Sweet Treats! Best Kids' Ice Cream Shops and Desserts on Long Island

Let's be real—Long Island runs on sugar. From legendary ice cream parlors to bakeries older than your grandparents, we take our sweets **very** seriously. And we should—dessert isn't an afterthought here, it's a **family tradition, a weekend ritual, and an economic driver**. Are you looking for the best soft-serve cone or a cookie so good it should be illegal? We've got the best places to get your next sugar fix.

 Why Long Islanders Can't Get Enough of Sweets

It's not just in your imagination—**Long Island dessert culture is booming**. The National Restaurant Association indicates that dessert sales in America have increased by **12% over the past five years**, and **handcrafted, locally made desserts are in the highest demand**. **$9.9 billion worth of ice cream was sold in 2023**, and bakeries have made a comeback, as more and more consumers want artisan, small-batch desserts.

On Long Island specifically, **small business owns the dessert market**, with family-run ice cream shops and bakeries growing at nearly **double the rate as national franchises**. Supporting them isn't just about indulging yourself with something sweet—it's an investment in the local economy and local jobs.

The Best Family-Friendly Ice Cream and Dessert Spots to Visit

1. Marvel Frozen Dairy (Lido Beach)

This is not just an ice cream stand—it’s a **Long Island summertime institution**. Established in business over **60 years**, Marvel Frozen Dairy is famous for **twist cones, rainbow sprinkles, and the beloved crunch coat topping**. During the height of summer, expect to wait outside the door, as thousands flock here seasonally. **Local’s tip:** Take your cone and watch an unforgettable sunset on the beach.

2. Douglas & James Ice Cream (Port Washington)

If you have a **preference for natural ingredients over artificial flavors**Douglas & James is the place to find yourself. Their **handcrafted, small-batch ice cream** is made from local dairy, offering **creamier, better-quality textures**. Their **dairy-free options** make it a hit with food-allergy families, as the market for **plant-based desserts, which have grown by 27% over the past year**keeps growing.

3. Herrell's Ice Cream (Huntington)

Herrell’s is famous for **creating the "Smoosh-In" technique**—fresh mix-ins, which are added directly into the ice cream. Their **housemade hot fudge and seasonal rotating flavors** keep things fresh year-round. This store enjoys a large number of visitors during the busy festivals and activities in Huntington, so it is a must-stop destination for tourists and locals.

4. Buttercooky Bakery (Floral Park, Manhasset, Huntington)

Not only a bakery, but an **institution on Long Island**, Buttercooky is a bakery that has been producing **European-style pastries, specialty cakes, and their famous rainbow cookies** since **1962**, under the same ownership and operation by the same family. With dessert customization on the rise (a **15% increase in personalized cakes in the last two years**), Buttercooky is keeping up while maintaining an old-world charm.

5. Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour (Massapequa)

For a real throwback, Krisch’s is the destination. This 1950s-themed ice cream parlor and diner is renowned for skyscraping sundaes, rich milkshakes, and Brooklyn-style egg creams. The "Kitchen Sink" sundae is renowned, drawing ice cream aficionados from across Long Island. Classic diners such as Krisch’s contribute to **heritage tourism, an $171 billion industry in America.

Beyond the Sweets—Why These Establishments Matter

Long Island dessert shops are more than merely satisfying a craving—they are community pillars. They attract visitors into downtown centers, generate local jobs, and typically are large contributors to charitable donations and sponsorships to schools and sports teams.

Financially, standalone dessert store development is 3.8% ahead of restaurant development, showing that **customers want quality, nostalgia, and unique experiences more than they want to get dessert quickly**.

And let's not forget the **cultural importance**—these shops are where **first dates, birthdays, and weekend routines are established**. They give us a glimpse into childhood and an appreciation of Long Island’s culinary heritage.

Find Your Sweet Spot—And Your Dream Home!

Long Island is where you will discover **some of the country's best dessert and ice cream shops**, all providing **local craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity**. Are you a chocolate lover, cookie monster, or ice cream traditionalist? There is a store on this list that will **bring you back again and again**. Thinking about moving to a community with great schools, close-knit neighborhoods, and the best local bites? Dean Miller knows Long Island inside and out. Moving, investing, or just looking to find the perfect spot to get a cone? Let's talk. Sweet homes and sweet treats—what more could you ask for? Contact me today!

📞 Call or text: (516) 535-9698
📩 Email: Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com
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🏡 Your perfect neighborhood—just like your favorite dessert—is waiting for you! 🍪🍦 Let's find it together!