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Best of Illinois

Kid-friendly soft serve

You want to grab soft serve without the stress of a place that isn't built for families.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lola's Handcrafted Churros image 1
Lola's Handcrafted Churros image 2
Lola's Handcrafted Churros image 3
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Churro shop with pink, Instagram-worthy decor and a dedicated photo area creates a cute, relaxing atmosphere. Fresh churros with unique flavors draw dessert lovers seeking a charming spot for after-dinner treats.

Kids enjoy fresh churros and the Nutcracker Shaken Espresso stands out. The pink design appeals to children and staff remember regular young visitors.

Soft serve comes in super creamy and melts in your mouth textures. Options include non-dairy varieties and pair well with fresh, hot churros or espresso shots poured over the ice cream.

People are saying

"These churros are delicious and made fresh."

"These churros are warm, crispy, and delicious for kids."

"The churros are fresh, warm, and crispy with the soft serve."

Good to know

1

The churros are reasonably priced and great for sharing.

2

Expect a variety of unique churro flavors not found elsewhere.

3

The establishment is clean and well maintained.

02
Banana Split LLC image 1
Ice cream shop

Outdoor walk-up window serves homemade ice cream with many flavors and toppings in a nostalgic atmosphere. Benches nearby and a park across the street offer places to enjoy treats. The spot draws a happy, local crowd seeking classic ice cream experiences.

Kids enjoy the kids cone with rainbow sprinkles and candy eyes and the slush with ice cream. The place welcomes families with children who come back often for these treats.

Strawberry soft serve stands out with its excellent flavor and comes as a strawberry/vanilla swirl option. The soft serve overall tastes fantastic and ranks highly among local ice cream stands.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best banana split ice cream I ever had."

"This place is a childhood staple, I've loved it for years."

"The strawberry soft serve here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is conveniently located in the front, with plenty of street parking nearby.

2

The prices at Banana Split LLC are very affordable.

3

They offer many flavors and toppings to choose from.

03
Candy Cloud - Glenview image 1

Coffee shop offers a cozy, modern interior with intuitive self-service tablets and comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and adorable, attracting both adults and kids. Space balances chic design with a casual, fun vibe.

Kids enjoy iced milk boba tea, hot chocolate, and fruit smoothies here. Drinks can be remade if ordered wrong, and kids sometimes get free drinks with saved points.

Shakes use Oatly soft serve, which is rare for nondairy options. Soft serve features in layered desserts and drinks like the Cookie Butter with espresso. Regular soft serve shipments are pending due to recent opening.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and delicious."

"I loved making my own shake with the Oatly soft serve."

"The kids loved the drinks here; it's very Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

The shop is located in the Target plaza for easy access.

2

Expect minimal wait times even during busy hours.

3

Candy Cloud offers a variety of drinks and food options.

04
K Cafe & Eats image 1
Restaurant

Cozy space with plenty of spaced tables creates a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. The vibe stays peaceful, making it suitable for relaxed meals. Electronic ordering and free ice cream add convenience and small treats to the experience.

Environment suits families well with a kid-friendly atmosphere. Kids enjoy the chicken sandwiches and even the spicy Korean army stew gets a thumbs up from younger diners.

Matcha soft serve stands out with a balanced sweetness and consistent quality. Other soft serve options are decent but sometimes feel watered down compared to the Matcha.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very presentable."

"This place is so Kid Friendly, the bingsoo is fluffy and not too sweet."

"I always finish my meal with their amazing Matcha Soft Serve."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers free sparkling lemonade with a meal from 10am to 2pm.

2

Electronic ordering is available for convenience.

3

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high traffic.

05
Dear Donuts image 1

Bakery with freshly made donuts and a cute, Instagrammable interior featuring a doodle wall and appealing lighting. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy, inviting people to relax and enjoy. Offers board games and kawaii merchandise, creating a lively and welcoming environment.

Kids enjoy the treats here and show clear excitement when visiting. The place offers a fun and tasty experience for children.

Soft serve here comes in unique flavors like ube, pandan, matcha, and pineapple. It feels light and refreshing, similar to Italian ice but smoother, with options like mochi and ube boba adding texture.

People are saying

"I thought the donuts were light, tasty, and clearly made fresh."

"The donuts are gorgeous, gigantic, and my kid adored them."

"I really liked the ube soft serve."

Good to know

1

Every Sunday, they offer a special monthly seasonal savory donut.

2

Call ahead to check if your desired donuts are available.

3

Arrive early to get the best selection of donuts.

