These funny jokes will have them belly-laughing for days

Need a good joke when you’re in a pinch? We’ve got you covered with a joke of the day for almost a whole year, and most of them are original! These hilarious jokes for kids require little to no explanation from parents, but you’ll want to get in on the fun, anyway. From cheesy jokes to knock-knock jokes and beyond, many of these have been sent to us by kids themselves. We’ve also got squeaky-clean jokes, spring jokes, and printable lunchbox jokes. And for those looking to take the fun to the next level, we’ve got the best minute to win it games, too.

Why should you share jokes with your kids?

Because it allows kids to learn to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. It’s an easy way to have quality time that doesn’t include a screen. So go ahead, scroll through our favorite jokes for kids, and spend 15 minutes having a good chuckle with your kiddos.

1. What do you call an ant who fights crime? 
A vigilante! 

—Joe L., age 10 

2. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Olive.
Olive who?
Olive YOU!

3. Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because she was stuffed.

4. What do you call a little legume?
A Tinybean.

5. What did the left eye say to the right eye?
Between us, something smells!

6. Why did the police play baseball?
He wanted to get a catch!

—Yuna, age 8

7. What did the microwave say to the other microwave?
Is it just me? Or is it really hot in here?

—Yuna, age 8

8. Why did the student eat his homework?
Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake!

9. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting pirate.
Interrupting pir—yarrrrrr!

10. What is brown, hairy, and wears sunglasses?
A cool coconut.

11. Two pickles fell out of a jar onto the floor. What did one say to the other?
Dill with it.

12. What do you call a fake noodle?
An impasta!

13. Why did the kid cross the playground?
To get to the other slide.

14. Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Icy.
Icy who?
Icy you trying not to laugh at my knock-knock joke!

15. What kind of lion doesn't roar?
A dandelion.

16. How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying?
You rocket!

17. Why was 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7, 8, 9

18. What does a cloud wear under a raincoat?
Thunderwear.

19. When does a joke become a “dad” joke?
When the punchline is a parent.

20. What do you call a dinosaur fart?
A blast from the past.

Related: 100+ of The Best Clean Jokes For Kids

21. What did the limestone say to the geologist?
Don’t take me for granite!

22. What do you call a duck that gets all A’s?
A wise quacker.

23. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull.

24. Which is faster? Hot or cold?
Hot. You can easily catch a cold. 

25. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

26. Why can't you trust an atom?
They make up everything.

27. Why was the baby strawberry crying?
Because her parents were in a jam.

28. What did the little corn say to the mama corn?
Where is pop corn?

29. What is worse than raining cats and dogs?
Hailing taxis!

30. How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?
About a buck an ear.

31. Where would you find an elephant?
The same place you lost her!

32. How do you talk to a giant?
Use big words!

33. What animal is always at a baseball game?
A bat.

34. What falls in winter but never gets hurt?
Snow!

35. What do you call a ghost’s true love?
His ghoul-friend.

36. What building in New York has the most stories?
The public library!

37. What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!

38. How do we know that the ocean is friendly?
It waves!

39. What is a tornado’s favorite game to play?
Twister!

40. How do baby cats learn how to swim?
The kitty pool.

41. How do you get a squirrel to like you?
Act like a nut!

42. What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

43. How does a scientist freshen her breath?
With experi-mints!

44. How are false teeth like stars?
They come out at night!

45. How can you tell a vampire has a cold?
She starts coffin.

46. What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?
Finding half a worm.

47. What is a computer's favorite snack?
Computer chips!!
—reader Rebecca K.

48. Why don’t elephants chew gum?
They do, just not in public.

49. What was the first animal in space?
The cow that jumped over the moon

50. What did the banana say to the dog?
Nothing. Bananas can’t talk.

51. What time is it when the clock strikes 13?
Time to get a new clock.

52. How does a cucumber become a pickle?
It goes through a jarring experience.

53. Which city does Paw Patrol like the most? 
New Yorkie.

54. What do you think of that new diner on the moon?
Food was good, but there really wasn’t much atmosphere.

55. Why did the dinosaur cross the road?
Because the chicken wasn’t born yet.

56. Why can’t Elsa have a balloon?
Because she will let it go.

57. How do you make an octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!

58. How do you make a tissue dance?
You put a little boogie in it.

59. What's green and can fly?
Super Pickle!

60. When you look for something, why is it always in the last place you look?
Because when you find it, you stop looking.

little girl and boy sharing a joke
Saeed Karimi via Unsplash

61. Why do shrimp never share?
They're so shellfish.

62. What musical instrument is found in the bathroom?
A tuba toothpaste.

63. Why did the kid bring a ladder to school?
Because she wanted to go to high school.

64. Where do vampires keep their money?
A blood bank.

65. What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet.

66. What do you call a dog magician?
A labracadabrador.

67. Where do pencils go on vacation?
Pencil-vania.

68. Why couldn't the pony sing a lullaby?
She was a little horse.

69. What do you cakes and baseball have in common?
They both need a batter! 

70. What gets wetter the more it dries?
A towel.

71. What do you call two bananas?
Slippers.

And speaking of bananas...

72. Why did the banana go to the doctor?
Because it wasn’t peeling well.

73. Why was the mushroom the life of the party?
It was a fungi.

74. What stays in the corner yet can travel all over the world?  
A stamp.

75. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin?
With a pumpkin patch.

76. What kind of award did the dentist receive?
A little plaque.

77. What do you call a funny mountain?
Hill-arious.

78. What should you drink while singing nursery rhymes?
Hot Cocomelon.

79. Why do bees have sticky hair?
Because they use a honeycomb.

Related: 30 Wacky Winter Jokes for Kids

80. What did the big flower say to the little flower?
Hi, bud!

81. There are two robots sitting on a wall. They are named Pete and Re-Pete. Pete falls off. Who is left?
(Re-Pete...so you repeat the whole thing again and again and again.)

—Henrik P., 10 

82. What is a pony’s favorite juice?
She really likes lemon-neigh’d.

—5-year-old Kerrigan

83. Where do fish keep their money?
In the River-Bank!

—Jaxon G., 7 y.o.

84. What do you call an alligator with a vest?
An investigator!

—Milo H-R, age 8

85. Why was the computer cold?
It left its window open!

—Milo H-R, age 8

86. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Boo.
Boo who?
Don’t cry!

—Milo H-R, age 8

87. In baseball, would it take longer to run from 1st to 2nd base or 2nd to 3rd base?
2nd to 3rd base because there’s a shortstop in between.

—Milo H-R, age 8

88. What has lots of leaves but never actually grew?
A book!

—Milo H-R, age 8

89. Why was the computer cold?
It had a virus. 

—Henrik, age 10 

90. Why did the invisible man turn down the job offer?
Because he couldn’t see himself doing it.

—Jan L. 

91. Who keeps the ocean clean?
The mer-maid.

—Jan L. 

92. What did the astronaut say when he crashed into the moon?
"I Apollo-gize."

93. Why didn’t the orange win the race?
It ran out of juice.

94. What dinosaur had the best vocabulary?  
The thesaurus.

95. What did one DNA strand say to the other DNA strand?
Do these genes make my butt look big?

96. Why aren’t dogs good dancers?
They have two left feet.

97. What did the wolf say when it stubbed its toe?
Owwwww-ch! (by Henrik, age 5)

98. Kid: What are you doing under there?
Mom: Under where?
Kid: Ha ha! You said underwear!!

99. Why did Johnny throw the clock out of the window?
Because he wanted to see time fly.

100. What did one toilet say to the other?
You look flushed.

101. Why did the man put his money in the freezer?
He wanted cold hard cash!

102. Why couldn’t the astronaut book a hotel on the moon?
Because it was full.

103. How do pickles enjoy a day out?
They relish it.

104. What do you call an old snowman?
Water.

105. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?
Arrrrrrrrrr

106. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a fish?
Swimming trunks.

107. How do you throw a party in space?
You planet.

108. What do you call an attractive fruit?
A fine apple!

109. What happened when the skunk was on trial?
The judge declared, “Odor in the court, odor in the court!”

110. What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer!

111. Why did the tomato blush?
It saw the salad dressing.

112. What do you call a fish without an eye?
A fsh.

113. What’s the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Anyone can roast beef.

114. What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?
A walkie talkie.

115. Why are robots never afraid?
They have nerves of steel.

116. Why did the cabbage win the race?
Because it was a-head.

117. What does an evil hen lay?
Deviled eggs.

118. What does a book do in the winter?
Puts on a jacket.

119. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Needle.
Needle who?
Needle little help right now.

Related: 30+ Math Jokes for Kids That Add Up to Laughs

120. What sound do you hear when a cow breaks the sound barrier?
Cowboom!

121. What kind of haircuts to bees get?
Buzzzzzcuts.

122. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Donut.
Donut who?
Donut ask me, I just got here.

124. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake?
A pie-thon.

125. What do you do if you get peanut butter on your doorknob?
Use a door jam.

126. Why was 6 so mad at 7?
Because 7 8 9.

127. Why didn’t the robot finish his breakfast?
Because the orange juice told him to concentrate.

128. Why can’t you play hockey with pigs?
They always hog the puck.

129. Why do porcupines always win the game?
They have the most points.

130. Where do elephants pack their clothes?
In their trunks!

131. What does bread do on vacation?
Loaf around.

132. Why was the broom running late?
It over-swept.

133. What part of the fish weighs the most?
The scales.

134. What do ghosts like to eat in the summer?
I Scream.

135. Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school?
Because her students were so bright.

136. What do you call a deer with pink eye?
A colorful eye-deer. (credit to Capt. John of the Appledore!)

137, Where do sheep go on vacation?
The Baaa-hamas.

138. What does every birthday end with?
The letter Y.

139. What did the paper say to the pencil?
Write on!

140. Why do birds fly?
It’s faster than walking.

141. Why did Superman flush the toilet?
Because it was his doody.

142. Why did the pillow cross the road?
It was picking up the chicken’s feathers.

143. Can February March?
No, but April May.

144. What time do ducks wake up?
At the quack of dawn.

145. Why did the giraffes get bad grades?
She had her head in the clouds.

146. What did the flower say after it told a joke?
I was just pollen your leg.

147. What did the traffic light say to the truck?
Don’t look, I’m changing.

148. What do kids play when they don’t have a phone?
Bored games.

149. Why didn’t the koala bear get the job?
They said she was over-koala-fied.

150. Who was that owl who did all the tricks?
Who-dini.

151. What kind of vegetable is angry?
A steamed carrot!

three girls laughing at jokes for kids
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152. How does the moon stay up in the sky?
Moonbeams! 

153. Why isn't there a clock in the library?
Because it tocks too much. 

154. Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees?
Because they're so good at it! 

155. What day of the week are most twins born on?
Twos-day! 

(submitted by reader Scooter T.!) 

156. Would February March?
No, but April May. 

157. What do you call bears with no ears?
B. 

158. What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

168. What do you call a fly with no wings?
A walk. 

—Jasper L., young reader submitted!

169. What’s yellow and looks like pineapple?
A lemon with a new haircut. 

—submitted (and created) by Rafael L. 

Related: 41 Giggle-Inducing Jokes for Toddlers

170. What do you call a deer with no eyes?
"No eye-deer." 

—also sent in by young Raffy 

171. What did the lunchbox say to the banana?
You really have appeal. 

172. What did the mouse say to the keyboard?

You're my type! 

173. What did the science book say to the math book?
Wow, you've got problems. 

174. How do squids get to school?

They take an octobus. 

175. Where do mermaids look for jobs?
The kelp-wanted section. 

176. What word starts with the letter t, ends with the letter t, and has t in it?
A teapot!

—young reader Collin S.

177. What has four wheels and flies?
A garbage truck!

—Lewis G.

178.  Two goats were munching on a movie script. 
Goat 1: This is good!
Goat 2: The book was better.

—reader submitted by Mr. Jeffry

179. What do you call a monkey at the North Pole?
Lost.

—submitted by Stella D.

180. Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall?
To make up for his miserable summer.

—reader submitted by Kaci Y.  

181. Why did the woman become an archeologist?
Because her career was in ruins.

182. Knock knock! 
Who's there?
Manatee. 
Manatee who?
Manatee would be better than a sweater today, it's hot! 

183. What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account?
Primemates!

—Merci P., aged 10

184. What snack should you make for the Snowman Holiday Party?
Ice Krispy Treats

—Emmerson H., age 13

185. What do you call a nun who sleepwalks?
A roamin' Catholic. 

—Janice B., a reader like you! 

186. Why do birds fly south?
It's too far to walk.

—Pearl, age 10

187. What did the traffic light say to the cars?
Don't look, I'm changing!

—reader, age 6 

188. Why is there a gate around cemeteries?
Because people are dying to get in!

189. What is a scarecrow's favorite fruit?
A strawberry. 

190. How does a hurricane see?
With one eye. 

191. How do they answer the phone at the paint store?
Yellow!

—Lily, age 6

192. Why do scissors always win a race?
Because they take a shortcut!

—Foster, age 5 

193. How do you stop a bull from charging? 
You unplug it! 

—Jadyn, Age 12 

194. What did the dad say to his daughter at the cook out? 
This grill is on fire! 
 

—Jadyn, 12 (This kid is on fire! 🤣) 

195. Why did the king go to the bathroom?
He wanted to sit on the throne.

—Eric, age 10

196. What is a pirate's favorite body part?
The booty!

—C.J., age 9

197. If it takes two men to dig a hole in one day how long would it take for one man to dig a half a hole?           
There is no such thing as a half a hole.

—Eric, age 10

198. How do cats bake cake?
From scratch. 

—reader Jacey

199. What is a zombie's favorite thing to eat?
Brain food. 

200. How do you fix a broken tomato?
With a can of tomato paste. 

201. What do you call a rabbit with lice?
Bugs Bunny. 

a family laughing at jokes for kids
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202. It took 10 workers 10 days to build a bridge.  How long would it take 5 workers to build the same bridge?
None—it’s already built!

—Liam, age 7 

203. How do you make the word Tiger longer?
Ti-grrrh

—Kabir, Age 9

204. How do you clean chicken?  -
Put it in dishwasher.

—Kabir, Age 9

205. What do frogs order at McDonalds?
French flies and a Croak-a-Cola.

206. There's a girl on a boat in a pretty pink coat. What's her name?
What. 

—Ray, age 9

207. Where does a rat go when it has a toothache?
To the rodentist. 

—Ray, age 9!

208. What does an alien do when it is bored in school?
Spaces out. 

—Ray! (they are on a roll!), age 9

209. What does a broken plate say when she gets her cupcake?
Is this GLUE-ten free?

—Guess who? Ray! age 9 

210. Why didn't the hyena cross the road?
He was too busy laughing. 

—reader submitted by Gillian P. 

211. Have you heard the one about the student who was afraid of negative numbers?
He'll stop at nothing to avoid them.

212. What do you call it when a hammock teases another hammock?
Hammockery!

—Joe L., age 8 

213. What did they say when Marie Curie and Albert Einstein said the same thing at the same time?
Greatest minds think alike! 

—Henrik, age 9

214. What did the kid learn about knowledge?
It was all knowing.

—Reader submitted by Deziree

215. Why did the chicken go the hospital?
Because it needed some tweatment!

—Joshua Y., age 9 
 
 
216. Why did the skeletons cross the road?

To get to the body shop!

—Also Mr. Joshua Y., age 9

217. What is more impressive than a talking parrot?
A spelling bee.

—submitted by...drumroll...Joshua Y., age 9!! 

218. What do you call babies in the army?
Infantry! 

—Joe L., age 9

219. What is a cat's favorite color?
Purrr-ple! 

—Olivia W., age 7 

220. Why did the dragon cross the road?
Because he was too chicken to fly!       

—Joshua Y. 

221. Who won the race of princesses?
Rapunzel, By a hair!

—Josh Y! 

222. What did the egg say when it was late for breakfast?
I have to scramble!

—our buddy, Joshua Y. 

223. How do you stop a bull from charging?
You take away it's credit card!

—Joshua Y. 

224. Where does the T-rex go shopping?
The dino store!

—Joshua Y., age 9 

225. Why was the rabbit happy?
Because somebunny loved him!

—Guess who? Joshua Y.! 

226. What did the pear say to the shoeless?
You need a pair of shoes. 

—reader submitted by Rose A. 

227. What do you call a bear with no ear?
A "B"

—Alexis R. 

228. What would happen if the dean lost his job?
He would lose his "ideanity." 

—Joshua Y. 

229. Why did the baby cross the road? 

To get to the whine shop!

—Matilda C., age 7

230. Why shouldn’t you trust stairs?
Because they are always up to something.

—Ryder, Age 3!!! 

Related: 20 Cheesy Jokes To Make Anyone Crack a Smile

231. Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was out standing in his field.

—Suzanna R. 

232. What do you call a cat burrito?
A purrito

—Rosewyn age 8 and 3 quarters 

233. What kind of key opens a banana?
A monkey!

—Rosewyn age 8 and 3 quarters 

234. What do you call a pounding headache? 
A temple tantrum!

—hilarious reader, MJ Sims

235. How do you get a cat to code?

You Scratch it!

—Musegirl, 8

236. Why was the man mad at the clock?

He was ticked off!

—Nolan A. age 8

237. What is the strongest kind of shoe?

Under Armor!

—Liam A. age 9

238. Why did Rudolph have a bad report card?

Because he went down in History!

—Sreeja K., age 8 

239. Why don't scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything!

—Sreeja K., age 8 

240. Why can't you spell dark with a "c", so it says "darc"?
Because you can't c in dark!

—Shivani age 8

241. How do you clean a chicken?
An egg wash!

—MB, age 12 

242. Why did the cookie have to go to the doctor?
It was feeling crummy. 

243. What's Joanna Gaines' favorite snack food?
Chips

—H.P., aged 9

244. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?
Because there was noBody on the other side. 

—Grandpa Jo, 54

245. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?
He didn't have the guts. 

—Londynn, 9

246. What do you do when an astronaut’s wife is upset?
Give her some space.

—Jaden, 11

247. Why did the young astronaut cry on the moon?
Because he missed his mother earth. 

—A mother on earth

248. Two monkeys were fighting over a banana. What happened?
Banana split! 

—Saori K. 

249. What is a vampire's favorite fruit?
A blood orange!

—Rianna G., age 10

250. Why don't eggs like to gamble?
They always get a raw deal. 

251. When is a door not a door?
When it's ajar. 

252. Why did the scientist take out the bell?
He wanted to win the no-bell prize. 

—DT 

253. Why are strawberries natural musicians?
They love to jam. 

254. What is orange and sounds like a parrot?
A carrot! 

Related: 40+ Hilarious Knock Knock Jokes for Kids

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255. Did you hear about the kid who drank eight sodas?
He burped 7-Up. 

256. What be the pirate's favorite letter of the alphabet?
Arrrr! 
No, it be the C! (Sea).

—A hilarious 6-year-old reader. 

257. What is a tree's favorite beverage?
Root beer! 

258. Why do fish live in saltwater?
Pepper makes them sneeze! ACHOOOOOO!!!!!!

—Hasset A. 

259. Why are fish so smart?
Because they live in a school!

—Ronit P. 

The following four jokes were written by Kaleb, age 4, as told to his grandpa:

260. Why did the cow lie down in the grass? 
He was ground beef.

261. What did Mama cow say to Baby cow? 
It’s pasture bedtime.

262. Why did the phone walk in the water? 
He was wading for a phone call.

263. What is blue, but not heavy?
Light blue.

264. How do you find Will Smith in the snow?
You look for fresh prints. 

—Joshua N. 

265. Why don't you ever date a tennis player?
Because love means nothing to them.

—Joshua N. 

266. "Doctor, doctor I am afraid of squirrels!"
Doctor: You must be nuts.

—reader Jerry C. 

267. What happened to the frog whose car broke down?
He had to be toad! 

—Martin F. 

268. What is the best day to visit McDonalds?
Fry-Day!

—Gianni, age 6

269. What's a cow's favorite drink?
A s-moooo-thie.

—Young readers Jax (7) and Kora (5)

270. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Cow
Cow who? 
Cows don’t say who, they say moooo!

—Adalyn, age 5

271. Why did the tomato stop?
Because he was out of juice. 

—Karma E. 

Related: 51 Totally Goofy Birthday Jokes for Kids

272. What are cats best at?
Cat-apulting!

—Macy (10)

273. Where do cats roam?
In the catacombs!

—Katie (34)

274. What kind of stick does a cat chase?
A cat-stick!

—Macy (10)

275. What kind of fruit does a dog eat?
A dog-berry!

—Macy (10) & Katie (34)

276. Why do hockey players make great bankers?
Because they are good at checking.

—Henrik, age 9 3/4

277. How do chickens dance?
Chick to chick.

278. Mr. Red and Ms. Red live in the red house; Mr. Purple and Ms. Purple live in the purple house. Who lives in the white house?
The president!

—submitted by young reader Gwen I.

279. Why did the chicken cross the road?
It was trying to get away from the KFC.

—Ben, age 8

280. Who sits at the bottom of the sea and twitches?
A nervous wreck.

—Alesha, age 11

281. Why was the snowman in the box?
Because he was picking his nose.

—Peter, age 8

 

happy kids laughing
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These next five were sent in from Jax (7) and Kora (5):

282. What’s a dog's favorite toy?
A funny bone!

283. What’s a cow's favorite rock?
A mooo-n rock

284. What’s the scariest plant?
Bam-booo!

285. What’s a cow's favorite place to go?
The mooo-vies!

286. What’s the scariest injury?
A booo-booo!

(Jax & Kora!) 

287. Why was the snow yellow?
Because Elsa let it go! 

—Kaylee

289. Why did the girl smear peanut butter on the road?
To go with the traffic jam!

—Scarlett 

290. What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping?
A dino-snore!

291. What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Frost bite!

292. What did one plate say to the other plate?
Dinner is on me!

293. What do you call Chewbacca with cookies in its fur?
A chocolate-chip Wookie. 

—Jake

294. What is black and white and looks like a penguin?
A penguin. 

—Zhan, age 5 

295. What does a cow like to drink?
A smoothie. 

—Carolina, age 8

296. Why did the parent hit the cake with a hammer?
It was a pound cake. 

little girl and her mom laughing at jokes
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297.  When is the best time to go to the dentist?
At tooth-hurty!!!

—Tyler R.

298. Why is "dark" spelled with a k and not a c? 
Because you can’t c in the dark!

—Garrett

299. A new pig came to the farm, he was a great painter. What do you think his name was?
Pigasso!

—Amara

A spin-off:

300. What is the name of the Dutch pig who was famous for painting sunflowers and cutting off his ear?
Vincent van Hog

—Gloria, age 8

301. What is a bat’s favorite game to play?
A com-bat

—Bianca, age 7

302. What did the salad say to the carrot after it lost the fight?
You've lettuce down.

—Joe, age 10

303. What did the salad say to the carrot when it asked for directions to a restaurant?
Beets me!

—Joe, age 10

304. Why don't eggs tell each other jokes?
They'd crack each other up!

—Raina, age 10

305. Which milkshake always comes with a straw?
A strawberry milkshake

—Gloria, age 8

306. What stories do crustaceans like best?
Lobster Tales

—Gloria, age 8

307. What did the basketball say to the hoop when it missed?
Oh shoot!

—Layla, age 9

308. Why did the lion cross the road?
To get to the other pride!

309. What is the best gift you could ever ask for?
Broken drum sticks. You just can't beat it. 

—Nate

310. Why did the nurse have a red crayon?
To draw blood.

—Charlotte

311. What mood best describes a sad librarian?
Under the books.

—Elliana

Related: You’ll Be Taco-ing about These Jokes All Day

312. What do you call a Buffalo that likes beef?
A Beef-alo

313. What does a camel say to a hunter?
Do you need some camel-flage

314. Why does the dinosaur like the bathroom?
Because it’s ex-stink-t

315. Why does the dentist use a computer?
Because it has Bluetooth.

—Jokes 312-315 by Gunner, age 8

316. What’s grey?
A melted penguin.

317. What goes black, white, black, white, black white?
A penguin rolling down a hill.
318. Can a match box?
No, but a tin can!
319. Why was the baby in Egypt?
It was looking for its mummy.
320. Why did the chewing gum cross the road?
It was stuck on the chicken’s foot.
321. What does a cow eat for breakfast?
Mooo-esli.
322. Doctor, doctor, I feel like a dog.
Then go and see a vet!

