Skip to main content

Cold Stone Creamery

2.0(65 reviews)$$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes👶 Best for ages 2 and up. Toddlers enjoy watching the mixing process and choosing their own toppings, while older kids love creating their own unique flavor combinations. The interactive ordering experience appeals to elementary-aged children especially.

About

Cold Stone Creamery offers a fun, interactive ice cream experience where kids can watch their favorite flavors mixed on a frozen granite stone with endless mix-in possibilities. The custom creation process is entertaining for children, and the signature singing staff adds an extra element of fun when you tip. Though reviews are mixed, it remains a popular sweet treat destination for families looking for a quick dessert stop.

Highlights

  • Watching ice cream mixed on the frozen stone right in front of you
  • Choosing from dozens of mix-ins including candy, fruit, nuts, and brownies
  • Creating your own unique flavor combination
  • Staff singing when customers tip (kids find this hilarious)
  • Custom ice cream cakes available for birthday celebrations

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Go during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons) to avoid long lines and let kids take their time choosing flavors without feeling rushed
  2. 2.Share creations between siblings to try multiple flavor combinations and avoid ice cream overload,the portions can be quite generous
  3. 3.Ask for samples before committing,staff will let kids try flavors, which helps indecisive little ones make choices
  4. 4.Bring wet wipes or napkins as the mix-ins can get messy, especially with younger children
  5. 5.Consider ordering online ahead of time during busy summer evenings to skip the wait

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons between 2-4pm offer the shortest wait times. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings during summer when lines can extend out the door. Post-dinner hours (7-9pm) are typically the busiest.

What to Know

Located in a shopping center with ample parking. Expect to spend $7-12 per person depending on size and mix-ins. The shop offers limited seating, so plan for takeout if visiting with a larger family.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round. Summer months (June-August) are busiest with longest wait times. Consider visiting during fall and winter for a cozy treat with minimal crowds. Holiday-themed creations and flavors appear seasonally.

More Activities Near Bellingham

Park

Cornwall Park

Free

Cornwall Park is Bellingham's beloved community gathering spot, offering 65 acres of well-maintained green space perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, wide open fields ideal for soccer or frisbee, and picnic areas surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding landscape, this park delivers everything needed for a memorable family day out.

Theater

BAAY Theatre

5.0$

BAAY Theatre delivers professional, high-quality theater productions specifically crafted for young audiences in an intimate setting. With classic fairy tales reimagined and original stories that spark creativity, this beloved Bellingham theater has earned a perfect 5-star rating from families who appreciate productions that engage children while maintaining theatrical excellence.

Adventure

Larrabee State Park

4.7Free

Larrabee State Park is Washington's first state park and a Pacific Northwest gem where families can explore rocky beaches, tide pools teeming with sea creatures, and forested trails with breathtaking views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. The park's 2,683 acres offer everything from easy shoreline strolls to more challenging hikes, making it perfect for families who want to combine beach play with outdoor adventure.

Park

Lake Padden Park

4.7Free

Lake Padden Park is a 150-acre outdoor playground that offers families endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With a sandy swimming beach, well-maintained playground equipment, miles of hiking and biking trails around the lake, and spacious picnic areas, this Bellingham gem has something for every family member to enjoy throughout the day.