06
Sizzle image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Spacious hamburger restaurant with a modern, clean design and bright, welcoming vibe. Burgers are juicy and cooked to perfection, offering an authentic American fast food experience with an elevated touch. Families and community members often gather here, creating a lively yet chill atmosphere.

Kids enjoy the wings, calling them some of the best they've had. Food appeals well to children, leaving them thrilled after meals.

Soft serve here has a creamy texture and a flavor that stands out as above average. It often comes with promotions, though these are not always clearly mentioned upfront.

People are saying

"I tried the Ghost Burger; it was spicy and really good."

"The food here is amazing and my kids loved it."

"I thought their soft serve was exceptional."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find.

2

The cleanliness of the place impressed us.

3

The prices at Sizzle are very reasonable.

07
Green Valley Golf Range image 1
Golf driving range

Golf driving range combines covered upper deck with heat lamps and an 18-hole miniature golf course for all ages. Atmosphere stays kid-friendly with a policy restricting under-17s without parents after 7 pm. Offers affordable prices, food, beer, and a pro shop with custom clubs.

Mini golf offers a simple course that suits young kids well. Staff show extra kindness to toddlers, even giving them balls to hold. The overall atmosphere stays friendly and welcoming for children.

Dairy-free and beet soft serve options stand out here. Kids can enjoy soft serve alongside a small food menu.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with fun mini golf for everyone."

"The staff here is super friendly and funny."

"I found their dairy-free soft serve to be phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Buckets of balls cost $11, $13, and $18, which is affordable compared to other ranges.

2

The range offers mini golf, driving range, putting greens, and a digital golf course.

3

The range is open late, allowing for play after work hours.

08
Premo's Drive In image 1
Ice cream shop

Old American style sets a nostalgic tone with mix-matched outdoor seating and an anime show playing nearby. Soft serve ice cream draws crowds despite fast melting and limited flavors. Parking spots cluster close to the walk-up window, matching the casual, outdoor-only service.

Fun ice cream treats with little eyes catch kids' attention. Original flavors offer delicious options that kids enjoy.

Soft serve stands out for its creamy texture and mild chill, not as cold as typical versions. It offers a delicious flavor that draws regular visits.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so creamy and delicious."

"The ice cream here is great and fun, especially for kids."

"I thought the soft serve ice cream was the best around."

Good to know

1

Only the outdoor window is open for service.

2

Expect long lines during summer, especially on weekends.

3

There is plenty of outdoor seating available.

09
Zarlengo's Soft Serve image 1
Ice cream shop

Drive-through setup with unpaved access and outdoor seating defines the space. The atmosphere is casual and seasonal, with a long wait common during busy times. Known for high-quality gelato and Italian ice, it draws those seeking unique flavors and fresh ingredients.

Kids enjoy soft serve and gelato treats on the patio. Popular choices include favorite sundaes like turtle, making it a go-to spot for family outings and school trips.

Soft serve here offers a variety of flavors including sundaes and mixed blended shakes. The texture is smooth but sometimes the flavor can be mild or weak compared to other spots.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was the best I ever had."

"It's so Kid Friendly with plentiful ice cream and smoothie options."

"I found the soft serve here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Zarlengo's Soft Serve accepts card payments, but there's a service fee.

2

It's best to pay with cash to avoid the service fee.

3

The walk-up window is closed during certain seasons, affecting service options.

10
Minnie Bird image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright space with 1950โ€™s modern diner theme and very high ceilings creates a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Loud music and presence of many small children make it lively and sometimes noisy. Free soft serve ice cream and an amazing sauce bar add unique touches to the dining experience.

Kids can build their own drinks with Candy add-ins. The menu offers huge, juicy Chicken Tenders and Fried Cheese Curds that kids enjoy.

Free soft serve cones end the meal with a complimentary treat. Dipping sauces add a fun twist to the ice cream soft serve experience.

People are saying

"I loved the free salted caramel ice cream they offered."

"The chicken tenders were huge and juicy for the kids."

"I loved the free soft serve with dipping sauces."

Good to know

1

Minnie Bird offers loyalty points through their app for free food.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment with tables cleaned after each guest.

3

Prices at Minnie Bird are reasonable, with meals averaging around $23.

11
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed up front to more refined in the back dining room, creating a welcoming vibe for drinks or meals. Cocktails stand out with creative, well-crafted options like Negroni and martinis.

Soft serve stands out with its creamy texture and memorable flavor. It pairs well with desserts like Tiramisu and leaves a lasting impression.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"I couldn't stop thinking about the soft serve."

