My Favorite Ice Cream Spots Around Howard County, MD

We've updated this guide for Summer 2026 with the latest information for your summer treat planning.

Looking for more foodie inside scoops? Check out my blog on: My Guide to the Best Donuts in Maryland. If there’s one thing I love, it’s a sweet treat!

If you know me, you know that when temps start climbing, I’m basically on a mission to find the perfect scoop (not gossip, ice cream). And when you’ve got kids, a good ice cream outing can feel like the highlight of the week. Luckily, here in Howard County, MD we are absolutely spoiled with delicious, family-friendly ice cream to cool off and indulge.

So whether you’re a chocolate-all-the-way person, a classic vanilla fan, or someone who gets way too excited about seasonal flavors (hi, same), here are some of my very favorite ice cream and snowball stops right here in HoCo!

Central/Eastern Howard County

The Charmery — Columbia

Address: 6000 Merriweather Dr Suite B185, Columbia, MD 21044

If you haven’t been to The Charmery in the Merriweather District yet, let me just say, GO! This is a classic business born and bred in Baltimore, The Charmery is colorful, whimsical, and just fun. They’re known for super creative flavors like Maryland Mud, Malty Vanilla Chip, and even an Old Bay Caramel that sounds strange but somehow works. I love that they lean into local flavor (literally and figuratively), and their scoopers are always so friendly. We’ll grab a cone here and walk around the area, great excuse for a post-dinner stroll.

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard — Columbia

Address: 6470 Freetown Rd #205, Columbia, MD 21044

Okay, if you’ve never tried frozen custard, this is your sign to stop by The Meadows Original Frozen Custard. It’s smoother, richer, and somehow even more satisfying than regular ice cream. Their menu is definitely original, you won’t find a place like this often. From their hand made Apple Dumplings to their Shakes. The best thing that i’ve had while stopping by is what they call a Turtle. It’s basically vanilla custard, caramel, pecans and hot fudge. Is your mouth watering? Because mine is just writing this.

Pete’s Snowballs — Columbia

Address: 9220 Old Montgomery Rd, Columbia, MD 21045

Maryland summers + snowballs = match made in heaven. Pete’s has so many flavors, it’s a little overwhelming (in a fun way). My kids love the “rainbow” option, and I’m all about a classic egg custard with marshmallow. You can also add ice cream in the middle, which is kind of genius. This place just feels like summer.

Pete’s Snowballs is also ran by Greek-Americans, so everything is fresh. They press their own olives, and they make their own fresh honey that they incorporate into their snowball flavors. It’s just so authentic.

Cindy’s Soft Serve — Elkridge

Address: 6330 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075

Cindy’s Soft Serve feels like stepping into a time capsule, in the best way. It’s got that retro roadside ice cream stand charm. My kids always ask for rainbow sprinkles (non-negotiable), and I go classic with a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate. Simple. Perfect. Summer in a swirl. They do have variety though depending the type of person you are, so whether your looking for traditional soft serve, sundaes or snowballs, they have it all!

Kyoto Matcha — Ellicott City

Address: 10045 Baltimore National Pike Ste A6, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Okay, so Kyoto Matcha isn’t your typical ice cream shop. While I actually have not been here yet I have been wanting to try it forever. They serve more than just ice cream but their ice cream is what I’ve heard they are known for. They serve Matcha soft serve, in parfait form, in a cup or in a cone. Just by the look of it, it looks smooth, pretty and honestly gives me such aesthetic vibes. So if you’ve tried let me know what you think and I will definitely be popping over some time this summer!

Rita’s Italian Ice — Ellicott City

Address: 9095 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Yes, it’s a chain. Yes, we still go all the time. Rita’s is a classic for a reason: Italian ice, frozen custard, and the unbeatable Gelati combo. Mango with vanilla custard is my forever fave, but my kids are partial to cotton candy. Great for post-game treats or random Tuesday nights.

Soft Stuff Ice Cream — Ellicott City

Address: 10039 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

If you haven’t been to Soft Stuff yet on Rt 40 in Ellicott City…get yourself there now. Their soft serve ice cream is always delicious, but if you’re craving more options than the usual chocolate, vanilla, and twist, their shop is known for adding even more variety with their signature flavor bursts. Imagine a tall cone of creamy vanilla infused with a with a vibrant ribbon of one of their 8 flavor options. It makes for a tasty AND pretty summer treat (my favorite is the mocha cappuchino—yum!)

EC Diner — Ellicott City

Address: 10055 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21042

Ok, hear me out. I know this is a diner and not an ice cream shop. But I can’t make a list of places to get an ice cream treat without including the extreme milkshakes at EC Diner! These shakes are absolutely colossal. Like big enough to share with the whole family (or to keep all to yourself, no judgement from me!). I love that their milkshakes are handspun, and are a feast for both your eyes and your stomach. It’s impossible not to smile when you see the mega chocoholic extreme shake coming to your table, especially when you see the towering slice of double chocolate cake, chocolate cupcake and all the candies they managed to pile on top. Perfect for celebrations or just because!

Ky Ky’s Hawaiian Ice — Ellicott City

Address: 4892 MD 104 Ellicott City MD 21043

Craving something tropical? Then head over the Ky Ky’s in Ellicott City (in the same shopping area as HoCo BrewHive). The colorful and flavorful shaved ice and soft serve will transport you to some far away vacation place. The menu is packed with creative combinations you’ll want to try as soon as possible!

