Make a Tropical Smoothie

What can we use if we don't have coconut milk or frozen pineapple/mango from the ingredient list?

If you don't have coconut milk, substitute 1 cup of regular milk, yogurt, or orange juice when you pour the measured coconut milk into the blender, and if you lack frozen pineapple or mango chunks use one cup of fresh or canned fruit (drained) measured with the measuring cup before adding to the blender.

What should we do if the blender doesn't make the mixture smooth or the lid leaks while blending?

If the smoothie stays chunky or the blender struggles, ask an adult to secure the blender lid, cut the banana and any large fruit into smaller pieces, add a splash more of the measured coconut milk, and blend in short pulses until smooth.

How can we adapt the steps for younger toddlers versus older kids doing this smoothie activity?

For toddlers, have them wash their hands, place the materials on the counter, and help drop pre-measured pineapple and mango into the blender while an adult peels and cuts the banana and secures the blender lid, whereas older kids can measure the 1 cup portions themselves, chop the banana with supervision, and help blend before sharing the finished creation on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the tropical smoothie after following the basic recipe?

To personalize, stir in a handful of spinach or a scoop of yogurt with the measured coconut milk before blending for extra nutrition, top the poured smoothie with coconut flakes or a fruit slice for presentation, or freeze the blended mixture into popsicle molds to share photos of smoothie pops on DIY.org.