I scream, you scream, we all scream for National Ice Cream Day!
And we’re not kidding—when there’s a national holiday centered around dessert we quite literally scream with excitement. From a DIY sundae bar to a museum exhibit that creates your own custom-colored scoop, we’ve got all of the COOLEST ways to celebrate this sweet holiday!
Ample Hills Creamery
Astoria / Brooklyn Heights / Gowanus / Hell’s Kitchen / Prospect Heights / Red Hook / West Village / Birth – 17 years old
Nothing is better on a hot summer day than a scoop of ice cream! Ample Hills Creamery churns small batch ice cream like no other. Enjoy classic flavors and try out creative new combos!
Rolled Ice Cream at I-CE NY
Greenwich Village / 6 months – 15 years old
I-CE NY is the original smashed ice cream in NY. The ice cream is made in a fun, unique way—by smashing ice cream base liquid and mixers on an iced plate. Customize your order with mix-in ingredients, such as fresh fruits or your favorite candy bar.
Visit the Color Factory
Tribeca / 3 – 17 years old
The sweetest exhibit at this museum is where you can indulge in a palette of colorful treats featuring a custom-color ice cream scoop! But while you’re there, make sure to also make your way through all 16 participatory installations. Gaze at the ombré floating balloon wishes, bust a move on the luminous dance floor, and jump into a room filled with balls!
Sugartooth Dessert Tours
Chelsea / Midtown West / 4 – 16 years old
On a Sugartooth tour, guides showcase the city’s best hidden bakeries and off the beaten path gems where the locals go. Guides dish out equal helpings of delicious desserts with the city’s cultural and culinary history, and guests leave with a full stomach and newfound knowledge of NYC’s best bakeries!
Cupcake Decorating at Agata & Valentina
Upper East Side / 3 – 12 years old
If frosting is your little one’s weakness, they’ll love these cupcake decorating classes! Each Wednesday, tiny chefs will learn how to frost the perfect cupcake and then, of course, eat them! The theme varies each week so you can keep going back!
Freshmade X Makermints Crafts Pop Up
Greenwich Village / 5 – 9 years old
It doesn’t have to be your birthday to enjoy some sprinkles of creative fun! Join Makermint for a birthday-themed Crafternoon. Kids will design and decorate their own 3-dimensional tiered craft cakes, which they can bring home as a keepsake. BONUS: What’s a party without ice cream? Freshmade will provide a DIY ice cream sundae bar too!
Chocolate Workshop at Chocolate Works
Brooklyn Heights / 5 – 17 years old
What’s better than chocolate? Making it yourself and THEN eating it! Swing by this delicious candy store to try out this workshop where your little chocolatiers can make and decorate their very own piece of chocolate. There’s even a chocolate fountain you can dip your masterpiece into!
Under the Sea Cupcakes at Sugarsuckle Studios
Hoboken / 2.5 – 12 years old
Kiddies will work with fondant to make seashells and other assorted cupcake decorations. Each child will take home 4 decorated cupcakes – that is, if you manage to not eat them while you’re there!
Want to discover and book more new activities in NYC? Check out all upcoming activities across the NY Metro for more Big Apple fun!