck craft {affiliate link on Amazon or Dollar Tree}
- FREE Ice Cream Food Truck Template on Box.com
- White Cardstock Paper
- Color Printer
- Crayons, Color Pencils or Markers
- Paper Craft Scissors
- School Glue
- Hand-Held Office Stapler
- optional – stickers, craft glitter, rhinestones etc.
You can find ALL our favorite craft supplies via our AMAZON SHOP link!
Directions:
- First things first – cut a small section out of your square paper plate to give a more defined look for the cab and the hood of the truck {see our image for example!}
- Discard small piece you just cut off and set your paper plate aside.
- Now print out the FREE template above. Print out the file in color. You only need to print one ice cream truck printable per food truck craft.
- Go ahead and color in your designed sections in the printable. Go to town on this step!
- Once done, use scissors to trim out each section of the printable. Discard leftover paper.
- Now it’s time to start assembling your ice cream truck made from a paper plate.
- Glue/staple the cardstock embellishments in place on the paper plate. The wheels go on the bottom of the truck, the large ice cream cone on top and the rest go in the center of the plate.
- Finally – if desired, add anything else you like for that custom food truck look, before displaying proudly for all to see!
PAIR YOUR FINISHED ICE CREAM TRUCK CRAFT WITH —> Handprint Popsicle Stick Ice Cream Cone
Paper Plate Ice Cream Truck - Kid Craft Idea For Summer
Supplies:
- 7 1/8" SQUARE PINK Paper Plate - one per ice cream truck craft {affiliate link on Amazon or Dollar Tree}
- FREE Ice Cream Food Truck Template on Box.com
- White Cardstock Paper
- Color Printer
- Crayons, Color Pencils or Markers
- Paper Craft Scissors
- School Glue
- Hand-Held Office Stapler
- optional - stickers, craft glitter, rhinestones etc.
Instructions:
- First things first - cut a small section out of your square paper plate to give a more defined look for the cab and the hood of the truck {see our image for example!}
- Discard small piece you just cut off and set your paper plate aside.
- Now print out the FREE template above. Print out the file in color. You only need to print one ice cream truck printable per food truck craft.
- Go ahead and color in your designed sections in the printable. Go to town on this step!
- Once done, use scissors to trim out each section of the printable. Discard leftover paper.
- Now it's time to start assembling your ice cream truck made from a paper plate.
- Glue/staple the cardstock embellishments in place on the paper plate. The wheels go on the bottom of the truck, the large ice cream cone on top and the rest go in the center of the plate.
- Finally - if desired, add anything else you like for that custom food truck look, before displaying proudly for all to see!

Lino says
Thank you for this activity, and a special thanks for sharing the template. We did this today and my 5yr old loved it. May God bless you.