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.

Graphic for post – six best popsicle molds for kids, expert guide, tips and best brands. Images of six different colorful popsicle molds for babies, toddlers and kids against a light blue background.

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.

A teal kids played against a white background with colorful popsicle sticks and cantaloupe and strawberries cantaloupe popsicles scattered about.

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.

Red mini popsicle mold filled with different colors of popsicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plastic or silicone better for popsicle molds?

Both plastic and silicone molds are available for popsicles; however, silicone molds seem to release popsicles a little easier than plastic ones.

How long can you freeze popsicles?

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.

ZOKU Mini Pop Molds

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.

6 Silicone Popsicle Molds

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.

Mini Silicone Popsicle Molds

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 Classic Pop Molds

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.

Rainbow Popsicle Silicone Molds

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.

Collapsible Popsicles Molds

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!

A purple color plate with two swirled strawberry yogurt popsicles and sliced strawberries against a white background.

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicle

5 stars (4 ratings)
These 4-ingredient Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles are easy to make and are seriously delicious for the entire family!
Get the recipe
Green smoothie popsicles on a plate for toddlers and kids to grab.

Green Smoothie Popsicles

5 stars (7 ratings)
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
A teal kids plate with a wheel of colorful popsicle sticks and cantaloupe and strawberry cantaloupe popsicles.

Easy Cantaloupe Popsicles – 2 Ways!

5 stars (4 ratings)
Made with only 4-ingredients, these Cantaloupe Popsicles will keep uou cool all summer long!
Get the recipe
Purple toddler plate with three watermelon popsicles with colorful popsicle sticks and chunks of watermelon on the plate against a white background.

Watermelon Popsicles

5 stars (5 ratings)
Made with only 4-ingredients, these Watermelon Popsicles are an amazing frozen summer treat for all ages – babies, toddlers, kids and even you!
Get the recipe

7 Healthy Popsicles for Baby + Toddler

5 stars (21 ratings)
These popsicles are made with fruits & veggies(!!) and are so healthy you can feel great about serving them for any meal of the day – breakfast, snacks, lunch and even dinner!
Get the recipe
2 kid hands grabbing the popsicles

Yogurt Fruit Popsicles (super easy!)

5 stars (9 ratings)
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
White plate with 5 healthy yogurt parfait popsicles in a circle.

Healthy Yogurt Parfait Popsicles for Toddler + Kids

5 stars (4 ratings)
These Healthy Yogurt Parafait Popsicles for Toddler + Kids are the perfect breakfast on a hot summer day! These popsicles are naturally sweetened and filled with protein, probiotics, healthy whole-grains, antioxidants and fiber.
Get the recipe
A white plate with 3 healthy funfetti popsicles on top.

Healthy Funfetti Popsicles

5 stars (5 ratings)
These Healthy Funfetti Popsicles for Kids + Toddlers are a perfect frozen treat on a hot summer day.
Get the recipe
Young kid holding a rainbow popsicle.

Rainbow Popsicle for Toddlers + Kids

5 stars (3 ratings)
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
white round plate on top of a blue napkin. On the plate are 4 small round organs and white swirled popsicles. There is also one popsicle on the napkin.

Hidden-Veggie Carrot & Orange Popsicles

5 stars (8 ratings)
These naturally sweetened frozen treats are a fun and tasty way to serve a fruit and veggie to your toddler. Great for snack time or dessert.
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popsicles fanned out on a blue napkin.

Sweet Beet Popsicles (plus, 5 fun flavors to try!)

5 stars (2 ratings)
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