Time for a new list of the best places to get a cold treat on a hot day. Ice cream, snow cones, shaved ice, frozen custard, froyo, popsicles, and more. When you want it, you want it!
Wicked Snow | Carrollton
This cute South Korean dessert cafe offers bingsu, a shaved ice confection with toppings, syrups, condensed milk, all sorts of delights. Just one is big enough to share between you and a couple kids, for sure. {Map}
Milky Treats | Plano
Opt for one of their premium small batch ice cream flavors or something from the cereal-infused ice cream bar (swirls, shakes, and donut ice cream sandwiches). You can also get pints to go! Check out their super-unique flavors at the link. I dare any child to refuse a scoop of Unicorn Brownie. {Map}
Menchie’s | Multiple locations
We like the Watters Creek location because you can combine your sweet treat with outdoor play time. Menchie’s is one of those places where you fill your cup with froyo + toppings and pay by weight. You know the drill. {In addition to Allen, you can find a Menchie’s Windsong Ranch in Prosper.}
Nom Noms | Plano and McKinney
This Mexican restaurant also serves over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream, sherbets, and sorbets. Make it a summer goal to sample each one! Can’t beat delicious Mexican food AND fresh-made, award-winning ice cream. {Now with locations in McKinney and Plano.}
Hi, Sweetie | Plano
Had to include this Thai-style rolled ice cream joint on here because the presentation is so fun. Order off the menu or build your own bowl, choosing from a small selection of base flavors. They also have shaved snow and all sorts of boba tea and drinks in cute cups. And kids will love their flower pot ice cream with a little shovel for a spoon. {Map}
Sugar Pine Creamery | Plano
Looking for another blend of Eastern and Western ice cream flavors? Try Sugar Pine Creamery, a friendly soft serve and boba tea spot in Plano. This cute, welcoming shop offers six interesting, high quality flavors each day. Be adventurous and try something unfamiliar! {Map}
Cream & Sugar | Fairview
This one’s tucked away in Fairview Town Center and, as the name suggests, they serve coffee (and ice cream). If you’re trying to avoid a calorie bomb in the middle of the day, order scoops for the kids and a nitro cold brew for yourself. This would be a great spot to visit before or after splashing around in the Fountain. {Map}
Snow Cone Lady | Frisco
Considered the best snow cones in Frisco by many, this little shack is a local institution that’s open seasonally near downtown Frisco. It’d be the perfect spot to hit after a trip to the splash pad at Frisco Commons. Check the Facebook page for open/close times. {Map}
Andy’s Frozen Custard | Multiple locations
Roll up to the drive-thru for some instant gratification. Their seasonal sundaes are super good—try the roasted pecan topping! {You can find locations in East Frisco, South Frisco, The Colony, Carrollton, and North Dallas.}
Cow Tipping Creamery | Frisco
Along with cups, cones, and shakes, this Frisco parlor specializes in soft serve parfaits called Stackers that are all about the mix-ins. Start with a simple vanilla or chocolate base and go wild with layered toppings, or choose one of their suggested blends from the menu. Since this location is at The Star, the kids can play on the plaza field before and after. {Map}
TC Shaved Ice | Plano and Frisco
Shaved ice, gourmet ice cream, and fruit cocktails—yum. Go traditional or try something unique at this beloved spot. Side note: if you’re properly hungry, they’ve got a few savory items (corn in a cup!) on the menu as well. {Plano and Frisco locations.}
Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream Co. | Plano
You’ll find this one on the first floor of Legacy Food Hall. It just opened in February and serves sundaes, shakes, scoops, and spiked milkshakes, which I’ve noticed is a new mini-trend (see also: Cocktail Creamery in McKinney). Afternoon ice cream play date in the Box Garden? {Map}
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice | McKinney
Rita’s Italian Ice is no longer with us, but if you need a replacement, Jeremiah’s more than fills the bill. Drive through or sit on the patio as you enjoy soft serve and Italian ices. I say go for a Gelati, which is a delicious combination of both. {Map}
Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream | Plano
This Plano parlor is an award-winning ice creamery with a small-town feel. The award-winning flavors are constants on the menu, but Henry also switches things up with rotating daily specials. Become a member of the Cone Club for treats and rewards each month. Side note: We took a trip to Marfa last year and the coffee shop there served…Henry’s! {Map}