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream — Ellicott City

Address: 9396 D Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Bruster’s, is brand new to Ellicott City, but they have already made quite the name for themselves. Their menu of flavors is massive and incredibly unique. They are always rotating and right now their newest flavor is Chocolate Blackout Cake, which legit sounds like a chocoholic’s dream. Bruster’s is the perfect summer nights spot. Although the line can get long the service is insanely quick. The servings are perfect, the flavors are spot on and the ambiance? Couldn’t get better.

Park Ridge Creamery — Old Ellicott City

Address: 3741 Hamilton St, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Park Ridge Creamery, located in Old Ellicott City right next to Little Market Cafe, holds a huge place in my heart. After all of the floodings in Old Ellicott City, Park Ridge Creamery was able to come about and really make that area what it is now. Their flavors are bold, fun and always rotating. Peanut Butter Oreo is a crowd pleaser in our house, and their blueberry cheesecake was a total hit too. Plus, Old Ellicott City is just such a fun area to walk around with a cone in hand. Grab a scoop, window shop a bit, and make a little afternoon of it.

The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar — Old Ellicott City

Address: 8225 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Okay, we have to start here because The Crazy Mason is a full-on experience. Think massive mason jar milkshakes stacked with brownies, cookies, sprinkles, basically your childhood dreams come true in a jar. We usually split one between me and the kids because they’re that big, but every visit is like a mini celebration.

Pro tip: go early or on a weekday to beat the lines!

Catonsville Scoops — Catonsville

Address: 821 Frederick Road, Suite 100, Catonsville, MD 21228

We’re gonna call this spot Howard County adjacent. Right down the road from Old Ellicott City, you can find the delicious Catonsville Scoops. Serving up South Mountain Creamery ice cream (iykyk), this ice cream shop just feels like a neighborhood spot. The staff is always friendly, and you can taste any flavor before committing. Stop in and try their cones, shakes, and sundaes.

Opie’s Soft Serve & Snow Balls — Catonsville

Address: 1603 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228

Ok, last one that I’ll put on the Eastern Howard County list that is actually just over the county line into Baltimore County…but this one is worth is. Opie’s has been a snowball institution for 40 years, and their soft serve is a local favorite. If you can’t choose between a snowball and cone, try their snow dream that combines the two! And the ice cream cookie sandwiches taste like they are fresh baked…because they are!

Western Howard County

The Snowball Stand — Woodstock

Address: 1970 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163

This one is legendary. People line up for these snowballs, and for good reason. Over 50 flavors, picnic tables, a beautiful gazebo, shade, and that old-school charm that feels like a slice of Maryland summer nostalgia. We usually stop here after hikes at Patapsco or when we just want to slow down and chill (literally and figuratively).

My absolute favorite thing to get when I go here is the dole whip. It’s unique because you can’t find dole whip in many places. But, The Snowball Stand has Pineapple and Strawberry dole whip that you can even twist together. Its out of this world and so refreshing.

Alex’s Snow Cones — Lisbon

Address: 16041 Frederick Road, Lisbon, MD 21765

This has to be one of the cutest little ice cream stands I’ve ever seen. Alex’s is located at the Myer’s Mini Barns, right by the intersection of 144 and 94. The family story is adorable, and it was named after the owner’s son. You can also make this a true family outing! Alex’s also sells hotdogs along with their ice cream, snow balls, and soft serve, and you can enjoy all of your treats while the kids play on the fun play structures and you relax in one of the colorful adirondack chairs.

Pro Tip: This stand is cash only, so come prepared!

The Snowy Spoon — Clarksville

Address: 12260 Clarksville Pike , Clarksville, MD, 21029

The Snowy Spoon is new to the Howard County summer treat scene, but that makes me want to try them out even more! Their snowball menu has a flavor list a mile long, and they also have a list of speciality snow balls (my kids would be alllllll over the unicorn snow ball with it’s gourmet lollipop and cotton candy topper!). Along with classic snowballs, you can also find lemonade slushies, Italian Ice, and high quality candy. I can’t wait to try them out!

The Frosty Flamingo Snowballs — Cooksville

Address: 2325 MD-97, Cooksville, MD 21723

You may not have heard of the Frosty Flamingo yet, but with a name like that you won’t forget it! This is another new snowball stand this year, and I am loving the vacation vibes I get from their pink and teal stand. Try one of their 30 different flavors, or treat your 4-legged friend to a free pup cup!

Firehouse Creamery — Sykesville

Address: 7610 Main Street, Sykesville, MD 21784

Ok, now we’re crossing the HoCo border again, but this time just barely into Carroll County off of rt 32. Firehouse Creamery is a local favorite serving South Mountain Creamery ice cream in a quaint small town setting. Come in for a cone, some soft serve, a sundae or ice cream cookie sandwich, stay for the patio and train watching outside! Along with Ice cream and treats, you can also browse their selection of locally sourced breads, pies, cakes and cookies. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, you’ll find something here!

Start Your Ice Cream Adventure in Howard County, MD

I like to think of ice cream outings as our family’s version of pressing “pause.” Whether it’s the four of us squeezed around a picnic bench, my kids giggling over whose cone is melting faster, or me sneaking off for a solo swirl, I swear ice cream just makes life feel lighter.

If you’re looking to make your own summer ice cream circuit, I hope this gives you a good place to start, and let me know if I missed any of your faves!