Liven up your summer plans with the coolest and quirkiest flavors the Dallas area has to offer.
Whether you’re a Dallas native, transplant, or just visiting, ice cream is a staple ingredient to beat the summertime heat. New shops are always popping up, but as with most things, new doesn’t equal great. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best family-friendly ice cream shops in the Dallas area.
On this list, you’ll find some of Dallas’ oldest and most beloved shops. But you’ll also find some new and noteworthy additions that have quickly earned their keep with unique twists on cherished classics. These places serve up sweet treats that range from a simple vanilla cone to new and adventurous goodies like an ice cream-stuffed beignet, invented by chocolatier Kate Weiser. We’ve also included some custard options, vegan options, and kid-approved candy topping options so the whole family can satisfy the sweet tooth. And don’t worry, we’ve also included which shops offer quarts to go, because you know that a scoop now doesn’t count against a couple more scoops later.
So, if you’re a parent, babysitter, or nanny looking to take your kids out for a treat, these 10 ice cream shops will help you score some major points. In fact, you might want to make this a summer checklist and sample them all year long.
Sweet Firefly
Address: 2701 Custer Parkway, Ste. 810, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, noon – 9 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, noon – 10 p.m. | Sunday, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Closed Mondays
Phone: 972-635-5635
Nestled in an unassuming strip mall in Richardson, Texas, Sweet Firefly’s ice cream and candy is anything but ordinary. Kids can choose from 16 rotating flavors and pick up some handmade toffee or bulk candy to save for later. The scoops are generous, but don’t worry, your indecisive eater can split a single scoop into two flavors.
Opened in 2011, Sweet Firefly found its name after one of the owners’ daughters, “Katerbug,” died at age 2. It’s a place for families to gather and relax with a sweet treat — a place that found its popularity through word-of-mouth. Parents, word on the street is you have to try the Bourbon Vanilla!
Pokey O’s
Address: 3034 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 10 p.m.
Phone: 214-987-1200
Let your inner sandwich artist come alive at Pokey O’s, where you can create your own decadent ice cream sandwich from 15 different flavors of ice cream. Slap that scoop between 13 different flavors of cookies, from Maple Pecan to the classic chocolate chip. For an adventurous twist, use two different cookie flavors.
Located near Highland Park, Pokey O’s also offers old-fashioned milkshakes and handmade ice cream tacos — a Tex-Mex tradition. Your family won’t want to miss out on this sweet spot.
Old Town Creamery
Locations: 6205 Coit Road, Ste. 344, Plano, TX 75024 | 3052 Old Denton Road, Ste. 104, Carrollton, TX 75007
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Phone:
- Plano: 972-673-0285
- Carrollton: 469-892-5502
Travel the world without leaving Dallas. Named best ice cream in Dallas by D Magazine, Old Town Creamery is a welcoming spot for families to spend time bonding over ice cream and laughter. But leave boring vanilla behind and opt for a taste of the world with flavors like Thai Coffee, oolong tea and custard apple. Not sure if you’ll like a bold flavor? Try a sample. Old Town Creamery is as much about flavor as it is about the experience.
Don’t worry about your picky eaters, they’ll still have the creamy, traditional favorites, like bubble gum and cookies & cream. This little gem is tucked away in Plano. Just look for the vintage neon ice cream signs in the window.
Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Fountain
Locations:
- Denton Square: 117 W. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201
- South Denton: 2900 Wind River Lane, Ste. 148, Denton, TX 76210
Hours:
- Denton Square: Monday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11:11 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 10 p.m.
- South Denton: Monday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 9 p.m.
Phone:
- Denton Square: 940-384-1818
- South Denton: 940-591-1010
Founded in 1998, Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream is a beloved Denton Square classic. They also have another location on the south side of Denton. Not only are all of their 100 rotating flavors made in-house, but they also offer unique and drool-worthy options, such as raspberry truffle and lavender honey. Choose from a freshly baked waffle cone, malt, milkshake, ice cream soda, or phosphate.
Although you can now find Beth Marie’s at grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants around Central Dallas, you can only get the full vintage soda shop experience by watching their ice cream machine — built in 1927 — churn out 10 gallons of creamy goodness in just 18 minutes.
