Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Graeter's Ice Cream
★4.3(44 reviews)$$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers delight in watching the ice cream-making process through the windows, while older kids and teens appreciate choosing from the extensive flavor menu and exploring the candy selection. The nostalgic atmosphere makes it a multi-generational favorite.🧡 Saved by 7 families
About
Graeter's Ice Cream in charming Mariemont Square is a Cincinnati institution where kids can watch their ice cream being made in small batches using the French Pot method. Famous for their massive chocolate chips and unique flavors, this location offers a sweet treat destination that doubles as a lesson in local culinary tradition, all while enjoying the quaint village atmosphere of Mariemont.
Highlights
- ✓Watching the French Pot ice cream-making process through viewing windows
- ✓Signature chocolate chips that are famously enormous and delicious
- ✓Seasonal and classic flavors made fresh in small batches
- ✓Charming candy counter with nostalgic treats
- ✓Beautiful Mariemont Square setting perfect for strolling with ice cream in hand
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday afternoons to avoid the after-dinner rush and secure outdoor seating in the Square for people-watching
- 2.Ask for a sample before ordering,staff are generous with letting kids try flavors, especially helpful for indecisive little ones
- 3.Their famous black raspberry chocolate chip is a Cincinnati favorite, but seasonal flavors rotate regularly so check what's new
- 4.Park in the Mariemont Square lot and take a stroll around the village before or after,it's walkable and family-friendly with lovely architecture
- 5.Buy a pint to take home since you're already there,it saves a trip and the kids love having 'their flavor' in the freezer
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM offer the shortest waits, or visit on weekend mornings for a special breakfast treat. Summer evenings get crowded but offer the best atmosphere for enjoying ice cream outdoors in the Square. Winter visits are quieter and feel extra cozy.
What to Know
Expect to spend $5-8 per person for a serving. Parking is available in the Mariemont Square lot just steps away. The shop also sells candies and baked goods, so budget a bit extra if kids start browsing. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though summer brings the longest lines and most festive atmosphere. Fall features seasonal flavors like pumpkin. December offers holiday flavors and gift-giving options. The outdoor seating in Mariemont Square is most enjoyable spring through fall.
Follow Graeter's Ice Cream
Nearby Eats
The National Exemplar restaurant is steps away in Mariemont Square for family-friendly American dining, or visit Dewey's Pizza nearby for kid-approved pizzas before your ice cream dessert.
More Activities Near Mariemont
Adventure
Miami Bluff Drive
Free
Miami Bluff Drive offers a peaceful, easy-to-navigate walking trail that hugs the scenic Little Miami River, making it perfect for families with young children or those new to hiking. The flat, well-maintained path provides beautiful river views, chances to spot wildlife like herons and turtles, and plenty of opportunities for kids to explore nature without the challenge of steep terrain.
Park
Bell Tower Park
★4.7Free❤️11
Bell Tower Park is a charming community park in the heart of Mariemont that offers families a perfect blend of active play and relaxation. With well-maintained playground equipment, tennis courts, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn energy while parents enjoy the peaceful neighborhood atmosphere and perhaps spread out a picnic blanket.
Theater
Mariemont Theatre
★4.6$❤️144
Step back in time at this charming single-screen movie theater that's been delighting Cincinnati families since the 1940s. The Mariemont Theatre offers a refreshingly nostalgic moviegoing experience with family-friendly films shown in a beautifully preserved historic setting, complete with vintage charm and a welcoming small-town atmosphere that makes movie night feel extra special.
Park
Dogwood Park
★4.5Free❤️17
Dogwood Park serves as Mariemont's vibrant community hub, offering families a year-round destination for organized youth programs, seasonal camps, and community events. With its impressive 4.5-star rating from nearly 200 reviews, this well-loved recreation center provides both structured activities and open play opportunities that keep local families coming back throughout the year.