How to Build a Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand is a great way to spend time with your kids and also a way for them to understand the concept of a job and making money. Set one up in your neighborhood, on a busy corner or parking lot, or in a park on a busy day to help your kids learn about making a buck. It is simple, fun, and requires inexpensive supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Large cardboard box or folding table
• Folding chair
• 2 to 3 large pitcher
• Ice
• Lemonade (pre-made mix, or lemons, sugar and water)
• Ten lemons
• Medium sized basket for lemons
• Large stirring spoon
• Table cloth, if desired
• Paper or plastic cups, large bag
• Change box
• Knife to cut lemons
• Paint
• Paintbrush, medium and large size
• Paper towels
• Cooler
• Money change
• Sharpie markers

Instructions

1. Obtain a large cardboard box to use as a table. Set the cardboard box top down so the bottom serves as a tabletop. Paint the box if desired, then let dry. Use the paint, or one of the markers, to write in large letters, "Lemonade Stand" on the front of the box. If desired, you can use a folding table as well if you have one, but create the box to serve as a separate table to set things on and your sign.

2. Make the lemonade. It is best to have two to three pitchers on hand, so you have backup lemonade if your first pitcher runs out. You can make it from scratch, using the juice and pulp of ten lemons, a half cup of sugar, and five cups water per pitcher. Or, you can buy the lemonade mix from a grocery store and use that.

3. Fill a cooler with ice, or bags of ice, on one side. On the other side, place the pitchers of lemonade with a covering such as Saran wrap over the opening of the pitcher.

4. Pack a large bag full of all your other supplies, if you are setting up the lemonade stand in a location other than your neighborhood.

5. Go to the location where you are setting up the lemonade stand. Set up the two tables, and place a tablecloth on the folding table if you decided to have one. Make sure that the "Lemonade Stand" sign is facing the busiest part of your location, so people can see it. Set up your folding chair behind the table.

6. Fill the basket with the lemons. These can be used to cut and place in each customer's lemonade beverage, or just for show. Place the stacked cups on the table with the paper towels as napkins. Put your change box close in front of you. It is smart to have around six to seven dollars in change (depending on what you are charging for the lemonade), in one dollar bills and coins.

7. Place the first pitcher of lemonade on the table with the spoon inside of it to stir. Ask people walking by if they would like some lemonade and be outgoing and friendly to attract customers.