The Best Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Frozen Treat Spots in Richmond, New Kent, Mechanicsville & Surrounding Areas
"There is nothing quite like a Virginia summer — and nothing quite like finding the perfect ice cream shop on a hot Saturday afternoon. As a mom, a Navy vet's wife, and someone who has lived all around the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas, I have made it my personal mission to try just about every frozen treat spot in the region. These are the ones my family keeps going back to — and the ones I recommend to every new family I help relocate to the area."
— Shannon Russell, MRP
Virginia summers are no joke. By late June, the humidity rolls in thick, the kids are on summer break, and the craving for something cold and sweet becomes borderline urgent. Lucky for all of us, the Richmond metro and surrounding areas are loaded with incredible local ice cream shops, frozen yogurt spots, and frozen treat destinations that go way beyond the chain-store scoop.
Whether you just moved to New Kent, you are a first-time home buyer exploring Mechanicsville neighborhoods, or you have been in Richmond for years and want to shake up your ice cream routine, I have put together a curated guide to 20+ of the best frozen treat spots across Richmond, New Kent, Mechanicsville, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, and the surrounding area. Every shop below is a real, locally loved business — not a national chain — with details on where to find them and what makes each one worth the drive.
New Kent County
New Kent may be known for its rolling countryside and new construction communities, but it also has some seriously underrated frozen treat spots — including two I personally love bringing my own family to.
Early Bird Cafe
2700 New Kent Highway, Quinton (New Kent County)
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. · Saturday–Sunday 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Type: Coffee & brunch cafe with specialty frozen drinks
Why it's special: Early Bird Cafe is a beloved New Kent County staple — a mobile coffee and brunch spot that has earned a loyal following across the community. Their menu features incredible specialty lattes (try the Beekeeper Latte, the Cinnamon Crunch, or the Nutella — all available iced), plus a full lineup of frozen blended drinks that are absolutely perfect for a hot Virginia day. The coffee is responsibly sourced, the brunch items are homemade, and the whole operation supports local New Kent businesses.
Family pick: Grab an iced specialty latte for the adults and a frozen blended treat for the kids. It is the perfect stop before a morning of house-hunting or after a visit to one of the New Kent new construction communities.
Kilted Creamery
10500 New Kent Hwy, Suite C, New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 557-4588
Type: Artisan ice cream creamery
Why it's special: Kilted Creamery is the hidden gem of New Kent County — a small-batch, artisan ice cream shop with creative, rotating flavors that you will not find anywhere else. The name alone tells you this place has personality, and the ice cream backs it up with rich, creamy textures and inventive flavor combinations.
Family pick: Ask about their seasonal specials — they often feature Virginia-inspired flavors that change throughout the summer.
Richmond City
Richmond is packed with indie ice cream shops, from classic homemade scoops to rolled ice cream, gelato, and creative frozen treats. Here are my top picks across the city.
Bev's Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe
2911 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804) 204-2387
Rating: 4.5 stars (97+ reviews)
Type: Homemade ice cream and cafe
Why it's special: Bev's is a Carytown institution — the ice cream is made right on site, the flavors are creative and change regularly, and the cafe vibe makes it a perfect hangout. Expect dense, rich, homemade scoops that taste nothing like store-bought. It is the kind of place locals plan their evening walks around.
Family pick: Grab a cone and stroll down Cary Street — it is one of the most walkable, colorful streets in Richmond.
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream
1400 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 525-5596
Rating: 4.7 stars (16+ reviews)
Type: Italian-style gelato and ice cream
Why it's special: Gelati Celesti brings authentic Italian gelato to Richmond — smoother, denser, and more intensely flavored than traditional American ice cream. With a rotating menu of flavors from classic pistachio to inventive seasonal creations, it is the place to go when you want something that feels a little more refined. The Arthur Ashe Blvd location is right near the Fan and the Museum District.
Family pick: The kids will love the classic flavors while the adults can try something more adventurous. Multiple RVA-area locations.
NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream
3313 W Cary St, Suite B, Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804) 690-2465
Type: Rolled ice cream (Thai-style)
Why it's special: Rolled ice cream is a show in itself — the base is poured onto a frozen surface, mixed with your choice of toppings, and scraped into beautiful spirals right in front of you. NarWhals makes the whole experience feel interactive and fun, which is exactly what you want when you bring the kids. The flavors are creative, the presentation is Instagram-worthy, and the narwhal theme is just delightful.
Family pick: Let the kids watch the rolling process — it is half the fun. Great for a birthday treat or a special family outing.
Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co.
2416 Jefferson Ave C4, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804) 818-6889
Type: Small-batch craft ice cream
Why it's special: Spotty Dog brings an artisan, craft-first approach to ice cream in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood. The name is charming, the branding is adorable, and the ice cream itself is top-tier — smooth, flavorful, and made with care. This is exactly the kind of small local business that makes Richmond's food scene so special.
Family pick: Pair a visit with a walk along the Church Hill neighborhood — the architecture and views of downtown are beautiful.
Scoop RVA
403 Strawberry St, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 918-4455
Type: Ice cream shop
Why it's special: Scoop RVA is a cozy neighborhood ice cream spot right on Strawberry Street in the Fan District. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, the scoops are generous, and it is the perfect stop after a walk through the Fan's beautiful tree-lined streets.
Family pick: Strawberry Street is one of the most walkable streets in the Fan — great for a family stroll with ice cream in hand.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
3500 W Cary St C150, Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804) 292-0615
Type: Premium craft ice cream
Why it's special: Jeni's is a national brand with serious craft credentials — they are known for buttercream-forward ice cream that is smoother and more flavorful than anything in the grocery store. The Carytown location fits perfectly with the neighborhood's eclectic, art-forward vibe. Flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter are legendary.
Family pick: Carytown has so many shops and restaurants that you can easily make an afternoon of it — ice cream, window shopping, and a meal.
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream
3600 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 231-2030
Rating: 4.1 stars (42+ reviews)
Type: Coffee and ice cream cafe
Why it's special: Crossroads is a Southside Richmond gem — equal parts coffee shop and ice cream parlor. For the adults who want a cold brew and the kids who want a sundae, this is your spot. The Forest Hill Avenue location is in a charming part of Southside, making it a great stop for families living in the area or exploring neighborhoods nearby.
Family pick: Perfect for a dual-purpose treat run — coffee for you, ice cream for the kids.
The Treat Shop RVA
6114 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 918-5125
Rating: 4.5 stars (22+ reviews)
Type: Ice cream and treats shop
Why it's special: The Treat Shop is a beloved Southside destination for ice cream, frozen treats, and sweet snacks. The "RVA" in the name says it all — this is a Richmond shop through and through, with a welcoming atmosphere and consistently great scoops.
Family pick: They also have an Iron Bridge location for families deeper in Chesterfield.
Mechanicsville
Mechanicsville is one of the most family-friendly suburbs in the Richmond metro, and its frozen treat scene reflects that — a great mix of local parlors, real ice cream shops, and frozen yogurt spots that are perfect for a post-dinner outing.
The Lazy Cow Ice Cream Parlor
7038 Mechanicsville Tpke, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 597-1071
Type: Classic ice cream parlor
Why it's special: The Lazy Cow is exactly the kind of place every Mechanicsville family needs — a proper ice cream parlor with a welcoming, old-fashioned feel. The name alone sets the tone: slow down, relax, and enjoy a great scoop. The portions are generous, the flavors are classic, and the staff treats every kid like they have known them forever.
Family pick: This is the quintessential "Friday night ice cream run" spot for Mechanicsville families.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream — Bell Creek
8309 Bell Creek Rd (The Shoppes at Bell Creek), Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Phone: (804) 559-5905
Type: Real ice cream (made fresh daily on-site)
Why it's special: Bruster's makes their ice cream fresh every day, right in the shop — no pre-made tubs shipped from a factory. The result is noticeably better: richer, creamier, and more flavorful than just about any chain scoop you have tried. The Bell Creek location is in the popular Shoppes at Bell Creek, making it easy to pair with dinner or shopping.
