Treat Your Kids to Metro Detroit’s Best Ice Cream Shops

Craving something cold and sweet? Whether it’s a sweltering summer day or just time for a fun family outing, nothing beats a trip to your favorite neighborhood ice cream shop. Metro Detroit is packed with amazing local spots serving up everything from creamy old-fashioned scoops to inventive liquid nitrogen creations.

If you’re searching for the best ice cream in Metro Detroit, look no further. We’ve rounded up our favorite kid-friendly ice cream shops in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties — perfect for shakes, sundaes, gelato and more. These local gems are sure to cool you down and satisfy any sweet tooth, one scoop at a time.

Read more: Over-the-Top Desserts That Kids Will Love in Metro Detroit

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Ice cream shops in Macomb County

Erma’s Original Frozen Custard

• Addresses: 6451 Auburn Road, Shelby Township

In 1942, it was a roadside stand. Now, Erma’s has two yummy ice cream shops. Beyond its traditional vanilla and chocolate, it offers unique flavors every week — such as Cherry Cheesecake, Monkey Business, Carmel Clusters and more. They also have a location in Warren.

Miller Bros Creamery

• Address: 149 Dickinson St., Mount Clemens

Choose from 50+ flavors including chocolate covered strawberry, salted caramel pretzel, outrageous oatmeal cookie crave and more at this local spot.

Modern Cone

• Address: 28616 Harper Avenue, St. Claire Shores

This Macomb County ice cream shop has gotten TikTok’s attention with their viral videos. You definitely want to visit to check out their famous ice cream nacho sundaes — kids will love to choose their own flavors, sauces and toppings!

Screamers

• Address: 44666 Mound Road, Sterling Heights

Founded in 2010, this establishment has tons of sweet treats on the menu, plus rotating ice cream and yogurt of the week flavors.

World’s Finest Frozen Custard

• Address: 33538 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore

This iconic small town ice cream shop offers two weekly rotating flavors of soft-serve alongside the classic chocolate and vanilla options, plus hand-dipped cones. Stop by with the whole family for a rousing game of putt-putt (featuring larger-than-life animal statues) and a playground for the little ones. Note: it’s cash only at this spot!

Ice cream shops in Oakland County

Photo credit: Treat Dreams

Bombshell Treat Bar

• Address: 2688 Coolidge Highway, Berkley

There’s no limit on creativity at Bombshell Treat Bar! Families will love to make their own ice cream bar by picking the type of chocolate dip, drizzle and all their favorite toppings. So cool!

Cook’s Farm Dairy

• Address: 2950 Seymour Lake Road, Ortonville

Visit the last remaining dairy in Oakland County, where creamy choices like Cow Pie, Raspberry Chocolate Torte and Coconut Almond Fudge await you.

Guernsey Farms Dairy

• Address: 21300 Novi Road, Northville

Try this family-run ice cream shop’s one-of-a-kind, Michigan-made treats. (It’s tradition to enjoy your snack on the “famous rock under the tree” outside.) Pick from cones, shakes, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, brownie fudge treats, hot fudge cream puffs and more.

Ray’s Ice Cream

• Address: 4233 Coolidge Highway, Royal Oak

Family owned since 1958, Ray’s offers award-winning ice cream in over 50 different flavors, including Mackinac Island Fudge, Butter Pecan and its famous Fat Elvis flavor.

Treat Dreams Dessert Emporium

• Addresses: 22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale

Indulge in offbeat ice cream flavors like Hot Jalapeno, Avocado Chocolate Chip and Kooky Monster. It also serves up vegan ice cream and sorbet.

Ice cream shops in Wayne County

Photo credit: Calder Dairy

Bob-Jo’s Frozen Custard

• Address: 4071 Quarry Road, Wyandotte

Bring your cash only to this downriver institution that draws fans from all over the region. Order up a swirl of its delicious custard and dust it to perfection with the toppings of your choice.

Calder’s Dairy Store & Ice Cream Parlor

• Address: 1020 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park

Try a real, fresh-from-the-farm experience. Made with milk from on-site cows, each batch is crafted by hand at Calder’s farm in Carleton and served here. Bloo Moo and Fudge Swirl are just two of its 34 flavors. Seasonal flavors, too.

Custard Hut

• Address: 25947 W. Warren St., Dearborn Heights

This local custard and ice cream shop has been a Dearborn Heights staple for years. Today, they are known for their famous hot waffle sandwich.

Frosty Boy

• Address: 67 Main St., Belleville

Try mouthwatering toppings like toasted coconut, Oreo and Nutter Butter to specialize your cone exactly to your liking. New additions include The Cookie Monster, The Taco Tuesday (ice cream taco) and homemade Monster Cookies that are made fresh daily.

Stroh’s Ice Cream Parlor

• Address: 3162 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte

Family owned and operated since 1992. Offers flavor of the moment and 34 of the 44 flavors are made in-house. Also, has sundaes, shakes, sodas, malt and floats on the menu. They also have a location in Bloomfield Hills.

Ice cream shops in Washtenaw County

Photo credit: Washtenaw Dairy

Blank Slate Creamery

• Addresses: 300 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor

This place has handmade, all-natural flavors of ice cream — including raspberry sorbet, coffee and blueberry pancake. Check their website for a full list of flavors at each location.

Michigan Creamery

Photo credit: Michigan Creamery

• Address: 302 S. State St., Ann Arbor

Not only is it located on U of M’s campus, but it also supports the state by proudly serving Michigan products in shop — including candy, coffee and hand-dipped ice cream.

Washtenaw Dairy

• Address: 602 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor

Washtenaw Dairy has been serving the Ann Arbor area since 1934, so it’s not surprising that they tout an extensive list of delicious flavors.  Some of the flavors include blueberry waffle cone, peanut butter brownie crunch and raspberry chip cheesecake, just to name a few.

Zingerman’s Creamery

• Address: 3723 Plaza Drive, Suite 2, Ann Arbor

Find at least 10 single-serve gelatoflavors — more by the pint. Faves include Stone-Ground Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate, Lemon Sorbet and Coconut Macaroon — but they’re always whipping up something new. Get your cheese here, too.

This article was recently updated on April 3, 2025 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her creating an interactive map to make it easier to find the best ice cream shops you. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.

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