You're searching for things to do in a big city, and an interesting but expensive activity pops up... but is the Museum of Ice Cream really worth it?? The short answer is YES - but here is why!
When we visited the location in NYC a few years ago, the Museum of Ice Cream's first location had just opened. We debated whether we should use our precious layover time to do a non-cultural activity with the kids, but we ended up giving it a try... and we all loved it! The kids have been asking on every trip since then whether the desitination city has an ice cream museum, so on our most recent trip to Chicago we surprised them with tickets to the new location there! It didn't disappoint!
A note to say that you'll read other reviews online complaining... saying it's all about the photos or the ice cream isn't gourmet... and they aren't totally wrong. But if you have KIDS who love ice cream, you'll love the pictures you get and they won't care that the ice cream is only semi-gourmet (which is actually impressive given the price)... in summary, it's 100% worth it and here is why!
Is it a museum?
This is a valid question. Despite the name, it's barely a ‘museum’. There are facts and games about ice cream and related history throughout the small museum. Don't expect to learn anything mindblowing, as it's mostly about having fun. Activites might include voting for your favorite way to eat ice cream (cup or cone), smelling and guessing various ice cream flavors, and playing on the equipment (think swings, a carousel horse, an interactive arcade game).
Is it all about the photos?
There are also SO MANY opportunities for 'Instagram worthy' photos. The space is set up so you walk through several differnt rooms. Every space has a different theme, and it's meticulously curated to create the perfect photo ops. The themes are also influenced by the destination city, like a pink El Train car in Chicago and pink subway car in NYC.
Is there free ice cream?
But the best part? All the bigger rooms have a different ice cream being served… and you can visit as many times as you want - all ice cream is included in your ticket. And these aren't just regular scoops of ice cream - expect topping and creative twists. In Chicago we had ice cream flavored like a hot dog - complete with a poppyseed bun and real mustard as an optional topping. It was wild!
And at least one room will have a dairy-free option, so there is something for everyone. Honestly there is SO much ice cream that I’d say it’s impossible to eat everything you are served…(although Molly proved me wrong there in NYC... she had recovered from a stomach the day before, and she was still making up for lost time lol).
Is there a surprise at the end?
You bet! Although the ice cream is the best part... I think the sprinkle pool is a VERY close second! It's a pool filled with 3 feet deep of giant plastic sprinkles... the vibe is 100% indoor pool. With floor to ceiling tile and even springless diving boards and small slides. It's photogenic and we had to drag the kids out (at both locations) to make it to our next stop.
How do tickets work?
You buy a ticket on their website for a specific day and time slot. There is an option for a "VIP Ticket" that is flexible on time, but it's a lot more than the regular ticket (~$33) and I don't think it's worth it unless you see that most of the slots are booked up and you're worried about arriving on time. Otherwise, I think you're OK with the basic ticket.
They'll be other people in your timeslot, but even in NYC where there was a line out into the street, it didn't feel super crowded. At the entrance, you'll get an intro with other visitors in your time slot. It's short and sweet, with useful info about the experience and lots of encouragement to have fun. Then you're off, exploring several rooms full of fun surprises and ice cream - until you reach the sprinkle pool at at the end!
How do I get there?
As of today, they have locations in NYC, Chicago, Austin, Singapore, Miami (plus one coming in Boston). And again, each one has a little local twist, so if you do repeat, it doesn't feel like the exact same activity.
So the verdict - it's pricey, but it's really well-done and even replaces a meal for you too. :) Recommended for sure by us (and all of our kids too)!
Any other questions? Send us a note!
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