During the summer, there is truly nothing better than a visit to an ice cream shop! It’s the perfect way to get a break from the heat of the season while creating some pretty sweet memories with your family. If you are looking for your new favorite destination this year, I’m here to help you out! As a Chicago family photographer, I love chatting with clients about all the best local spots. Here are the ice cream shops in Chicago I always recommend!
6056 N. Broadway Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60660
Lickity Split has a few Chicago locations where you can go to try out new flavors! Their menu is always expanding, giving you a huge range of concretes, frozen custards, and sundaes. From candy-topped treats to classic favorites, this spot has something for everyone!
1960 N. Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60647
First opened in 1921, Margie’s Candies gives you a little bit of history with every visit! This shop still uses its original family recipe, giving you tried and true flavors people of all ages will love!

3471 W. Devon Ave, Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712
For nearly four decades, Dairy Star Ice Cream has been one of the city’s best-kept secrets! While it’s impossible to go wrong here, I adore this shop’s fancy sundaes, where you can load up on decadent toppings.
2352 N California Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60647
Pretty Cool Ice Cream gives you a picture-perfect location where taste is king! Founded by the award-winning pastry chef Dana Cree, this shop offers a fantastic menu with tons of options, including ice cream bars, vegan pops, ice pops, ice cream sandwiches, and so much more!
2324 W Giddings St, Chicago, Illinois 60625
Vaca’s Creamery is a vegan ice cream shop where you won’t even miss the dairy! This center offers wonderfully creamy options such as shakes, sundaes, and affogatos. Everything here has been carefully crafted in small batches to ensure you always have the best experience!

630 W. 26th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616
Sugar Shack has been around now for two decades, giving you a location where you can have delicious flavors lovingly made. They offer 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream with 30 possible toppings and mix-ins. They also have funnel cake and Italian ice!
817 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Over the years, Jeni’s has earned their reputation as being one of the best ice cream shops in the entire nation. At this store, they are never afraid to experiment with flavors, giving you incredible options you simply cannot find anywhere else. From enjoying a scoop on the boardwalk to bringing a pint home for a post-bedtime treat, they have something you will love!
If you have been looking for your new go-to spot this summer, you need to try out these ice cream shops in Chicago! With all of these destinations, you are about to have the sweetest day ever!
Are you looking for more ways to make memories with all of your favorite people? Then I would love to chat! As a Chicago family photographer, I love working with my clients to plan sessions so they can treasure each and every milestone. If you’ve been considering planning your session, let’s have a conversation so you can decide if I’m a match for you. Send me a message today to find out more!