323. What do girl snakes write at the bottom of their letters?
With love and hisses.

324. Why did the bacteria cross the microscope?
To get to the other slide.
—Jokes 316-324 by Elijah, age 11
325. Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Lettuce.
Lettuce who?
Let us in, it’s cold out here!

326. What do you get when you cross a bridge with a car?
To the other side of the river.

327. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a cake?
Crumbs.

328. Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I’m a dog.
Then sit on the couch and we’ll talk about it,
But I’m not allowed on the furniture!

329. Doctor, doctor I feel like a sheep.
That’s baa-aaa-aad.

330. What do you call a bee that buzzes quietly?
A mumble bee.

—Jokes 325-330 by Malachi, age 7 and a half

331. Where do you find a polar bear? 
The same place you left her.

—Thomas, age 7

332. What is fast, loud, and crunchy?
A rocket chip!

333. How does a vampire start a letter?
Tomb it may concern…

334. What has ears but cannot hear?
A field of corn…

335. Did you hear the one about the claustrophobic astronaut?

He just needed a little space.

Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Step outside the box (of cake mix) and make one of these show-stopping treats for your kiddo’s next big bash

We get it—sometimes cake doesn’t cut it. If you’re looking for the perfect unique birthday dessert, we’ve found 25 show-stopping birthday dessert alternatives that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From ice cream to cookies, there’s something here to make your celebration extra special. Don’t forget the party favors! 

Fried Ice Cream

They love ice cream and french fries, so it’s not too much of a stretch to say they’ll probably go nuts for fried ice cream. Add a little fudge and whipped cream, and it’s birthday dessert heaven. Get the recipe from Six Sisters Stuff.

Sprinkle Cookies

We dare you to find a more cheerful cookie than these sugar masterpieces from The View from Great Island. They’re perfectly festive for any birthday soiree, and a cinch to whip up. Use a whole assortment of sprinkles or customize the colors for your tot!

Birthday Charcuterie Boards

unique dessert charcuterie board
iStock

What's better than one dessert? A whole bunch of desserts, on one giant platter. Whether it's a cocoa-themed spread or you want to go full-on birthday-themed, the hottest new trend in food is taking over the party, too. Birthday charcuterie boards are where it's at! 

Churros

Peanut Butter & Peppers

Is there anything better than the cinnamon-sugar goodness of a county fair churro? For those looking to recreate this particular magic at home, we present this recipe from Peanut Butter & Peppers. The secret here is that the churros are baked, not fried—which means they have all the sweet, doughy crunch you expect but you can skip the greasy frying. 

 

Related: Party On! The Trendiest Birthday Themes for This Year  

Mini Brownie Bowls

lifeloveliz

Because cones are so ordinary, right? Up the ice cream sundae bar game by opting for a super sweet bowl the gang can eat: these mini brownie bowls from Life Love Liz are perfect because you can serve them warm or cooled down, depending on how much time you have before you need them. 

Unicorn Sundaes

birthday desserts
Cutefetti

Why do unicorn cake when you can serve up unicorn-themed sundaes? The best part about this amazing treat from Dawn at Cutefetti is her low-cal version that still has all the whimsy and the taste. 

Colorful Macarons

unique birthday desserts
Rose Elena via Unsplash

These popular French cookies can be made in a variety of colors and flavors and have an extra-festive birthday appeal—plus it's easy to portion control sugar intake for the younger kids. While they can be a bit challenging to make for the novice baker, Sally's Bakings Addiction has a step-by-step tutorial that just might help you win this whimsical dessert. If you're not feeling up to it, patisseries across the country sell these delectables. You can also order up a batch from [ma-ka-rohn] where you'll also find gluten-free varieties. They ship across the US. 

Brownie Pops

The Cookful

Brownies go sophisticated with this fun recipe from The Cookful. Just whip up a batch using your favorite recipe (or a boxed mix), and dip them into a simple ganache to up the fancy factor. 

And for more desserts on a stick, click here

Baked Birthday Donuts

unique birthday desserts
If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Do not be surprised if these funfetti-filled donuts become a new birthday tradition. They’re simple to make and super colorful. They’re also perfect for a crowd. Don’t forget the glaze! Get the recipe from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen.

Cheesecake Flan

A Little Yumminess

Are you a fan of flan? How about the creamy goodness of cheesecake? You can have ‘em both with this recipe from A Little Yumminess. It’s more firm than flan and lighter than cheesecake—perfect for a birthday cake alternative that’s a little outside the box. Click here for the how-to!

Party Cannoli

Hungry Gems

It’s easy to add cannoli to your birthday party lineup with this genius idea from Hungry Gems. Picture it: smooth ricotta, vanilla paste speckles, and fluffy sugar. Don’t forget the colorful sprinkles for that extra special touch! 

Nutella Whoopie Pie

unique birthday desserts

When a dessert has “whoopie” right in the title, you know it’s a reason to celebrate. These delish, unique birthday desserts have a hint of orange, a whole lot of Nutella, and are just the thing to amp up a birthday party. (Psst! They also make great gifts!) Score the recipe by clicking here.

Related: How to Plan a Kid’s Birthday Party on a Budget

Strawberry and Sprinkles Pancakes

unique birthday desserts
Averie Cooks

Give your usual birthday dessert a flip with this sweet idea from Averie Cooks: pancakes! These phenomenal flapjacks are bursting with sprinkles, topped with strawberries, and the perfect way to begin or end a birthday. 

Ice Cream Tacos

unique birthday desserts
A Subtle Revelry

Who says tacos have to be savory? Check out how A Subtle Revelry puts them together (And if you're looking for more dessert taco ideas, we've got them). 

Strawberry Rice Crispy Pops

unique birthday desserts
Tast-e

We love these adorable pops from Tast-e, and not just because they look like something that belongs in a cotton candy castle. They’re just as easy to whip up as your run-of-the-mill rice krispie treats, and the little ones are sure to gobble them up.

Ice Cream Cupcakes

ice cream cupcakes are awesome birthday desserts
The Flair Exchange

These may look like boardwalk-style chocolate-dipped cones, but don't be fooled—they're cupcakes! The Flair Exchange shows how to bake the cupcakes right into the ice cream cones and dip them in a chocolate shell topping. 

Banana Split Ice Cream Pie (In a Jar)

unique birthday desserts
Around My Family Table

Around My Family Table's great idea combines all the best parts of a banana split into a cute mason jar, making it the perfect individual treat for kids. Layer up graham cracker crumbs, different types of ice cream, and fruit toppings for a unique birthday dessert that rocks.

Ice Cream Cake Pops

unique birthday desserts
Better Recipes

We’re obsessed with these yummy ice cream cake pops from Better Recipes—and they’re easier to make than normal cake pops. Just scoop mini portions of ice cream, then roll them in your favorite cake flavors.

Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches

Frosting and a Smile

Oreo lovers will go crazy for these ice cream sandwiches with a twist from Frosting and a Smile. You can customize the toppings based on taste or to match the party's theme—either way, your guests will gobble 'em up.

Cookies and Cream Dessert Pizza

Amuse Your Bouche

Combine your kid’s two favorite things—pizza and cookies—and you’ll get this insanely delicious dessert from Amuse Your Bouche. This version is topped with marshmallow fluff, Oreos and chocolate, but you can get creative topping it with your favorite sweets and fruits. 

Balboa Bars

unique birthday desserts
Half Baked Harvest

These ice cream bars from Half Baked Harvest are a step above your usual picks from the ice cream truck. Customize them with Oreos, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and nuts—the sky's the limit. This unique birthday dessert can be made ahead of time or little chefs can get involved in topping their creations themselves. 

Funfetti Cake Batter Popsicles

Unusually Lovely

For a birthday-appropriate twist on popsicles, try this clever idea from Unusually Lovely. It’s super easy to whip up with the help of cake mix, rainbow sprinkles, and heavy cream. 

Dirt Dessert

Mooshu Jenne

This unique birthday dessert from Mooshu Jenne is perfect for an outdoor party. Layer chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed chocolate cookies for "dirt" that's sure to be delicious. 

Peanut Butter Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Lauren's Latest

Guests of all ages will be wowed by this impressive cake from Lauren's Latest. It's pretty easy to throw together using Oreo cookies, chocolate ice cream, and a seriously delicious peanut butter caramel sauce. 

Circus Animal Truffle Bark

unique birthday desserts
A baJillian Recipes

Turn your kid's favorite cookie into this colorful truffle bark from A BaJillian Recipes. This would also work perfectly as a take-home treat for goodie bags. 

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s going to be hard to resist some of these

Nothing says summer like homemade popsicles. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of recipes for summer popsicles for kids—from fruit popsicles to creamsicles to homemade fudge pops that are full of flavor. These popsicle recipes are super easy, super refreshing, and a great project for young chefs. There are so many delicious frozen treats to beat the summer heat!

Chocolate Cherry Popsicles

How delicious do these chocolate cherry pops look?! Made with Greek yogurt and fresh cherries, get this popsicle recipe from Parsley and Icing.

Rainbow Popsicles

rainbow popsicle recipe
The First Year Blog

Your kiddos will go gaga for the out-of-this-world colors of these rainbow popsicles from The First Year Blog. There are a whopping seven layers and each sports a ton of fruit and flavor. The result looks like a truly tasty tie-dyed treat!

Shirley Temple Popsicles

Oh, the thrill of being a kid and sipping a Shirley Temple! This idea from Candy Jar Chronicle takes that same classic taste and turns it into a frozen treat.

Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles

Take the taste of tart summer berries, combine it with creamy cheesecake and you’ve got a homemade popsicle perfect for a warm evening.

Ripe Peach Popsicles

peach popsicle recipe
The View from Great Island

Need a great way to use up ripe (or slightly over-ripe) peaches? Bookmark these fruit popsicles, STAT! They're made from pureed fresh peaches and are basically summertime on a stick. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Pumpkin Pie Popsicle

homemade popsicles
Salt & Lavender

Get a taste of autumn any ol' time with popsicles that pack in the pumpkin flavor. They also include Greek yogurt and granola, which means you could even have a popsicle for breakfast. Get the recipe from Salt & Lavender.

Lava Flow Popsicles

homemade popsicles
One Lovely Life

You're gonna love these layers! Just picture this: creamy pineapple swirled with a fresh strawberry puree and no dyes or refined sugar. Best of all, they're the perfect combo of easy, pretty, and delicious. For the recipe, flow on over to One Lovely Life.

Healthy Raspberry Sorbet Popsicles

homemade popsicles
One Lovely Life

These beauties from One Lovely Life really pop with bright raspberry flavor! The kiddos will love covering them in chocolate magic shell and their fave toppings, but don't worry—they look fancy but are simple to whip up.

Coconut Water Pineapple Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Boulder Locavore

Are you ready to get refreshed? Boulder Locavore’s Coconut Water Pineapple Popsicles are the ultimate way to hydrate this summer. Along with the coconut water, these pops also have pineapple juice, lime juice, and a handful of raspberries. They’re vegan, tasty, and (literally) cool.

