Toddlers and snacks go together like peanut butter and jelly. Nary a parent will leave the house without at least a few bags of crackers, fruit snacks, or fruit and veggie pouches stashed in their bag to avoid meltdowns. If your littles are getting tired of the same old nibbles, check out some of our favorite Trader Joe’s snacks for toddlers. They’re bound to keep them full, plus parents won’t mind scarfing down the leftovers.

Cheddar Rocket Crackers

If your toddler needs a break from regular Goldfish crackers, TJ’s Cheddar Rocket Crackers are a sure bet. They pack a cheesy punch and bring a new non-fishy shape that littles will love.

Bambino Pepperoni Pizza

Sometimes toddlers have the appetite of a grown man, and sometimes they seem to survive on air. When you aren’t sure, these Bambino Pepperoni Pizzas come in handy. Each box comes with 4 pizzas roughly the circumference of a baseball. Slice into small pieces for a hearty snack or heat up a few pies for those inevitable growth spurts.

 

Gone Berry Crazy & Gone Bananas

Any seasoned parent knows that sometimes you need to entice kids with a little something sweet to get their fruit servings in for the day. The Gone Bananas and Gone Strawberries at Trader Joe’s are chocolate-dipped treats that are flash-frozen, meaning you can pull out a handful for snack time and enjoy right away!

 

Animal Crackers

It’s just plain common sense to keep a bucket of TJ’s Animal Crackers on hand at all times. They are great for the munchies, can be dipped in yogurt for some added protein, and are also fun to mix together with a salty treat to keep things interesting.

 

Fruit Sauce Crushers

Trader Joe’s

This wouldn’t be a list of Trader Joe’s snacks for toddlers without mentioning the grocer’s fruit sauce crushers. They come in flavors that include Apple Banana, Apple Strawberry, Apple Mango, and just plain Apple. They’re great to pack for preschool or keep on hand at the bottom of your purse.

 

Mac & Cheese Bites

Tired of whipping up box after box of mac and cheese? It’s time to give your toddler a taste of Mac & Cheese Bites! The four-cheese, breaded macaroni balls are light and seasoned just enough to not deter your toddler from eating them. In the event that they don’t enjoy, they make the perfect lunch for mom or dad.

Freeze Dried Fruit

Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s

We have to confess that while TJ’s bags of freeze-dried fruit are delicious, they can be messy! Think: blue fingers thanks to the blueberries coming into contact with sticky hands. But if you can get past that, we can pretty much guarantee your toddler will scarf down plenty of airy and crunchy fruit in the meantime.

 

Frozen Silver Dollar Pancakes

Great for breakfast, brinner, or a snack, these Silver Dollar Pancakes are toddler approved. You can heat them in seconds by tossing them in the microwave and they fit perfectly in tiny hands. Enjoy with syrup, butter, peanut butter, or just a la carte!

 

 

Cinnamon Schoolhouse Cookies

Perfect for learning your ABC’s, Trader Joe’s Schoolhouse cookies make a great snack for toddlers. They are crunchy, cinnamon-flavored, and an entertaining activity to boot!

 

Fruit Leather Buttons

Trader Joe's snacks for toddlers fruit leather buttons

We love to bring these along in our mom-bag as they are a great quick snack that doesn’t make a mess. Plus, they come in kid-approved flavors like mango and grape.

Peanut Butter Bamba

Kids who can enjoy peanuts will love the crispy crunchy goodness that is the Bamba! The light, puffed snack has a peanutty flavor that is mild and contains a tiny amount of sugar. Oh, did we also mention it’s just $.99 a bag?

 

Yogurt

Yes, yogurt might be messy but no one can argue how much toddlers love a good batch. The great thing about TJ’s yogurt packs is that each pack has two flavors for your toddler’s ever-changing tastebuds, plus you can enjoy with a spoon or freeze (like the pic above) and turn them into a frozen treat. They’ll never know it’s not ice cream!

Organic Mini Cheese Sandwich Crackers

You may claim that these are for the kids, but we know that parents hide them behind the Raisin Bran to keep them for themselves. Who can blame them? These crackers are tiny, salty, and full of simple ingredients. 

 

Trader Joe's Contemplates Inner Peas

Not only is this product a clever pun but it is a pretty tasty snack. Known in the toddler circle as "crunchy peas," these are fun for dipping in a personal-sized hummus. 

Blow their minds with indoor Olympics, ice cube art, and a comedy-hour giggle fest

The weather is finally warmer. But now it’s kind of gone overboard, and the novelty of all-day outdoor summer activities has worn off. We’ve got indoor summer activities that will get your child moving, experimenting, and creating in the comfort of your living room, kitchen, or playroom. If it’s reached crazy temps where you live, it sounds like you’ll need some great indoor activities for kids.

Laugh out loud. Stage a little comedy show in your living room. Here are 300+ of our favorite kid’s jokes to get you going.

Create a cool collage. Spend the day (or at least part) drawing summertime pictures. Your little artist can create portraits of the family at the beach, draw the swimming pool or recreate what they see just by looking out the window. Use a large poster board or cardboard as a background and collage the pics into one summer mural.

Have a dance party. Pick a few summer-themed tunes (like anything from the Beach Boys) and dance, dance, dance.

Play store. Set up shop in just in no time at all and play grocery store. Or maybe you’d rather go to the moon or climb Mt. Everest? Here are 27 make-believe prompts that’ll fill those 30 minutes before dinner. 

Play a round of “Would you rather?” Would you rather have a pet monkey or a pet porcupine? Inquiring minds want to know! All you need are a few good questions. Here’s a great list you can pull up, so you can dish out questions as fast as your kids can answer them.

Draw a shadow. Set up toys, place books on their short sides, or use any other item that casts a shadow. Place the objects on a light-colored paper and shine a flashlight on it. Your kiddo can draw the shadow. Now move the light, pretending that it’s the sun. Draw the new shadows to see how the sun’s rays change as the day continues

Read together. Try out our favorite new releases in the picture book world. We also love these books that help kids learn about and combat racism.

Write a story.

Sing a song. Choose a favorite family song and sing as a group. Don’t worry if you can’t carry a tune; the goal is for everyone to spend time together enjoying a fun indoor activity.

Make popsicles! Everyone loves to cool off in the summer with a delicious frozen treat, so why not make them yourself? Here’s our list of really yummy popsicle recipes. Which will be your family favorite?

Have an indoor picnic. When the weather gets too hot or rainy, that doesn’t mean your summer day is ruined—just move the party indoors! Lay out a blanket and have a picnic in your living room.

Play animal charades. Can your kid waddle like a penguin? Or maybe hop like a bunny? This twist on the classic game of charades can be as easy or as hard as you want. All you have to do is write down a bunch of animals on cards or paper and have everyone take turns picking a card and acting out the animal.

Connect the dots. Tic Tac Toe is so yesterday. The Dot Game is so today. And it can easily be re-created when you’re in a lurch. You need paper and a pen to make a large-scale dot grid. Then, take turns connecting one dot to the next, trying to complete squares. When you do, don’t forget to claim your property with a big fat initial smack dab in the middle of the box.

Pick a card. Learn a simple magic trick.

Learn how clouds hold water. There may not be a cloud in sight, but that doesn’t mean your science-loving child won’t get a kick out of this experiment. With a few simple everyday ingredients, your child can explore the science of clouds with this fun indoor activity from Learn With Play at Home.

Make crumpled paper art. Explore art in a completely colorful way. Learn how to turn regular watercolor paint into awesome artwork with texture, depth and so much more. Get the full directions from Buggy & Buddy.

Freeze water and oil. What happens when you mix oil and water? Make a few regular ol’ ice cubes and a few with veggie oil. Drip drops of food coloring in before popping the cubes into the freezer. Take them out (after they’re completely frozen), put them onto a piece of paper, and watch what happens as they melt.

Bake some blueberry muffins.

dad baking with daughter is a fun indoor activity for kids
iStock

 

Sponge print fun. Take the stack of unused kitchen sponges that you bought at the big box store and put them to use. Cut the sponges into shapes, dip them into tempera, and let your little one paint the day away. They can sponge-paint a pattern, make abstract art, or put shapes together to make a picture, such as a tree or a house.

Create a mailbox and write each other letters.

Go small. Outfit a mouse house, dollhouse, or fairy dwelling with tiny furniture you can make yourself.

Get glowing with ice. This indoor activity is cool—in both senses of the word. Explore the wild world of tonic water, experimenting with its ability to glow (really, it does). Make tonic water ice cubes, pop them out of the freezer, and take them to a dark room. Turn off all the lights, turn on a black light, and watch the glow. Get the details here.

Make slime. This is always a fun indoor summer activity if you’re okay with a mess (it will happen).  Add glitter, sequins, craft sand, or small toys for a better sensory experience. If you need a new recipe, get your slime-making steps here. And when they’re done, check out how to get slime out of just about anything.

Make a water-density rainbow. Explore density with this completely colorful experiment.

Plan an afternoon movie marathon. Pick a family flick from this list and make a new popcorn recipe.

Ice-Capades! Freeze colored water in ice cube trays and then let the kids paint with their slowly melting watercolors. Check out these other surprising ways you can have fun with ice.

Sink or Float
This basic science experiment is perfect for schoolers or makes for an exciting indoor summer activity for toddlers. And as a bonus, it uses water—perfect for a hot summer day. Fill the sink, tub, or plasticware bin with cool water. Pick a few waterproof items, predict if the objects will sink or float and then toss them in; observe what happens and record the data.

Make sensory bottles. This is an easy indoor summer activity for kids to try; this sensory play idea lasts for more than one day. Fill an old plastic bottle part-way up with water. Add sparkles, colorful craft sand, or anything else your child wants. Drip a drop of food coloring in and pour a splash of baby oil into the mix. Close the bottle, seal the top with tape, and shake to watch what happens.

Set up your own indoor Olympics.
Set up your version in the living room or playroom. Create obstacles to pretend slalom around or set up an indoor aquatic race. Your child, the neighborhood kids, and the rest of the family can act out swimming movements as everyone races around the house.

Make a dinosaur terrarium

Make something out of a cardboard box. Give those Amazon packages a second life with one of these fun ideas.

Paint without a brush. If you have finger paints or tempera at home, your kids can get into this art activity from Mini Monets and Mommies.

Make melted crayon shells. Older kids enjoy crafting too. Use those seashells from your beach vacation with this colorful indoor summer activity from Fun at Home with Kids.

Have a beach party. That is, have an indoor beach party. Grab the towels, pull up a paddling pool (minus the water), and pour a few kid-friendly fruit juice drinks. Fill the pool with torn blue tissue paper or a blue sheet. Pretend to splash, all from the cooling comfort of your home.

Sign up for an Outschool course. There are dozens of different courses and classes for every interest. Check out our favorites here. 

Related: 21 Fun Toys to Order on Amazon Perfect for Indoor Days

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Amber Guetebier

 

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

100 things to do around San Francisco and the Bay Area that showcases the beauty, originality, and downright fun that makes our city a great place to not just visit, but also live

We’ve revamped our epic list of 100 best Bay Area activities the whole family will love, and bonus? You’ll definitely discover somewhere and something new that you and the family can explore, even for those in-the-know locals. Whether you’re looking for stroller-friendly hikes to try around the Bay Area, must-go museums in SF that deliver epic and learning, or family-friendly dining with a twist (we are a foodie destination after all), we’ve got something for you. Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for easy access to things to do during unexpected days off, summer and winter vacations, and when the grandparents come to town to visit

1. Play tourist for a day and explore PIER 39 including riding the carousel which is hand-painted with famous San Francisco landmarks. Don't forget to visit the sea lions and grab some edible raw cookie dough from DOUGHP! Also check out The Flyer, an epic virtual flight that takes you on a tour of San Francisco.

