Where to Find Cool Treats in Des Moines

Where to Find Cool Treats in Des Moines

As the mercury creeps higher, Des Moines families begin to look for more ways to beat the heat. If your taste buds are craving a frozen treat, look no further! From delicious ice cream and frozen custard to Italian Ice and froyo, here are a few places where you can find a cool treat in the Des Moines metro.

[Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 precautions, some of the following businesses may have adjusted their hours or menus. They may also be serving take out or curbside only. Please check with each place directly to verify their hours of operation before heading out.]

7 Places to Find Cool Treats in DSM:

8 Degrees Rolled Ice Cream & Bobba Tea

1315 31st Street, Suite A • Des Moines, IA 50311 • (515) 274-9625

This vibrant Drake neighborhood Thai ice cream spot serves up a variety of traditional Asian flavors including green tea as well as American favorites like cookies and cream and s’mores. They also serve a variety of Bobba Teas, including Milk Teas, Fruit Teas and Smoothies. 

Chocolaterie Stam

3 Locations: Valley West Mall, Outlets of Des Moines & Ingersoll Road

This confection shop best known for their decadent chocolates also serves up some rich and creamy gelato and a fruit based sorbetto. Their gelato is made with local organic milk from Picket Fence Creamery and they also offer gluten-free options.  They’re flavors change seasonally, so be sure to stop by to sample their new flavors.

El Michoacano Ice Cream & Mexican Food

2922 Merle Hay Road • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 277-1826

Stay cool with some refreshing agua frescas, paletas, nieves and other cool treats in Urbandale.  If you haven’t tried at least one of these cool treats, you’re missing out.  Aqua fresca translates to “cool waters” and are typically made with fruits like honeydew, watermelon and more.  Your kids will love paletas, which are basically fancy popsicles, made with a number of ingredients and dipped in chocolate or other toppings.  Nieve, which is the Spanish term for snow, is a water-based ice cream made with natural fruits and other ingredients.  All will hit the spot on a hot summer day!

Nosh Café & Eatery

424 E Locust Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 280-5277

Nosh is a casual eatery concept, located in the East Village, offering frozen yogurt, smoothies, and grab-and-go meals and snacks with an emphasis on healthy, local options. It’s a perfect pit stop for a cool treat after a fun downtown Des Moines summer adventure. And, be sure to check out their froyo pies which are the perfect addition to your family celebrations.Where to Find Cool Treats in Des Moines – dsm4kids.com

Rita’s Italian Ice

9250 University Avenue • Hawthorne Plaza Suite 109 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 987-4444

One kid wants a snow cone, the other an ice cream cone…what’s a mom to do?  Check out Rita’s Italian Ice where you can enjoy smooth, creamy, custard topped and Italian ice. The only question that remains is ice, custard or both?

The Juice Company

845 42nd Street • Des Moines, IA 50312 • (515) 334-9917

This locally owned spot in the Shops of Roosevelt will be your new favorite place to pop in for a cold-pressed juice and treat the kids to a special smoothie. (Order your smoothies with fat-free frozen yogurt or enjoy it non-dairy). Then take your healthy glass and enjoy it in the shop or take it to go and mosey through a local park.

Totally Rolled Ice Cream

5545 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 103 • West Des Moines IA 50266 • (515) 222-4422

Ice cream lovers can get their roll on at this West Des Moines spot that serves hefty portions of fresh, made-to-order rolled ice cream complete with loads of yummy toppings. In addition, to their storefront location, you can also find them out and about with their ice cream trailers. Invite them over to your next event!

If you didn’t find what you’re looking for on this list, be sure to check out our other roundups:

Best Shave Ice Spots in Des Moines
Chill Out at One of these 5 Great Ice Cream Places in Des Moines
5 Hot Spots for a Cool Summer Treat in Des Moines
5 Cool Ice Cream Shops in Des Moines
The Scoop on the Sweetest Ice Cream Shoppes in Des Moines

 

 

Where is your favorite spot to grab a cool summer treat in Des Moines? Tell us in the comments section below!