Menchie's

Menchie's in University Park's charming Snider Plaza offers the ultimate interactive dessert experience where kids become frozen yogurt artists. This self-serve shop lets children choose from dozens of rotating yogurt flavors and pile on as many toppings as they want, making it both a fun activity and a delicious treat that keeps families coming back.

• ✓Self-serve yogurt machines that kids can operate themselves
• ✓Extensive topping bar with fresh fruit, candy, nuts, sauces, and sprinkles
• ✓Rotating flavor selection including dairy-free and no-sugar-added options
• ✓Colorful, cheerful atmosphere perfect for celebrations or casual family outings
• ✓Sample cups available to try flavors before committing

1. 1.Weigh your cup before filling to teach kids about portion control,you pay by weight, so this helps avoid sticker shock at checkout
2. 2.Visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for special deals and smaller crowds compared to weekend rushes
3. 3.Let younger children practice at the sample cups first before filling their big cup to avoid waste and meltdowns
4. 4.Grab a booth near the window for easy cleanup and people-watching in Snider Plaza
5. 5.Take advantage of Menchie's reward app for free yogurt after multiple visits,kids love tracking toward their free treat

Weekday afternoons between 2-4pm offer the quietest experience with freshly stocked toppings. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when the shop gets crowded with teens and date-nighters. Summer evenings after 7pm can also be busy but festive.

Pricing is by weight (typically around $0.55-$0.65 per ounce), so a typical kids' cup runs $4-7 depending on how generous they are with toppings. Free parking is available in the Snider Plaza lot, and the shop is stroller-accessible with plenty of seating.

Open year-round with air conditioning making it a perfect summer escape. Watch for special promotions around Halloween (spooky toppings) and winter holidays (peppermint and seasonal flavors). Back-to-school season often features student discounts.

Snider Plaza offers several family-friendly options within walking distance including Mi Cocina for Tex-Mex and Paciugo Gelato if you want to compare frozen treats. Urban Market is great for casual sandwiches before hitting Menchie's for dessert.