2. All aboard! Ride the rails through the redwoods on a real steam train in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Roaring Camp. This is a fun trip anytime but is especially exciting during the days of the year when Thomas the Tank turns up.

3. Keep it simple with a day at one of San Francisco’s innovative playgrounds, like Hilltop Park in Bayview. Bigger kids will love the thrilling concrete slides (bring cardboard for extra speed), while little ones will enjoy the tree-shaped merry-go-round.

4. No matter the season, it’s always ice cream weather in the Bay Area. Whether you love the high-tech creamy creations from Smitten or prefer a traditional experience at Fenton’s (the ice cream parlor featured in Pixar’s Up), there’s always room for a frozen treat.

5. Get your STEM fix at these museums where science is all around you like our fave, The Exploratorium. Channel that kid energy into creating art, making mega bubbles or even creating a mini-tornado by running around. Get Tickets Here

6. There's more to Monterey than just the aquarium. Take a road trip south and visit the Pacific Grove, where you can see Monarch butterflies in their winter home, or stroll around the storybook cottages of charming Carmel.

7. Do you detect a chill in the air? Then grab your camera and take the fam to these gorgeous Bay Area spots where you can see fall foliage in all its glory.

8. Level up family game night with a trip to a family-friendly arcade bar! One of our favorites? The Detour in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood on Sat. afternoons when the bar opens its doors to kids of all ages.

9. Did you know your library card can get you free entry to 200 state parks across California? Visit your local library and check out an entry ticket to outdoor fun all year long. 

10. If your little ones love petting zoos, they’ll go wild for a nearby farm stay. Here you can hit the hay (literally and figuratively) at these local farms where you can also spend time with goats, alpacas, and even giraffes for a memorable mini break.

11. Spend some time on the islands—Alcatraz and Angel Island, that is. A quick ferry ride will get you there and you can learn all about the history of these amazing spots in San Francisco Bay. Be sure to book Alcatraz way in advance though—it’s one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco and weekends often sell out. Get Alcatraz Tickets Here

12. Cross the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, where you can have a blast exploring Kirby Cove and stunning Sausalito. Plan to stop by Lappert’s Ice Cream for a taste of Hawaii in the Bay.

13. San Francisco might be all about that sourdough, but there are plenty of neighborhood bakeries for those with a sweet tooth. Grab a giant donut (like, bigger than your head giant) in classic flavors from Bob's Donuts or another one from our list of favorite donut spots around the Bay Area.

14. Don't let the weather get you down. We love indoor play spaces when it rains, especially Peekaboo Factory in San Francisco’s Richmond district. This amazing multi-level indoor playground is suited to kids from babies to 12-year-olds—and offers date-night drop-offs!

15. Go visit the whimsical sculptures at Cayuga Park. This is one of our favorite hidden gems in SF that only locals know about.

16. You don’t need to splurge on expensive gear to take the kids camping. Book a weekend at one of these glamping spots that offer campfires without having to pitch your own tent. We especially love Wildhaven Sonoma, which has comfortable tents available right on the Russian River.

17. The best things in life are free—especially these cool and quirky local museums! Learn about the space race at The Space Station Museum in Novato, cable cars at the Cable Car Museum in San Francisco, or even play vintage coin-operated arcade games when you visit San Francisco’s Musee Mechanique.

18. Speaking of free, there are loads of free things to do, right in Golden Gate Park. Home to the first public playground in the country, Koret Children’s Quarter still provides plenty of fun with slides, play structures, and an ocean-inspired climbing wall. While you’re there, search out the secret waterfall, spot ducks on the lake, and check out the authentic Dutch windmill.

19. Make your way to wine country with the kids for a family adventure the whole family can enjoy. These wineries are all set up to welcome everyone, tots included. Early fall is the best time to visit when many wineries host family-friendly events like grape stomping.

20. We’re always excited to find a restaurant offering more than chicken tenders on the kids' menu. The mini bento boxes from Oh Baby Sushi in Redwood City, and the kid-size curry and rice burritos from Kasa Indian Eatery in San Francisco are easy ways to introduce your kids to new flavors.

21. Muir Woods isn’t the only grove of old-growth redwoods in the Bay Area (although it's also a must-do). Take the little ones for a hike in the tall trees at one of these Bay Area parks.

22. Meet some animals up close and personal at these 22 wildlife centers across the Bay Area. Animal adventures also await at San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences (check out the amazing albino crocodile!), or learn about farming life at Tilden Park Environmental Education Center.

23. Sleep in the trees! This San Jose treehouse has views of the Bay Area—you will not be disappointed.

24. Swimming’s not just for summer! Grab your goggles and dive into one of these indoor pools that are open year-round. We love Silliman Center in Newark for its lazy river and water slides, or the Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca if you want a weekend of splashing.

25. Take a San Francisco Big Bus Tour and get to know the city better. Our guide includes the best stops for young kids, including fun playgrounds, museums, and, most importantly, where to get the best coffee.

26. Cast your fishing line at these local lakes and piers where dinner is waiting. If you’re a newbie, the Golden Gate Park Anglers Club offers lessons once a month to anyone who wants to get started.

27. Kids love dim sum and who can blame them? These hot spots are where dumplings are king. YUM.

28. Where's the only place you can visit an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, all under one “living” roof? Our California Academy of Sciences guide is all you need to make the most of your visit. Get Tickets Here

29. Plan the best picnic and explore all that the Presidio has to offer (think abandoned batteries, in-city camping, and the Lucasfilm Headquarters). 

30. Take some time to smell the roses at these worthwhile botanical gardens. We love Bean Sprouts Family Days at San Francisco Botanical Garden, where kids can get stuck into gardening activities and bug hunting.

31. Help your children become Junior Park Rangers at a nearby national park like Muir Woods National Monument, Alcatraz Island, or at Point Reyes National Seashore. These fun and educational programs get kids learning about nature, with a badge as a reward.

32. Visit Japan without getting on a plane. You can get all the ramen, taiyaki and Sanrio you want in San Francisco's Japantown. Plus an ice cream in a waffle cone shaped like a fish!

33. Spend the afternoon exploring these bike paths and bike parks that are perfect for tiny two-wheelers. There are plenty of safe, car-free bike paths across the Bay Area—Shoreline at Mountain View is especially popular with families.

34. Ding ding! Hop on a cable car and explore San Francisco’s neighborhoods with our guide to exploring Market St. Our top tip: hop off the Powell Mason line at Columbus Ave. and grab a slice at Golden Boy Pizza.

35. Learn how to meet the lemurs and other animals with our insider's guide to the San Francisco Zoo—especially great on hot days, as it’s always comfortably cool at this ocean-side location. Get Tickets Here

36. Make your next meal a memorable one (in a good way!) at a themed restaurant where there's more than just burgers and fries. Embrace the retro-kitsch vibes at the Fairmont’s Tonga Room where you can sip cocktails (mocktails for the kids) around a lagoon while listening to a live band for a tropical staycation.

37. Every kid deserves a spot where they feel welcomed. These playgrounds and play spaces offer resources for special needs kids so that they can join in the fun with their peers.

38. Kids, the dinner is on you! Let the kitchen pros teach them the ropes at these local cooking classes. Make your own single-origin dark chocolate from scratch at San Francisco’s Dandelion, or make farm-to-table pizza at Hidden Villa in the Los Altos Hills—all great ways to teach kids about where their food comes from.

Kate Loweth

39. Explore a nearby national park, including our favorite, Yosemite.  

40. Head to Corona Heights and check out the must-visit Randall Museum. With a model railroad, toddler playground, art studio, and LEGO building, it’s fun for kids of all ages. Bonus, admission is always free!

41. Visit the shore at low tide and explore the sea urchins, sea stars, and crabs that live in coastal tide pools near San Francisco

42. Visit CuriOdyssey for its interactive museum and zoo, climb the dragon-themed playground at Coyote Point, and enjoy the uniquely-delicious waffles at Eggettes when you visit kid-friendly San Mateo.

43. These spots are perfect for your next mom getaway to recharge your batteries—whether you want a wellness retreat or a wine-tasting weekend—you deserve a break.

44. Did you know you can explore SF's local waterways on a kayak? There are guided tours and self-guided adventures available and adventurous kids as young as three can head out on the water at Elkhorn Slough, the wildlife haven near Monterey.

45. Looking to gift memories instead of more stuff? Here are our recs for experience gifts for Bay Area kids. Included are gifts for adventurous kids who want to try climbing or skydiving (indoors!), tech aficionados, animal lovers, and more.

46. Seek out all of the secret fairy houses hidden across the Bay Area

47. We absolutely love our San Francisco Bay Area independent toy stores! Stop by one of these beloved small businesses like Wooden Horse in Los Gatos, where assistants will not only help you find the perfect gift, they’ll wrap it for you too.

48. Plan a trip to Santa Rosa and book a night at Safari West, an animal park where you can stay overnight in safari tents for a wild weekend away.

49. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco for a history lesson on the water. Here you can visit a World War II ship and submarine, plus take a ranger-led tour aboard a 1907 steam tug for an educational day out.

50. Bring Fido along when you dine out at one of our favorite dog-friendly eateries. Good to Know: Not only will 7 Mile House in Brisbane welcome your furry friend, but the historic eatery also offers a dog-only menu and a "yappy hour" where they can score a free peanut butter biscuit.

51. The Children's Creativity Museum located in SOMA is ideal for kids ages 2-12. With a mission to nurture creativity and collaboration, the highly interactive exhibits encourage kids to make music, animate, innovate, build, and learn in order to develop creative confidence. Of course, the LeRoy King Carousel is a must-stop for everyone in the family.

52. Hit the trails for a family adventure at these hiking spots that are good for the littlest hikers. From ranches to redwoods, we’ve rounded up all our favorite stroller-friendly trails to get your family outdoors.

53. Get your little guppies in the water to learn how to swim at these favorite swim lesson spots

54. Take your kids to a playground they can build themselves! Shorebird Park Nature Center & Adventure Playground in Berkeley is built by and for kids. This unique space is best suited for six years and older. Check out this plus all these other awesome parks in the east bay.

55. Settle in with a good book at one of our favorite independent bookstores in the Bay Area. We love the children’s bookshop Linden Tree in Los Altos, especially on author visit days, when kids can meet their favorite writers.

56. LEGO lovers unite! No need to drive all the way to LEGOLAND in San Diego now that we have a LEGOLAND Discovery Center right here in the Bay Area in the Great Mall, Milpitas. Get Tickets Here

57. San Francisco's first bike park, McLaren Park, is pretty epic. With beginner, intermediate, and advanced bike tracks, it’s perfect for families who want to learn BMX or mountain biking.

58. Meet baby animals at these local Bay Area farms that offer tours. Spring is the best time for a farmyard field trip, where kids can learn about where their food comes from. Hidden Villa offers a ton of great classes for everyone, including the opportunity to milk a cow!

59. When the temperature soars, grab your swim gear and enjoy some outdoor water fun at a local favorite Bay Area beach. Cull Canyon in the East Bay is one of our favorites for young kids, with plenty of shade, a shallow gradient, and lifeguards in summer.

60. In the summer it's u-pick berry season and then, in the fall, u-pick apples are on the menu. Create a new family tradition and go fruit picking at Gizdich Ranch and pick up one of their famous pies for dessert!

