Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Peterson's Ice Cream Depot
★4.4(325 reviews)$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes👶 Perfect for all ages! Toddlers (2+) love choosing colorful toppings and watching their sundaes being made, while older kids (8+) enjoy trying adventurous flavors and building custom creations. Even teenagers appreciate the quality homemade ice cream and laid-back vibe.🧡 Saved by 8 families
About
Peterson's Ice Cream Depot has been a beloved family destination since 1984, serving up homemade ice cream flavors that keep both kids and parents coming back for more. This charming downtown Silver Spring shop offers a welcoming atmosphere where families can indulge in classic sundaes, creative frozen treats, and generous scoops of handcrafted ice cream made right on-site.
Highlights
- ✓Homemade ice cream crafted on-site with unique rotating flavors
- ✓Build-your-own sundae options that let kids customize their perfect treat
- ✓Generous portion sizes that often satisfy even hungry teenagers
- ✓Friendly, patient staff who welcome curious kids watching the ice cream-making process
- ✓Classic ice cream parlor atmosphere that feels nostalgic for parents and exciting for kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekday afternoons (2-4pm) to avoid the after-dinner rush and have more space for little ones to decide on flavors without pressure
- 2.Ask for a free taste before committing,the staff is incredibly accommodating with indecisive kids trying to choose between flavors
- 3.Bring cash if possible as small family-owned shops sometimes have card minimums or prefer cash transactions
- 4.Check their seasonal flavor board for limited-time options that rotate throughout the year,kids love feeling like they've tried something special
- 5.Grab extra napkins before sitting down, especially with toddlers, as homemade ice cream tends to melt faster than commercial brands
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2-5pm offer the best experience with shorter lines and less chaos. Summer evenings get very crowded with families, so arrive right when they open if visiting on weekends during peak season.
What to Know
Very budget-friendly with most treats under $6-8. Street parking is available on Main Street in downtown Silver Spring, though it can be limited during peak hours. The shop has a few indoor seats but many families enjoy their treats while strolling downtown.
Seasonal Notes
Summer months (June-August) are their busiest season with longest hours and occasional special flavors. Some family-owned ice cream shops reduce hours or close temporarily in winter months, so call ahead during November-February. Watch for special flavors around holidays like pumpkin in fall and peppermint during winter.
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Nearby Eats
Since this is an ice cream shop, consider having dinner first at nearby family-friendly spots in downtown Silver Spring like Jackie's Restaurant (American comfort food) or Eggspectation (breakfast/brunch all day with kids' menus), then walk to Peterson's for dessert.
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