 

Related: New Trader Joe’s Summer Products We’re Obsessed With

Healthy Greek Yogurt Fudge Pops

homemade popsicles
Baker by Nature

Nostalgia alert! If there’s a special place in your heart for melty, chocolatey fudgesicles, you need to try this recipe from Baker by Nature. These pops have that same taste you know and love, with a healthy twist.

 

Chocolate Covered Almond Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Simple Vegan Blog

Confession: we’re nuts about these homemade popsicles from Simple Vegan Blog. They include ingredients like banana, almond milk, and maple syrup; and as for the chocolate coating? Let’s just say once you make your own magic shell, you’ll never go back.

 

Funfetti Creamsicles

homemade popsicles
Garlic My Soul

These cheerful funfetti creamsicles from Garlic My Soul are the perfect treat for a hot summer's day. Made with coconut cream, orange juice, honey, and of course, funfetti sprinkles, the creamy tanginess will be a hit. 

Root Beer Float Popsicles

root beer float popsicle recipe
Boulder Locavore

A root beer float in popsicle form? We’re in! This popsicle recipe from Boulder Locavore is basically your fave soda-and-ice-cream treat, poured into your fave molds. Genius? We think so.

Coconut Pineapple Yogurt Pops

Recipe Runner

When you can’t grab the fam and head to Hawaii, the next best thing is one oofo these tropical popsicles from Recipe Runner. They’re the perfect combo of creamy and icy—perfect for higher temps and hungry tummies.

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Mousse Pops

chocolate peanut butter popsicle recipe
The Kitchen McCabe

These chocolate peanut butter pops are the perfect deviation from fruit pops. Plus, they're the perfect treat for chocolate lovers to keep around! Try topping it off with some whipped cream or your favorite topping. You'll find this recipe at The Kitchen McCabe.

 

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Strawberry lemonade popsicle recipe
Pass the Sushi

Any kid worth his salt knows that lemonade is pretty much a summer requirement. Add on the taste of fresh strawberries and tangy yogurt and you’ve got a refreshing match made in heaven. You can thank Pass the Sushi for this homemade popsicle inspiration.

 

Cookies and Coconut Cream Popsicles

The View from Great Island

What’s black and white and sweet all over? These Oreo-inspired popsicles from The View from Great Island! These fantabulous treats have honest-to-goodness whole cookies inside them, so every bite has the potential to be your favorite bite.

 

Triple Berry Paletas

homemade popsicles
Lola Cocina

Here’s the scoop on paletas: they’re Latin American ice pops that are usually made from fresh fruit. That means they’re extra refreshing and extra easy to make yourself. These Triple Berry Paletas from Lola Cocina fit the bill, and they can be customized to your kid’s palate with different berry combinations.

Sunrise Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Emily via One Lovely Life

Good news - these homemade popsicles are as yummy as they are pretty! Emily from One Lovely Life combines orange juice and strawberries to create these vibrant pops.

Dairy-free Patriotic Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Beth via Pass the Plants

Just like the rocket pops from the ice cream truck, but way healthier, these patriotic popsicles will be a sure-fire hit at your summer BBQs. Get the recipe from Beth at Pass the Plants.

Mango Chili Popsicles

Isabel via Isabel Eats

Kick up your popsicle game with these mango chili popsicles from Isabel Eats. Yummy, sweet mango meets its match in a touch of chili for a delicious take on these summer treats.

 

Cherry Lime Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Erin via Food Fanatic

This classic flavor combo comes together in a refreshing homemade popsicle that's perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. Erin from Food Fanatic breaks down how easy this recipe really is!

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

Want the scoop on the coolest ice cream shops across Chicago? These 19 spots serve up creative cones and tasty treats your kids will not soon forget

Going out for an ice cream is a simple and relatively affordable way to celebrate life’s little milestones. Although you don’t need a reason to treat yourself, whether it be the first day of school, a good report card, or a dance recital, a cold, creamy reward helps say, “cone-gratulations.” It’s also a great way to cone-sole (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves!) a scraped knee, a lost soccer game, or even a bad day. Forget chicken soup: ice cream soothes the soul. 

And the options are endless, particularly in Chicago, where cool ice cream shops pop up often. From a single scoop to a banana split, from hard serve to soft, and from traditional flavors to avant-garde taste combinations, this sweet treat gets a new spin seemingly anywhere you go. In fact, even the lactose intolerant and plant-based vegans can indulge in some of our nearly 20 recommendations for the best, most unforgettable ice cream shops in the city.

Eli’s Ark
If you want your ice cream cone to have a cute face before you devour it, head to Eli’s Ark. The process? First, pick the number of scoops you want, then choose your animal—or animals. Do you want animals to piggyback each other? Picture a unicorn, on top of a pig, on top of a koala. The end result is a delicious, artistic creation almost too adorable to eat. 

1843 W. North Ave.
Wicker Park
Online: instagram.com/elisarkchicago/

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s carries some of the most interesting flavors you will find, so it makes sense that the Ohio founder, Jeni Britton, started out mixing scented oils with different foods before she began experimenting with ice cream. Where else will you find cream cheese ice cream with everything bagel gravel or goat cheese with red cherries? If the saying didn’t already exist, Jeni’s would have certainly inspired, “Don’t knock it ’til you try it.” They even have dairy-free and gluten-free flavors.

Insider Tip: Keep a steady supply by joining their subscription pint club. 

Various city locations, plus you can buy at many local grocery chains, including Mariano’s, Whole Foods, and Target
Online: jenis.com

Kilwins
One of the newer entrants to the Chicago ice cream scene, Kilwins originated in Michigan. In addition to some of the kids’ favorite flavors like Superman and Blue Moon, they have an abundance of rich, hard-serve flavors and sorbetto. While you wait for them to scoop your ice cream, watch as they hand-craft Mackinac Island fudge and caramel apples. You’ll undoubtedly want to bring some of that home as well.

3519 N. Clark St.
Wrigleyville

Online: kilwins.com

Related: Chicago Restaurants With Desserts Worth Saving Room For

Kurimu
Kurimu puts an Asian spin to its ice cream flavors, from Thai ice tea to lychee pearl and purple yam. The exotic flavors are matched by the colorful, artful cones. Aside from the vibrantly color-blocked handheld desserts, you can also enjoy beautiful bubble teas.

1159 W. Taylor St.
UIC

1632 W. Division St.
Wicker Park

601 N. Martingale Rd.
Schaumburg
Online: kurimuchicago.com

Vaca’s Vegan Creamery
Vegans certainly need not miss out on the joys of ice cream, and Vaca’s is making sure of it. The creamery uses high-quality, certified gluten-free oat milk for their vanilla and chocolate soft serve and have designed four specialty sundaes. They ensure all of their ingredients align with vegan values, which means there are no animal sources whatsoever, and they also have a strong commitment to social responsibility and paying their employees fairly. 

1436 W. Blackhawk St.
Wicker Park

Online: vacascreamery.com

Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream
Enjoy delicious ice cream while supporting a black-owned, woman-owned small business. Shawn Michelle’s signature flavors include banana pudding, bourbon butter pecan, strawberry cookies and cream, Blue Moon, Caribbean sunset (mango), Superman, lunchroom butter cookie, chocolate peanut butter and jelly, and chocolate harmony. She also has a vegan menu and five signature sundaes. Join their loyalty program and enjoy BOGO single size scoops on Saturdays and Sundays—but, heads up, both scoops must be the same flavor.

46 East 47th St.
Bronzeville

Online: smhmicmenu.wordpress.com

 

Pretty Cool Ice Cream
Pretty Cool Ice Cream launched in 2018 by founders Dana Cree, author of Hello, My Name is Ice Cream, and Michael Ciapciak, founder of Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits. They specialize in hand-made treats reminiscent of what you might find on an ice-cream truck. However, their skilled artisans work with the best ingredients to create edible works of contemporary art on popsicle sticks.

2353 N. California Ave.
Logan Square

709 W. Belden Ave.
Lincoln Park
Online: prettycoolicecream.com

Museum of Ice Cream
For the ultimate ice cream experience, visit the Museum of Ice Cream in the former Chicago Tribune building. Learn about the history of ice cream through 14 multi-sensory installations, take a dip in the sprinkle pool, and ride on the Chicago Sprink-L Line. Multiple ice cream treats in five different shapes and forms are included with your ticket.

Insider Tip: Reservations must be made in advance.

435 N. Michigan Ave.
River North

Online: museumoficecream.com

Sugar Factory
It’s not simply an ice cream shop, but the Sugar Factory cannot be ignored. After all, it is home to the World Famous Sugar Factory King Kong Sundae—a 20-scoop mountain of ice cream covered with hot fudge, caramel, and strawberry sauces and topped with bananas, marshmallows, chocolate chip cookie chunks, a donut, a cupcake, gummy bears, sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, all sorts of candy, whipped cream, and cherries. The $99 masterpiece serves 12! Of course there are also their “Insane Milkshakes” and other desserts as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Plus the club-like party atmosphere will be a sure hit with the kids. 

55 E. Grand Ave.
River North

5445 Park Place
Rosemont
Online: sugarfactory.com

Lickity Split Frozen Custard & Sweets
Does anything say summer more than a peach cobbler concrete? It is one of the many rotating flavors available at Lickity Split. Along with ten other concrete concoctions, you can design your own using the various retro candy on sale. That’s right: with a base of either the chocolate, vanilla, or featured custard flavor, you can get anything from a simple cone to five sundae recipes, or a shake or malt. They even have warm treats including hot chocolate and affogato. 

6056 N. Broadway Ave.
Edgewater

7000 N. Western Ave.
West Rogers Park
Online: lickitysplitchicago.com

Related: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors That Scoop Serious Nostalgia

The Original Rainbow Cone
The Original Rainbow Cone is a 95-year-old Chicago tradition: it’s a tower of five flavors that include orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (otherwise known as vanilla with cherries), strawberry, and, of course, chocolate. Although you could enjoy each layer individually and work your way down, if you start from the bottom, it is the perfect lick up to the top! Also available are tiered cakes and cake rolls, as well as additional flavors like black walnut and mint flake, a perfect addition to sundaes and shakes.

Various locations in Beverly, Lombard, Darien, and Navy Pier (as well as roaming ice cream trucks, which are often parked near Shedd Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo.)
Online: rainbowcone.com

Margie’s Candies
Another Chicago institution, this ice-cream parlor and candy shop has been in the Poulos family since 1921 and is known to have been visited by the likes of Al Capone and The Beatles. The 57 different sundaes on the menu come with a side of hot fudge for you to drizzle yourself—so there’s a little fudge in every spoonful. Bring your children in with an “A” on their report card for a free cone. And don’t forget to bring home some decadent confections from their candy counter.

1960 N. Western Ave.
Bucktown

1813 W Montrose Ave.
North Center

Banana Cream Ice Cream
Looking to support a woman-owned business? Step right up to Banana Cream Ice Cream, whose specialties include coconut ice cream served within a coconut shell, five wild milkshakes, hot cinnamon waffle rolls, ice cream cookie sandwiches, vegan ice cream, and—of course—banana splits. Promotions include $1.50 scoops every Wednesday.

6305 N. Clark St.
Edgewater

Online: instagram.com/bananacream_icecream/

Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Owner Sean McGuire hails from Ireland and thus infuses little Irish twists to Cone’s menu with toppings such as Irish chocolate flake bars, Lucky Charms, and salt ‘n’ vinegar chips. Cone offers European-style soft serve in both dairy and non-dairy options. As an added bonus, Lil Cones for kids 5 years old and under are only $2! Cone is also an excellent venue for a party with its spacious indoor party room or outside patio. Birthday party options include a build-your-own sundae bar, character visits, an ice cream cone piñata, homemade frozen bananas dipped in Irish chocolate, and more. Don’t forget to grab your Lucky You card which will get you a free cone or sundae after nine cone or sundae purchases. 