"They made us feel so special and welcomed us."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

12
Love Me Mochi (Halal) image 1

Cafe offers a bright, playful dรฉcor with cute Asian-inspired touches and neon lights. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating and a quiet vibe. Halal Korean corn dogs and mochi donuts attract a diverse crowd seeking unique treats.

Kids enjoy Blue Takis Korean corn dogs and bubble slushy mango with pearls. Cooking activities and halal options make it a popular spot for families.

Soft serve comes in a honey butter flavor that is smooth and not overly sweet. It pairs well with treats like the mochinut ube donut and joy ice cream cones.

People are saying

"The donuts and corn dogs here are delicious and a must-try."

"It's a cozy and cheerful spot, perfect for hanging out."

"These mochi donuts are so soft and airy, they stay fresh longer."

Good to know

1

All products offered are halal certified.

2

Expect a free donut with your first purchase.

3

The self-serve stations are well-maintained and clean.

13
Creamery image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers cozy igloo seating with heated domes and a large patio featuring cement tables. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with vintage decor and festive lighting. Menu includes rich, creamy ice cream in classic and unique flavors, creating a joyful experience beyond just dessert.

Families find plenty to enjoy with kid-friendly spaces and activities like renting an igloo. Kids consistently show excitement and have fun during visits.

Soft serve here is rich and creamy with a smooth texture. Chocolate and vanilla swirl stands out as a go-to choice even in colder months.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great ice cream here."

"It's so fun and kid friendly, my kids absolutely loved it."

"I loved their rich and creamy soft serve."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect long wait times at the drive-through during weekends.

3

Free ice cream samples are available for customers.

14
Sugar Shack image 1
Ice cream shop

Small outdoor seating complements a cash-only, no-frills soft serve spot with a nostalgic, old-school vibe. Long lines form during peak times, reflecting its popularity for funnel cakes and specialty desserts. Customers order quickly and eat nearby since seating is limited.

Ice cream options include a banana split that kids enjoy. Families often stop here after outings for a sweet treat. The spot offers a casual, kid-friendly vibe with simple, familiar desserts.

Soft serve here is creamy and pairs well with crispy, fresh-fried funnel cakes. The Orange Creamsicle combines vanilla soft serve with orange Italian ice for a refreshing twist.

People are saying

"I loved the crispy funnel cake loaded with creamy soft serve."

"I loved topping my funnel cake with creamy soft serve and hot fudge."

"The shaved ice here is the best in town, totally Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

This place is CASH ONLY, so bring cash for your treats.

2

Expect long lines with a 20-30 minute wait during peak times.

3

There is no seating; customers must stand and eat their orders.

15
Ichiddo ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese ramen shop with cozy, warm atmosphere and unique interior design featuring hanging fans and spacious seating. Ambience stays casual and comfortable, with music at a proper level and occasional lively moments. Known for authentic ramen experience that draws a mix of diners including families and business groups.

Kids get their meals early, with options like Chicken Ramen and Chicken Fried Rice served before adults' food. Servers are patient and join in celebrations, making moments like birthdays special with vanilla soft serve and singing.

Soft serve comes in vanilla and matcha flavors here. The matcha soft serve stands out since few small spots offer it, and servers sometimes join in celebrations, adding a fun touch.

People are saying

"This ramen spot feels like a real Japanese ramen shop."

"The ramen here is phenomenal, my kids said it's the best they've had outside of Japan."

"I loved the soft serve matcha ice cream."

Good to know

1

Expect a busy atmosphere on Saturday nights, especially around 7 PM.

2

Vegetarian options are available, including stir-fry and vegetable broth ramen.

3

Parking can be challenging during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

16
Pizza Ranch image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant combines all-you-can-eat fried chicken and unique pizza varieties with a family-friendly arcade that fills half the space. The atmosphere is loud and lively, often crowded with children, creating a busy, energetic vibe. Seating feels cramped and close together, making the dining area feel tight despite the fun amenities.

Friendly staff offer to customize pizzas for kids. The place stays clean and has a buffet and arcade that kids enjoy. It hosts birthday parties with options for groups of children.

All-you-can-eat soft serve ice cream comes with cones and pairs well with a large sliced chocolate chip cookie. The soft serve machine is part of a buffet that includes dessert pizzas and a salad bar.

People are saying

"The pizza buffet here is great, with always a new pizza to try."

"It's a really kid friendly place with a fun game room."

"The soft serve ice cream comes with cones."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays are when kids eat free at Pizza Ranch.

2

The buffet offers all-you-can-eat pizza, ice cream, and chicken.

3

Expect limited pizza options available at a time, with quick turnover.