61. Celebrate Black History in the Bay Area and learn about the people who helped build our communities like Sam McDonald who donated 400 acres of land to the public on his death.

62. Go for some foodie family time at these kid-friendly Bib Gourmand spots. We’re lucky to have so many great restaurants in the Bay Area that are welcoming to parents, like Nopalito, which serves delicious Mexican dishes within walking distance of Golden Gate Park.

63. Pitch a tent at campsites where you can hear the crashing waves as you curl up in your sleeping bag. From the beautiful Big Sur coast to Bodega Bay, book these campsites when you need a night with cool ocean breezes.

64. Sometimes, you really can have it all. On those occasions when no-one can agree on what to eat, head to a Bay Area food hall and everyone can choose a dish. If you pick Public Market Emeryville, the kids can play on the ocean-themed playground before or after they eat.

65. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and set on 7.5 acres of National Park land in Sausalito, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is dedicated to imagination and where kids are encouraged to run wild. Perfect for kids 6 months-8 years old, it’s a kid paradise with so many things to discover and interact with.

66. Spend some time exploring California with these bucket-worthy California road trips with insider tips on the best places to stop for family-friendly fun.

67. Check out Bill's Backyard, the awesome outdoor discovery area at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Kids love the playground and fort-building activities—all included in your admission to the museum.

68. San Francisco ain't cheap but our constantly updated round-up of free things to do around the Bay Area is a godsend for parents and visitors alike. 

69. Stanford’s famous fountains aren’t the only place in the Bay Area to cool down on a scorching day! Discover a full list of amazing urban fountains near San Francisco with our epic round-up.

70. Another way to get wet? Head to these nearby lakes for a day on and in the water. Lake Almanor is always fun for a weekend of swimming, or rent a paddle boat at nearby Lake Chabot.

71. Holiday splurge alert! Dress up in your finest and enjoy a holiday tea party. There's fancy food at the Ritz, or you can visit the famous gingerbread house at the Fairmont, or step back in time at a historic house—all bucket-worthy.

72. Look to the stars and learn about the world beyond our atmosphere at these Bay Area stargazing spots for a nighttime family adventure. From the planetarium and powerful telescopes at Chabot Space and Science Center, to star parties across the Bay, stargazing is an amazing way to get kids interested in astronomy.

73. Calling all groms! These totally rad skate parks around San Francisco are ready for you. Check out the skate park in SoMa that legendary skater Tony Hawk helped build or the beautiful community-built park at 43rd Aven. that is perfect for littles.

74. Add another carousel to your list. Take a spin on an Alice in Wonderland-themed carousel at Children’s Fairyland—Oakland’s whimsical theme park. 

75. Chase after waterfalls and let the kids explore on these amazing waterfall hikes in the Bay Area. (PS: Usually at their peak after springtime rains arrive).

76. Explore the Presidio Tunnel Tops, with 14 acres of space to play, is all the excuse you need to visit San Francisco’s national park site.

77. Italian submarine? Pastrami on rye? Classic BLT? Sandwiches are the perfect on-the-go lunch, park, and picnic snack, not to mention, are a favorite meal option when you just don’t want to cook dinner that night. Good thing the Bay Area has some amazing delis.

78. Uncover Chinatown's best-kept (or most well-known?) secret: The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

79. Donuts are slowly becoming the go-to dessert of the day. We've rounded up the best donut shops around the Bay Area so you can focus on eating and treating rather than googling.

80. Everyone knows that brunch is the best meal of the day. Bonus, these spots open super early so you don't have to wait until mid-day to get your brunch fix. Your kids will love the Mickey Mouse pancakes from South Bay gem Los Gatos Cafe

81. Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center has great, free programs for mini artists. Check out their online craft-along videos for at-home fun, or visit in person for their twice-yearly family fun days, which include guided tours and hands-on art-making.

82. Discover the hidden staircases and colorful murals of San Francisco with our guided to scenic hikes that include colorful stairs and scenic murals. This is a fun, free activity that will provide you with spectacular family photographs as a souvenir.

83. Have the kids tried all of these iconic San Francisco desserts? Maybe you’ve heard the buzz about the cruffin at Mr Holmes Bakehouse but you should also try old-school favorites too like the Russian Honey Cake at 20th Century Cafe.

84. Check out the Junior Museum and Zoo, a playground, interactive museum, and zoo all rolled into one. Ideal for families with a range of ages, there's something for everyone at this beloved Palo Alto space.

85. To become a certified local, a visit to the Seward Street Slides is a must. 

86. Bike rides, kayaking, and awesome eats are waiting for you in family-friendly Healdsburg. This charming town is just over an hour from downtown San Francisco but feels like a world away from city life.

87. Take a micro-vacation to  Mendocino to kayak, horseback ride on the beach, and explore the gorgeous coastline just north of San Francisco. With a three-hour drive from the city, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away any time of the year.

88. Check out our neighborhood guide to Outer Sunset—not just for surfers anymore and is a fun SF neighborhood.

89. Did you know you can go ocean crabbing from San Francisco? Generally speaking, kids under 16 don’t need a fishing license. You do, but the exception is fishing from a pier and that’s actually the best place to catch crabs. From any pier inside the San Francisco Bay, you can only keep red rock crabs. You will likely pull up some Dungeness but you have to throw them back — it’s their breeding ground. Outside the San Francisco Bay (Pacifica Pier, for instance), you can keep Dungies (in season only).

90. Got grandparents in town? Spend some time exploring these spots that please both the younger set and the older generation. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a local favorite, but we’ve got more ideas for multi-generation days out.

91. Cheers! These kid-friendly bars around San Francisco are perfect for dining out with friends and kids. Relax in Steins Beer Garden in Redwood City, or play bocce and eat pizza at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos—neighborhood gems that are ideal for a sunny afternoon.

92. If the days are warm and the kids want to get wet, head to one of these amazing splash parks in the Bay Area. If you’re in San Jose, Hellyer Park is the spot for hot days!

93. The Bay Area also has several fun water parks nearby. Whether you’re looking for something low-key for little ones like Aqua Adventure, or a day out the tweens will love at Raging Waters, water parks are a classic summer day out.

94. It's always the perfect day for pizza and we have a list of the perfect pizza pies around San Francisco here. Whether you’re into sourdough crust, deep dish, or New York-style slices on the go, the Bay Area delivers.

95. Batter up! These Bay Area batting cages will let you tune up your swing in no time. And, this being the home of Silicon Valley, you’ll find high-tech pitching machines with HD resolution video at Future Pro Baseball in San Francisco—but you can also book live pitching from a staff member at South Bay Sports Training if you’re looking for the real deal.

96. Want to dine with views of the Golden Gate Bridge? Yes, please! Here are the best outdoor dining spots, including ones with million-dollar views to impress visiting friends and family.

97. The next time you're looking for that outdoorsy experience without straying too far from home, visit Rob Hill Campground, located just a hop, skip and jump away from Immigrant Point Overlook and Baker Beach.

98. No trip to San Francisco is complete without a stop at the iconic Ferry Building. And whether your just visiting or a local, there's always something new, fun and exciting happening here.

99. Head south for some retro fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This guide to Santa Cruz has recs for where to eat and where to stay if you want to make a weekend of it. 

100. You may have heard of this free-to-enter oasis in the sky but if you haven’t, cancel your plans and head up to the latest urban park that sits 70 feet above the street, is 4 blocks long, and features a living roof, walking trails, dancing fountains, a children’s play area, and an amphitheater. Salesforce Park will amaze both young and old.

Additional reporting by Sarah McDonald

The risotto recipe is packed with one of the best vitamin C foods for kids

Think vitamin C is only found in oranges? Think again. Boost those immune systems with these Vitamin C foods for kids that will upgrade your family’s daily dose of this all-important vitamin, starting with breakfast all the way through dessert. Doing this might even help stave off some of the impending sick days we know are on the horizon. From healthy Dole Whip to irresistible Brussels sprouts, these foods are high in vitamin C and worthy of any winter menu.

One-Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta

Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Parmesan Cream

Oat & Sesame

Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice if you want to boost your vitamin C consumption. And if you're looking for a recipe that'll be a winner with kids and adults alike, you're in luck. This dish is a comfort food classic, sporting bacon, and a cheesy sauce. Click on over to Oat & Sesame for more!

Healthy Dole Whip

Almost Supermom

If you're a fan of Disneyland's Dole Whip, we've got a double dose of good news. We have a recipe that not only promises a healthy version of your favorite treat but also includes a good dose of vitamin C, thanks to pineapple. Grab your Mickey Mouse ears and get the recipe from Almost Supermom.

Broccoli Cheddar Risotto

Savory Tooth

Broccoli actually has more vitamin C than an orange, so it's a great green bet for your family's diet! This recipe from Savory Tooth is a kid-friendly way to welcome broccoli to your dinner table—and it doesn't require constant stirring! 

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

The Seasoned Mom

Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C (the skin especially), and this recipe is great for a quick and delicious dinner. It has the melty cheese and pepperoni of your favorite pizza, but with a healthy twist. Best of all, it's a dump-and-bake kind of meal! Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Lemon Chicken Veggie Bake

Chelsea of A Duck's Oven

Oranges may get a lot of the vitamin C glory, but lemons are a powerhouse source, too. The best way to take advantage? This one-dish meal that’s homey, tasty, and bursting with lemon flavor. Get the recipe here.

Broccoli Tots

Gimme Delicious

If your tots love tots, you've got to give this version, courtesy of Gimme Delicious, a try. Here, broccoli is the star, along with its hefty dose of vitamin C. Plus, they're baked, not fried, and perfect for a snack or main meal.

Roasted Cauliflower Corn Chowder

Valerie's Kitchen

Cauliflower has a surprising amount of vitamin C, but the trick is finding a kid-friendly recipe spotlighting this particular veggie. Cue this chowder that pairs roasted cauliflower with sweet corn, bacon bits, and cheesy goodness. Get the recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Red Peppers

My Second Breakfast

Just a cup of red bell peppers has a whopping amount of vitamin C and this recipe uses whole peppers in a super delicious way! They’re also so easy to make that kids can even help out. Get the recipe here.

Mango Smoothie Bowl

Downshiftology

This colorful smoothie bowl isn’t just a beautiful way to start your day. It’s also chock-full of healthy fruit, including vitamin C-rich mangos. And if you don’t live in a tropical climate? Just grab the majority of your ingredients from the frozen aisle. Get the recipe from Downshiftology.

Salmon Teriyaki with Pineapple Salsa

Dinner at the Zoo

We have just one word for this salmon dish: yum! It gets points for being easy to whip up, and there’s also a pineapple salsa full of fresh flavor and vitamin C. It sounds like a dinner winner to us! Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Lola's Cocina

There are tons of ways to enjoy strawberries and their sweet vitamin C benefits, but we’re partial to this three-ingredient agua fresca. It’s a perfect summer drink (or a perfect drink if you want to pretend that it’s summer). Get the recipe from Lola’s Cocina.

Crispy Kale Chips

Ronit Shaked via Unsplash

We salute you if you've got a kid who will eat kale chips. This homemade version is ultra-easy to make and features all the fantastic nutritional perks of kale (including vitamin C!). Get the recipe here.

The Green Goblin Smoothie

Lindsey Johnson

Not only can you prep all the ingredients for this smoothie ahead of time, but you can also feel good about those ingredients (Think healthy superfoods: spinach, oranges, pineapple, and banana.). Get the recipe here.

Kiwi Popsicles

homemade popsicles
Catherine McCord of Weelicious

Did you know kiwi is a killer source of vitamin C? It also makes an excellent popsicle—and this no-fuss recipe is proof! Grab dixie cups and frozen peas (yes, peas!), and you’re halfway to enjoying a delish frozen treat. Get the recipe here.