1047 W. Madison St.
West Loop

Online: conechicago.com

Black Dog Gelato
For those who prefer gelato to ice cream, there is no better place than Jessica Oloroso’s Black Dog Gelato. Flavors can vary month to month, but expect to find their signature Italian custard, which is inspired by the Italian dessert Zabione with additional yolks added for a richer custard base and finished with a Marsala wine. Their bold mint cookie is another signature flavor, while banoffee praline (bananas and coffee) and cassatta (Ricotta gelato, maraschino and dark cherries, candied orange peel, and chocolate), are featured periodically. Dairy-free flavors rotate on and off the menu as well, and you’d never guess they are free of milk, cream, and eggs. Try all their flavors by joining the Pint Club.

859 N. Damen Ave.
Ukrainian Village

1012 W. Lake St.
West Loop

2662 N. Sawyer Ave.
Logan Square
Online: blackdoggelato.com

Related: A New Mecca of Sweets and Other Candy Shops in Chicago

JoJo’s Shake Bar
Visitors to the city flock to JoJo’s Shake Bar for their out-of-this-world Biggie Shakes, certain to impress kids of all ages. They are less about the ice cream blend, and more about the over-the-top toppings. For instance, The Gold Digger is a caramel toffee shake with a toffee dodo, a gold star marshmallow, a toffee pretzel, and a full size white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. The Rocky IV is a banana Reese’s Pieces shake with a toffee marshmallow, a white chocolate boxing glove, and a full size peanut butter cookie. Kids also love the Milk and Cookie Flight which includes four fresh-baked cookies paired with four house-made milks. 

23 W. Hubbard St.
River North

916 W. Fulton Market
Time Out Market

5 Jackson Ave.
Naperville
Online: jojosshakebar.com

Hooyahs Ice Cream Shoppe
It might be a bit of a drive or a long ride on the Metra, but Hooyahs is worth the trip. Located within the Great Lakes Metra train station and a short walk from the Great Lakes Naval Base, the family-owned and operated shop has a naval theme. Patrons rave about the Barge, a nine-flavor sample or the Ships and Dip ice cream nachos. Kids will love their flavors from Playdough to Pirate’s Bounty and Elephant Tracks. Breakfast foods and hot dogs are also offered. 

3000 Sheridan Rd.
Lake Bluff

Online: hooyahsicecream.com

Scooter’s
Believe it or not, although it only opened in 2003, Scooters is the oldest frozen custard shop in Chicago. Vanilla, chocolate, and a custard flavor of the day are made fresh, daily, on-site. Although they have numerous concrete and sundae suggestions, you are welcome to create your own. They also serve Italian ice parfaits (half custard, half Italian ice.) Hot dogs are also on the menu. Because Scooter’s has become part of the fabric of Roscoe Village, residents often congregate outside the take-out window, while their toddlers, and even their dogs, enjoy free cones with their purchase. 

1658 W. Belmont Ave.
Roscoe Village
Online: scootersfrozencustard.com

Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
Serving both hard serve and soft serve, shakes, cakes, and frozen lattes, Oberweis has it all. The shop is very kid-friendly with chess and checkers on the tables and more games available upon request. Plus, colorful balloons are up for grabs to any kid who wants one. If you’ve got errands to run, it’s worth noting that you can pick up some light grocery items—like milk, butter, and eggs—while you are there. Oberweis also offers a HappyLicious loyalty program and great fundraising opportunities for local sports teams and school groups.  

3055 N. Sheffield Ave.
Lakeview

Online: oberweis.com

Whether you prefer sourdough crust, deep dish, Detroit-style, or topped with Indian flavors, the Bay Area pizza scene really delivers

Fresh dough, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of sauce—pizza is a recipe for deliciousness for parents and kids alike. The Bay Area pizza scene offers lots of options for little foodies like the curry chicken masala pizza of Curry Pizza House and the potato-topped pizza from Escape from New York Pizza. We won’t say which is our ultimate favorite (because that’s like choosing a favorite child) but you’ll find top spots from Point Reyes to San Jose, perfect for a lazy night with no cooking needed. 

Best Pizza in San Francisco

Long Bridge Pizza Co.
If thin crust sourdough pizza is your thing, Long Bridge Pizza Co. is your pizza place. Actually, if Detroit-style pizza is your thing, then Long Bridge is also your pizza place because they sell that on their popular Square Thursdays. Named for the wooden causeway that connected San Francisco to Dogpatch in the 1800s, Long Bridge is in a neighborhood that’s great to explore, and particularly good for the kind of exploration that involves food. If you still have room after your ‘za, waddle over to Neighbor Bakehouse next door or the Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous ice cream shop a block away.

2347 Third St.
San Francisco
Online: longbridgepizza.com

Escape from New York Pizza
It’s nice to have a good stand-by when you need an easy, no-frills, counter-service meal while you’re in Downtown San Francisco, and Escape from New York Pizza is that place. (There are other locations in San Francisco, but we're partial to the bright and airy Financial District one with seating on the plaza.) See if the kiddos can spot King Kong climbing the wall. You must order their famous You Say Potato! pizza covered in roasted potato slices, copious amounts of garlic (copious!), pesto, and of course mozzarella. It’s worth the stinky breath afterward and your kids are stuck with you so what are they going to do about it?

See all four of their San Francisco locations here.

Pizzeria Delfina
Pizzeria Delfina is San Francisco’s golden child and with good reason. Their pies are perfection, but the crowds and long waits could be a pain for families. There are four Bay Area locations, and we recommend the Fillmore one for its enclosed parklet where the kids can run around.  

2406 California St.
San Francisco
Online:
pizzeriadelfina.com

Arizmendi
This local cooperative serves up some of the tastiest pie around, even if they were the target of parody in Pixar’s “Inside Out.” They only offer one type of pizza per day, and it’s never cheese and pepperoni (more like shiitake mushroom, leeks, and sesame vinaigrette) but even so, they are known as a kid fave. Order by the slice—we also suggest adding a corn cherry scone—and pull up a chair in their Mission location, or grab a spot in the parklet outside of their Inner Sunset location. They offer par-baked (or fully baked) pies for takeout, and the price is right, especially considering the top-notch ingredients.

1272 Valencia St. and 1331 9th Ave.
San Francisco
Online: arizmendibakery.com

Zante
If you haven’t tried it yet, the thought of Indian pizza may leave you scratching your head. But one bite and you’ll be hooked. Zante’s corn-meal-dusted crusts are the perfect base for their incredibly flavorful toppings—spinach, eggplant, cauliflower, ginger, garlic, green onions, and cilantro. The no-frills restaurant at the base of Bernal Hill is spacious, works well for large parties, has high chairs, and rarely has a wait. 

3489 Mission St.
San Francisco
Online: zantespizza.com

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Tony, an 11-time World Pizza Champion, must be doing something right. His North Beach restaurant is an ode to regionally specific pizza (he has various types of ovens for various styles of pies) and turns out spot-on New York, New Haven, Detroit, St. Louis, Romana, and Sicilian pizzas—not to mention tasty pasta and other Italian specialties. There’s a small take-out shop for quick and easy slices.

1570 Stockton St.
San Francisco
Online: tonyspizzanapoletana.com

Related: Foodies in Training: Best Bay Area Kids’ Menus

Best Pizza in the Peninsula

State of Mind 
Often you find a pizza place with an excellent crust but a so-so sauce, or a to-die-for sauce but a nothing special crust. Not so at State of Mind where both are perfection. They offer round, pan, and gluten-free pizzas, and have curated a can and bottle list showcasing their favorite craft breweries throughout California. Don’t miss their old-school pizza restaurant arcade, which is also available for private parties. 

101 Plaza North
Los Altos
Online: stateofmindpublichouse.com

3850 El Camino Real
Palo Alto
Online: stateofmindslicehouse.com

Blue Line Pizza
The talented pizza lovers from SF’s beloved Little Star are behind Blue Line, which now has seven locations around the Peninsula and East and South Bay. We especially love their Burlingame location, with its spacious back patio lit by twinkling fairy lights. Blue Line is known for their deep dish, but their thin crust, salads, and sandwiches are delish, too. We love that instead of crayons, they provide kiddies with Magnadoodles with the kids’ menu printed on the back! And don’t miss out on their totally adorable heart-shaped pizzas next Valentine’s Day.

See all their locations here.

Rise Pizzeria
Grab a spot outside by the fire pit and enjoy a slice of Neapolitan pizza at Rise Pizzeria in Burlingame. This spot boasts tasty pizza with a healthy twist. Gluten-free crusts and dairy-free cheese are just two of the options that make this a great spot for those who have dietary restrictions. Parents will appreciate that Rise has swapped out the traditional soda machine for options like lemonade, iced tea, and apple juice. There is also a sister restaurant, Rise Woodfire, in San Mateo.

1451 Burlingame Ave
Burlingame, CA
Online: risepizzeria.com

Best Pizza in the East Bay

Square Pie Guys
Square Pie Guys specializes in Detroit-style pizza which means they have what they describe as a “crispy, crackly, caramelized cheese crust.” It’s like the pan pizza of your youth but done deliciously right.

499 9th St., Oakland
1077 Mission St. and 845 Beach St.
San Francisco
Online: squarepieguys.com

Zachary’s
Deep-dish pizza lovers say Zachary’s is the winner. They do a completely balanced deep dish layered "upside-down" to keep the crust crisp. The downside? You guessed it: The wait can be unbelievably long. Because the pizzas take 30 minutes to cook anyway, they have guests order when they arrive, so that by the time you are seated, your pizza should be nearly ready. 

See all five of their East Bay locations here.

Pizzaiolo
If you like your pizza night complete with a craft cocktail, this is your spot. Kids will give the Margherita a thumbs up, while the other creative, high-quality dishes (not to mention the killer cocktail list) will elevate family pizza night to something a little more special. 

5008 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland
Online: pizzaiolooakland.com

Bluebird Pizzeria
It’s hard to decide between the pan-baked grandma pie and the margarita pizza with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil—so why not get both? If there’s a wait, the kids will be happy perusing the selection of board games and books.

496 E. 14th St.
San Leandro
Online: bluebirdpizzeria.godaddysites.com

Patxi’s Pizza
With many locations around the Bay Area, Patxi’s has become an institution for Chicago-style pizza. Their Dublin location doesn’t disappoint, with a pick-up window as well as a fantastic outdoor patio. Don’t forget the honey at the table to drizzle on the crust. Mangia!

See all of their Bay Area locations here.

Best Pizza in the South Bay

Kate Loweth

Curry Pizza House
If you have a Curry Pizza House in your neighborhood, consider yourself lucky as it's just the break from ordinary pepperoni your family is craving. We recently checked out the carry-out-only San Jose location on Union Ave. and found the staff to be friendly and the pizzas to be full of fresh ingredients with your choice of traditional or Indian flavors. We suggest going for a half-and-half of the curry chicken masala and the curry veggie delight with a side of achari wings and masala chips. They even offer vegan options.

2984 Union Ave.
San Jose
Find all their six Bay Area locations here.

Pizza My Heart
There are dozens of new spots intent on mastering the craft of pizza making, but we have a soft spot for the ones keeping it FUN. Always incredibly family-friendly, Pizza My Heart really wins on Tuesdays, when from 4-8 p.m. they put the kids to work. Kids are given a pre-shaped pizza dough on a mini pizza pan, along with a squirt bottle of sauce, mini-containers of shredded cheese, and their choice of toppings. It’s then whisked away and baked up for a dinner they’ll love. 

Click here to see all of their locations, mostly in the South Bay and Peninsula.

A Slice of New York 
“ASONY” for those in the know was founded by New York transplant, Kirk Vartan, who knows what New York pizza is all about. You know it’s a good pizza when a simple cheese pie is perfection. The garlic knots are sublime and their dessert menu runs the gamut from tiramisu and cheesecake to imported East Coast must-haves like Yodels and Devil Dogs. There are two locations, both covered in fun New York subway decor. The original San Jose location is takeout only so we prefer the Sunnyvale one that includes an entire subway car! Don’t miss the notices on the walls about who has been banned from the restaurant for various infractions, including stealing a Rubik’s Cube.

