Beat the Boise Heat: Your Guide to the City’s Coolest Treats

Fall may be creeping onto the calendar, but Boise’s still serving up plenty of summer heat. And with school back in session, an icy treat is the perfect after-class reward for your hard-working scholars—or, let’s be honest, for yourself. Hop on your bikes, stroll through town, or swing by your favorite shop after (or before) dinner. We don’t hate the idea of dessert first, just to be sure you don’t run out of room! Better safe than sorry, right?

Enjoy a classic cone, a sky-high sundae, or a shake that doubles as a work of art. Our roundup highlights five of Boise’s sweetest stops for frozen indulgence, plus more can’t-miss spots across the valley. It doesn’t matter if you’re a chocolate-dipped traditionalist, a swirl fan, or a flavor thrill-seeker, there’s a chilly delight waiting to make your day a little cooler (and a lot sweeter).

Goody’s in the North End, Soft Landing on State St.

Featured Favorites: 

Goody’s Soda Fountain

A Hyde Park landmark, Goody’s Soda Fountain has been delighting locals and visitors alike for decades with its authentic, old-fashioned charm. Step inside and you’re greeted by the nostalgic aroma of fresh waffle cones and the sight of gleaming candy jars — a true throwback to the classic American soda shoppe. Their rich, creamy ice cream comes in a variety of decadent flavors, ready to be dressed up with your choice of toppings. On warm days, the patio is the perfect perch to soak in Hyde Park’s lively, neighborly energy.

Hawkins Pac-Out

A true Boise institution, Hawkins Pac-Out has been serving up nostalgia (and seriously good burgers) for generations. This landmark drive-thru is more than a quick stop, it’s a tradition for North End residents and a must-hit on the way to Bogus Basin for hiking, mountain biking, or the adventure park. While their burgers and fries are legendary, the frozen treats deserve their own spotlight: creamy soft-serve cones, hand-spun shakes, frosty floats, and spins with more than 20 toppings to mix and match. The “shake of the month” keeps things fresh with playful, creative flavors. Pull up, roll down your windows, and soak in that old-school roadside vibe.

Soft Landing

Tucked into the edge of downtown, Soft Landing has quickly become the go-to destination for soft-serve lovers. Chic and welcoming, it offers classic vanilla and chocolate alongside a couple of rotating seasonal flavors, all made to swirl into perfection. A rainbow of toppings and drizzles let you turn your cone or cup into a work of art. It’s the kind of spot where you might run into a neighbor, bump into friends fresh from the Greenbelt, or stroll over from the North End on a warm summer evening.

The STIL

A true Treasure Valley favorite, The STIL crafts small-batch ice cream using fresh Idaho milk and absolutely no artificial flavors, colors, or additives. The menu changes daily with more than 20 flavors, from creamy classics to adventurous combinations, plus vegan options, ice cream sandwiches, and affogatos made with locally roasted espresso. Adults can indulge in their signature booze-infused creations, while kids (and kids at heart) stick with tried-and-true favorites. With five locations across the Treasure Valley, The STIL has grown from a local gem into a regional sensation.

DIPS Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bars

DIPS puts a creative spin on a summer classic with its hand-dipped ice cream bars. Now in its second summer of sweet success, this Nampa-based food truck has expanded to McCall, bringing its signature dipping magic to more Idaho towns. The process is part of the experience: choose your ice cream bar flavor, pick a dip (think rich chocolate or colorful candy coatings), add a crushed topping, and finish with a decadent drizzle. From special featured bars to build-your-own creations, the possibilities are endless. 

We all scream for Boise’s cold treat scene—from nostalgic soft serve to artisanal gelato, here’s where to chill out in style:

Soft Serve Magic & Milkshake Bliss

Big Bun – A Boise Bench legend for 70 years, Big Bun serves up classic diner food alongside a dazzling range of ice cream flavors, shakes, and floats – plus vegan and dairy-free picks. Now also in Garden City.

Fanci Freez – A time capsule of frozen fun for 75 years. Famous for classic soft serve and milkshakes, this spot is pure nostalgia in a cone.

Hawkins Pac-Out – More than a burger stop! Think 20+ toppings for soft serve, wild shake-of-the-month flavors, and the perfect pit stop before hitting Bogus Basin.

Soft Landing – Chic, bikeable, and all about the soft serve. Rotating flavors, endless toppings, and neighborly vibes make this a North End gem.

Westside Drive In – ’50s diner charm with sundaes, shakes, gluten-free goodies, and the legendary Idaho Ice Cream Potato.

Dee’s Ice Cream Trolley – Hyde Park’s cutest cold treat stop. Picture a striped umbrella, picnic table, and a cone after Camel’s Back Park.

Scoops, Sundaes & Small-Batch Wonders

Delsa’s Ice Cream Parlour – Serving homemade happiness since 1962, with over 130 flavors and locally sourced goodness.

Lovejoy’s Real Ice Cream – A family-run favorite with dairy-free flavors and specialty sundaes.

Goody’s Soda Fountain – Old-fashioned charm in Hyde Park with sundaes, floats, and candy shop nostalgia.

Negranti Creamery – Unique sheep’s milk creations alongside vegan and cow milk options.

Reed’s Dairy – Over 80 flavors made with fresh Idaho milk.

Sea Salt Creamery – Handcrafted scoops in Star with a side of cookies, pies, and cake.

Snake River Creamery – Artisanal small-batch flavors like lavender ube and blueberry ricotta.

Stella’s Ice Cream – 20+ in-house flavors and vegan options at over 15 locations.

The Creamery – Eagle’s seasonal scoop shop.

The STIL – Small-batch Idaho ice cream with booze-infused options, vegan flavors, and ice cream sandwiches.

Frozen Yogurt, Rolled Ice Cream & More

Blue Cow – Froyo, gelato, and 50+ toppings in SE Boise.

Black Market Gelateria – Chic gelato spot for your Euro-scoop fix.

C4 Creamery – Rolled ice cream fun at Boise Towne Square.

DIPS Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bars – Custom-dipped creations from a Nampa and McCall food truck.

Karrie Anne’s Frozen Desserts – Italian ice, gelati, and custard from a beloved food truck.

Mi Linda Michoacana – Authentic Mexican-style popsicles, fruit bars, and creamy delights.

MJ’s Italian Ice & Custard Cafe – Dairy-free Italian ice plus classic custard.

Mojo’s Donuts and Ice Cream – Epic donut-ice cream combos.

The Fizzy Cow – Funky sodas and vegan ice cream at Green Acres Food Truck Park.