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

We all scream for ice cream! Snag a scoop from some of these independent ice cream shops.

On sweltering summer days, sometimes a scoop (or two) can really hit the spot. So, if you and your kids are in need of a tasty treat — or something to just cool you off — head to one of these awesome independent ice cream shops nearby.

With numerous ice cream parlors scattered around metro Detroit, there’s bound to be a perfect flavor for you that’s not too far from home.

From old-fashioned ice cream and custard to liquid nitrogen ice cream and gelato, you’ll find a few of our favorites below! So have a scoop, a shake or a freeze at one of these local ice cream shops in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Ice cream near me

Looking for more things to do with kids? Check out our summer fun family guide!

This article was recently updated on May 9, 2024 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.

Ice cream shops in Macomb County

Erma’s Original Frozen Custard

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

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

Scoop and Twist of Macomb

This ice cream place offers waffle nachos, frozen custard, milkshakes, floats, sundaes and more.

Screamers

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

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

treat-dreams-metro-detroit
Photo credit: Treat Dreams

Browndog Creamery

Enjoy delectable frozen desserts with Michigan-made dairy, including small batches of ice cream with flavors that regularly change, handcrafted cookies, cheesecake, ice cream cakes, pints to-go and Michigan-made beverages.

Cook’s Farm Dairy

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

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

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

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 Washtenaw County

Washtenaw Dairy
Photo credit: Washtenaw Dairy

Blank Slate Creamery

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

Michigan Creamery
Photo credit: Michigan Creamery

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

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

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.

Ice cream shops in Wayne County

Ice cream metro detroit
Photo credit: Calder Dairy

Bob-Jo’s Frozen Custard

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

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

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

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

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.


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Metro Parent Editorial Team
Metro Parent Editorial Team
Since 1986, the Metro Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for metro Detroit families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.

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