As temperatures rise and you search for ways to keep cool with the kids, going out for ice cream is a favorite summertime outing. From hand-dipped cookies-and-cream piled high in a waffle cone to a scoop of mint chip sandwiched between super soft chocolate chip cookies, there are plenty of fresh, locally-made ice cream treats to sample at these unique creameries around town.

Inside Scoop Creamery

This quaint ice cream spot has a full menu boasting 20 new flavors made daily and a rotating variety almost weekly. Family-owned and focused on a small batch ice cream process, this spot guarantees its customers the freshest dips with flavors that include gluten-free and dairy-free options. Two metro Denver locations. 

Little Man Ice Cream

Little Man Ice Cream, located in a 28-foot-tall silver milk can, has quickly become a Denver staple. Grab a scoop from the extensive flavor menu and enjoy participating in Little Man’s Scoop for Scoop program, knowing that a scoop of rice and beans has just been donated to a community in need. 2620 16th St., Denver. 

Magill’s World of Ice Cream

Magill’s is one of the oldest locations on the list with more than 37 years of experience churning out more than 40 flavors, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options. The pickiest to the most adventurous eaters will find a flavor they can’t resist. 8016 W. Jewell Ave., Lakewood. 

Sweet Action

It’s easy to support a Colorado business that not only powers their shop with wind, but also uses compostable and recyclable packaging. Sweet Action creates a rotating daily menu of hand-dipped ice cream using fresh Colorado dairy and local produce and ingredients. 52 Broadway, Denver. 

Sweet Cooie’s

Upon entering the second location from the owner of Little Man you are coated in nostalgia and your fondest memories of hand-dipped ice cream, chocolates, and childhood. In the scoop-for-scoop tradition of Little Man, a portion of each scoop purchased here supports women’s education around the world. 3506 E. 12th Ave., Denver. 

Nuggs

Nuggs was founded by the O’Sullivan brothers—the same duo who started Brother’s BBQ—after the pair noticed the Park Hill neighborhood was lacking a good old-fashioned ice cream spot. Cones are made daily and dairy products are sourced locally. Ask about vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free options. 5135 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. 

High Point Creamery

Alongside traditional ice cream favorites like milk chocolate and vanilla bean, visitors to High Point Creamery will find a list of creative sweet and savory flavors. Husband and wife duo Erika Thomas and Chad Stutz wanted to bring Denver a “happy” experience serving up scoops, layered-ice-cream bombes, malts, and shakes. Three metro Denver locations.

Sweet Cow

With six locations from Boulder to Denver, there are great options to try their small-batch ice cream mixed in-house with locally sourced ingredients. Not only does Sweet Cow offer some of the creamiest dips for those with dairy allergies or intolerances, but also there are several rotating options. Six metro Denver locations. 

9 More Spots for Local Scoops

• Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, Denver
• Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato, Boulder, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and Lowry
• Heifer and the Hen Organic Creamery, Boulder
• Ice Cream Riot, Denver
• Liks Ice Cream, Denver and Conifer
• Milkbox Ice Creamery, Union Station Denver
• Rocket Ice Cream, Lowry
• Scrumptious Ice Cream, Longmont and Olde Town Arvada
• The Inventing Room, Denver