3443 Stevens Creek Blvd.
San Jose

1252 W. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale
Online: asliceofny.com

Giovanni’s Pizzeria
No self-respecting New York-style pizza place would put chicken on pizza… would they? Any bad taste in your mouth from previous experiences elsewhere will disappear when you come to family-run Giovanni’s. They have all the usual toppings of course, but the stand-out is the Rustica with roasted chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil. You’ll be licking your plate if you haven’t already eaten it directly out of the box on the ride home.

1127 N Lawrence Expressway
Sunnyvale
Online: giovannisnypizza.com

Amici’s
Amici’s is a pizza juggernaut in the Bay Area for good reason. Their East Coast style pizzas with a thin chewy crust are the gold standard. Our favorites are the margarita pizza with fresh basil and tomatoes, the hearth-baked breadsticks, and the artichoke Panzanella salad. At the Mountain View location Penny the Robot sometimes delivers the pizza to your table! Amici’s also is a great location for school fundraisers as they give a big chunk of change back to the school. 

See all twelve of their Bay Area locations here.

Bibo’s Pizza
If New York-style is your jam, then Bibo's is your spot. This Willow Glen pizza joint specializes in those giant, thin slices that are best enjoyed by folding in half. They use almost a pound of their special mozzarella on each 20-inch pie—a combo of buffalo milk and cow's milk that will send your taste buds into overdrive. Don't want a whole pie? Swing by for a slice. =

1431 Bird Ave.
San Jose
Online: bibosnypizza.com

Related: Al Fresco Family Time: SF Eateries with Outdoor Seating

Best Pizza in the North Bay

Pizzalina
Pizzalina’s heated outdoor patio is a great place to dig into an app of burrata before devouring a Neapolitan-style pie cooked in a wood-burning oven. They’re serious about their salads and pasta, too, and even sell their homemade dressings. The bambini menu provides some extra kid-friendly offerings. 

914 Sir Francis Drake
San Anselmo
Online: pizzalina.com

Cafe Reyes
Make this cozy small town restaurant a stomach refueling spot on that day trip to West Marin or do like the locals and take the windy half-hour drive when you’re on the other side of Mt. Tam. Once here enjoy the authentic Neapolitan wood-fired oven pizza and fresh local oysters. (That’s so you know you’re in Point Reyes!) And don’t miss their organic salads or the apple pie.

11101 CA-1
Point Reyes Station
Online:
cafereyes.biz

Pizza Hacker
Inside the new biergarten in Tam Junction you’ll find Pizza Hacker, the new outpost of the San Francisco pizzeria that excels at nicely charred, naturally leavened (a.k.a. sourdough) crusts. The Short Bridge pie is a winner with soppressata, housemade sausage, mushrooms, and parm. They also offer a Charles E. Cheese IV pizza which they describe affectionately as “a kid’s cheese pizza” (it’s a margarita without the basil). The salads are serious businessthe Intermezzo is a burst of color and flavor and includes radicchio, rainbow carrots, little gems lettuce, chickpeas, a farm egg, and poppyseed dressing. It’s a spot where vegans can be happy, toofor $2 extra you can get Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella on your pie. 

226 Shoreline Highway
Mill Valley
Online: thepizzahacker.com

Pizzeria Picco
From their perfect pies to their housemade soft serve, Pizzeria Picco wins on all counts. Just a couple blocks away from a magical redwood park so we suggest going to get your hike on and then heading over for an early dinner. Their petite pizzas make ordering multiples a must, which is a good thing because there are typically nearly a dozen choices, each featuring local, seasonal ingredients. The pies come out of the wood-fired oven perfectly blistered and can be paired with equally amazing salads, soups and sides. But the real bonus is the aforementioned soft serve. Our fave: A twist topped with housemade caramel and crunchy sea salt.

316 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur
Online: pizzeriapicco.com

Tamalpie Pizza
This place is quintessentially Marin—the name is an ode to Mt. Tam, and from the thin-crust pies to the sizable beer menu to the dogs lounging near the outdoor, family-style tables to the menu items named after local hiking trails, it oozes NorCal charm. If you visit during the “kid rush,” from 5-7 pm, you needed to be prepared for a playhouse atmosphere, as this is the go-to spot for parents and kids in the area. End on an epic note and go for the banana split.

477 Miller Ave.
Mill Valley
Online: tamalpiepizza.com

 

We’re not saying we have more pictures of our favorite family vacation meals than we have of our kids, but it’s a close second. If finding new places to eat and exploring farmer’s markets is always at the top of your vacation roster, you’re definitely a foodie family. And you’re in for a treat when you visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Fun fact: there are more than 2000 restaurants in the beloved beach town, more per capita than Paris, France.

Here are five reasons every foodie family should plan a trip to The Grand Strand this summer.

1. Fresh Seafood for Days

Whether you’re an aficionado with a craving or fans of Spongebob Squarepants, this beach town’s seafood cuisine will not disappoint. If you head to Murrells Inlet you'll find yourself in the "seafood capital of South Carolina" with an abundance of restaurants including Wicked Tuna, a grill and sushi bar (with locations at Murrell’s Inlet and right near the SkyWheel). Embrace the history of the inlet (once a hideout for Blackbeard) at the piratey Drunken Jacks. Myrtle Beach is also home to the Sea Captain's House, a 1930s oceanfront home converted into a restaurant dubbed "Best Seafood Restaurant" by Southern Living. Combine your love of seafood with a relaxing adventure and head out on a chartered fishing excursion to catch your own. 

2. Ice Cream Galore 

Let’s face it, ice cream is at the top of every kid’s yes list. Add in the beach and beautiful sunshine, and you’ve got a recipe for happiness. The good news is there’s no shortage of places to find that sweet treat around Myrtle Beach. For a best-vacation-ever feel, let the kids pick their milkshake toppings from Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. Get a touch of nostalgia (and a banana split) at Kirk’s 1890 Ice Cream Parlor or on-site made ice cream Original Painter’s Home Ice Cream in North Myrtle Beach, open since 1952. Along the Boardwalk, you’ll find funnel cakes and ice cream treats at Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery. If soft serve is your jam, Twisters Soft Serve, located near the MarshWalk, a historic village well worth the trip (more on that next). 

3. Dinner with Entertainment

Keep the party going at dinner time and surprise the kids with a royal feast at Medieval Times. Or take in a dinner and a swashbuckling show at Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage. Get some southern cuisine and great music at House of Blues, which also has regular mystery dinner theaters, suitable for kids ages 13 and up. Kids of all ages will roar with excitement at DinoLand Cafe, a full-service restaurant with moving dinosaurs everywhere. Be sure to also check Ripley’s Aquarium to try to catch Breakfast with a Mermaid. 

4. Beautiful Barbeque 

You’re in the South, which means it’s your family’s duty to try as much Carolina BBQ as possible. You’re in luck because there are plenty of places to choose from. Start with family-owned and local favorite Bar-B-Que House with two locations (North Myrtle Beach and Surfside). At Broadway at the Beach you’ll find Sweet Carolina’s, known for their in-house sauce. After you’ve topped your dinner off with some peach cobbler, be sure to stay for the fireworks on the beach. A landmark in Myrtle Beach for decades, Little Pigs Bar-B-Q smokes whole pork shoulders rubbed in spices over burning hickory. 

5. Food Festivals & Culinary Events 

Visit The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach and sample the wares at their renowned on-site cafe and bakery. Grown-ups can even sign up for one-day cooking classes. You’ll find more than one farmer’s market year-round and seasonal festivals including a chili cook-off and some of the biggest seafood festivals around. Highlights for families include the World Famous Blue Crab Festival. Held in May just north of Myrtle Beach in Little River, along with the area’s signature blue crab dishes you’ll find music, kids’ activities, and arts and crafts. In October, Little River also hosts the annual Little River ShrimpFest with a shrimp cook-off and jazz music. An area specialty, chicken bog is a spicy dish with rice, chicken, sausage, and pepper. The Loris Bog-Off Festival includes live entertainment, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.

Ready to sink your teeth into the most delectable eats in Myrtle Beach? Start planning your vacation today and head to visitmyrtlebeach.com for more recommendations you don’t want to miss!

—Amber Guetebier

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If you are looking for that extra-special spot to celebrate a birthday or an impressive report card, look no further: These kid-friendly restaurants bring more to the table than your average burger and fries joint. Picture mini golf courses, rain showers, cat company and more—the kids will be entertained and you’ll get a fun family date night out without having to resort to digital bribery. Win-win!

Golf & Food Trucks: Stagecoach Greens

Nella DuBon-Koch

This kid on the mini-golf block was destined to be a major fave for families in the SF area. After it opened several years ago in Mission Bay, everyone fell in love with the amazingly-detailed putt-putt holes from the Chinatown dragon to the 1906 Victorian complete with earthquake. Located right across the street from the food truck mecca SPARK Social SF, it even has a number of food trucks of its own. Al Pastor Papi and Hookt Donuts will be mainstays while other trucks rotate through. Rent a cabana and make it a family night!

1379 4th St.
San Francisco
Online: stagecoachgreens.com

RELATED: Our Full Review of Stagecoach Greens Mini-Golf and Food Trucks When It First Opened

A Night on the Island: Tonga Room

themed restaurants to try in SF
Dhyana Levey

Skip the Rainforest Cafe and go to the real deal instead. Opened in 1945 within the Fairmont Hotel, this campy and yes, touristy lounge showers visitors in old-school Tropicana. The Polynesian-esque ambiance includes the Tonga Room’s epic rain showers every 30 minutes and a lagoon where a live band plays on a thatch-covered barge. Happy hour (Wed.–Fri., 5–7 p.m.) offers a sweet deal on food and drinks for the whole family, and bartenders are happy to whip up a colorful, fruity, booze-free concoction in a coconut for the kids. All ages are welcome until after 10 p.m. when it goes 21+.

The Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason St.
San Francisco
Onlinetongaroom.com

Table Tennis & Graffiti Art: SPIN

Kate Loweth

This spot near SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Gardens is the place to go when you want to up your table tennis game in style. SPIN is definitely not your mom's garage—it is a funky industrial space with custom graffiti-style artwork on the walls and old-school jams playing. Open from noon until late, kids are welcome at SPIN until 9 p.m. when it goes 21+. You reserve table time in one-hour increments and there's a menu full of shareable plates and cocktails to go along with your game.

Choose one of the two tables in their patio area and you'll have your own space to lounge, eat and play. Kids will love the SPIN Burger or the always-dependable pepperoni pizza. Check their calendar for upcoming family-friendly events. 

690 Folsom St.
San Francisco
Online: wearespin.com

Chocolate Lover's Paradise: Ghiradelli Chocolate Experience Store

While this sweet spot near Fisherman's Wharf has been dishing up chocolate treats for decades, it just recently underwent renovations meant to engage locals and tourists alike. The new, improved Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store now includes a behind-the-scenes look of the making of its famous hot fudge sundaes in an open kitchen, more than 20 flavors of Ghirardelli chocolate squares in a huge Pick & Mix selection and a live chocolate bar creation. While the line at the main ice cream shop is usually long any time of the day, it has a fun old-school ambiance that kids love. 

900 N. Point St.
San Francisco
Onlineghirardelli.com

Tea Time in Japan: Japanese Tea Garden

Not only is The Japanese Tea Garden the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States but the tea house is reportedly the first place to serve fortune cookies in the US at the turn of the century. The gorgeously landscaped gardens with an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stepping stone paths koi ponds and a Zen garden are both lovely and fun to explore, and the tea house serves treats like green tea cheese cake, sweet rice cakes and cookies, and Udon noodles and miso soup for the chilly Golden Gate park weather.

