7 Must‑Try Frozen Treats to Beat Dallas’ Summer Heat
Brazilian‑Style Filled Pops at Picole Pops
Deep Ellum & Bishop Arts District
Those who crave a decadent twist on classic popsicles will love Picole Pops’ Brazilian‑style gourmet paletas. The brightly painted storefront offers ample seating, and the 3D popsicle art invites both kids and teens to snap Instagram‑worthy photos. Parents, meanwhile, can indulge in an impressive selection of alcohol‑infused pops.
Must‑try flavors: Banana stuffed with Nutella stands out, and the chocolate‑avocado is a unique option. For a parent‑friendly choice, the Mango Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri are refreshing.
Fruity Pops at Pop Factory
Uptown
Since their 2013 launch, Pop Factory has been Dallas’ pioneer in the popsicle craze. Their pops are crafted from natural ingredients and whole fruits, delivering a vitamin‑rich treat for the whole family. Each serving also contains 3.5 % ABV, giving parents a tasty adult option.
Recommended flavors: Kids will love Banana Nutella or Strawberry Velvet, while parents can savor the Margarita, Sangria and Pina Colada.
Cuban Ice Cream at Azucar Ice Cream Company
Bishop Arts District
Originating from Miami’s Havana neighborhood, Azucar in Bishop Arts offers ice cream and sorbet made with locally sourced, all‑natural ingredients. The menu features kid‑friendly flavors like Marshmallow S’mores and Oreo Cookies’ n’ Cream, as well as adult‑only, alcohol‑infused Cuban classics.
Parent favorites: Café con Leche (Cuban coffee & Oreo) and Mantecado (Cuban Vanilla). For a spirited twist, try Willy Cherrino (Bourbon‑infused), Rum & Raisin, or Blushing Cuban (Rum).
OG Waffle Cones at Cauldron Ice Cream
Uptown
Cauldron Ice Cream, a fresh addition to Dallas’ frozen‑treat scene, delivers warm bubble waffle cones topped with uniquely flavored ice cream. Though alcohol isn’t on the menu, the sophisticated flavors—Vietnamese Coffee, Earl Grey Lavender, and Sea‑salted Caramel—offer a grown‑up experience for parents.
Kid‑friendly choices: S’mores, Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry Shortcake, and Double Chocolate Chip.
Snow Cones at The Grove at Harwood
Uptown
The Grove at Harwood serves signature hand‑spun milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, and a famed selection of snow cones. Non‑booze flavors start at $4, while the adult‑only options begin at $9. The outdoor setting, complete with family‑friendly games, makes it an ideal spot for a sunny day.
Top picks: Mango Madness with Mango Vodka, The Cha Cha (Rum Chata & Caribbean Rum), and The Cheeky Cherry with Cherry Vodka.
Milkshakes and Soda Floats at Select Start
Deep Ellum
Select Start blends an old‑school arcade parlor with a fully stocked bar. Kids can enjoy classic milkshakes and soda floats, while parents can add vodka or Jack Daniels. The bar’s signature cocktails—named after arcade hits like Frogger, Tilted Towers, and Princess Peach—add a nostalgic twist.
Must‑try drinks: Classic milkshakes and soda floats (Coke, Dr Pepper, vanilla cream). For adults, explore the arcade‑themed cocktails.
Popwich and Gelato Shakes at Popbar
Victory Park
Popbar offers customizable pops, gelato pops, yogurt pops, and the popular gelato popwich—a gelato flavor sandwiched between two chocolate cookies. Their reinvented milkshake comes served in a milk‑jug cup topped with a chocolate‑dipped waffle cone and whipped cream, a family‑friendly delight.
Flavor highlights: Chocolate and Caramel, Pina Colada, Choc Green Tea Crunch, and six popular gelato shake varieties. No alcohol is offered, making it suitable for all ages.