Coconut Tangelo Rice Pudding

Toni via Boulder Locavore

The vitamin C train doesn't have to stop at dinner. Give your dessert the extra boost with this delicious creamy coconut tangelo rice pudding recipe from Boulder Locavore. Tangelos (a hybrid of mandarin oranges and tangerines) have a tangy kick that pairs well with creamy coconut milk.

Pack up the kids and set out on the open road because there’s no better time to visit one of these DMV destinations than right now

If fall foliage, u-pick farms, and holiday-themed amusement parks are topping your fall bucket list, make a weekend of it by sojourning at one of these near-by getaways for fall activities and autumn adventures. Take in the changing colors of the leaves as you head out of town for one of these quick, easy trips that will check off loads of must-do autumn events in a single weekend. From peeping leaves aboard a Strasburg train to enjoying a crisp, fall hike in the Appalachian Mountains to holiday thrills at Hersheypark, we’ve found the best places to get the most out of a fall weekend near Washington, DC.

The Best DC Road Trip for Leap Peeping | Shenandoah Valley, VA

What to See
For possibly the best leaf peeping on the East Coast head to the must-visit jewel of the valley Shenandoah National Park which stretches 105 miles from Front Royal to Waynesboro-Charlottesville, straddling the Blue Ridge mountains.Start your adventure at the Visitor Center for a map of the best kid-friendly hikes in the park.

When you've explored all there is to see above ground, duck underground to to ooh and ahh over stalagmites and stalactites. Caverns grow like weeds in the valley, but Luray Caverns is our top pick because you get more bang for your buck. You pay just one admission ($32 for adults, $16 for kids 6-12, and $29 for seniors) and get to enjoy three museums in addition to the main attraction. After you tour the caverns, head over to see coaches dating back to 1725 in the Car & Carriage Museum, compare the toys of yesteryear to today's favorites at Toy town Junction and then take a fall stroll through Shenandoah Heritage Village for a quick lesson on 19th century farm communities.

Where to Eat
Route 11 Potato Chips is famous for their unique flavors (Dill Pickle or Chesapeake Crab anyone?) and quality ingredients like unrefined sea salt and organic sweet potatoes from Virginia’s very own Quail Cove Farm. Fans can stop by the factory to see what really goes into making small-batch potato chips. The plant is open to the public Mon–Sat, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, but call in advance to make sure they’re cooking on your visit day. And did we mention the free samples?

Where to Stay
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club manages cabins throughout the DMV, including a few inside Shenandoah National Park. Ranging from primitive (no electricity or running water) to modern, the cabins are a delightful and budget friendly way to experience the park.

Distance: 2 hours (100 miles)
Online: shenandoahvalley.org

Related: DC’s Best Places to See Fall Foliage 

The Best DC Road Trip for Holiday Fun | Hershey, PA

What to See
More than “just” chocolate, the city of Hershey, PA also draws visitors for its famed amusement park with more than 70 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, live entertainment, games, food, shops and even a simulated tropical rainforest where visitors learn how cocoa beans grow and are harvested. Ticket purchases include admission to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo that includes more than 200 animals from five regions of North America. Every weekend (through Oct. 30), Hersheypark is transformed into a spooktacular Halloween adventure featuring flashlight tours of the zoo, trick-or-treating through Treatville and a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Get merry at Christmas Candylane  from Nov. 11-Jan. 1 when the park glows with over 5 million lights.                                

Where to Eat
Take a break from park food and make a reservation at The Chocolatier, a family-style restaurant that offers hints of Hershey in lots of its dishes. You’ll find everything from chocolate drizzled potato chips to flatbreads with Hershey’s chocolate balsamic glaze and epic entrees like a Heath Bar crusted salmon and a burger topped with a Reece’s cup!

Where to Stay
Get a sugar rush at Hershey Lodge where indoor play includes a 30,000 square foot pool at the sweetest place on earth. From a Twizzlers Twists water slide to a Reese’s Water Walk that features, you guessed it, oversized peanut butter cups, the hotel pool at Hershey Lodge checks off every candy lover’s list. 

Distance: 2 hours, 15 minutes (130 miles)
Online: hersheypark.com

Related: DC’s Local Theme Parks for Every Kind of Thrill Seeker

The Best DC Road Trip for Rail Enthusiasts | Strasburg, MD

What to See
Arriving in Amish country invites your family to step back to a more peaceful time. Take a leisurely ride on the Strasburg Rail Road. Across the street from the Strasburg station is The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania ($10 adults, $9 seniors and $8 for kids 3-11) where you can explore one of the largest collections fo locomotives in the world (over 100 trains are on display). You can also tour the cars virtually. For serious train collectors, the Toy Train Library at  The National Toy Train Museum is a must-stop.

What to Eat
Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant has been serving really good food since 1929. They offer multiple dining options and tons of delicious dishes. Many of their ingredients come from local farms. Check their website for family specials and coupons.

Where to Stay
What would a train-themed weekend be without a stay in a real caboose! The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant is home to 38 red cabooses, a mail car and a baggage car. Family caboose accommodations include bunk beds and can sleep up to 6 in a train car.

Distance: 2 hours, 15 minutes (125 miles)
Online: discoverlancaster.com

Related: The Best Santa Train Rides for Washington, DC Kids

The Best Fall Road Trip Near DC for Hiking

What to See
This quaint town in West Virginia has beautiful paths that wind through the National Park. Your family can stand where Thomas Jefferson  stood when he said it was a view worth crossing the Atlantic Ocean for. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center so your kiddos can pick up the Jr. Ranger packet. They’ll get the most adorable badge from a park ranger. Don’t forget to hop on the shuttle on your way into Lower Town. It is stroller-friendly and the only stop with easy parking.

Where to Eat
Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee is the perfect place to pop in for quick picnic noshes. You'll find hearty sandwiches that will help fuel your hike and, for the picky eaters, PBJ, pastries and cookies.

Where to Stay
Connect with nature around the area and get a little more of the great outdoors by staying in one of Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA’s cabins. There is room for the whole family and your sweet fur baby too. Your kiddos will love bouncing on the jumping pillow, splashing in the pool and the Saturday morning all-you-can-eat pancakes at the campground.

Distance: 1 hour, 15 minutes (67 miles)
Online: nps.gov

Related: 16 Easy Hiking Trails for DC Kids

The Best Fall Road Trip Near DC for Historic Tours  | Williamsburg, VA

What to See
History never gets old in this almost 400-year-old town. Help your child “get into character” by renting an adorable period costume. The stories will come alive and make the whole experience more real. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a truly authentic way to see the city. Drive 30 minutes up the road to the Powhatan Indian Village to learn about Pocahontas and her way of life.

Where to Eat
Stop by Dubois Grocer to satisfy that afternoon sweet tooth. The friendly store attendant will be more than happy to send you home with some rock candy. At Food for Thought, you’ll dine surrounded by thought-provoking quotes. Cute discussion cards are left on the table to help with dinner conversation. Pick an eclectic dish from the gluten-free or senior’s menu. The kid’s menu is little foodie heaven with salmon, ribs and pot roast, to name a few.

Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Williamsburg Resort features 2 and 3-bedroom villas with fully-equipped kitchens and in-unit laundry. A home away from home with everything your family needs to kick back and relax. Pools, Putt Putt, playgrounds and tons of family-style amenities are fun for the whole gang.

Distance: 2 hours, 45 minutes (153 miles)
Online: visitwilliamsburg.com

Related: 12 Day Trips That Will Make Your Kids Smarter

The Best Fall Road Trips Near DC for Farm-Fresh Fun | Franklin, VA

What to See
Visit Goose Hill Farm for a classic pumpkin patch experience and get lost in their corn maze. Beyond pumpkins, Southampton County is known for its peanut farms, peanut shops and peanut museums. Stop by Hope & Harmony Farms to grab a few gourmet bags.

What to Eat
Fred’s Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Franklin. It has been a local tradition since 1945. Saturday mornings draw a crowd for the all-you-can-eat buffet and fish fry. Grab a seat on their “secret garden” patio complete with wrought iron fence and brick fireplace.

Where to Stay
Check in to PandA Homestead for an authentic farm stay experience. Your kiddos can help with farm chores by hand feeding their friendly goats, cuddling baby chicks and trying out their best turkey calls. You’ll get to relax in the 2-bedroom guest cottage. Wake up to homemade strawberry jam and fresh eggs in the fridge.

Distance: 3 hours, 15 minutes (185 miles)
Online: visitfranklinsouthamptonva.com

Related: 27 Farm Stays Every Family Should Experience

The Best Fall Road Trip New DC for One-Stop Fun | Hot Springs, VA

What to See
Omni Homestead resort activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, falconry lessons, golf, hiking, skiing in the winter and more. And if you want to explore all the resort has to offer sans kids, you can do that, too!  Adventure Kids programs offer hours of activities ranging from crafts to hikes for kids ages 5-12 (geared mostly towards 5-10, but 11 & 12 year olds are welcome) so that your kids can have fun while you sneak in a date night dinner or a trip to the spa.

You can easily spend your entire time on property and never run out of fun, but if you want to explore the area, take a quick drive to a waterfall you can see from the road! Set your map to Falling Spring Falls which is located off Route 220 and about 15 minutes from the resort. There is a parking lot before the falls on your right.

Where to Eat
There are a number of options on property, from fine dining to tap room saloons, but our favorite for family-friendly bites is Woody's. You'll find hand-crafted pizzas, soups and sandwiches at this casual eatery.

Where to Stay
It’s hard to believe you are still in Virginia when a turn off Highway 81 leads to incredible elevation, vistas and the grand Homestead Resort. Twenty-three US presidents have visited this 2,000 acre property and you’ll feel the Presidential treatment your entire stay! The indoor pool is still heated by the hot spring water naturally flowing beneath the resort (so the temperature of the water does fluctuate). Consult the Resort Guide, printed weekly and provided at check-in, for restaurant hours and available experiences.

Distance: 4 hours (200 miles)
Online: omnihotels.com

Related: 6 Family-Friendly Resorts for Last Minute Getaways

—additional reporting by Angelica Kajiwara

Ice cream is synonymous with summer, particularly if you have little sugar babes running around. So, we scoured the city (and beyond!) for the most delicious ice cream shops near you. Read on for the scoop on where to go to satisfy your summer craving and indulge in a yummy frozen treat.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a gourmet ice cream company launched in Columbus, Ohio, in 2002, opened its first local scoop shops in Carlsbad and is planning to open its second in North Park later this year.  The midwestern favorite offers out-of-the-box flavors like Everything Bagel and Powdered Jelly Donut as well as classics like Brambleberry Crisp to Gooey Butter Cake. Jeni’s concocts its flavors using direct and fair trade ingredients, without artificial coloring. The James Beard award-winning ice cream maker has written two cookbooks and she was at the forefront of the American, artisanal ice cream movement. Be prepared for a long line, but the frozen treat is worth the wait. 

The Beacon La Costa
7740 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Online: jenis.com/scoop-shops/beacon/

 

 

South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream

South Swell was voted "Best of San Clemente" three years in a row--and for good reason! The shop is the brainchild of local owners dedicated to serving the community their creative frozen treat creations. Their delicious chocolate or vanilla ice cream bars are dipped in smooth, warm chocolate and then designed with your choice of toppings. You may also choose to try one of their amazing, cleverly named specialty bars such as The Parent Trap which is vanilla ice cream dipped in gourmet chocolate, topped with crushed Oreo cookie and a drizzle of peanut butter. Their menu is always changing, so each visit offers a new and exciting experience. 

