Best Ice Cream in Portland: 5 Fun and Family-Friendly Spots
When the sun shines over Portland (or even when it doesn’t, because ice cream is an all-weather treat!), nothing beats heading out for a sweet treat with the family. If you’ve lived here forever or you’re just in town for the day, this guide to the best ice cream in Portland, Oregon will have you planning your next delicious outing. These spots aren’t just about amazing flavors… they’re all family-friendly and perfect for making memories. Let’s go!

1. Sugarpine Drive-In (Troutdale)
Sugarpine is the ultimate combo of nostalgic charm and modern flavor innovation. The drive-through option is a lifesaver for families, but if you have time to stop, the outdoor seating is perfect for little ones to stretch their legs. The sundaes here are next level—try the tiramisu and mascarpone sundae for an indulgent treat, or the vanilla with matcha and honeycomb for something unique. They also have amazing food if you go inside! Insider tip: They add gratuity automatically, even in the drive-through, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
- Location: 1208 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR
- Parking: Free parking available, but it gets busy!
- Kid-friendly features: Outdoor seating and generous kid-size ice cream portions.

2. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty (Mississippi District)
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty is a pizza place first, but don’t sleep on their creamy, dreamy ice cream! The flavors are smooth and rich, perfect for sampling (yes, you can taste before you commit!). It’s not a sit-and-eat kind of place unless you’re staying for pizza, but grab a cone and stroll through the boutique-filled Mississippi District.
- Location: 4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR
- Parking: Street parking; weekends can be tight so you may have to walk a bit
- Kid-friendly features: The sampling fun! Plus, the nearby shops are great for a post-ice-cream wander.

3. Fifty Licks (NW 23rd)
Fifty Licks has a unique formula, a lighter ice cream that is the perfect mix of ice cream and frozen yogurt. The flavors are inventive, with plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options clearly labeled, great for families with dietary needs. Don’t skip the gluten-free waffle cone. It’s so good it practically melts in your mouth!
- Location: 1647 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR
- Parking: Limited street parking; walkable from nearby neighborhoods.
- Kid-friendly features: Clear allergen labeling makes it easy for parents of kids with sensitivities.

4. Cheese & Crack (Burnside)
This quirky shop is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Their rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream is the perfect base for the must-try Cheese & Crack sundae, topped with marshmallow crème, thick chocolate ganache, and just the right ratio of toppings to ice cream. The indoor seating area has plenty of greenery, and the outdoor patio is covered with charming vines—a great spot for wiggly kids to hang out. They also have a small selection of wine, beer, and small plates (most of them involving cheese!).
- Location: 22 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR
- Parking: Small lot and street parking available.
- Kid-friendly features: Patio seating makes it easy to relax while kids enjoy their treats.

5. Premium Matcha Café Maiko (SE Portland)
For families with teens who are all about keeping up with the latest trends, this is the spot. Matcha is having a serious moment right now, and Premium Matcha Café Maiko’s soft serve is next-level. My favorite is the swirl of salted cream cheese and matcha—the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory. Your teens will love snapping pics of their treat for Instagram almost as much as eating it!
- Location: 3416 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR
- Parking: Easy parking in their lot.
- Kid-friendly features: Perfect for trend-savvy teens who can’t get enough of the matcha craze!
Q&A: Which ice cream spot is best for your family?
Which Portland ice cream shop has the best gluten-free options?
Fifty Licks on NW 23rd is a great pick for families with dietary restrictions. They clearly label gluten-free and dairy-free options, so there’s no guessing. Even the waffle cones are gluten-free and taste amazing! Everyone in the family can find something they’ll enjoy.
What’s the best family-friendly ice cream spot with outdoor seating?
Sugarpine Drive-In checks all the boxes for a fun family outing. The outdoor seating area lets kids stretch their legs while enjoying their ice cream (bonus: the portions are huge, even for kids!). Plus, you can grab your treats to-go through the drive-through if you’re short on time.
Which ice cream shop in Portland is good for picky eaters?
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty lets you sample their flavors before you commit, making it ideal for kids (or adults) who have a hard time deciding. It’s also located in the fun Mississippi District, so you can enjoy your treat while exploring the nearby shops.
What’s the best spot for unique sundaes in Portland
Cheese & Crack on Burnside has sundaes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their Cheese & Crack sundae features marshmallow crème and thick chocolate ganache—perfect for families who want a little extra flair with their ice cream outing.
Where can I take my teens for trendy ice cream in Portland?
Premium Matcha Café Maiko is the place to be! Matcha is super popular right now, and this café delivers with creamy soft serve that teens will love. The swirl of salted cream cheese and matcha is a standout, and it’s perfect for snapping an Instagram-worthy shot. It’s a fun way for your teen to feel “in the know” about the latest food trends.

Want to make more family memories?
Portland’s ice cream scene has something for everyone, and visiting these spots with your family is a fun way to spend time together. Enjoying a favorite flavor or trying something new makes for great memories, and while you’re at it, why not capture them?
I’m a family photographer who specializes in candid, joy-filled portraits. If you’re planning a family outing, a golden-hour session, or just want to document this stage of life, I’d love to help you create photos you’ll love looking back on.