Setting up a lemonade stand is a creative way to keep little ones entertained during the dog days of summer, and it provides a perfect way to educate them on the basics of cooking, teamwork and handling money. Keep reading to see how to make your lemonade stand the talk of the neighborhood this year.
 

Photography by Nicole Mlakar

Building your lemonade stand structure is half the fun. Start by finding a large cardboard box and use a box cutter to remove the front and back sides, then put the kids to work painting the exterior white. Once it’s completely dry, hand-paint signage on both sides of the box so neighbors can see your stand from blocks away. Tip: During this process, keep a roll of heavy-duty tape on hand to help with any structural needs.

To create a functional lemonade stand, you just might have what you need right in your own closet. A simple shoe rack or small bookshelf slides squarely into the box and provides shelving for all your storefront needs. And if you’re really feeling creative, put the finishing touch on your stand by using old sheets or painted fabric to create a festive awning.

No restaurant is complete without a menu. Help your little ones create their own with a rectangular foam board, food imagery made of felt cutouts and hand-painted prices. This is also the perfect opportunity to teach your children the basics of sales and mathematics!