Sweet Tip:  South Swell can help with birthday celebrations too! Check out how to get a portable dipping station and trike to pull up to your house on a Sunday afternoon.  

137 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672
949-388-4984
Online: southswellicecream.com

Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream

Say Aloha! to Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream and its 300 flavors of Tropical Dreams super-premium, Hawaiian ice cream and sorbet. Super-premium means it's handmade with 18% butterfat, adding a rich and creamy texture you can taste. Flavors like Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Nut, Lilikoi Sorbet, or Peanut Butter and Guava Jelly will have your littles screaming for more. Their ice cream is dense and creamy and exactly what you're craving as the summer temps rise. 

Sweet Tip: When you can't choose between flavors, try the flight so you can have more than one at a time.

North Park
3077 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Point Loma
3740 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite 6
San Diego, CA 92110

Mr. Trustee Walk-Up Ice Cream Shop

Nostalgia reigns supreme at any walk-up ice cream shop and Mr. Trustee creamery is no exception. The location is adjacent to Cardellino in Mission Hills and lead by Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Harville of the Trust Group, the shop serves chef-centric flavors like malted chocolate brownie, kiwi cucumber sorbet with Tajin and Captain Crunch or malted milk soft serve. Indulge in La Dolce Vita! 

Note hours: Wed.-Thurs. 2-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. noon-9 p.m.

4033 Goldfinch St.
San Diego, CA 92103
Online: cardellinosd.com

Holy Paleta

They're not technically ice cream, but they're still very worthy of a mention here! Holy Paleta's handcrafted pops are made with all-natural ingredients and full of delicious toppings. Bold, inventive and exciting flavors range from kid-faves Strawberry Lemonade and Watermelon to Chamango on a Stick! and Pineapple Mojito. Kids will go wild for the raspberry lemonade paleta that's dipped in white chocolate and adorned with Fruity Pebbles cereal. There are plenty of other "dressed" paleta options on the menu too! Believe us, you've never tasted a popsicle like this before.

Sweet Tip: Be creative! You can drizzle, half dip or full dip chocolate and throw any toppings on your handcrafted pop. 

2040 India St. (Little Italy)
San Diego, CA 92101
619-915-5366

4230 Bonita Rd. Suite B
Bonita, CA 91902
619-773-6568

Online: holypaleta.com

JoJo's Creamery

This decadent, artisanal homemade ice cream shop was founded by a mother-daughter duo and a visit here is a doubly sweet treat because your ice cream is served with a chocolate chip cookie! All of JoJo's Creamery ice creams, cookies, waffle cones and sauces are made from scratch. Ice cream flavors include elevated versions of classics and interesting, flavorful delights such as Cayenne Sea Salt Caramel. You'll appreciate that JoJo's Creamery ice creams do not contain corn syrup, stabilizers, fillers, artificial flavorings or food colorings. If you're looking for a next-level trip to enjoy ice cream, this place is definitely what kids are calling 'extra' these days.

Sweet Tip: Most of JoJo's ice cream is made with organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery and they always have a few vegan flavors available as well as gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and waffle cones daily.

JoJo's Creamery ice cream is also available for delivery via DoorDash, UberEATS, Grubhub and Postmates. They also offer ice cream pies (advance order is required). 

937 S Coast Highway 101
Ste. 106
Encinitas, CA 92024
Online: jojoscreamery.com

Salt & Straw at One Paseo

Looking for a cool spot for family date night? Salt & Straw isn’t your average ice cream shop by any stretch. The family-run business conjures up wildly imaginative San Diego-specific flavors made using ingredients from local businesses. Made locally in small batches, their ice creams combine local, organic and sustainable ingredients into unique flavors you can’t find anywhere else. Their menu has two parts: permanent fixtures (called “classics”) that are so beloved they remain year-round and a selection of limited-time flavors that rotate each month. Classics here include Honey Lavender (a delightfully light purple-hued treat), Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons (featuring hand-burned caramel with a deep, rich flavor you won’t find in your grocery aisle) and Chocolate Gooey Brownie (hot chocolate ice cream with hearty chunks of chewy brownie). Scoops are available in either cups or handmade waffle cones, in addition to milkshakes, special sundaes and pints-to- go.

Click here for info on local pick-up and delivery options.

Sweet Tip: The pints-to-go come in a collection of themed party packs. This Oh, Baby! gift pack is the perfect present for your bestie and their little scoop of joy. 

Read our full review of Salt & Straw's Little Italy location here.

Salt & Straw at One Paseo
3705 Caminito Court, Ste. 0580
San Diego, CA 92130
Online: saltandstraw.com

SomiSomi

Journey off the beaten ice cream path and try a new and delicious frozen treat at SomiSomi. Known as Ah-Boong in Korea, this Taiyaki soft serve is a culinary art form. Start by choosing between four flavors (or get a swirl) of: True Milk, Ube, Black Sesame or Matcha. Then choose a filling of red bean, custard or Nutella. This is piled high into a goldfish-shaped waffle cone known as boong-uh-bbang, which you can top off with an array of toppings ranging from fruity cereal to sprinkles.

Sweet Tip: Check out Evan's Pond before or after your trip to SomiSomi for a full day of summer fun!

Opening soon at UTC.

9168 Mira Mesa Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92126

4620 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Online: somisomi.com

Kona Ice

Kona Ice

This popular food truck can be found all over San Diego, serving up traditional Hawaiian shaved ice with a wide array of syrup flavors. Fan favorites include Wild Watermelon, Blue Raspberry and Tiger’s Blood. The best part is that the syrups are customer-accessible so you can use as much or as little as you want in any combination. Blue Tiger Watermelon? Why not?

Kona Ice
Use the online locator to find a truck near you: kona-ice.com

Iceskimo

Not all shaved ice is created equally. Taiwanese “snow” is shaved off large cylinders in ribbons so pretty they resemble peonies. Flavor choices include lychee, Stumptown coffee and matcha and toppings include everything from cheesecake and panna cotta to popping boba. The folks at Iceskimo offer this pro ordering tip: "request condensed milk layered in the middle for extra sweetness and creaminess."

Click here for current ordering information.

Iceskimo
4609 Convoy St., #B
San Diego, CA 92111
858-216-1111
Online: iceskimo.com

Niederfrank’s Ice Cream

When you’re craving nostalgia along with your butter pecan, head down to this beloved National City ice cream parlor. Their website proudly proclaims they make ice cream in the same outdated, inefficient manner they did when they opened in the 1940s: in freezers. They have a wide variety of chocolate flavors, sherbets, sorbets, coffee flavors, fresh and fruity flavors and creative creations. Something for everyone!

Niederfrank’s Ice Cream
726 A Ave.
National City, CA 91950
619-477-0828
Online: niederfranks.com

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Check out this scoop shop in Carlsbad Village and Del Mar Highlands too. Grab a giant scoop for your whole brood, after the beach, dining or visiting the Wednesday Farmer's Market. What's more, you'll get to choose from over 32 flavors. Handel's is known for its freshly-made ice cream with natural ingredients and huge ice cream cones. Little ice cream eaters love the crazy Purple Dinosaur which tastes like grape Skittles, and bigger kids go for the Oreo Dough or Chocolate Chunk. Further, if you can't choose what to order the four-scoop sampler is a great way to find new flavors.

Sweet Tip: Get ready to play Rock, Paper, Scissors because there's always a line. But, it's so worth it!

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
12843 El Camino Real
Ste. 108
San Diego, CA 92130
858-925-7308

Online: handelsicecream.com/delmar

2825 State St.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Online: handelsicecream.com/carlsbad

iDessert

The brainchild of famed pastry chef Jean-Philippe, this dessert spot will dazzle your eyes while also satiating your sweet tooth. Ordering from an iPad, customers choose from many levels of customization—a meringue base, ice cream, a cake layer, toppings—which are then quickly assembled by a staffer. If that’s not beautiful enough for you, order it “Las Vegas” style and it arrives in a mist of dry ice! 

iDessert
1608 India St., #104
San Diego, CA 92101
619-544-1033
Online: idessert.com

Bobboi Natural Gelato

Can't make it to Italy this summer? Bobboi Natural Gelato is the next best thing. Known for both its traditional and untraditional gelato flavors, Bobboi gelato is inspired by California yet rooted in the timeless gelato techniques of Italy. Its flavors are made from local, seasonal ingredients and the menu rotates constantly to reflect what’s available and in season. With three locations in San Diego, the shop is a favorite among locals. Choose from classic flavors like stracciatella and pistachio or an unconventional option such as matchatella (matcha and chocolate shards). 

Sweet Tip: Try out their newest flavor Life's a Beach for a real summer treat. 

2175 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101

8008 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037

550 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101

Online: bobboi.com/

Lighthouse Ice Cream

You may go in for an ice cream cone, but the Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is what you'll walk out with. Lighthouse Ice Cream is a family-owned business that serves a variety of flavors with an impressive selection of toppings (from hot fudge to Oreo cookies to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) and specialty items like sundaes and floats.

Sweet Treat: Bring Fido! The shop is pet-friendly and will even offer your four-legged family member a high-quality protein treat! Just ask for Frosty Paws. 

5059 Newport Ave, #102
San Diego, CA 92107
Online: lighthouseicecreamob.com/

Moo Time Creamery

Blue Bridge Hospitality via Instagram

Locals like to claim it's the best ice cream in San Diego. Opened in 1998, MooTime Creamery in Coronado is popular with pretty much everyone that stops by, including celebs like Magic Johnson, Mandy Moore, Jason Alexander and Cuba Gooding Jr. Their goal is to provide the best handcrafted ice cream, yogurt and sorbet in a nostalgic environment, and their 27 flavors are rotated daily for freshness. You can order by the scoop or try their specialty sundaes, cakes and pies.

1025 Orange Avenue.
Coronado, CA 92118
Online: bluebridgehospitality.com/mootime/

Stella Jean's

Stella Jean’s Ice Cream is a small batch shop that makes it their priority to use quality ingredients to create the best ice cream possible. Permanent flavors (or as Stella Jean's likes to call them Always Flavors) range from S’mores to Double Chocolate and Pistachio Matcha. Plus, they offer limited edition or for now flavors like guava cream cheese and banana coffee cake.

Sweet Tip: Check out Sweet Jean's sister company Pop Pie for more delectable desserts. 

San Diego / University Heights Flagship
4404 Park Blvd Ste B
San Diego, CA 92116
Online: stellajeans.com/

Editor’s note: If you’re vegan, dairy- or gluten-free, most of the shops listed here offer delicious options that you’ll love! Check their online menus to see that you too can enjoy a sweet treat at an ice cream shop, even on an alternative diet.

––Aimee Della Bitta, Michelle Franklin, Beth Shea & Nikki Walsh

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There’s a reason Santa Barbara’s been coined the American Riviera. The central California city boasts nearly perfect temps year-round, is home to pristine beaches and gorgeous Spanish architecture, and has a laid-back vibe that makes it the perfect retreat for families to unwind and reconnect. From the coolest museums and must-see exhibits to outdoor adventures and the best gelato in town—here’s an ideal itinerary for exploring Santa Barbara with kids.