Family pick: Their waffle cones are made fresh and are a must-order. The kids go wild for the mix-in options.
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream — Mechanicsville
9357 Atlee Rd, #1105, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Phone: (804) 277-2006
Type: Italian-style gelato and ice cream
Why it's special: The Mechanicsville location of Gelati Celesti brings the same high-quality Italian gelato to the Atlee Road corridor that their Richmond locations are known for. Smooth, dense, and intensely flavored — perfect for families in the northern part of Mechanicsville.
Family pick: Located near the Atlee Station area — easy to swing by after errands or a park visit.
Hanover & Ashland
Hanover County blends rural charm with suburban convenience, and its frozen treat scene includes a real standout local creamery plus some reliable favorites.
Lickinghole Creek Creamery & Gifts
10386 Leadbetter Rd, Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: (804) 800-5100
Type: Farm creamery and gift shop
Why it's special: Lickinghole Creek Creamery is the kind of place that makes Hanover County feel like rural America at its best. This is a real farm-based creamery — the ice cream is made from milk produced on local farms, and the flavors reflect that farm-to-cone philosophy. They also have a gift shop, so you can pick up locally made goods while you enjoy your scoop.
Family pick: This is a destination — plan a trip out to Ashland and combine it with a drive through the scenic Hanover countryside.
Henrico County
Henrico has plenty of frozen treat options — from reliable frozen yogurt chains to specialty shops near the Short Pump and Laburnum corridors.
sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt — White Oak
4550 S Laburnum Ave, #120, Richmond, VA 23231
Phone: (804) 222-4808
Type: Self-serve frozen yogurt
Why it's special: sweetFrog is a Virginia-born brand, and the White Oak location is a great go-to for families in eastern Henrico and the Varina area. The self-serve model means kids can customize their own cups with as many flavors and toppings as they want — and you only pay by weight. It is a fun, low-stress option when everyone in the family wants something different.
Family pick: The topping bar has dozens of options — fresh fruit, candy, cookies, and syrups. Kids love building their own creations.
Chesterfield, Chester & Midlothian
The Southside corridor — stretching from Chester through Midlothian to North Chesterfield — has some of the best family-friendly ice cream spots in the region. From farm-style real ice cream to frozen yogurt and locally owned treat shops, there is something for everyone.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream — Robious Road
11501 Robious Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 320-4728
Rating: 4.5 stars (80+ reviews)
Type: Real ice cream (made fresh daily)
Why it's special: The Robious Road Bruster's is one of the highest-rated ice cream shops in the entire Chesterfield area. Like all Bruster's locations, the ice cream is made fresh every day on site — and the North Chesterfield location serves a growing neighborhood of families who have made this their go-to summer treat spot.
Family pick: Located near the Robious Road corridor — easy to hit after soccer practice or a trip to the library.
Patty's SweetFrog Westchester
15568 Westchester Commons Way, Midlothian, VA 23113
Phone: (804) 378-7651
Rating: 4.5 stars (20+ reviews)
Type: Self-serve frozen yogurt
Why it's special: Patty's SweetFrog at Westchester Commons is a Midlothian favorite — and the "Patty's" branding gives it a more personal, locally owned feel compared to a typical chain. Located right in the Westchester Commons shopping center, it is the perfect stop to cap off a shopping trip or a family outing in the Midlothian area.
Family pick: The self-serve setup is ideal for families with multiple kids who all want something different.
Wally's Sweet Spot
4220 Celebration Ave, Chester, VA 23831
Phone: (804) 454-0723
Type: Local ice cream and sweets shop
Why it's special: Wally's Sweet Spot is a Chester community favorite — a locally owned shop in the Celebration Avenue area that serves generous scoops with a friendly, neighborhood feel. This is the kind of place where the staff remembers your kids' names and your favorite flavor.
