Best Ice Cream Shops in Chicago

1. Black Dog Gelato – Ukrainian Village

Black Dog Gelato offers classic and kid-friendly ice cream flavors in addition to inventive ice cream recipes. Next to the chocolate and strawberry, for example, you’ll also find fun combinations such as goat cheese cashew caramel, strawberry cheesecake peanut butter cookie, and watermelon tajin. 

2. Eli’s Ark – Wicker Park

It doesn’t get any cuter than the ice cream at Eli’s Ark. Picture pigs made of marshmallows and Oreo panda bears. This adorable shop opened up in 2018 and has been serving their unique and delicious gelato ever since. 

3. Lickity Split Frozen Custard – Edgewater and Rogers Park

Lickity Split features a rich custard that makes their sundaes and concretes one of a kind. You'll crave their classic banana split long after it’s been finished. In addition to ice cream, you’ll also find candy and other sweet treats. 

4. Margie’s Candies – Logan Square and Ravenswood

Margie’s Candies in Logan Square looks just like a classic ice cream parlor. With traditional flavors, combinations, and classic ice cream treats, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Enjoy homemade ice cream, fresh ingredients, and staples such as banana splits. Margie's specializes in super-sized sundaes and is famous for the World's Largest Terrapin, a turtle sundae with 15 scoops of ice cream for $60. 

 
A Chicago tradition for over 95 years!

5. Original Rainbow Cone – Various Locations

The Original Rainbow Cone is unlike any other ice cream out there. This rainbow combination features orange sherbet, chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio ice cream, along with the Palmer House which is vanilla ice cream mixed with cherries and walnuts. My son used to complain that there were too many colors on this one, but that may just be because his favorite flavor is on top.

6. Pretty Cool Ice Cream – Logan Square

Pretty Cool Ice Cream in Logan Square is one of the coolest spots for kid-friendly ice cream. Their homemade ice cream popsicles come in a variety of fun flavors, colors, and combinations. Their space is also a lot of fun inside. Kids can sit and play on the stadium-like seating surrounded by cool murals and artwork. We like their pony pops, smaller sized popsicles for little people who can't finish before it becomes a melty mess. Plus, they have actually interesting vegan flavors for non-dairy eaters.

7. Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream - Pullman

Whether you’re looking for ice cream by the pint or a delicious sundae, Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream is the spot. They serve homemade ice creams such as sweet potato pie, Key lime pie, peach cobbler, and more. Open daily from 11:00-10:00.

8. Scooters Frozen Custard - Lakeview

Scooters Frozen Custard on Belmont features fresh ingredients from neighboring Wisconsin. You’ll find kid-friendly ice cream classics such as strawberry and vanilla, along with more creative flavors, made fresh each day. Favorites include Blackhawk, named after the hockey team and made with strawberries and oreos, and Java Lava, which includes coffee syrup, oreos, and hot fudge. Make any combination a concrete. 

9. Shawn Michelle’s – Bronzeville and Olympia Fields

Shawn Michelle’s in Bronzeville features a wide variety of homemade ice cream flavors. In addition to the classic ice cream staples, Shawn Michelle’s is also known for their signature honey-cinnamon graham cracker ice cream. The butter cookie and Jamaican rum flavor are also local favorites.

10. Sundae Stop - Lakeview

The Sundae Stop offers delicious ice cream in a fun, Chicago Transit Authority-themed shop. Kids will love the Chicago train that’s built right into the restaurant. The whole family will love the specialty waffle cones and a wide variety of ice cream, including the fun purple ube flavor, cinnamon toast crunch, and cookie butter. 

11. Taiyaki Chicago – Lincoln Park

If you’re looking to take the kids somewhere unique, Taiyaki Chicago is it. It’s one of the only ice cream shops in Chicago that serves up the unique, fish-shaped dessert. Choose your filling for the taiyaki cakes and then the soft-serve ice cream and toppings are added on top. 

12. Runaway Cow – Bridgeport

No dairy? No problem. All of the ice cream here is made with oat milk. Choose a vanilla, chocolate, or twist soft serve, or make it a snowstorm with vegan versions of favorites like Snickers, Twix, or Butterfingers. Also check for monthly specials like the little dippers bento box with cookies to dip in ice cream, toppings, or M&Ms.

13. JoJo's Shake Bar – River North, Naperville, Fulton Market, Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, and North Avenue Beach

If you're looking for an absurd milkshake with tons of toppings, JoJo's is your place. Sure, you can get a regular chocolate, strawberry, or banana, but why not spring for the candy filled Wonder Years shake, or the Girl Scout, made with Andes mint ice cream and with an actual s'more on top.

14. Sugar Hole – Irving Park

Sugar Hole is a popup ice cream shop that opened in May 2025 and will close after Labor Day. It's the only ice cream shop in Chicago to be staffed wholly by puppets! In addition to soft serve ice cream, the puppets will hand customers cold brew coffee, hand pies, and adult beverages. 

FAQs:

Q: What is the most kid-friendly ice cream shop in Chicago?
A: We think Rainbow Cone has something for everyone to like, but it's really up to you!

Q: Are there any vegan or allergy-friendly ice cream spots for kids in Chicago?
A: Yes! Runaway Cow is the go-to for vegan families. They also try to accommodate nut allergies

Q: Which ice cream spots are Instagrammable for a fun photo with the kids?
A: Eli's Ark has unique treats that you can't replicate yourself at home. They're almost too cute to eat!

Q: Are there any ice cream shops near kid-friendly attractions in Chicago?
A: JoJo's ShakeBar and Rainbow Cone have staked out a lot of Chicago attractions, like Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, and Water Tower Place. You can also find Garrett's Popcorn at many of these places.

All photos are courtesy of the venues.