Lemonade Stand for Kids: A Complete Guide

Setting up a lemonade stand is a classic summer activity that can provide fun and learning opportunities for kids.

It teaches children about entrepreneurship, responsibility, and basic math while also giving them a taste of the real world.

Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up a lemonade stand with your kids.

Jump Ahead:

Complete Lemonade Stand Supplies List

Before we jump in to the step-by-step, here's everything you'll need to open a lemonade stand:

1. A table, a ready-made stand, or a home-built stand
2. A tablecloth
3. A large, colorful sign
4. Decorations - balloons, glitter, banners, etc.
5. Menu / Price List
6. Lemons
7. Sugar
8. Water
9. Ice
10. Cups
11. Pitcher
12. Change
13. Cash Box or Container
14. Cleaning Supplies

And here are a few additional optional things you may want to bring as well:

1. Napkins
2. Straws
3. Chairs
4. Cooler
5. Umbrella or Canopy
6. Sunscreen
7. Other Drinks/Snacks (optional)

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Now that you know everything you'll need, let's go through the step by step of opening up a lemonade stand with your kids.

Step 1: Planning

Before you start with the actual setup, some planning is required.

There are many ideas to make your lemonade stand popping.

Decide on the most suitable time and location for your lemonade stand.

A sunny weekend in a high-traffic area like near a park or community event is great.

Next, brainstorm the menu.

Classic lemonade is a must. Consider adding a few homemade snacks.

Set a budget for your stand and calculate expected costs.

This can help teach your kids about budgeting and money management.

Lastly, make sure to check local regulations about setting up a lemonade stand.

Some places might require permits.

Currently, there are 15 US States that have passed laws that allow minors to open lemonade stands without permits.

You can learn more with a simple online search.

Step 2: Making the Lemonade Stand

Now that you've got your plan, it's time to get your hands dirty and start building the stand.

A simple setup using a folding table, a couple of chairs, a yellow table cloth, and a colorful sign could work just fine.

Going with an adjustable height table are great for kids on the younger side.

Here are a couple of our favorite options:

Portable, adjustable height folding card table.

Classic 4ft fold-in-half adjustable height table

There are a few options online to buy ready-made lemonade stands if you want a good looking stand with little effort.

You can get a lightweight and easy to assemble cardboard booth, but be careful of windy situations.

If you want a higher end stand, go for the bells and whistles with this kids' market cart.

One more option is using your kids table and chairs.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you could go all out and build a DIY stand.

Involve the kids for a fun crafts project.

Go all out with construction, or go with a simpler version using wooden crates.

The choice is yours.

Remember, the stand is a major part of the appeal!

Step 3: Making Decorations for the Stand

One of the most fun parts of setting up a lemonade stand is decorating it!

Making it colorful and eye-catching can attract more customers, with fun lemonade banners and other decorations.

This is a fun craft activity for the kids.

Don't forget about one of the most important parts - your menu or price list!

Let people know it's a lemonade stand with great signs.

You can use a yard sign or set up a chalkboard easel, either way works!

Use balloons and streamers to catch the eye of potential customers.

Shop a lemonade stand decorations kit, or make your own.

Don't forget about one of the most important parts - your menu or price list!

It's gotta be clear, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun too.

Get your kids to unleash their inner Picasso on this one.

A tabletop magnetic whiteboard easel works great for this.

Whether it's fancy writing, little drawings, or just a dash of color, this is a chance to let their creativity go wild.

This is an excellent opportunity for your children to unleash their creativity.

Step 4: Gathering Supplies

You've got your stand, and it's looking great.

But a lemonade stand is more than just the stand itself.

You're going to need some supplies to make and sell your lemonade.

Essential items include a cash box for change, pitchers for the lemonade, cups, and ice to keep the drinks cold.

We recommend 12 ounce paper cups for an eco-friendly good size cup.

You'll need a container for the lemonade. The classic and most straightforward way is a pitcher.

However, if your kids are on the younger side, going for a drink dispenser with a faucet can save you a lot of spilled lemonade.

Don't forget the ingredients for the lemonade – lemons, sugar, and water.

Bring a mix of bills and coins to give back as change to customers.  

If you want, you can offer straws and napkins too.

And remember, cleanliness is crucial.

Bring along some cleaning supplies and garbage bags to keep your stand tidy.

Lastly, don't forget to bring a mix of bills and coins to give back as change to customers.

Since many people prefer digital payments these days, consider accepting a digital form of payment.

Taking your kids shopping for these supplies is adventure and opportunity for them to learn.

Step 5: Making the Lemonade

The star of the show, of course, is the lemonade.

Use a simple, kid-friendly recipe to involve your children in the process of making the lemonade.

Make a small batch at home and taste-test it with the kids.

The basic recipes call for freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup (sugar mixed with hot water!), fresh water, and ice.

Choose the right amounts of each until you get the flavor you like!

Here's one favorite recipes.

Make sure you have enough to last the day and plan a way to keep it cold.

This could be an ice bucket, cooler, or just a shady spot.

Step 6: Setting Up the Stand

It's finally time to set up your stand!

Involve the kids in the process and make sure the stand is inviting and accessible.

Place your colorful signs prominently, set out your cups and napkins, and have your money box ready for business.

Remember to keep safety in mind, especially if you're near a road or busy area.

Step 7: Running the Stand

Now that your stand is set up, it's time to open for business.

This is where your kids get to interact with customers, make change, keep the stand stocked, and learn the basics of running a business.

Remember, the goal is not only to make money but also to have fun!

Encourage them to be polite, friendly, and efficient.

Remember, the goal is not only to make money but also to have fun!

Enjoy this time with your kids and make it a summer to remember.

Step 8: Closing Down & Cleanup

At the end of the day, it's essential to clean up.

This is part of the responsibility of running a stand.

Count the day's earnings with your kids, helping them understand the concept of profit and expense.

Dispose of any trash, clean up your area, and store your supplies carefully for the next business day.

Step 9: Review & Learn

After the stand is closed, take some time with your kids to review the experience.

What went well?

What could be improved for next time?

Discuss how the skills they learned, like planning, budgeting, customer service, and math, can be used in other areas of their lives.

This could be the first step in their journey of learning financial literacy, and a major step in building your generational wealth.

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Next Steps

You had a great summer. Starting with a fun crafts project, learning about business and entrepreneurship, and interacting with customers.

Where do you go from here?

This could be the spark to ignite your kids on their path to make their own money.

If the kids made enough money, consider starting investing for them or buying them their first stock.

Setting up a lemonade stand with your kids can be a rewarding and educational experience.

It's more than just a fun summer activity; it's a chance for your children to learn important life skills and gain a sense of accomplishment.