Family pick: Perfect for families in the Chester area — quick, friendly, and always satisfying.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream — Hull Street
11221 Hull St, Midlothian, VA 23112
Phone: (804) 744-4518
Type: Real ice cream (made fresh daily)
Why it's special: This Hull Street Bruster's serves the heart of Midlothian — and because Bruster's makes everything fresh, every visit tastes like the first. With dozens of flavors and the ability to create custom shakes, sundaes, and concretes, this location handles families of all sizes with ease.
Family pick: The Hull Street corridor is one of the busiest family areas in Midlothian — easy to combine with dinner or an evening drive.
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream — Stony Point
3004 Stony Point Rd, Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 320-0000
Rating: 4.5 stars (23+ reviews)
Type: Italian-style gelato and ice cream
Why it's special: The Stony Point Road location of Gelati Celesti serves the Bon Air and Southside communities with the same outstanding Italian gelato that has made this brand a Richmond-area favorite. Smooth, dense, and beautifully made — it is a step above what you get at most ice cream shops.
Family pick: Located near Stony Point Fashion Park — perfect for a treat after shopping at the mall.
The Treat Shop — Ironbridge
6501A Iron Bridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23234
Phone: (804) 857-2142
Type: Ice cream and treats shop
Why it's special: The Ironbridge location of The Treat Shop serves families in the Iron Bridge and Chesterfield corridor with the same friendly service and great scoops as their Jahnke Road sister shop. A solid, dependable spot for a reliable treat.
Family pick: Conveniently located near the Iron Bridge area — easy to grab a scoop on your way home.
Farmer's Ice Cream
Midlothian, VA 23113
Phone: (804) 647-4825
Type: Farm-style ice cream
Why it's special: The name says it all — Farmer's Ice Cream is all about that farm-fresh, homemade quality. Based in Midlothian, this is a Virginia-made ice cream brand that focuses on quality ingredients and classic flavors. If you want ice cream that tastes like it came straight from a dairy farm, this is your spot.
Family pick: A great choice when you want something wholesome and Virginia-made.
Shannon's Frozen Treat Pro Tips for Families
Timing matters
Most ice cream shops are least crowded on weekday afternoons between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. are peak family time — expect lines but also the best atmosphere.
Make it an outing
Pair your ice cream stop with a nearby activity — farmers markets, splash pads, park visits, or a neighborhood walk. It turns a simple treat run into a full family outing and helps kids burn energy before and after the sugar.
Bring napkins (lots of them)
Virginia humidity melts ice cream faster than any air conditioning can save it. Always grab extra napkins, keep the car cool, and have a backup plan for the drips. Trust me — I have three kids and a minivan full of napkin evidence.
Support local
Every shop in this guide is a real local business with real people behind it. When you spend your money at these places, you are supporting the communities that make living here so special. Plus, the ice cream is almost always better than any chain.
Finding a Neighborhood with Treats Just Around the Corner
One of the things I always tell families relocating to Virginia: when you are choosing a neighborhood, look beyond the house itself. Think about what the everyday experience looks like — can you walk to an ice cream shop? Is there a local coffee place nearby? Are there family-friendly spots within a ten-minute drive? These small details are what turn a house into a home and a community into a place you love.
The great news? Across Richmond, New Kent, Mechanicsville, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas, there are frozen treat spots just about everywhere you look. Whether you end up in a new construction community in New Kent, an established neighborhood in Mechanicsville, or a suburban street in Midlothian, there is always a great scoop nearby.
And if you are new to the area and want help finding the right neighborhood — one with great schools, convenient commutes, and an ice cream shop within reach — that is exactly what I do. I would love to help you find home.
Curious about New Kent? Visit my New Kent community guide at NewKent.shannonshomelist.com for the full scoop on neighborhoods, schools, events, and local favorites.
Shannon Russell
Military Relocation Professional (MRP) & Realtor®
Shannon helps military families, first-time home buyers, and local Virginia sellers navigate real estate transitions with clarity and peace of mind. Having lived all around the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas, she knows the neighborhoods, the communities, and the family-friendly spots that make each one feel like home. Many of her clients become lifelong friends.
Call Shannon today (804) 803-1080 or click "Get in Touch"
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