75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco
Online: japaneseteagardensf.com

Cat Heaven: KitTea Cafe

Get your cat fix at this cafe that is also home to 16-22 adorable rescue kittens just waiting for love. There are two options here: choose the cafe side and watch the kitties through the window or select the cat lounge where you get to meet the cats in person. Sandwiches and salads are available for purchase and you get your choice of green tea. They also offer hot chocolate for the kiddies. To access the cat lounge side, kids need to be at least 9 years old (ages 5-9, give them a call and they might be able to get you in). Bonus: many of the cats here are available to adopt! 

1266 Valencia St. 
San Francisco
Onlinekitteasf.com

RELATED: All the Places to Encounter New Animals around SF

Get your sugar fix with everyone’s favorite summer treat: ice cream, NYC style! Sure, you could get a pint from the grocery store—or you could make magic by grabbing a cone (or a cup, or a fish pancake!?) at any one of NYC’s delightfully unique ice cream spots. From extravagant creations to responsibly homemade allergen-free treats, the ice cream shops we’ve highlighted below will surely be a hit with the whole family.

Sugar Hill Creamery

The Harlem-based, family-owned small business ice cream shop might have expanded to three locations, but you can expect the same thoughtfully curated and sourced goods at all three. The creamery specializes in small-batch cream and non-dairy ice cream with flavors heavily inspired by Caribbean, Midwestern and Halem cultures. You can always get a scoop of the classics, like Andy Griffith (vanilla, of course) and Nunu’s Peach Cobbler, or stop by for a rotating menu of seasonal, quirky flavors like Mrs. Robinson’s Neighborhood — a zucchini bread and pickled ginger swirl masterpiece. The menu details not only what to expect from each flavor but also where the key ingredients are sourced from, down to the cows that made the cream.

Sugar Hill Creamery also has other treats like floats, ice cream sandwiches, push pops, sundaes and a Nicaraguan and Guatemalan coffee blend roasted by Gotham Coffee Roasters. You can now get a hold of Sugar Hill’s signature flavors anywhere in the country: As of 2020, the Creamery ships nationwide. And, it’s pet friendly!

184 Malcolm X Blvd
Harlem

3629 Broadway
Hamilton Heights

Time Out Market, first floor
55 Water St.

Online: sugarhillcreamery.com

Stuffed Ice Cream

Hear me out: Ice cream in between glazed donuts with cereal toppings. It’s technically a sandwich, right? The over-the-top concoctions here might be a bit extra, but they’ll certainly leave you full and satisfied! The donut in question is a toasted, glazed donut called a “cruff” and it’s the perfect companion to Stuffed Ice Cream’s flavors. Choose from signature cruffs like the Mint Monster (mint and cookie monster ice creams topped with oreo pieces and Captain Crunch cereal) or the Unicorn Poop (white chocolate lavender and Thai tea flavors with Fruity Pebbles and condensed milk). If a cruff is not your thing, you can get a cone—which is available as a seven- or 21-scoop creation dubbed a bouquet if you so choose. (Like we said, extra.)

139 1st Ave.
NoHo

6805 Bay Pkwy
Bensonhurst

Online: stuffedicecreamnyc.com

Davey’s Ice Cream

Unlike the crazy flavors and over-the-top creations of some other ice cream spots, Davey’s Ice Cream brings ice cream back to its roots. You’ll find classics like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, as well as new favs like speculoos, Nutella and salted caramel. You can also get ice-cream-topped waffles and beautiful ice cream cakes for bigger occasions. All potential allergens are listed clearly, and ingredients are locally sourced. the result is a down-home, classic taste.

This year, Davey’s closed up shop at its first location, 137 First Ave, but don’t worry: The fan fav is bringing the goodness to three other neighborhoods with two new stores and one reopening. Still too far from you, or get a hankering for some Davey’s while away from the city? No problem: The spot now ships nationwide!

74 Meserole Ave.
Greenpoint

Opening summer 2022:

Moynihan Train Hall (midtown)
421 8th Ave.
Btwn. 8th and 9th Ave.

Riis Park Beach
16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd
Rockaway Park

(Reopening)
309 9th St.
Btwn. 1st & 2nd Ave.
East Village

Online: daveysicecream.com

Blue Marble Ice Cream

Blue Marble prides itself on being all natural, but it’s also organic, fair trade, woman owned and striving to use the most high quality ingredients possible. The rich scoops come from local organic sources and feature flavors from the humble vanilla to banana cream pie and “bread and roses” (a mix of rose and shortbread). Vegan options are available. Blue Marble’s Prospect Heights location has a kid’s play space and outdoor garden, and is steps from Prospect Park. Take note: With each scoop you buy, you and your family are supporting Blue Marble’s not-for-profit organization, Blue Marble Dreams, the mission of which is to use ice cream to inspire joy, spur economic growth and employ and empower women in places like Rwanda and Haiti.

This year, Blue Marble celebrated opening its second UWS location, in place of the Big Gay Ice Cream (don’t worry — that one’s still alive and thriving in NYC and still on our list!).

186 Underhill Ave.
Prospect Heights

2578 Broadway
Upper West Side

2058 Broadway
Upper West Side

Online: bluemarbleicecream.com

Rolling Cow

This lesser-known spot is as fun to watch as it is to eat: After you make your order at this Kings Plaza ice cream spot, step to the side and watch the ice cream artists do their thing. Raw ingredients transform into thin sheets of ice cream loaded with chopped fillings like fresh fruit, nuts, oreo cookies or whatever your order calls for. They’re then rolled up into ice cream tubes and topped with toppings of your choice, from more fresh fruit to sprinkles, gummy bears or soft popping boba. Ask for the marshmallow as a topping and they’ll toast one for you before placing it on top of your creation.

Kings Plaza, first floor
5100 Kings Plaza
Online: kingsplazaonline.com

Taiyaki NYC

Taiyaki is a sweet Japanese treat in the shape of a fish that tastes somewhere between a donut and a pancake. They’re often filled with creams, pastes and, yes, ice cream! At Taiyaki NYC, you, too, can eat swirled soft-serve ice cream from the mouth of a cute warm fish pancake treat filled with red bean or custard. The store goes the extra kawaii step and turns creations into unicorns, adds little candy garnishes and generally makes these delightful treats as photogenic as possible. The various stores around NYC often has seasonal specials like its spring sakura-flavored ice cream and the current Rilakkuma collaboration (just when you thought it couldn’t get any cuter!). You can build your own taiyaki ice cream or get treats like huge and fluffy souffle pancakes (topped with a small taiyaki, of course).

119 Baxter St.
Chinatown

294 Bedford Ave.
Williamsburg

Queens Crossing, first floor
136-17 39th Ave.

Online: taiyakinyc.com

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

No NYC ice cream list would be complete with a mention of the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. This hole-in-a-wall family-owned spot has been a Chinatown staple since 1978, and connoisseurs of ice cream flock to this place for their rich and thick ice cream (there’s nearly always a line, but it generally goes super fast). There are three locations now but the OG Chinatown spot has been serving up mango and matcha ice cream before other ice creams caught on. Today, you can choose from a huge selection of flavors, from the tame — rocky road, strawberry cheesecake, coconut — to the Asian-inspired — pandan, red bean, durian — to the downright intriguing — caramel bacon swirl, lychee rose. New flavors are often added to the lineup, in case you needed an excuse to visit more than once. Need a hand choosing? After discontinuing it for a while due to covid, you can now once again ask for a sample before you commit.

65 Bayard St.
Chinatown

135-15 40 Road
Flushing

Essex Market
115 Delancey St
Lower East Side

Online: chinatownicecreamfactory.com

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream

This classy establishment pulls off a retro vibe with a modern style. It serves up a variety of classic and unique flavors in cones, cakes, sandwiches, pretzels and more, as well as a full all-American menu of burgers, fries and beer for the adults. Along with the regulars, Morgenstern’s is often putting out interesting limited-time options. Right now, you can get a hold of four flavors inspired by Rick and Morty (they’re out of this world!), or try one of the Flavors of Singapore collection, which features package designs by moo.inks, a tattoo artist from Singapore and flavors like pandan and egg custard.

Kids will love their own menu with special cup and cone sizes and sundaes that are sure to please like the Butterscotch Banger — vanilla ice cream with caramel and cream. Morgenstern’s now ships pints to anywhere in the US.

88 W Houston St.
SoHo

Online: morgensternsnyc.com

A La Mode

Do you or the little ones have allergies? If you’ve ever struggled to find an ice cream that’s safe to enjoy, then A La Mode is about to become your best friend. All of the ice cream at this store and the facility where the magic happens is nut-free, sesame-free, egg-free and all-natural. And with flavors like Partly Cloudy (blue cotton candy with marshmallows) and Pink Sprinkle (pink vanilla with rainbow sprinkles) for the kids and Wired (coffee with chocolate chips) for adults, everyone at A La Mode has something to smile about.  More good news: the shop just launched its online business so now you can order the stuff from the comfort of your couch — pints, bars and cups can be delivered right to your door.

360 E 55th St.
Midtown East
Online: alamodeshoppe.com

Ample Hills Creamery

This Brooklyn-born brand is famous for irresistible combinations like Snap Mallow, Pop, (marshmallow ice cream with toasted Rice Krispie clusters ) and The Munchies (pretzel infused ice cream with clusters of potato chips, pretzels, Ritz crackers, and mini M&Ms). And with seven locations city-wide, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

The shop is always surprising customers with truly unique and unusual flavors. Corn ice cream with cornmeal crumble and blueberry swirl, anyone? Plus, Ample Hills Creamery has declared this summer the Summer of Love (again) and partnered with Baked by Melissa to create ice cream with cupcake bits and a tie-dye design that’s delightfully 60s. On top of all this, the flavors have fun names and often nostalgic names (“Coffee Toffee Coffee,” “I Wanna Dance with Some Berry”) that are just plain fun to say!

623 Vanderbilt Ave.
Prospect Heights

305 Nevins St.
Gowanus

192 Prospect Park West
Windsor Terrace

421 Van Brunt St.
Red Hook

Dekalb Market Hall
445 Albee Square West
Downtown Brooklyn

141 8th Ave.
Chelsea

34-02 30th Ave.
Astoria

Online: amplehills.com

Mikey Likes It

Mikey Cole started his business selling ice cream out of a pushcart, and today it’s a source of both delicious ice cream and pop-culture references. Most recently, Mikey collaborated with Microsoft to create the Windows 11-inspired flavor, Bloomberry (a naturally colored bright blue blueberry ice cream with pound cake pieces and blue chocolate candies, and a blueberry pie swirlBeyond Microsoft, Mikey’s flavors include Ice Ice Mikey (a blend of three types of vanilla), Foxy Brown (mocha with crushed wafer cookies and a sea salt caramel swirl) and the deceptively healthy Incredible Hulk (spinach, kale, spirulina, green apple, mango, banana, bigger melon and sea moss. Woah!). You can also order a waffle topped with your choice of flavor ice cream, milkshakes (dairy-free options available!) and floats. Mikey’s flavors are small-batch, there are vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free varieties, and you can order them for your next event or just buy a pint to enjoy at home.

199 Avenue A
Lower East Side
212-673-0199
Online: mikeylikesiticecream.com

Odd Fellows Ice Cream Co.

Brought to you by a gastro-molecular pastry chef and a husband and wife team that admired said chef’s skills, this ice cream shop features super fresh flavors in way outside-the-box combinations. This funky shop is the place to go if you crave saffron passionfruit with bits of apricot and pistachios, or grape jelly, cake and Bostom cream in your ice cream (and why wouldn’t you?). Odd Fellows has even partnered with Penguin Random House for six flavors inspired by book genres, so you can eat your ice cream and read it, too.

