Popsicles were invented by accident, by an 11-year-old.
Frank Epperson from San Francisco mixed some sugary soda powder with water and left it out overnight. The mixture froze due to the cold night. Initially, he named his invention Epsicle, after his name, but later changed it to Popsicle at the suggestion of his kids.
Today's version really, REALLY sucks- it doesn't have much of anything.