Scoops, Swirls & Sweet Summer Smiles!

When Colorado temperatures start climbing, there's only one thing on every family's mind... Where are we getting ice cream? 🍦

Whether you're craving a classic waffle cone, rich frozen custard, refreshing Italian Ice, creamy frozen yogurt, or an over-the-top dessert that's almost too pretty to eat, Southern Colorado has plenty of delicious places to cool off.

Here's Buzzy's guide to some of our favorite frozen treats around the Pikes Peak region. Grab the kids, hit the road, and treat yourself to something sweet!

🍨 Homemade Ice Cream

🍦 Josh & John's Ice Cream

📍 Multiple Colorado Springs locations

A local legend for nearly 40 years, Josh & John's serves rich, homemade ice cream with creative flavors like Purple Mountain Majesty, Almond Joy, Moose on the Loose, and Malted Mazel Toff. It's consistently one of the area's favorite ice cream stops.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Purple Mountain Majesty

🍦 Lolley's Ice Cream

📍 Downtown Colorado Springs & Monument

Small-batch, homemade, all-natural ice cream with plenty of classic favorites and seasonal creations. Their Monument location is a wonderful stop after exploring Palmer Lake or Limbach Park.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Superman Ice Cream

🍦 Colorado City Creamery

📍 Old Colorado City

A longtime family favorite known for creamy homemade ice cream, generous scoops, and an incredible self-serve sundae bar. Perfect after strolling through Old Colorado City.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Build-Your-Own Sundae

🍮 Frozen Custard

🍮 Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

📍 Colorado Springs

Silky smooth frozen custard paired with refreshing Italian Ice creates one of Rita's signature treats: the Gelati. It's a perfect combination on a hot summer day.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Mango Gelati

🍮 Culver's

📍 Multiple Southern Colorado locations

Fresh frozen custard made throughout the day, blended into creamy Concrete Mixers or served in sundaes and shakes.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Turtle Concrete Mixer

🍧 Italian Ice

🍧 Rita's Italian Ice

📍 Colorado Springs

Choose from dozens of fruity flavors that rotate throughout the season. Light, refreshing, and dairy-free options make this a great choice for everyone.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Mango Italian Ice

🍦 Frozen Yogurt

🍦 YoYogurt

📍 Stetson Hills, Colorado Springs

Choose your own flavor, then pile on the toppings! Fresh fruit, candy, cheesecake bites, cookies, sauces...the possibilities are endless.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Strawberry Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit

🍧 Snow Cones & Shaved Ice

🍧 Kona Ice

📍 Mobile throughout Southern Colorado

You'll often find Kona Ice at festivals, sporting events, school celebrations, and community gatherings. Kids love creating their own flavor combinations.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Tiger's Blood

🍫 Unique Frozen Desserts

🧪 The Ice Cream Lab

📍 Old Colorado City

One of the most unique dessert experiences in Southern Colorado! Watch your ice cream made with liquid nitrogen or try one of their famous rolled ice cream creations and ice cream tacos.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Ice Cream Taco

🍭 Frozen Gold

📍 Colorado Springs

Colorful soft-serve creations loaded with fun toppings like cotton candy, cereal, candy, and Pop Rocks. Every dessert feels Instagram-worthy!

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Cotton Candy Cone

🍓 The Paleta Bar

📍 Downtown Colorado Springs

Customize authentic Mexican paletas by dipping them in chocolate and adding your favorite toppings. A refreshing twist on traditional frozen treats.

🐝 Buzzy's Pick: Strawberry Cheesecake Paleta

🐝 Buzzy's Top Picks

🏆 Best Overall Ice Cream: Josh & John's

🍦 Best Homemade Scoop: Lolley's Ice Cream

🍮 Best Frozen Custard: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

🍧 Best Italian Ice: Rita's

🍭 Most Unique Dessert: The Ice Cream Lab

📸 Most Instagram-Worthy: Frozen Gold

🍓 Healthier Sweet Treat: YoYogurt

🌮 Most Creative Treat: Ice Cream Taco at The Ice Cream Lab

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Family Tradition: BJ's Velvet Freeze, a Colorado Springs favorite since 1954 known for classic soft serve, generous mix-ins, and nostalgic charm.

💡 Buzzy's Sweet Tips

🍦 Visit on weekday evenings to avoid long lines.

🍓 Ask about seasonal flavors...many local shops rotate limited-edition creations.

📸 Don't forget to snap a family photo before the first bite!

🧊 Keep napkins handy...melting happens fast during Colorado summers.

🚶 Pair your frozen treat with a stroll through Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Monument, or Downtown Colorado Springs for an extra-special outing.

💛 Buzzy's Final Buzz

Some of the sweetest family memories start with a simple question: "Who wants ice cream?" Whether you're celebrating a big milestone, cooling off after a day at the park, or simply looking for an excuse to spend time together, these local frozen treat spots offer something for everyone.

Support local when you can, try a new flavor, and don't be afraid to let the kids order the bright blue ice cream...sometimes the messiest treats become the best memories.

Happy scooping, Southern Colorado! 🍦🐝💗