60 Water St.
DUMBO

Domino Park
40 River St.
Williamsburg

334 Furman St.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5

334 Furman St.
McCarren Park

Online: oddfellowsnyc.com

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

Big Gay has made a splash on the NYC scene since coming out full of style and personality. The store has rotating weekly flavors (right now you can catch the blueberry crush and the cherry Kool-aid soft serve flavors) as well as a selection of beloved options, from the Dorothy (vanilla ice cream with a dulce de leche center and crushed nilla wafer cookies around the outside) to the Mermaid (Key lime pie with chunks of pie in every bite). Big Gay’s egg-based soft serve is flavorful and creamy, and toppings are made in-house for a totally fresh treat. The shop also offers ice cream sandwiches, shakes and paletas — non-dairy Mexican fruit pops that won’t run out of flavor. Keep an eye out for the BGIC truck roaming the city streets adorned with its signature rainbow cone, as well as new flavors rotating every week.

207 Front St.
Midtown West

516 Columbus Ave.
Upper West Side

4 Pennsylvania Plaza
Madison Square Garden

Online: biggayicecream.com

Il Laboratorio del Gelato

Tucked inconspicuously next to the Lower East Side’s famous Tenement Museum, the atmosphere at Il Laboratorio del Gelato HQ is spare and industrial, but don’t let that fool you. On any given day customers can choose from over 50 artisanal and vibrant flavors like kid-friendly banana chocolate chip or concord grape, alongside more unusual offerings like rose petal, tarragon pink pepper and cucumber. Everything at Il Laboratorio is fresh and made at the shop, and the kids will love watching the ice cream makers hard at work in the “lab” through the glass windows on Ludlow Street.

The Ludlow
188 Ludlow St.
LES
Online: laboratoriodelgelato.com

Taste the Tropic

Taste the Tropics has been around for over 40 years and is an authentic, family-owned ice cream and dessert spot inspired by Caribbean culture and flavors. You’ll find coconut and rum raisin alongside Irish moss, guava and soursop — ice cream flavors you’re not likely to find anywhere else. The spot has “shakes, cakes and cones” as well as some food items like fresh-baked patties and Jamaican buns and cheese. Not sure which flavor to choose? Come in for a taste!

1839 Nostrand Ave.
Little Haiti
Online: tastethetropicsusa.com

Van Leeuwen

Stylish and delicious, Van Leeuwen started as an ice cream truck and now has three spots where you can enjoy the creamy goodness. It’s a must if you love ice cream — and especially if you love vegan ice cream, as many vegan options are available in delicious flavors from all-natural ingredients. The flavor combinations are mouth-watering, like the hazelnut fudge cookie or the pumpkin cheesecake, though there are also some more… interesting options, like honey French vanilla and Kraft macaroni and cheese.

550 Vanderbilt Ave.
Prospect Heights

81 Bergen St.
Cobble Hill

304 5th Ave.
Park Slope

Online: vanleeuwenicecream.com

Soft Swerve

Soft Swerve is self-described as “whimsical” and its artistic soft serve cones certainly are. The spot specializes in Asian-inspired flavors, which means you’ll find flavors like ube (purple yam), black sesame and matcha, in a variety of cones, topped by drizzles and “crunchies and chewies.” Make your own or choose from a selection of pre-made sundaes named after NYC nabes and famous locations.

85B Allen St.
LES

379 3rd Ave.
Kips Bay

Online: softswervenyc.com

Sam’s Fried Ice Cream

If you’ve never had fried ice cream before, you’re missing out. The combination of cold, gooey ice cream center and crispy, warm fried panko outer crust is a treat for the senses and the taste buds! Sam’s takes the simplicity of fried ice cream and adds an even more delicious twist to it with toppings like oreo crumble, powdered sugar, various cereals, whipped cream and more. Make your own fried ice cream creation with a flavor of your choice (ranging from vanilla and strawberry to birthday cake and strawberry or blueberry cheesecake), and finish it off with a customized crust and toppings.

37B Orchard St.
LES
Online: samsfriedicecream.com

Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor

Egger’s has been around since 1932, so you could say they know a thing or two about ice cream. Batches are homemade and no-frills: butter pecan, banana, mint chocolate chip and all the regulars you’d expect as well as some vegan, dairy-free and sugar-free flavors. The toppings are also packaged in the signature Egger’s style, and include chocolate chips, caramel, marshmallow fluff, waffle cone pieces and many more. There are also floats, shakes and sundaes in sizes from a kids Junior size to a huge Banana Royale and Double Scoop Sundae that are a whole-family affair. There’s plenty of seating, though, so get comfortable and start eating!

There are also adorable ice cream kits that come with everything you need to make your own ice cream sandwiches or sundaes as a fun afternoon activity with the kids. Egger’s is an especially great choice if you have an event or a birthday coming up: They’ll make you a fully customized cake with up to three ice cream flavors inside. Kids will love the beautiful rainbow upside-down cone cake, in particular. And if you want a treat for the furry children in your family, Egger’s makes doggie cakes, too.

1194 Forest Ave.
Staten Island

Inside Historic Richmond Town
441 Clarke Ave.
Staten Island

Online: eggersicecream.com

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices

In spite of the name, Ralph’s is about much more than just Italian ices. You’ll also find milkshakes and smoothies, ice creams in classic flavors and multi-layer ice cream creations like the Hot Fudge Brownie, which stuffs vanilla ice cream between warm fudge brownies and hot fudge and the Apple Cobbler, which has layers of vanilla ice cream, caramel, apples and graham crackers. The newest addition to the menu is the Doughnado: a sensory delight in the form of ice cream with a ball of edible cookie dough.

Many locations, see website for full list.

Eggloo

The waffle topped with ice cream combo might be well-known now, but Eggloo takes is a step further: it just altogether replaces the cone with a waffle. These are delicious Asian egg waffles, which kids might love just for the pop-it-like shape. Classic flavors and toppings get a new spin thanks to the soft texture of the waffle (though some more unusual flavors can be found too, like lychee rose and black raspberry). Like these? You can make them at home, too! Eggloo sells waffle-making kits that come with everything but the ice cream (yes, including the waffle maker!).

60 Mulberry St.
Chinatown
Online: myeggloo.com

Grace Street

This chic bakery and cafe is a great date spot and is usually full of friends and couples out on the town for the day, but its chill atmosphere and incredible cold creations are sure to be a win with kids, too. The shop makes a giant mountain of shaved snow (the fluffier, ice-creamier type) in fun flavors like mango and matcha, with an equally impressive number of toppings. (This is seriously huge — one is definitely enough for two or even three people). There’s a wide range of other sweets to choose from in addition to this, including waffles with ice cream, Ho-Dduk (a Korean donut), matcha beignets, mochi or churro waffles, burnt basque cheesecake, brown sugar bubble tea toast and more. And don’t worry: The teas and treats here are just as tasty as they are beautiful!

17 W 32nd St.
Midtown South
Online: bygracestreet.com

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When it comes to making a dessert in the summer, the last thing we want to do is turn on the oven to make a cake or pie. That’s why we love having an array of awesome (and simple!) no-bake desserts in our arsenal. We’ve compiled some of our favorite kid-friendly picks, none of which will leave you a sweaty mess. Sounds like a win-win situation to us!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Check out these refreshing no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars! This dessert is the perfect combination of fruity and creamy. 

Chocolate Cream Pie

There's nothing wrong with a classic chocolate cream pie to cool down a hot summer day! 

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

no bake desserts
Sweet Peas & Saffron

Crispy and crunchy come together in this six-ingredient no-bake dessert! Both PB and chocolate lovers will enjoy sinking their teeth into this treat that travels well and whips up in an hour! Head to Sweet Peas & Saffron to get the recipe.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

no bake desserts
Carlsbad Cravings

Can you believe this gorgeous dip is no-bake? You can enjoy the rich flavor of cheesecake without turning on the oven with this simple recipe that requires more time in the fridge chilling than it does to make! Check out Carlsbad Cravings for the full recipe.

Salted Caramel Cups

no bake desserts
Pinch of Yum

How are these not crafted in the oven? This healthy-ish recipe combines items like oats, dates and nuts miraculously houses thick caramel for the ultimate surprise treat. Check out Pinch of Yum because you know you want this recipe!

Thin Mint Bites

no bake desserts
Pinch of Yum

Who needs Girl Scout cookie season when you can make these thin mint bites? Just three ingredients are all you need to make these fancy looking, awesome tasting mint cups. Check out Chelsea's Messy Apron for the recipe.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna

no bake desserts
Bake Me Some Sugar

Move over, red sauce lasagna! This fun take on an Italian dish will satisfy your sweet tooth in a cinch. Just combine ingredients and chill before devouring. Want the complete recipe? Check out Bake Me Some Sugar.

Mason Jar Ice Cream Cake

no bake desserts
Evermine

Mason jars can be used for just about anything, even no-bake desserts! We love these ice cream cakes from Evermine because not only can you mix it up and use whatever ingredients you like best, but there are also minimal melting messes to clean up afterward! Get the how-to here

Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches

no bake desserts
Joesph Gonzalez via Unsplash

This delicious "sandwich" is so easy, a budding pastry chef could do it all by herself. Using only four ingredients, we love The Novice Chef's version!

5-Minute Frozen Fruit Mousse

no bake desserts
Amanda Ma on Unsplash

This frozen fruit mousse takes literally five minutes, and only requires a few ingredients. Top with freshly whipped cream and fruit and you've got an Instagram-worthy no-bake dessert ready to go. Find out how to make your own version here

Vegan Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Avocado Pie

no bake desserts
A Taste of Madness

Hear us out. This rich and fudgy dessert is made even better by some sneaky avocado. It’s also a no-bake dessert masterpiece so you can whip it up in no time for any party, potluck, or mid-week treat. For the recipe, head to A Taste of Madness.

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Cups

no bake desserts
Overtime Cook

The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is turn on the oven. Luckily, you won’t have to with these no-bake lemon cheesecake mousse cups. They’re easy to make and assemble and look just as delicious as they taste. For the #1 reason to boycott your oven this summer visit Overtime Cook.

Kiwi Sorbet

Anja's Food 4 Thought

Kiwi is the total star of the show in this guilt-free sorbet from Anja's Food 4 Thought. There are no crazy ingredients—just kiwi, lemon, and honey. You'll be cooled off in no time!

Tiramisu Slab Cake

no bake desserts
The View from Great Island

What could be better than cocoa powder, espresso, ladyfingers and whipped cream all stacked up in a delicious bite? A recipe for tiramisu that requires no baking or stove-top prep, whatsoever. Both of your dreams are answered with this no-bake recipe from The View from Great Island

Homemade Twix Bars

no bake desserts
Back for Seconds

Who needs expensive store-bought candy bars when you can make your own? You'll only need four ingredients to make these super tasty "Twix" bars from Back for Seconds.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

no bake desserts
Wanna Come With?

Who knew you could make delicious cookies without ever turning on your oven? This clever recipe from Wanna Come With? uses rolled oats, peanut butter and cocoa powder to create one amazing cookie.

White Chocolate Lemon Truffles

no bake desserts
OMG Chocolate Desserts

If your little ones aren’t as crazy for citrus as you are, have them try a white chocolate lemon truffle. They may change their tune. With just a few ingredients, they’re super simple to make—15 minutes of prep time and you’re done. Just make sure you factor in that the mix has to get cold and harden in the fridge for a few hours. The result is pure magic! For all the delicious details, and other ideas visit OMG Chocolate Desserts.

S'mores Muffin Tin Ice Cream Cakes

no bake desserts
Blender Happy

These little treats from Blender Happy only require one minute of microwave action. With a graham cracker base, hidden marshmallow middle and chocolate ice cream on top (you can use store-bought or make your own dairy-free ice cream), the hardest part is waiting for them to freeze.

Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker

no bake desserts
iStock

Imagine whipping up a delicious batch of ice cream—without needing any equipment than what you already have at home. We've got six great recipes that will do the trick. See them here

—Taylor Clifton, Susie Foresman, Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

 

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