Wild About Harry’s
Address:
- Uptown: 3113 Knox St., Dallas, TX 75205
- Deep Ellum: 111 S. Hall St., Dallas, TX 75226
Hours:
- Uptown: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Deep Ellum: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Closed Sundays
Phone:
- Uptown: 214-520-3113
- Deep Ellum: 469-399-7776
You can’t spend a day exploring uptown without diving into a warm brownie sundae from Wild About Harry’s. This creamy custard shop feels a little lighter than ice cream or gelato, so it’s perfect for a midday stop in between a museum or shopping trip. They have more than 50 flavors to choose from!
If you’re looking for a snack and a treat, try one of Harry’s award-winning Dallas-style hot dogs, topped with mustard, relish, onions, and cheese. Feel free to bring your four-legged furry friend, but don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic hot dog statue outside before you go.
Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream
Address: 3100 Independence Parkway, Plano, TX 75075
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Phone: 972-943-3639
What’s better than a scoop of cold ice cream on a hot Texas afternoon? A bigger scoop of ice cream! At Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream, they don’t skimp on size. Even the kiddie-sized portions will satisfy your biggest sweet tooth. Choose from more than 50 flavors, including sweet corn and avocado. Pro tip: The plain ole’ chocolate and vanilla are even better.
The best part of this little Plano shop? You can get a scoop of ice cream now and take home a quart for later!
Kate Weiser Chocolate
Locations:
- Trinity Groves: 3011 Gulden Lane, Ste. 115, Dallas, TX 75212
- Northpark Center: 8687 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 400B, Dallas, TX 75225
Hours:
- Trinity Groves: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
- Northpark Center: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
Phone:
- Trinity Groves: 469-619-4929
- Northpark Center: 469-619-0605
Here’s the deal: Kate Weiser is known for all things chocolate, and they only serve ice cream on Fridays and Saturday. It’s still on our list because it’s absolutely worth the wait. The flavors change every week and include everything from chocolate (obviously) to passion fruit and chai. Before you complain about waiting until the weekend for a frozen treat, repeat after me: macaron ice cream sandwiches and ice-cream stuffed Beignets. Enough said!
This artsy joint is located in Trinity Groves, so make sure to pick up some almost-too-pretty-to-eat bon bons for your family and friends while you’re there.
Steel City Pops
Address: 2012 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, noon – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, noon – 11 p.m.
Phone: 972-525-7359
OK, so this is technically another non-ice cream shop. But trust us, you’ll be happy we included it. Steel City Pops is a trendy, industrial-style joint on Lower Greenville offering “fruity” or “creamy” popsicles with rotating flavors that include pineapple jalapeño, strawberry cream, and buttermilk.
As an added bonus, Steel City Pops are made with certified organic ingredients and sweetened with raw, organic cane sugar, so your kids can get a delicious treat you can feel good about. Plus, they’re only $3 per popsicle, so you won’t break the bank.
Melt Ice Creams
Address: 1201 W. Magnolia Ave., Ste. 115, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, noon – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, noon – 11 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 10 p.m.
Phone: 817-866-8365
Feeling like a road trip? Jump in the car, because Melt Ice Creams is worth the 30-ish-minute drive to Fort Worth. The hard-to-miss yellow-and-striped building houses ice creams stuffed with locally sourced ingredients, like salted Texas pecans and fresh rosemary. Melt works with nonprofits around the globe to educate and empower the underprivileged.
Don’t have time for the trip? Follow their Facebook page for updates, because they’re now doing weekend popups at Urban Acres in Oak Cliff. This place is a great vegan and non-dairy option, so make a stop on your way to the stock yards.
Hypnotic Emporium
Address: 9005 Garland Road, Ste. 150, Dallas, TX 75218
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, noon – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, noon – 11 p.m.
Phone: 214-354-3414
Step back in time to Hypnotic Emporium, a 1920’s-inspired soda shop boasting Beth Marie’s award-winning ice cream, topped with retro candy and served in vintage milkshake glasses. With hundreds of toppings to choose from, this place is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Because dessert doesn’t count against diets, order The Dream: a warm donut (made by the same owners of Hypnotic Donuts, located next door) cut in half and stuffed with an ice cream flavor (or two!) of your choice. You won’t be disappointed. On your way out, grab a few boxes of retro candy, like Chuckles.
