We can't think of anything better than treating the kids to a frozen treat on a hot summer day — and we bet your kids can't either!
Luckily, we have a lot of great locally-owned ice cream, frozen yogurt, and shaved ice shops in Douglas County where we can indulge in yummy goodness.
Baskin Robbins
10920 S. Parker Rd., Parker
3626 Highlands Ranch Pkwy., Highlands Ranch
What we love: From precious childhood memories to my first "real" job as a teenager, the original scoop shop is still a personal favorite. I'd like a scoop of World-Class Chocolate, please!
Butterfield's Ice Cream
13039 S. Parker Rd., Parker
What we love: Caramel Oreo. Lemon Cream. Mango Sorbet. If those don't make you go "Mmmmmm," choose from about two dozen other flavors of ice cream and sorbet, all handcrafted in small batches.
Cold Stone Creamery
312 Metzler Dr. Ste. A, Castle Rock
9338 Dorchester St. Ste. A-101, Highlands Ranch
8441 S. Yosemite St. Ste. 4, Lone Tree
17051 Lincoln Ave., Parker
What we love: It's been a family favorite since my teens were toddlers! Their ice cream is handcrafted fresh daily using the highest quality ingredients, with a variety of mix-ins, folded together on a frozen granite stone. Cookie Doughn't You Love Some? Yes! Yes, I do!
Gelato & Co.
1509 Park Central Dr., Highlands Ranch
What we love: Gelato, the Italian word for ice cream, is made slightly differently from regular ice cream and has such a soft and silky texture. Gelato & Co. uses raw, natural ingredients direct from local farmers whenever possible. There are no colorings, artificial flavorings, preservatives, pastes, or GMOs.
Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato
115 Wilcox St., Unit 110, Castle Rock
What we love: Ice cream, sorbet, and gelato are hand-mixed daily, using local ingredients found in our community. They offer really unique flavors like Honey Lavender and Raspberry Limeade and great mixed concoctions like Coffee Caramel Crunch, Funky Donkey, or Coconut Chocolate Melt.
Hokulia Shave Ice
11101 S. Parker Rd. #4774, Parker
What we love: What is Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice? Soft and fluffy as snow ice shaved into ultra-thin ribbons with a scoop of ice cream in the middle, creamy Sno Cap topping, or sprinkled Li Hing Mui Powder or Coconut Flakes on top. Located inside Walmart, a quick stop here will make your shopping trip much sweeter!
The Ice Cream Farm
8433 Park Meadows Center Dr. Ste. 143 A, Lone Tree
What we love: Located in Park Meadows next to GQue BBQ (another family favorite), their freshly churned ice cream is made on-site with all-natural milk and cream from Colorado cows! Their signature flavor, Grasshopper, is made with mint ice cream, swirled fudge, and crunchy cookies.
Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream
19501 E. Mainstreet, Victorian Dr. Unit 104, Parker
What we love: In addition to hand-crafted chocolates, fudge, and caramel apples, you'll also find dozens of premium, unique, and delicious ice cream flavors! Try the kid's favorite Blue Moon or The Perfect Apple Pie.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
19250 E. Lincoln Ave. Ste. 120, Parker
What we love: Would you like Italian ice or frozen custard? Put your hands together, my friend! Get them layered for a yummy Gelati or blended together for a Blendini. You can even add your favorite toppings to make a creation of your own design.
Smart Cow Yogurt Bar
39 East Allen St. Ste. 500, Castle Rock
What we love: We love supporting a local business so committed to helping our local schools. Throughout the year, they donate a portion of the day's sales to a local school. They offer 16 delicious rotating flavors with dozens of yummy toppings, including nuts, cereal, fresh fruit, and candy.
Swirls Frozen Yogurt
19751 E. Mainstreet #R4, Parker
What we love: Swirls Frozen Yogurt has twelve rotating flavors and more than 70 (SEVENTY!!!) different toppings, so you are guaranteed to find something you love!
Yogurtini
9996 Commons St., Lone Tree
What we love: Try one of their mixologist's creations, like strawberry cake batter or pomegranate raspberry sorbet, or create your own. With up to 16 rotating flavors and 65 different toppings, the possibilities are virtually endless.
