The Ultimate Lemonade Stand Checklist: 12 Things You Need
Updated: Aug 22
A lemonade stand is one of those fun summer projects that is simple to set up and enjoyable to run. Not only does it give kids a chance to practice business skills like budgeting, pricing and customer service, but it can be a source of small income for teens - and adults too!
But before you squeeze the first lemon, there are a few things we recommend to start your stand off strong. Here are 12 things to consider for your lemonade stand this summer, from the essentials to a few fun upgrades.
1. A Great Lemonade Stand Banner
First impressions matter, and your customers need to know exactly what you're selling!
A colourful lemonade stand banner is an easy way to make your table stand out. Look for one with large, easy-to-read lettering that can be seen from the sidewalk or street.
Above is a bright coloured banner I designed that has large lettering to see from a distance, and something that can be attached securely to the front of your table or you can get it with grommets to secure on posts or a fence in your yard.
2. A Table to Set Everything Up
You don't need a fancy setup. A folding table, outdoor table, or even a sturdy children's table can work.
The important thing is having enough space for your lemonade, cups, straws, napkins, money, and any decorations without everything feeling crowded. A simple tablecloth can also instantly make the stand feel more finished.
3. Cups With Lids
Paper cups with lids are especially handy for an outdoor lemonade stand. Lids help prevent spills and make it easier for customers to carry their lemonade away. Choose a cup size that works with the price you're planning to charge.
Clear cups are another fun option because customers can see the lemonade — especially if you're offering colourful flavours!
Purchase budget-friendly cups online at Amazon, Walmart or your local dollar store.
4. Straws
Don't forget the straws! Straws are easy to keep organized and hand out if someone wants it with their drink. If you're offering lemonade in clear cups, colourful striped straws can also become part of the look of your stand. It's a small detail, but it makes the drinks feel a little more special.
5. Lemonade Recipes
Of course, you'll need something to put in those cups! Have a few lemonade recipes ready before opening day. A classic lemonade made with lemons, water, and sugar is a great starting point, but you can also experiment with different recipes that include other fruits and sweetness levels.
Create a small recipe card so you know exact measurements to keep your flavour consistent and keep your regulars happy.
Tip: Test your recipes before the big day. You don't want to discover that your lemonade is too sweet — or too sour — once customers are already lining up!
6. Lemons, Sugar, Water & Ice
The ingredients are the heart of the operation. Make sure you have enough lemons, sugar, water, and ice to get through the day. If you're expecting a busy afternoon, it's better to have extra ingredients than to run out halfway through.
A citrus juicer or lemon squeezer can also make preparing fresh lemonade much easier if you're making a larger batch. And don't forget a cooler or insulated container to keep extra ice cold.
If you want to advertise as more a more health-conscious stand, considering using cane sugar instead of white sugar.
7. A Pitcher or Drink Dispenser
You need something to actually serve the lemonade from! A large drink dispenser with a spigot can look great on the table and makes serving customers quick and easy. Large pitchers are another simple option, particularly if you're offering several flavours, however, an insulated cooler dispenser to keep your lemonade cold would be the best option.
If you have multiple flavours, consider giving each dispenser a little sign so customers can quickly see their choices.
8. Garbage Can
A garbage can to dispose of cups and napkins are essential. Some customers may walk away with their drinks, but others may enjoy theirs right at your stand - and just may encourage them to purchase a second cup!
9. Cash Register / Money Container
Your lemonade stand is also a great opportunity to teach kids about handling and counting money. Keep the cash somewhere secure, but easy to access, such as a small money box, cash container, or children's cash register.
You'll also want to keep some change on hand. Before opening, decide what bills and coins you'll need based on your lemonade price.
10. Napkins
This one is easy to overlook, until someone spills their lemonade! Keep a stack of napkins somewhere customers can easily grab them. You can put them in a small basket, container, or dispenser right on the table. They're inexpensive, take up very little room, and can save you from a sticky situation. Bonus if you have lemon print napkins or if they are yellow in colour.
11. Menu Sign
Whatever your prices are, make them large enough for people to read before they walk up to the table. Make your prices obvious with a simple sign that could read:
LEMONADE
Small / $1
Large / $2
Here is a lemonade table sign menu that you can customize and buy online for your lemonade stand.
12. Add Flavour Lemonade Options
Classic lemonade is always a winner, but offering a few flavours can make your stand much more exciting, like:
🍓 Strawberry lemonade
❤️ Raspberry lemonade
🍑 Peach lemonade
🫐 Blueberry lemonade
🍉 Watermelon lemonade
You don't need five flavours to have a successful stand. Two or three choices are plenty. Different syrups, fruit purées, or fresh fruit can give customers a reason to try something new — and give you an opportunity to charge a little more for specialty drinks.
Bonus: Optional Fun Extras
Make Lemonade Slushies
A countertop slushie machine can turn regular lemonade into a frozen summer treat. Something like a Ninja-style frozen drink maker can be a fun upgrade if you're planning a larger or more elaborate stand. Just remember that this is an extra, not a requirement. A great lemonade stand doesn't need fancy equipment.
Decorate the Table
You can give your stand some personality with decorations such as:
Fake lemons
Small baskets
Fresh flowers
Colourful tablecloths
Lemon-themed signs
Little chalkboards
Yellow and white decorations
You can keep the decorations simple. A few carefully chosen pieces can make the table look much more inviting without getting in the way of serving drinks.
Offer a Garnish
A lemon slice, strawberry, raspberry, or small sprig of mint can make a drink look extra special. Just make sure anything you're serving is handled and stored appropriately for food service.
Your Lemonade Stand Shopping List
If you want to keep things simple, start with the basics:
☐ Table
☐ Lemonade banner
☐ Cups with lids
☐ Straws
☐ Napkins
☐ Lemons
☐ Sugar
☐ Water
☐ Ice
☐ Pitcher or drink dispenser
☐ Money container + change
☐ Menu/price sign
Then add the extras if you want to take your stand to the next level:
☐ Multiple lemonade flavours
☐ Table decorations
☐ Garnishes
☐ Slushie machine
☐ Fun serving accessories
Ready to Open?
The best lemonade stand isn't necessarily the biggest or fanciest one. A clean table, cold lemonade, clear prices, and a friendly smile can go a long way.
Start with the essentials, choose a couple of things that make your stand unique, and have fun with it. Whether you're selling classic lemonade from a pitcher or serving strawberry lemonade slushies from a full summer setup, the goal is to create something you're excited to run.
So grab your lemons, set up your sign, and get ready for a summer of lemonade!
Launch a Lemonade Stand Website
If you plan on running a lemonade stand full time, throughout the summer or making it a steady business, consider getting a website to advertise. We offer a free website lemonade stand website that you can download today!
