Best Ice Cream in Columbus (Parents Share the Scoop)

Brittany Kozielski:  Graeter's is an ice cream shop with over 145 years of history. In 1868 Louis Graeter sold ice cream on the streets of Ohio. Nowadays you will find Graeters franchises all throughout the country. They use French Pot freezers and two gallon batches. So many fabulous flavors to choose from. You will not be disappointed in this ice cream.

Brittany Kozielski:  Johnson's Real Ice Cream is a long lasting family owned and operated shop. The parlor is on its third and fourth generation of family operators. Johnson's has expanded in size since it opened in 1950. This local establishment has become a staple in the neighborhood. Johnson's offers their own recipes and flavors. Looking for a shop to cater your next outing or perhaps for your next birthday party? Check out Johnson's Real Ice Cream.

Brittany Kozielski:  Rita's is a franchise that is sure to delight all ages. Rita's serves both Italian ice as well as frozen custard. There are several different and fun opportunities Rita's offers: reading clubs, birthday clubs, group meetings, and store tours great for scout field trips, even fundraising options. Rita's Italian Ice's is a great place to cool down on a hot day!

Brittany Kozielski:  Whit's Frozen Custard is a franchised chain that offers vanilla and chocolate frozen custards with rotating weekly flavors. Once you choose your base custard you can choose from a variety of toppings. There are of course several creation suggestions such as a Hawaiian Lu'au or Brownie Blitz, but you can also be creative with your custard. There is something for kids of all ages at Whit's.

Brittany Kozielski:  United Dairy Farmers is a family owned business that began in 1940. Back then people were paying to have milk delivered to their homes and many couldn't afford that. UDF was able to cut the milk price in half by selling milk at their gas/convenience store. The company expanded and people were coming back especially for the ice cream. Next road trip, cool down with a UDF treat!

Brittany Kozielski:  Jeni's Spendid Ice Creams is a business that believes in growing as a community. Their ice creams have a smooth texture and buttercream body. There are no synthetic flavorings, dyes or off the shelf mixes. Their flavors are very unique and there is a lot of time spent creating these. Jeni's offers many other frozen treats such as ice cream sandwiches and cakes. Join their pint club today and have Jeni's frozen treats delivered to your door four times a year - such a fun subscription box idea!

Brittany Kozielski:  Clown Cones & Confections is an affordable ice cream parlor serving over 39 different flavors. Clown Cones prides themselves on their friendly and helpful staff. and fabulous customer service. You will find all sorts of fun treats including ice cream and candy at this stop. Clown Cones & Confections is a kids dream come true!

Brittany Kozielski:  OH-YO! Frozen Yogurt offers a variety of frozen yogurt flavors, over 16. You pick your flavor and choose from over 50 toppings to create your frozen treat just the way you like it.

Brittany Kozielski:  A seasonal business serving both hard and soft serve ice cream. Owned by a single mom of two, Rachel Upton, dreamed of opening her own business. Upton is all about giving back to the community. You will find something for everyone at this local shop. A local favorite is the chocolate covered frozen banana.

Brittany Kozielski:  Mardi Gras features many different ice cream flavors as well as several international flavors. In addition to their homemade ice cream, the shop also sells cakes.

Katie G.:  If you're looking for tasty and unique ice cream treats then head to Diamonds Ice Cream. This Mexican ice cream shop serves traditional favorites such as banana splits, milkshakes and smoothies, as well as Mexican favorites such as agua frescas (fresh fruit drinks) and paletas (popsicles). The ice cream and popsicles are made in house and come in many different flavors. The menu is varied and flavors change often so be sure to stop by Diamonds often for some yummy ice cream treats!

Brittany Kozielski:  Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt is a franchised ice cream shoppe that makes their product daily onsite. Handel's is very generous with their proportions and has a smooth and creamy texture you will fall in love with. There is a wide variety of flavors offered by Handel's including many fantastic seasonal creations. In addition to their ice cream and yogurt, there are many other fun treats and even ice cream wedding cakes created by this fun business.

Thera Thibeault:  Hot Cocoa, Blueberry Pie, Aztec Chocolate, Watermelon...not just a list of delicious treats - ice cream flavors! You heard it. Family-owned, homemade and a cozy atmosphere are must-haves when you think ice cream parlor. This local favorite has it all and is only about 20 minutes outside the bustle of Columbus. The Little Ice Cream Shoppe has something every kid will adore and maybe...just maybe...something for a certain ice cream-loving adult too!