Top-rated Ice Cream Destinations in the Hamptons and North Fork Perfect for Children
For families with kids in Riverhead, Mattituck, Southold, and Southampton, Long Island's East End offers a delightful array of ice cream experiences. Here are some top picks that cater to children's sweet tooth and create memorable summer moments.
Dari-Land in Riverhead is a beloved old-school spot, known for its classic twist ice cream topped with chocolate sprinkles. With a nostalgic, local charm, it's an ideal destination for kids and families seeking a taste of tradition [2].
Shock Ice Cream in Westhampton Beach, near Southampton, offers a kid-friendly setting perfect for summer treats. They serve delicious ice cream and waffle cones, making it a popular choice for families [4].
Smusht, though its exact location is not specified, specialises in custom ice cream sandwiches, called "Smushts." Kids can create their own flavours by choosing from 21 ice cream flavours, cookies, and toppings, or opt for traditional cones, sundaes, and shakes [5].
The Whale’s Tale on Shelter Island provides ice cream, along with mini-golf and other kid-centric activities, making it a great option for a family outing near the Southold area [4].
While no specific top ice cream shops were detailed for Mattituck itself, the nearby spots in Riverhead, Southold area, and Southampton (with Westhampton Beach being very close) represent some of the best child-friendly ice cream experiences on the East End of Long Island. Dari-Land in Riverhead stands out as particularly beloved for simple, classic ice cream treats for kids [2].
For a wider selection of sweet treats, including ice cream, The Port Jefferson Frigate, located further west on Long Island, offers a large variety of gelato and ice cream, among other confections [1].
In Southampton, Sip 'n Soda boasts a retro, pop-culture feel with posters of famous patrons on the walls. Known for its summer drink, The Lime Rickey, as well as a variety of ice cream confectionery items and breakfast and lunch options, it's a must-visit [3].
A La Mode, known for its allergy-friendly facility and menu in East Hampton, offers handcrafted, small-batch ice cream in a nut-free, sesame-free, egg-free environment. Popular ice cream flavours for kids include Cookies, Partly Cloudy, Pink Sprinkle, Nutella, and Salted Caramel [3]. A La Mode also hosts birthday parties on-site and offers delivery via third-party apps [6]. Moreover, its NYC flagship facility maintains the same standards for those living or visiting the city [6].
The Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton serves lunch, homemade ice cream, and milkshakes. Known for serving Butter Pecan, Maple Walnut, and Rum Raisin ice cream, it's a popular spot among locals [3]. Birthday cake and Oreo are popular ice cream flavours for kids [3]. Interestingly, The Candy Kitchen is cash-only [3].
These ice cream spots offer great options for families to enjoy sweet treats in the Long Island East End towns. Enjoy your summer treats!
References: [1] The Port Jefferson Frigate: https://www.theportjeffersonfrigate.com/ [2] Dari-Land: https://www.dari-land.com/ [3] Sip 'n Soda: https://www.sipnsoda.com/ [4] Shock Ice Cream: https://shockicecream.com/ [5] Smusht: https://smusht.com/ [6] A La Mode: https://alamodeicecream.com/
At Dari-Land in Riverhead, families can celebrate special occasions like birthdays with classic twist ice cream and a touch of childhood nostalgia, making it an excellent lifestyle choice for creating memorable moments [2].
Shock Ice Cream in Westhampton Beach, near Southampton, offers entertaining activities such as mini-golf along with delicious ice cream, making it an ideal spot for birthday parties and summer entertainment for kids [4].
