Best Ice Cream in Chicago (Parents Share the Scoop)

Yoli B said:  Imagine you walk into a place full of cookies, brownies, ice cream and all the toppings you can dream up. Well, you don't have to dream or imagine because Cream Bar is the spot to make it all come true. You can create your own custom ice cream sandwich and the sky is the limit. If you are not a fan of ice cream sandwiches, they also offer equally amazing cones and sundaes.

Gina I. said:  A neighborhood favorite, Sprinkles Ice Cream Shoppe serves up all the best Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream flavors. In fact, they have so many flavors, you can try something different each time you go! Best of all, they are very reasonably priced. So, get that extra scoop. You deserve it! Seating is limited, so consider grabbing a pint of ice cream to-go on busy days. Be sure to try their "This $&@! Just Got Serious" - salted caramel ice cream with cashews and sea salt fudge...worth every calorie!

Gina I. said:  If you want an authentic ice cream parlor experience, look no further than Petersen's! Their menu features classic flavors like vanilla bean, cinnamon, cookie dough, peppermint stick, and caramel ripple. With a century in business, they are an iconic part of the Oak Park neighborhood. Choose your favorite flavor and get it in their famous waffle cone...mmmm delicious!

Kelly R. said:  A charming old fashioned soda fountain serving homemade ice cream and root beer, fresh baked pies and cakes, and locally roasted gourmet coffee drinks. It has everything you could hope for in the perfect ice cream shop: homey mom and pop vibe, friendly service, and even an ice cream trough challenge.

Kristy Pepping said:  Yogurt Beach offers the highest quality frozen yogurt and custard in a relaxed, laid back beach-themed setting. They are a family-owned and operated business that prides themselves on being the ultimate “10 minute vacation” spot.

Gina I. said:  The 26th Street Sugar Shack serves up hand-scooped ice cream, cookie blizzards, parfaits and of course, their Famous Funnel Cake Sundae! Be sure to check out their website for money saving coupons.

Tip: stop by an ATM on the way. The 26th Street Sugar Shack is cash only!

Yoli B said:  The Freeze is a vintage ice cream shop that looks like it was lifted from the 60's. The place is hopping in the summer and you will typically encounter a line, but once you have your cone you will quickly forget the heat. The ice cream menu offers milkshakes and sundaes, but soft serve is the star here!

Kristy Pepping said:  Colonial Cafe has been around since 1901. Since then, they have opened a few Chicagoland locations. They offer several ice cream options from shakes to smoothies to ice cream. Plus, Colonial Cafe has a famous kitchen sink concoction with ice cream, bananas, pineapple and more!

Gina I. said:  Step back in time at Tates Old Fashioned Ice Cream! With its classic ice cream parlor feel, vintage decor, friendly staff, and amazing ice cream, it's no surprise that Tate's has been a neighborhood favorite for generations. Be sure to try a milkshake...pick a flavor, any flavor, you can't go wrong!

Scooters is a fabulous custard place which offers a wide variety of flavors in frozen custard made locally using milk from family farmers in Central Wisconsin. They offer custard, sundaes, shakes and malts. As a bonus, they also give free dog ice cream to your dog!

It's a great place to visit after pizza at Pizzeria Serio, another local kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago!

Erin P. said:  Wojo's has been a South Side tradition for over 25 years. Check out their extensive list of milkshakes!