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Just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago, and behind the bright pink door, you’ll find the Museum of Ice Cream. It’s a kid-friendly experience that takes visitors into an immersive, ice-cream-themed wonderland.
My daughter still says our visit was the best day of her life!
Think Willy Wonka meets Instagram paradise, where every corner delivers a new, vibrant, fantasy-filled world dedicated to ice cream.
💡Planning a full family trip?
Start with our roundup of Fun Things To Do With Kids in Chicago for more ideas nearby.
Quick Things to Know
- Best for: Kids ages 7–11 (but fun for a wider range)
- Time needed: About 90 minutes
- Location: Just off Michigan Ave
- Treats: Unlimited ice cream, including vegan options
- Highlights: Sprinkle pool, mini-golf, interactive rooms, secret starry room
- Nearby: A short stroll from The Gwen Chicago
💡Staying downtown? The Museum of Ice Cream is just a short walk from The Gwen, which we reviewed in our Mother–Daughter Weekend in Chicago guide.
Entering the Museum of Ice Cream
Upon arrival, each visitor is invited to choose an “Ice Cream Name” – a fun and creative start to the journey. There are some ideas to give you inspiration, but you may want to start thinking of names beforehand to build anticipation with your kids.
Then, as you wait on a stationary pink trolley adorned with screens, you’re whisked away (virtually) in a fashion reminiscent of the trolley ride through Willy Wonka’s factory – thought not as creepy.
Where the Experience Begins
The adventure starts in a cocktail lounge/bar area, where adults can order ice cream themed cocktails. Your family’s journey begins to the left of the bar.
Jelly Bean Room
First you’ll step into a room that bursts with the charm of jelly beans – from wallpaper to creative installations. Here, you’re treated to a swirl of pink vanilla ice cream and sprinkles, a sweet start to the all-you-can-eat ice cream adventure.
Pro tip: Arrive hungry to make the most of the free ice cream.
Banana Room
Wander into a banana-themed room, where hundreds of soft bananas hang from the ceiling, creating a unique sensory experience. It’s just one of the many interactive installations that invite you to engage and play.
Interactive Rooms & Installations
From spelling out messages on a magnetic wall to discovering your “ice cream personality” based on your horoscope sign, the museum offers creative ways to interact and reflect on your sweet journey.
There’s also a section where you can discover all the different types of ice cream from around the world.
The inclusive options continue with a choice between two types of ice cream, including vegan selections, ensuring everyone has a chance to indulge according to their preferences.
Mini-Golf Course
Navigate a fantastical mini-golf course, where your obstacles include giant hot dogs, larger-than-life scoops of ice cream, and whipped cream bottles that are taller than the average person.
One of the standout holes on the course is the donut-themed challenge, where players are tasked with navigating their golf balls through an array of giant pink and white sprinkle-covered donuts.
Try the Hot-Dog Ice Cream
After you play some mini-golf, you can head to the hot dog stand where you can dare to try the iconic hot-dog flavored ice cream.
For those who might prefer a sweeter, more traditional treat, there’s an alternative—a delicious strawberry ice cream dipped in rich chocolate.
Frosted Animal Cracker Room
After mini-golf, you’re treated to a nostalgic experience as you enter a room themed around frosted animal crackers – complete with carnival games like “Cherry on Top” and “Scoop A Scoop”.
There are also giant sprinkled animal crackers your kids can climb on.
The Secret Room: Don’t miss the frosted animal cracker room’s secret starry wonderland – Look for the hidden door and spend a few minutes inside. It’s a magical moment worth discovering.
The Sprinkle Pool
The highlight for many is the sprinkle pool – an oversized pool filled with plastic sprinkles. It’s a place of pure joy, where kids (and adults) can dive into a world of imagination.
Our Family’s Review
After approximately 90 minutes and a second lap to revisit our favorite spots, we can confidently say that the Museum of Ice Cream is a hit for families, particularly appealing to kids aged 7-11, though kids a bit younger and older than that are likely to enjoy the visit, too.
That being said, if you’re looking for a true “museum” with objects of historical and cultural significance, look elsewhere!
Tips for Your Visit
- Duration: Allocate about 90 minutes for a full experience, and plan to walk through twice to get your full money’s worth.
- Eating Strategy: With the all-you-can-eat ice cream policy, planning your visit around meal times can make it even sweeter.
- Interactive Installations: Engage with the creative and interactive elements throughout the museum for a full experience.
- The Secret Room: Don’t miss the frosted animal cracker room’s secret starry wonderland – it’s a magical moment worth discovering.
The Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago is a celebration of ice cream’s joy, creativity, and community. For families looking for an outing that’s out of the ordinary, this is a place where sweet memories are made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Museum of Ice Cream Chicago
A: The Museum of Ice Cream is located just off Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago. Look for the bright pink doors!
A: Absolutely! It’s designed for families and kids of all ages, especially those aged 7-11. There are interactive installations, sweet treats, and plenty of fun photo opportunities.
A: Allocate about 90 minutes for a full experience. If you’d like to revisit your favorite spots, consider walking through twice to get the most out of your visit.
A: Yes! The ticket includes unlimited ice cream, with a variety of flavors and vegan options available. Be sure to come hungry to make the most of it.
A: Definitely! Adults can enjoy ice cream-themed cocktails in the bar/lounge area and engage with the creative installations. It’s a fun experience for all ages.
A: The sprinkle pool is a highlight of the museum – a giant pool filled with colorful, large plastic sprinkles where visitors can jump in, play, and take photos. It’s a hit for both kids and adults!
A: Yes, the Museum of Ice Cream offers vegan and inclusive options so everyone can enjoy the sweet treats.
A: Yes, the museum is full of interactive installations, including a mini-golf course, a magnetic message wall, and a horoscope-based “ice cream personality” quiz.
Arrive hungry to enjoy all the ice cream.
Take your time exploring the interactive installations.
Don’t miss the secret door in the frosted animal cracker room for a magical surprise!
A: Of course! The Museum of Ice Cream is designed with Instagram-worthy spots at every turn. Bring your camera or phone for vibrant and fun photos.
A: You can purchase tickets online in advance. 👉 Get your tickets here.
Looking for more sweet adventures?
Check out our guide to the Best Ice Cream Shops in Milwaukee for even more delicious spots to visit. Plus, don’t miss Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen which happens every year on the first day of Spring!
More Chicago Guides for Families
- 100 Best Family Attractions Around Chicago
- 35 Best Things to do With Kids in the Chicago Suburbs
- 5 Quirky Chicago Museums Your Kids Will Love
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
