It’s hot outside.  Finally!

And as soon as the temperature rises above freezing, my kids start to ask me for freezies and popsicles and any other cold treat that catches their eye.

I swear they can hear the ice cream truck clearly from about 50 miles away.

But summer and cold treats go together like short shorts and vodka coolers, and I know better than to try to fight nature.  However, I don’t want my kids eating a bunch of high fructose corn syrup and synthetic food dyes.

There’s got to be a better way.  And there is!

All you need is a little plastic popsicle maker (get thyself to a Dollar Store) and your immagination.

Here are a few amazing dairy-free popsicle recipes made with real, whole foods that you can make at home and try out on your kids – or yourself – this summer:

Lemon Blueberry Popsicles from Canada Girl Eats Paleo

These look tangy and fruity – the perfect thing for a pool party on a hot day!

Creamy Chocolate Fudgsicles from Tasty Yummies

I used to love chocolate popsicles and chocolate pudding pops!  These look like a much healthier version of those old classics.  Another “must try” for me this summer.

Raspberry Coconut Chia Ice Pops from Running to the Kitchen

Chia seeds in a popsicle?!?!  This just blew my mind. I love this idea and will be making this for sure!

Mango Banana Vanilla Cream Pops from Beauty and the Foodie

My kids and I adore anything mango so this is going on the “must make” list for me this summer.

Strawberry Cream Popsicles from A Girl Worth Saving

So, later this summer, when you’re wondering what to do with all those strawberries you have from your day of strawberry picking – do this!!

Blackberry Watermelon Popsicles from Veggie Staples

Absolutely nothing says summer like watermelon, so why not make a popsicle out of it? I love this idea of pairing watermelon and blackberries too.  Plus, this one has no added sugar – delicious and healthy!

And for the grown-ups in the house…

Coconut Apricot Cardamom Bourbon Popsicles from Tasty Yummies

I never thought I would describe a popsicle as “sophisticated,” but what else can you say about a popsicle that contains both cardamom and bourbon?

There you have it! Seven amazing looking dairy-free popsicles that you can make with real, whole food.  And when the kids come home with that neon green slushie from the ice cream truck, you say, “Look!  A duck!” and when they look away, you grab the slushie and quickly replace it with one of the above and they never know the difference.

And everyone’s happy.

Enjoy!