Best Ice Cream in Indianapolis (Parents Share the Scoop)
Parents are submitting their picks for the best ice cream around Indianapolis to our interactive list - with a handy map so you can easily find a spot near you!
Review your favorite Indianapolis ice cream shops below and help other parents find a new place to score a cool treat with the kids.
Our list of favorite Indy dessert spots has plenty of sweet ideas, too.
Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station (BRICS)
Erin P. said: Indianapolis' BRICS, which stands for Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station, is known for its hand-dipped ice cream and sundaes, with 36 flavors and a dozen toppings or more. BRICS is the home of the former Monon Train Station. Today, the building is reminiscent of a train station and is located right on the Monon Trail.
Indianapolis, INSub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
Brittany Kozielski said: If you have been searching for a unique ice cream experience, this is the place for you! Choose your cream base, flavor and mix-ins and stand back and watch your creation freeze with liquid nitrogen! The result? Super creamy ice cream customized just for you! Vegan, Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free options available.
Indianapolis, INRitter's Frozen Custard
Brittany Kozielski said: Ritter's specializes in frozen custard and Italian ice. Ritter's is headquartered in New York, but has shops throughout the Midwest.
Indianapolis, INRita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard
Beth Wood said: You'll find delicious frozen treats at Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard in Fishers. Menu items include: Italian Ice, Cream Ice, Frozen Custard, Sugar Free Italian Ice, Sundaes, Gelati, Misto, Blendini, Milkshakes, Frozen Drinks, Frozen Custard Cakes and Custard Cookie Sandwiches. There's something for everyone at Rita's!
Fishers, IN
handelsicecream.com
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
Brittany Kozielski said: Handel's is an Indiana staple. They pride themselves on never skimping on the toppings. Since 1945 Handel's has been making ice cream and yogurt fresh on the premises daily. Each batch is made exclusively by Handel's with recipes and equipment designed for them. Handel's is known as one of the best parlors in the country.
Fishers, IN
wyliepalooza.com
Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium
Brittany Kozielski said: Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium is a family-owned ice cream shop offering super premium ice cream in a variety of flavors as well as egg free, gluten free and soy free ice cream. They also offer ice cream cakes and their unique Bubble Tea.
Indianapolis, INGraeter's Ice Cream
Brittany Kozielski said: Graeter's is an ice cream shop with over 145 years of history. In 1868 Louis Graeter sold ice cream on the streets of Ohio. Nowadays you will find Graeters franchises all throughout the country. They use French Pot freezers and two gallon batches. You will not be disappointed in this ice cream.
With over 20 classic and signature flavors as well as special seasonal flavors - there is something for everyone! Cones, shakes, malts, sundaes and other special treats are offered.
Fishers, IN
Lick, Facebook
Lick Ice Cream
Beth Wood said: Self described as the Anti-Ben and Jerry's, this local ice cream shop offers artisan, local fruit, herb and spice-infused ice cream and organic waffle cones. Mouthwatering seasonal flavors like Balsamic Dark Chocolate, Salted Carmel and Sage, Gorgonzola Candied Pecan, Cedar & Whisky, Lavender Lemon, Strawberry and Champagne, Elderberry Ginger Honey and more.
Vegan options available.
Lick Ice Cream is often found at the Broad Ripple and other local farmers markets.
Indianapolis, INAlexander's Ice Cream
Beth Wood said: Alexander's On the Square in downtown Noblesville and Alexander's on the Water in Cicero off of Morse Reservoir offer unique selections of hand-dipped flavors, soft serve and other ice cream favorites. Alexander's also features a full menu of food and beverages. Stop in for a cool treat, a bite to eat, or both!
Cicero, IN
traderspointcreamery.com
Traders Point Creamery - The Dairy Bar
Beth Wood said: Belly up to the Dairy Bar for a scoop (or two or three!) of ice cream, made from organic grassfed milk and cream. In a cup or cone, plain or topped – with a selection of organic toppings – this ice cream is sure to delight. Featuring Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate as well as other seasonal flavors like Blackberry, Caramel, Coffee, and Strawberry.
Serving ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, smoothies, and yogurt parfaits, and guests at the open-air Dairy Bar can enjoy frozen yogurt, made from Traderpoint's own grassfed, organic yogurts.
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream - Carmel
Beth Wood said: Known throughout Indianapolis for their burgers, Bubs is located in downtown Carmel in a charming wooden house right on the Monon Trail. Along with their full lunch and dinner menu, their ice cream shop is a popular stop on the Monon Trail serving ice cream cones, cups and tasty hand-dipped shakes.
Carmel, IN
mrscurl.com
Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop and Outdoor Cafe
Kristy Pepping said: If you're looking for a super casual quick bite with the kids, this is a great option. Open seasonally, March-October, Mrs. Curl's has been serving the area since 1962. Menu includes hot dogs, burgers, fries, ice cream, shakes, malts and floats!
Greenwood, INOpen March-October
craveicecreamsocial.com
CRAVE Ice Cream Social
Beth Wood said: CRAVE Ice Cream Social, located at Geist Marina, offers 24 flavors of premium hand-dipped ice cream. They also serve gourmet coffees and delicious sweet treats.
Indianapolis, IN
Chris Ice Cream, Facebook
Chris' Ice Cream
Beth Wood said: A local favorite! Well known for their handmade ice cream that is made on site - as well as their delicious Mexican food. An unusual combo - but fans of Chris' Ice Cream swear it's the best Mexican food and ice cream around!
Offering ice cream flavors like Chocolate, Strawberry, Coconut, Mango, Oreo, Coffee, White Russian and many others.
Indianapolis, IN
niceytreat.com
Nicey Frozen Treats
Brittany Kozielski said: Nicey Frozen Treats serves all-natural, homemade frozen pops in unique flavors.
Indianapolis, INPrimary photo: Jenny Smith on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.