Santa Barbara Beach Bike Ride Butterfly Beach

 

Day 1: Beachfront Bike Ride, Stearns Wharf, MOXI: The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

There's no better way to ease into vacation mode than with a beachfront bike ride. Rent a bike from Wheels of Fun. The pick-up location is just one block away from the beach and Stearns Wharf, in the heart of the Funk Zone, so there's easy access to all the bike paths by the beach. Depending on age and skill level, you can pedal all the way to Butterfly Beach (a three-mile ride one way) or stick closer to the wharf and harbor. The full ride takes you on the Cabrillo Bike Path which is mostly flat but does get hilly once you approach Butterfly Beach. Extra bonus: you'll cruise by the Santa Barbara Zoo so be on the lookout for giraffes hanging out on the feeding deck. 

Insider Tip: If you decide to take the path all the way to Butterfly Beach instead of going towards the roundabout in Montecito, veer right where East Cabrillo Boulevard meets Channel Drive, take a right on Channel Drive and keep pedaling past Santa Barbara Cemetery before arriving at an overlook surrounded by beautiful flower blooms, with the sparkling seas of Butterfly Beach waiting below to continue your ride into Montecito and Coast Village Road. 

Break for lunch at one of the many eateries around the wharf and harbor. Brophy Bros is always bustling and a true Santa Barbara mainstay. Located on the waterfront, it's a lively and fun place to come for great, fresh fish dishes—the clam chowder and fish & chips are especially popular. Upstairs patio seating offers a great view of the harbor and the more than 1300 boats docked there. Before or after lunch be sure to explore Stearns Wharf, the West Coast's oldest working wooden wharf, and a beloved Santa Barbara landmark. 

Insider Tip:  Every Saturday there's a Fishermen’s Market where you can check out the haul of fresh fish for sale or taste sea urchin, a local delicacy, straight from the shell.

After lunch, choose to stick around the harbor and take a boat ride with your crew. Options are plentiful and include a water taxi ride with 'Lil Toot or Santa Barbara's only all-electric charter boat "Whisper", meant for small groups of up to six people. The captain gives a tour of the harbor and Stearns Wharf and you have the chance of seeing seals, sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of sea birds. There's space on the boat to bring food and drinks if you want to take your Brophy Bros' to-go or pack a dessert. 

Moxi Museum Santa Barbara with Kids

Block a few hours in the afternoon to explore, play and discover at the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The 17,000 square foot space is less a museum and more like a multi-floor, hands-on, interactive space that kids won't want to leave because everything spins, beeps and or lights up in the very coolest way. Imagine the best science class ever! Try starting at the rooftop, where kids learn how solar power works by testing it on musical instruments. Then make your way down floor by floor where you'll run into games of velocity, speed, a maker space and even a Foley studio where visitors can make their own soundtrack.

Dig into a bowl of spaghetti and teach the kids how to play Bocce at Arnoldi's restaurant, an old school (i.e., it was established in '37) Santa Barabara establishment.  The menu is filled with authentic Italian dishes including desserts like cannoli, tirimsu, and gelato. You can sit on the lovely patio outside (overlooking two full Bocce courts) or choose a booth indoors.

Santa Barbara with Kids Lucky Penny

Day 2: The Natural History Museum, State Street, The Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, Eat at Lucky Penny

Enjoy breakfast at Jeannine's. It's a Santa Barbara institution that started by serving scones to the community more than 30 years ago. Since then it's opened three locations, the most recent on State Street, and enhanced its menu to Kahlua-soaked banana french toast, lobster Benedict, and a buttermilk pancake breakfast that will get the whole family smiling and ready to start the day.  

Explore the National History Museum, which is a relatively small museum and not at all overwhelming—just perfect for kids. The museum is housed in Spanish Revival-style buildings on an extensive property with lush gardens and most of your visit will be spent outdoors. The 72-foot Blue Whale skeleton that greets you upon entrance will have kids excited to see more. The current Butterflies Alive exhibit is a must-see. There are more than 1000 butterflies, many from Costa Rica and they're spectacular to see them up close and personal. You'll need to wait in a short line outside of the pavilion as they only allow a certain amount of guests in at a time. 

Fuel up with lunch on State Street. It's the place to stroll through shops and stop for a frozen treat at Tondi Gelato. 

Visit the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden where kiddos can walk and wander through 78 acres of California's endemic plant life. It is a great place to walk and wander, though they offer plenty of more structured, docent-led tours. There's also a Japanese teahouse on-site worth checking out.

Insider Tip: Reservations are necessary for the Botanical Garden, you can make them online here. 

Treat your family to dinner at Lucky Penny. It’s hard to miss the small stand-alone eatery in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone: The outside of its building is covered with 164,456 real copper pennies. Specializing in wood-fired pizza, salads and sandwiches, Lucky Penny is the perfect stop for families after a long day of adventuring. Grab a table in the inviting courtyard and dig into the restaurants' locally sourced, seasonal dishes. Don't miss the ice cream sandwich that are yummy and big enough to share! 

 

Day 3: Hit the Beach, Walk the Trails, Kayak in the Harbor or at Haskell's Beach

Stop by Dune's Coffee and fuel up for the day. They have multiple locations in Santa Barbara and brew a magical cup of jo. 

Spend time at the beach or walking the trails overlooking the ocean. Choose from either Goleta Beach Park, which has a playground, grassy area with barbecue pits and ample room for picnicking, Carpinteria State Beach, or Haskell's Beach.

Insider Tip: Haskell's Beach, formerly Tecolote Beach, has long been one of Goleta's best-kept secrets. It's located at the base of Bacara Resort and there is beach access and a parking area for public use. A wide easy-graded path leads to a small park-like area with grass and picnic tables just above the beach. Here you will find the "Beach House" which has restrooms, showers, and a shaded alcove. 

Discover the Labyrinth Trail on Lagoon Island. To get here you can park at UCSB (just pay for short-term parking in lot 23) and walk the trails near the campus. 

Go kayaking with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Or choose a different water-sport adventure. There's everything from SUP, to surfboard rentals to keep young water-lovers entertained. 

Getting There & Where to Stay

One of the best things about a trip to Santa Barbara is that it's so easy to get to from anywhere in southern California! There's now a direct flight from San Diego to Santa Barbara (via Alaska Airlines), you can take the train, or make it a road trip. Whatever you choose the journey there is easy-breezy. Once you arrive there are plenty of hotel options for families where you can take advantage of third-night free promotions when two or more nights are booked. The Leta Hotel in Goleta is a family-friendly option where you can explore both downtown Santa Barbara and all that Goleta has to offer. The kids will love the heated swimming pool and laid-back vibe. 

Editor’s note: This trip was sponsored by Visit Santa Barbara and The Leta Hotel, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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I scream, you scream, we all scream over DC’s latest food trend… ice cream! Since the pandemic, a number of new stores, trucks and sidewalk carts have opened up in the District and we can’t wait to sample all of them this summer. From newcomers like Dupont Circle’s Happy Ice Cream and Everyday Sundae in Petworth to old-time favorites like The Yard Park’s Ice Cream Jubilee and Spring Valley’s Millie’s, we rounded up our favorite places to grab a cone on a hot day. To get the scoop on where to go, scroll down.

In the City

Happy Ice Cream
Nothing makes us happier than a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot day, so we’re digging this aptly named sidewalk cart that recently opened in front of Happy Gyro in Dupont Circle. Former Komi pastry chef Ben Brunner whips up foodie-inspired flavors like strawberry-buttermilk with polenta crumble and oatmeal cookie with chocolate shavings. Ice cream is sold by the pint or in hand-rolled sour dough cones. To find out daily selections, follow Happy Ice Cream on Instagram.

1509 17th St NW
Dupont Circle
Online: happyicecreamdc.com

Everyday Sundae
You don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy life. Everyday Sundae celebrates weekend vibes all week long (get it? Everyday Sunday!). When career chef Charles Foreman  lost his job during the pandemic, he made the ultimate pandemic pivot and went into business for himself. Today he serves Hershey Creamery ice cream in handmade cones at this Petworth outpost. Foreman often hosts community events, like free outdoor movies in a neighboring parking lot (be sure to subscribe to the newsletter for the latest offerings and events). When you stop by, be sure to bring in your child’s artwork. Foreman likes to use his walls as a gallery for local kid’s art.

713 Kennedy St. NW
Petworth
Online: everydaysundaedc.com

Niko’s Spiked Gelato
Niko’s is another sweet pandemic pivot story (pun intended). During the early days of COVID, Studio52 nightclub owners found a creative way for locals to bring the party home: spiked ice cream! Naturally, these adult treats were an overnight success. Today, Niko’s serves alcohol-infused pints along with non alcoholic flavors so the whole family can enjoy this summertime treat. Popular boozy infusions include Caribbean Rum Punch Sorbet and Salted Caramel Whisky Gelato while non-alcoholic options include Raspberry Sunshine Sorbet and Cookies and Cream.

1508 Okie St. NE
Ivy City
Online: nikosgelato.com

 

Sugar Fox
From the owners of the Little Red Fox coffee shop, Sugar Fox sells ice cream, sheet cake and cupcakes on the popular Connecticut Ave strip that includes Politics and Prose bookstore and the Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in Chevy Chase. The ice cream is made out of products from South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, Maryland and the baked goods mixed into the ice cream come from Little Red Fox. It’s a winning combination.

5027 Connecticut Ave NW
Chevy Chase
Online: sugarfoxdc.com

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Head here for the best cookies and cream varieties in town. This shop imports their super creamy Mt. Desert ice cream from their home base of Maine. For those with allergies, Mount Desert Island keeps nut-free scoops, gluten-free scoops and dairy-free scoops that don’t mingle with regular scoops in the dip well.

3110 Mt Pleasant St NW 1st Floor
Mt. Pleasant
Online: mdiic.com

Ice Cream Jubilee
Owner Victoria Lai started Ice Cream Jubilee as home tasting parties for friends. Today, Ice Cream Jubilee uses all natural cream and milk from a local creamery at all of its stores. Victoria conceives flavors inspired by her international travels, delicious libations and Texan upbringing. Unique offerings include Asian Heritage inspired flavors, like Miso Caramel & Peanut Butter Cookies and Dan Tat Brûlée. Her eclectic flavors have earned her coverage in sites like Eater and Thrillist. 

301 Water St. SE 
The Yard Park

1407 T St. NW 
Cardozo

4238 Wilson Blvd, #143
Arlington, VA
Online: icecreamjubilee.com

 

Thomas Sweet Ice Cream
A long-standing Georgetown favorite on the corner of Wisconsin Ave. and P St. N.W., this traditional parlor makes ice cream on-location, offers a wide variety of delicious flavors, and also specializes in “mix-ins” that let guests blend a variety of toppings into several scoops. Thomas Sweets also offers locally-made candy and treats, including hand-dipped chocolates, as well as sandwiches and espresso drinks.

3214 P St. NW
Georgetown
Online: thomassweet.com 

photo: Lullabelle’s Sweet Shop

Lullabelle’s Sweet Shop
Part-old fashioned candy store, part ice cream parlor with a sprinkle of sundries and gifts, this this Petworth shop scoops up 10 artisanal flavors, like the popular Honey Graham ice cream (it takes just like the cereal!) and Peanut Butter Cup. There is limited seating indoors, but you can enjoy your creamy dessert outside where brightly color chairs line the sidewalk. This sweet shop also serves savory sandwiches. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches are all served on waffle and cooked on the iron.

Insider’s tip: This now ships candy and baked goods nationwide!

847 Upshur St NW
Petworth
Online: sweetlulabelle.com

Altani Gelato

This Canal Park gelato shop is the brainchild of the Wiseguy Pizza owners  (yes! DC’s best crust pizza is just steps away) and is conveniently located near the Navy Yard metro stop. Altani’s carries some exceptionally unique flavors, like Sweet Potato (which is a kid-enticing color of Barney-purple). This shop also offers dairy free options.

