Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
J P Licks - Coolidge Corner
★3.8(337 reviews)$$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes👶 Perfect for all ages! Toddlers enjoy simple classics like vanilla and chocolate, while older kids and teens love adventurous flavors like Cake Batter or seasonal specialties. The coffee bar also makes it a great spot for parents to grab their caffeine fix.🧡 Saved by 17 families
About
This beloved Brookline institution has been delighting families since 1981 with its creative homemade ice cream flavors and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Coolidge Corner. Kids love choosing from the colorful array of flavors visible through the glass cases, and the location's proximity to nearby shops and parks makes it a perfect pit stop during a family outing.
Highlights
- ✓Watching ice cream being made through the window into the production area
- ✓Dozens of creative homemade flavors including vegan and dairy-free options
- ✓Cookie Monster ice cream (bright blue with cookie chunks) is a perennial kid favorite
- ✓The nostalgic neighborhood feel with locals who've been coming for decades
- ✓Custom ice cream cakes perfect for birthday celebrations
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday afternoons to avoid the after-dinner rush when lines can stretch out the door, especially on warm evenings
- 2.Park in the municipal lot behind Coolidge Corner Theatre (off Stedman Street) for easier access than hunting for street parking on Harvard Street
- 3.Ask for a taste before committing,the staff is generous with samples, which helps indecisive kids make their choice
- 4.Grab extra napkins! The homemade ice cream is rich and melts quickly, especially in summer
- 5.Check their custom cake options if you're planning a birthday,they make creative ice cream cakes that kids love
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2-5 PM offer shorter lines and a relaxed vibe. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings during summer when crowds peak. Winter visits are cozy and less crowded, making it easier to enjoy their hot coffee drinks alongside ice cream.
What to Know
Expect to spend $5-8 per person for ice cream. Limited indoor seating fills quickly, but Coolidge Corner has benches outside and the nearby playground at Amory Park is a 5-minute walk. Cash and cards accepted.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer brings the biggest crowds and occasional seasonal flavors. Fall features pumpkin and apple cider flavors. During Boston winters, hot chocolate and coffee drinks become popular alongside the ice cream. Holiday-themed ice cream cakes available for special occasions.
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Nearby Eats
The Coolidge Corner area offers great family dining options like Kupel's Bakery (2 blocks away) for bagels and sandwiches, or Zaftigs Delicatessen (5-minute walk) for generous portions of comfort food that kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Brookline
Playground
Amory Playground
Free
Amory Playground is a beloved Brookline gem that offers something for every age, from its refreshing spray pool perfect for hot summer days to modern climbing structures that challenge active kids. Located steps from Coolidge Corner, families can easily combine playground time with shopping or grabbing a bite, making it an ideal destination for a full morning or afternoon out.
Park
Larz Anderson Park
Free
Larz Anderson Park is Brookline's crown jewel for family outdoor fun, spanning 64 acres of rolling hills with activities for every season. From winter sledding and ice skating to summer picnics and playground adventures, this park offers spectacular Boston skyline views and even houses the Larz Anderson Auto Museum,America's oldest car collection,right on the grounds.
Playground
Waldstein Playground
Free
Waldstein Playground is a beloved Brookline neighborhood gem that offers something for every member of the family. With its diverse mix of climbing structures, swings, sandbox play, refreshing spray features for hot days, and adjacent tennis courts, this well-kept playground provides hours of active fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Playground
Playground
★4.9Free
This beloved Brookline community playground on Harvard Street offers something for everyone with its modern, well-maintained equipment, spacious open fields for running around, and basketball courts for older kids. The friendly atmosphere makes it a neighborhood favorite where families naturally gather on weekends, creating a welcoming environment for both regulars and first-time visitors.