Summer is winding down and school is lurking just around the corner, much to the dismay of kids all over. Cheer up your soon-to-be scholars with a trip to one of Seattle's many spectacular ice creameries, and enjoy the last of these lazy summer days. Here are a few of Seattle's Child's favorites:
Parfait
From food-truck darling to elegant and welcoming storefront in Ballard, Parfait offers the full "farm-to-cone" experience. They make everything from scratch, in-house, from local and all-organic ingredients, even down to the sprinkles. Aside from the traditional cones with a wide range of flavors, kids go nuts for the macaron or brownie ice cream sandwiches, as well as the old-school push-pops. The mint stracciatella, made from homegrown spearmint and Theo chocolate, is a treat for Mom and Dad, and a number of cakes and pies are available to bring home to make any party feel special. 2034 NW 56th St., Seattle, parfait-icecream.com
Bluebird
Seattle's premier microcreamery and brewery offers a little something for everyone. Owner Josh Reynolds combines handmade ingredients with those sourced from local favorites Elysian Brewing and CaffÈ Vita to make some truly delicious treats. Kids go crazy for the phenomenal chocolate pudding ice cream, while thirsty parents can kick back with one of their house-brewed beer floats. Locations in Capitol Hill, Fremont and Phinney Ridge, facebook.com/bluebirdicecrm
Full Tilt
For the ultimate end of summer treat for the kiddos, head to one of Full Tilt's four locations around Seattle. Between bites of ice cream, kids can spend their time playing on the numerous new and vintage arcade and pinball machines. A number of eclectic sodas are available to choose from, as well as a wide range of craft beers on tap. (Bonus for the vegan crowd: Full Tilt makes some of the best vegan ice cream in town.) Locations in Ballard, Columbia City, U District and White Center, fulltilticecream.com