Inside tip: Kids will love the splash pad located directly in front of Altani’s.

202 M St SE (at S 2nd Pl)
Capitol Riverfront
Online: facebook.com/altaniGelato/

Millie’s Spring Valley

Marcus Spiske via Unsplash

Millie’s restaurant pays homage to the stress-free, beachy Nantucket vibe, and their menu is fresh California Baja-style. Kids will LOVE going to the old-fashioned ice cream window outside. The walk-up ice cream stand is filled with classic Gifford flavors and fun toppings.

4866 Massachusetts Ave. NW 
202-733-5789
Online: milliesdc.com

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s was founded 16 years ago by Jeni Britton Bauer, a James Beard Award-winning author of two cookbooks. Mouthwatering flavors include Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Pistachio & Honey and Wildberry Lavender. Want to churn out your own ice cream this summer? You can snag a Jeni’s ice cream desserts cookbook for homemade goodies!

1925 14th St. NW 
202-621-8625
Online: jenis.com/14th-street

 

Maryland

Moorenko’s
These folks are serious about local ingredients, which they use to create a wide selection of delicious ice cream flavors. Offerings run the gamut, from Cotton Candy Gummy Bear to Strawberry White Chocolate. The in-demand treat can also found on the dessert menus of several top DC restaurants and in local grocery stores. While we love ice cream on a hot day, Moorenko’s checks off our box for rainy days, too. With tons of board games to choose from, this will quickly become a go-to place for family game night!

8030-B Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD
Online: moorenkos.com

Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream—a Korean-American family business—is a Bethesda neighborhood hotspot.  Sarah sells not only the expected vanillas and chocolates but also unconventional Asian flavors like Matcha, Thai tea and Korean pear. They also serve up bubble tea! 

5241 River Rd.
Bethesda, MD
Online: sarahshandmadeicecream.com

Baked Bear
Mix and match freshly baked brownies, doughnuts, and cookies…YES…ALL THREE CHOICES…. for the top and bottom of this epic ice cream sandwich. You stuff this delectable “sandwich” with yummy ice cream flavors like rocky road, salted caramel, and ‘bear batter.’ But wait, it gets better! Your delicacy is “pressed” in a magical machine that warms the top and bottom but keeping the ice cream cold in the center before they are rolled in toppings. Topping options include brownie bits, Fruity Pebbles, mini chocolate chips, and whipped cream, among others.

929 Rose Ave.
North Bethesda, MD
301-348-5070
Online:
thebakedbear.com

Scottish Highland Creamery
Started by an Edinburgh native, the Scottish Highland Creamery is a must visit if you’re in lovely Oxford! Their splendid ice cream is made with fresh, local ingredients and some of their flavorings are even imported from Italy.

Insider tip: Make sure to order the Italian lemon cookie—it’ll transport you right to the Amalfi coast.

314 Tilghman St.
Oxford MD

Online: scottishhighlandcreamery.com

Virginia

Nicecream Factory
You and your kids will feel like you’ve entered a cool chemistry lab at Nicecream! They use liquid nitrogen to freeze their ice cream right in front of your eyes and IT IS AMAZING. The process also allows for them to include fresh ingredients with a thicker and creamier finish. Flavors rotate weekly and include honey lavender, key lime pie and mint chocolate chunk.

2831 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA
Online: nicecream.com

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream 

Get a taste of the Philippines with the globally inspired ice creams at Toby’s. In addition to standards like chocolate chip cookie dough, find ube (purple yam), avocado, and macapuno (Filipino coconut).

5849 Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA
702-536-7000
Online:
tobysicecream.com

The Dairy Godmother

This little shop is tucked into the Del Ray area of Alexandria and offers some great icy treats including frozen custard, sorbet and homemade marshmallows.

2310 Mt Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA
703-683-7767
Online: thedairygodmother.com

—Meghan Meyers with Guiomar Ochoa & Kristina Messner

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It’s the ultimate summer dessert, an occasional bribe, a sweet treat snuck from the freezer at midnight—it’s safe to say we’re obsessed with ice cream (as are our kids). We’ve rounded up a list of the best ice cream shops in every state (plus D.C.) so you can satisfy your sweet tooth all summer long. Keep reading to get the scoop on the ice cream parlors that should be on your radar.

1. Alabama: Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream
With cones, floats, splits and old-fashioned sodas, Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream has something for everyone. Try a scoop of one of Matt’s specialties, like the Creole praline or red velvet cake—you'll be glad you did.

1308 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL

701 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL

Online: mattshomemadeicecream.com

2. Alaska: Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream
During the summer months, Hot Licks is a must. Their ice cream is made in-house in 40-quart batches, and with local flavors like cranberry and wild blueberry, it’s some of the best Alaska has to offer.

3453 College Rd.
Fairbanks, AK

Online: hotlicks.net

3. Arizona: Sweet Republic
From the local Arizona milk and cream to the slow-roasted bananas, everything here is made with care. And with rotating flavors like Meyer lemon, peaches ‘n’ cream and peaberry espresso, you’ll want to come to Sweet Republic again and again to try them all. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

9160 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ

6054 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ

Online: sweetrepublic.com

4. Arkansas: Loblolly Creamery
Loblolly Creamery is a must-stop the next time you’re in Little Rock. Folks in the know love their salted caramel and Little Rocky Road. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, from fruit to lavender.

1423 S. Main St.
Little Rock, AR

Online: loblollycreamery.com

5. California: Fentons Creamery
Founded in 1894 in Oakland, Fentons has been a Bay Area favorite ever since. The ice cream is made in small batches (there’s a production tour for curious kids!), and the menu has decadent sundaes to satisfy any dessert connoisseur.

4226 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA

1669 E. Monte Vista Ave.
Vacaville, CA

Online: fentonscreamery.com

 

6. Colorado: Little Man Ice Cream
With a distinctive shop in the shape of an ice cream cone, Little Man serves up nostalgic flavors that your whole crew will love (not to mention some awesome vegan options). And for every scoop of ice cream purchased, Little Man matches that scoop with a donated scoop of rice, beans or other essentials to a community in need.

2620 16th St.
Denver, CO

Online: littlemanicecream.com

7. Connecticut: Arethusa Farm
For the ultimate in ice cream, you really can’t beat Arethusa Farm. Fresh milk is brought from their dairy cows a few miles away to make classic flavors like butter pecan, strawberry and pistachio.

822 Bantam Rd.
Bantam, CT

Online: arethusafarm.com

8. Delaware: Woodside Farm Creamery
The Woodside Farm was established in 1796, but their ice cream operation didn’t get started until 1998. They’ve been a Delaware favorite ever since, offering up flavors like dirt (that’s gummy worms and Oreo cookies in chocolate ice cream) and cake batter. Say hi to the cows after enjoying your scoop.

1310 Little Baltimore Rd.
Hockessin, DE

Online: woodsidefarmcreamery.com

9. Florida: Azucar Ice Cream Company
Be sure to scope out this sweet shop in Little Havana, where you'll find great flavors like platano maduro and rum cake with walnuts.

Online: azucaricecream.com

10. Georgia: Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919, and the shop still has old-school charm—the black marble soda fountain, wooden back bar and telephone booth come from the original location. The ice cream is just as delicious as ever, with classic flavors like butter pecan alongside unique seasonal picks like spicy mocha.

212 E. Broughton St.
Savannah, GA

Online: leopoldsicecream.com

 

11. Hawaii: Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts
In addition to regular scoops and cones, Bubbies’ specialty is mochi ice cream—a scoop of ice cream that’s wrapped in a layer of chewy mochi (a soft, sweet paste made out of rice). It’s a refreshing treat that’s sure to be an instant family favorite.

7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Ste. D103
Honolulu, HI

Online: bubbiesicecream.com

12. Idaho: Goody’s Soda Fountain
You won’t regret a visit to Goody’s Soda Fountain—with their massive banana splits and ice cream sodas, there’s no way you’ll leave hungry. They also offer homemade chocolates if you’re in the mood for something different.

1502 N. 13th St.
Boise, ID

Online: goodyssodafountain.com

13. Illinois: The Original Rainbow Cone 

This fun ice cream spot was launched almost 100 years ago, but now they have four locations! Their ice cream trucks can also be found all over the city, and the spot on Navy Pier is especially fun for visitors. They have tons of flavors, plus ice cream cakes and even donuts. 

Online: rainbowcone.com

14. Indiana: The Chief Ice Cream
On a hot summer’s day, you can’t beat a visit to The Chief. Grab a scoop of peanut butter or toasted coconut and head out back to the picnic tables to gobble it up—delicious!

502 W. Lincoln Ave.
Goshen, IN

Online: facebook.com/The-Chief-Ice-Cream-107814395923385

15. Iowa: Heyn’s Premium Ice Cream
It’ll be love at first bite when you visit Heyn’s—the ice cream is made with 14% buttermilk fat content, giving it an extra oomph of creaminess. And with flavors like monster mash (vanilla ice cream with cookie dough, peanut butter and M&Ms) and blueberry cheesecake, you’ll keep coming back for more.

811 S. 1st Ave.
Iowa City, IA

25 Cherry St.
North Liberty, IA

Online: heynsicecream.com

 

16. Kansas: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
Sylas and Maddy’s takes hand-crafted ice cream to the next level. They use an entire watermelon in every batch of watermelon sherbet, and their pie flavors (think apple pie, key lime pie) contain an entire pie in each bucket of ice cream. Get your scoop in a homemade waffle cone to up the tasty factor.

11925 Strang Line Rd.
Olathe, KS

1014 Massachusetts St.
Lawrence, KS

Online: sylasandmaddysicecream.com

17. Kentucky: The Comfy Cow
The Comfy Cow is serious about making awesome ice cream, and you’ll be able to tell when you sample their flavors. Whether you go for brown butter peanut brittle or cookie monster dough, you won’t be disappointed.

13301 Shelbyville Rd., Ste. 106
Louisville, KY

Additional locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana

Online: thecomfycow.com

18. Louisiana: Creole Creamery
You’ll love the old-school look of New Orleans’ best ice cream parlor, and with rotating flavors like lavender honey and chocolate malt chip, they’ve got something for everyone. If you dare, take the challenge to finish an enormous Tchoupitoulas sundae and earn a spot in their Hall of Fame.

4924 Prytania St.
New Orleans, LA

6260 Vicksburg St.
New Orleans, LA

Online: creolecreamery.com

19. Maine: The Dairy Corner
With more than 70 ice cream flavors to choose from in addition to frozen yogurt and sorbet, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone at The Dairy Corner. Bring your treats outside to the picnic tables and chairs to enjoy them in the sunshine.

612 US Rte. 1
Scarborough, ME

Online: dairycornericecream.com

20. Maryland: Scottish Highland Creamery
Founded by an Edinburgh native, the Scottish Highland Creamery is a must visit, loved for their super fresh ice cream made with local ingredients, fresh milk, cream and flavorings imported from Italy. Order the Mexican vanilla or the Italian lemon cookie and prepare to be amazed.

314 Tilghman St.
Oxford, MD

Online: scottishhighlandcreamery.com

 

21. Massachusetts: Toscanini’s Ice Cream
Located around the corner from MIT, Toscanini’s has been serving up amazing ice cream to college kids, locals and tourists alike for more than 30 years. Try one of their inventive flavors like B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies) or sour cherry sorbet.

159 First St.
Cambridge, MA

Online: tosci.com

22. Michigan: Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
This family-owned shop is a real winner, with more than 160 flavors made right in-house (20 of which are available each day). The coolest part? The shop overlooks their dairy farm, meaning you can watch the cows while you gobble up your ice cream.