17
Twisted Cookie image 1

Bakery with a clean, quaint aesthetic and wide variety of unique cookies and desserts. Atmosphere feels cozy yet modern, but seating is limited, encouraging takeout. Popular spot known for homemade treats and specialty cookies that change regularly.

Kids enjoy the cookie monster shake and a special cupcake cookie for birthdays. Staff ask children not to touch the glass to keep it clean.

Soft serve here comes with rich chocolate syrup and pairs well with brownie bites in creations like the Brownie Twirl. Expect freshness and a wait time over 20 minutes for a cone.

People are saying

"You can blend homemade treats like brownies into a delicious milkshake."

"You can get brownie bites mashed between chocolate syrup and soft serve."

"This place is amazing and Kid Friendly, like a tornado of tastiness!"

Good to know

1

You can order ahead online for pickup or delivery if you're in a rush.

2

Twisted Cookie stays open until 10PM or 10:30PM in the summer.

3

Street parking is easy around 9 PM.

18
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers individual hot pots and a customizable sauce bar with complimentary snacks and desserts. Atmosphere mixes hip decor with TVs playing sports and K-pop videos, creating an inviting and cozy vibe. Seating favors larger groups, and temperature varies from chilly near windows to hot inside.

Staff show attentiveness to kids and make birthdays feel special with music and care. The hotpot includes a mildly spicy Sichuan half that toddlers can enjoy safely.

Soft serve comes with a variety of sauces and fresh fruit options. It is included as a free dessert with the all-you-can-eat system.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and really good."

"The staff here are so attentive and caring with kids."

"I loved the soft serve ice cream and all the sauce options."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over one hour during peak dinner hours.

2

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot for a set price.

3

Parking validation is available for customers using the paid parking lot.

19
Kurimu wicker park image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers a cozy, warm interior with peanut-themed decor and a half-level indoor seating area. Atmosphere feels hip and efficient, creating a chill spot to hang out. Unique ice cream flavors stand out amid a modern, clean design.

Kids enjoy the Miffy cone with vanilla ice cream shaped like the character. The vanilla soft serve with Capโ€™n Crunch on a birthday cake in a waffle cone offers a fun treat. Families travel long distances, showing its appeal for children.

Soft serve comes in several in-house flavors with a unique pineapple swirl that is tart and tasty. The vanilla soft serve pairs well with toppings like Capโ€™n Crunch on a waffle cone.

People are saying

"The soft serve ice cream here is really yummy and great quality."

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique, like purple yam and black sesame."

"Their soft serve has such unique rotating flavors."

Good to know

1

There are no public restrooms available at Kurimu Wicker Park.

2

Street parking can be difficult to find in this busy area.

3

Expect to pay around $8 for two scoops of ice cream.

20
KURIMU Schaumburg image 1
Ice cream shop

Small ice cream shop with cute anime-themed decor and a cozy, artsy atmosphere that appeals to youth. Offers unique Japanese-inspired flavors and creative presentation like shovel-like spoons. Space feels slightly cramped but lively and fun.

Kid-friendly cones and fun decor create a welcoming spot for families. Kids enjoy the tasty ice cream and the playful atmosphere inspired by the Peanuts gang.

Soft serve comes in unique flavors like Ube, Lychee, Thai tea, pandan, and blackberry. Some options feature a gold flake sheet for a special touch, and both soft serve and hard ice cream are available.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has so many unique and delicious flavors."

"I loved trying all the unique soft serve flavors here."

"The ice cream flavors here are delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find and access.

2

The ice cream shop has a small seating area, especially when crowded.

3

Expect to pay around $35 for three scoops of ice cream.

21
Koi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Modern dining space offers all-you-can-eat sushi with innovative boat presentations and a diverse drink menu featuring Japanese and American cocktails. Atmosphere blends authentic Japanese vibes with casual, inviting energy suitable for various occasions. Self-serve soft serve ice cream adds a unique touch to the experience.

Plenty of options suit kids who don't like sushi, including a chicken katsu appetizer that offers protein. Pricing runs about $15 per kid, and the place is accommodating for toddlers.

Free, self-serve soft serve ice cream is available for everyone dining in. Vanilla flavor pairs well with dishes like banana tempura.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fantastic, super fresh, and beautifully presented."

"You can grab free soft serve ice cream on your way out."

"The sushi here is great and the fish tastes excellent."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs $25 for lunch and $32 for dinner.

2

Expect long wait times due to tablet ordering service.

3

The restaurant can get crowded on weekends, especially during lunch.

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