7263 N. Long Lake Rd.
Traverse City, MI

Online: moomers.com

23. Minnesota: Cup and Cone
This understated hidden gem serves a generous helping of soft serve in a kiddie cone or cup for just .70 cents and that's just one of the things locals love about the Cup and Cone. The lines can go for over a block in the summer but they are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. most day so you can usually find a time to grab a treat. The owners donate proceeds to a special frozen treat (different ice cream treats are featured each month) to the local food shelf, and the Cup and Cone provides gainful summer employment for some of the sweetest local youth.

2126 4th Street
White Bear Lake, MN

Online: cupandconewbl.com 

24. Mississippi: Area 51 Ice Cream
Area 51 prides itself on using only the freshest seasonal produce—from the local farmers market, no less—for its ice creams. The end product is innovative flavors like blackberry goat cheese, green tea latte and salted dark chocolate.

117 W. Commerce St.
Hernando, MS

Online: facebook.com/area51icecream

25. Missouri: Betty Rae's Ice Cream
Newly re-opened under new owners, Betty Rae's still offers unique flavors like Lavender Honey, brown butter & toasted pecans and blood orange creamsicle.

7140 Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, MO, 64114

412 Delaware St.
Kansas City, Mo 64105

Online: bettyraes.com

26. Montana: Big Dipper Ice Cream
On a summer evening, there’s nothing better than a visit to Big Dipper. Relax at their picnic tables while you devour a scoop of their raved-about huckleberry ice cream on a homemade waffle cone.

631 S. Higgins
Missoula, MT

58 N. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT

100 N. Broadway
Billings, MT

Online: bigdippericecream.com

27. Nebraska: Ted & Wally’s
An Omaha classic, Ted & Wally’s has been selling their 18% butterfat ice cream since 1984. They’ve got classic flavors like Dutch chocolate alongside more experimental rotating batches like watermelon gazpacho and butter mochi.

1120 Jackson St.
Omaha, NE

6023 Maple St.
Omaha, NE

Online: tedandwallys.com

28. Nevada: Dylan's Family Ice Cream
This mom-and-pop shop is a kid’s ice cream dream. In addition to colorful flavors like circus animal cookies, rainbow sherbet and birthday cake, they’ve got an area with games and a chalkboard just for the little ones.

5960 Losee Rd., Unit 121
North Las Vegas, NV

Online: facebook.com/DylansFamilyIceCream

29. New Hampshire: Jordan’s Ice Creamery
With a huge selection of homemade ice creams, frozen yogurts and sugar-free options, there’s something for everyone at Jordan’s. Try their blueberry pie ice cream (made with Maine berries!) or the coffee heath bar.

894 Rt. 106 N.
Belmont, NH

593 Endicott St. N.
Laconia, NH

Online: facebook.com/jordansic

30. New Jersey: Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream
Cool off with a scoop or two of seriously delicious ice cream at Cliff’s. From butterbeer to s’mores to peach melba, the rotating list of flavors will keep you coming back for repeat visits.

1475 US Hwy 46
Ledgewood, NJ

Online: cliffsicecream.com

Jon H. via Yelp

31. New Mexico: I Scream Ice Cream
I Scream Ice Cream is heaven for the little ones—after you’ve polished off a scoop of cotton candy or raspberry chocolate chunk, head to the back of the store to check out their collection of vintage memorabilia, toys, and games. Go ahead, play a game on the Ms. Pac-Man machine or play dress-up with their collection of masks.

2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM

Online: facebook.com/isicabq

32. New York: Ample Hills Creamery
New York has enough amazing ice cream parlors to keep your sweet tooth satisfied and then some, but our top pick goes to Ample Hills for their hands-on approach. Their ice cream is pasteurized on site, and almost all their mix-ins are made in-house from scratch. Try The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with Ritz crackers, potato chips, pretzels and M&Ms) or Snap Mallow Pop (marshmallow ice cream with Rice Krispie clusters).

623 Vanderbilt Ave.
Brooklyn, NY

Five additional locations in NYC

Online: amplehills.com

33. North Carolina: The Parlour
After operating out of a converted school bus for two years, The Parlour opened their Durham shop in 2013, and they’ve been serving up delicious 18% butterfat ice cream ever since. Try one of their well-loved, inventive flavors like salted butter caramel, blueberry buttermilk (made with local NC berries) or rosemary olive oil.

117 Market St.
Durham, NC

Online: theparlour.co

34. North Dakota: Pride Dairy
The only small-town creamery remaining in North Dakota, Pride Dairy is a must-visit shop. They still use the same basic recipe from when the creamery started producing ice cream in the 1940s, offering tried-and-true flavors like strawberry cheesecake, chocolate peanut butter and rhubarb-strawberry.

517 Thompson St.
Bottineau, ND

Online: pridedairy.com

35. Ohio: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
You can count on Jeni’s for inventive and delicious flavors—think gooey butter cake, brambleberry crisp, wildberry lavender and Bangkok peanut. You’ll love the smooth taste (thanks to the buttercream base); all their ice creams are made without synthetic flavorings, dyes and off-the-shelf mixes.

714 N. High St.
Columbus, OH

67 N. Main St.
Chagrin Falls, OH

Additional locations across the country

Online: jenis.com

 

36. Oklahoma: Roxy’s Ice Cream Social
Grab a simple scoop or a cookie ice cream sandwich at this Oklahoma City hot spot. Their small-batch ice creams are a local favorite, offering classic flavors like cookies 'n' cream alongside a rotating menu of specialties like bananas foster and graham cracker.

1732 NW 16th St.
Oklahoma City, OK

12220 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK

Two additional locations in Oklahoma City

Online: roxysicecream.com

37. Oregon: Salt & Straw
At Salt & Straw, you’ll find crazy unique flavors year round. Whether you’re in the mood for Meyer lemon buttermilk with blueberries, goat cheese marionberry habanero or cinnamon snickerdoodle, you’re going to leave satisfied.

838 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR

3345 SE Division St.
Portland, OR

2035 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR

Additional locations in Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco

Online: saltandstraw.com

38. Pennsylvania: Penn State Berkey Creamery

Penn State's dairy research started in 1865, and with that came the creamery. They offer dozens of flavors and their world-famous 12 steps to perfect ice cream are legendary. A visit to the area is not complete without a stop at the Creamery.

119 Rodney A. Erickson Food
Science Building
University Park, PA 16802

Online: creamery.psu.edu

39. Rhode Island: Brickley’s Ice Cream
With more than 45 flavors to choose from on any given day, Brickley’s has classic flavors that everyone in your family will love. Get your scoop on a homemade waffle cone and sit back and enjoy the huge portions.

921 Boston Neck Rd.
Narragansett, RI

322 Main St.
Wakefield, RI

Online: facebook.com/brickleysicecream

40. South Carolina: Sweet Cream Company
With a constantly rotating menu, on any given day at Sweet Cream Company, you’ll find ingenious flavors like white chocolate lavender, blueberry crumble and cranberry thyme sorbet. You can also snag a cookie ice cream sandwich—of course, the cookies are made from scratch in-house too.

1627 Main St.
Columbia, SC

Online: sweetcreamcompany.com

 

41. South Dakota: Leones’ Creamery
Leones’ Creamery is a small-town staple with some seriously delicious and unexpected flavors: think blueberry goat cheese, vanilla black pepper and rhubarb. Since the menu is constantly changing, you’ll want to come back again and again.

722 1/2 Main St.
Spearfish, SD

Online: leonescreamery.com

42. Tennessee: Clumpies Ice Cream Co.
Opened by the son of a third-generation candy maker, Clumpies has been a Chattanooga favorite since 1999. Try one of their signature flavors like coconut almond chunk or raspberry sorbet, or go for a specialty like sweet corn blueberry or vegan peanut butter Oreo.

26 Frazier Ave.
Chattanooga, TN

3917 St. Elmo Ave.
Chattanooga, TN

Two additional locations in Chattanooga

Online: clumpies.com

43. Texas: Lick Honest Ice Creams
This Austin hot spot takes honest to heart when making their ice cream—they source milk and cream from a family-owned dairy in central Texas, and their seasonal offerings let the freshest local ingredients shine. Try an old standby like Texas sheet cake or get adventurous with lemon lavender or loquat margarita.

1100 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX

6555 Burnet Rd. #200
Austin, TX

Additional locations in Austin and San Antonio

Online: ilikelick.com

44. Utah: Rowley’s Red Barn
Located right on a farm, Rowley’s is totally worth the trip. They’re famous for their home-grown cherries, so the cherry cheesecake or cherry chocolate chip is a must-try. Or go for an apple cider slush—icy hand-pressed apple cider that can be mixed with vanilla ice cream.

901 S. 300 W.
Santaquin, UT

25 N. 300 W.
Washington, UT

Online: rowleysredbarn.com

45. Vermont: Creemee Stand
Of course Ben & Jerry’s is Vermont’s most famous ice cream empire, but Creemee Stand is another local favorite. With rave-worthy soft serve and hard scoop ice creams, they’ve really got something for everyone. Try their signature maple soft serve, made with fresh Vermont maple syrup.

716 Rte. 100
Wilmington, VT

Online: creemeestand.com

 

46. Virginia: Island Creamery
Since 1975, Island Creamery has been serving up delicious treats to locals and tourists alike on beautiful Chincoteague Island. Sample the muddy butter (chocolate ice cream with nutter butter cookies and peanut butter swirl) or the cantaloupe—you’ll be an instant fan!

6243 Maddox Blvd.
Chincoteague Island, VA

120 N. Main St.
Berlin, MD

Online: islandcreamery.net

47. Washington: Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
When it comes to ice cream, we’re all about fresh and local, and Molly Moon’s fits the bill. 90% of their ingredients are locally sourced, from milk and cream to honey and fruit. The result is drool-worthy flavors like cherry chunk, honey lavender and cookie chunk that your whole crew will love.

1/2 1622 N. 45th St.
Seattle, WA

7 additional locations in Seattle and Redmond

Online: mollymoon.com

48. Washington D.C.: Ice Cream Jubilee
Started by a corporate lawyer turned ice cream mogul, Ice Cream Jubilee is a must-visit the next time you’re in the District. You’ll love their outside-the-box flavors like snickers snickerdoodle and Thai iced tea.

301 Water St. SE
Washington D.C.

1407 T St. NW
Washington D.C.

Online: icecreamjubilee.com

 

49. West Virginia: Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream
For almost 20 years, Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream has been serving up old-fashioned treats that locals and tourists alike love. In addition to the classics like mocha almond and black raspberry, you’ll find a rotating selection of seasonal flavors like lavender honey and lime orange pineapple.

225 Capitol St
Charleston, WV

Online: ellensicecream.com

50. Wisconsin: Sassy Cow Creamery
Head to Sassy Cow for some of the creamiest, freshest ice cream around. You can gaze at the grazing cows as you chow down on your ice cream, and you can also pick up delicious milk and cheese there while you’re at it. Hunker down with a yummy scoop of blueberry cheesecake or caramel chunk.

W4192 Bristol Rd.
Columbus, WI

Online: sassycowcreamery.com

51. Wyoming: Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Huckleberry ice cream, anyone? You’ll find it and lots more at Moo’s, a Wyoming favorite serving up rave-worthy treats. With a rotating menu of 24 flavors, there’s definitely something for everyone in your crew.

110 N. Center St.
Jackson Hole, WY

Online: moosjacksonhole.com

— Susie Foreman

 

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