As summer heat rolls into the DC region, families may be on the lookout for simple, refreshing ways to cool down. One timeless solution? The snow cone.
From classic New Orleans–style treats to inventive takes featuring real fruit syrups, spicy toppings or Korean-style shaved ice, DC and the surrounding suburbs are packed with places serving up these icy, kid-approved favorites. This guide draws on insights from Google and Yelp reviews, Facebook groups, and firsthand experiences.
SnoCream Company
Location: The Block Foodhall & Bar, 4221 John Marr Dr., Annandale, VA
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Phone: (703) 942-8040
SnoCream Company operates out of a bright and colorful repurposed 1997 school bus and serves a unique hybrid of ice cream and shaved ice throughout the DC area. It travels to multiple locations to serve families a fresh take on “snowcream,” available in a wide range of flavors.
Customer favorites include milk tea, artisan macarons, and specialty drinks. With vegan options, kid-friendly offerings, and friendly service, it’s a fun stop for all ages.
What you’ll like:
- Vegan options
- Kid-friendly
- Wide variety of menu items
- Friendly service
- Wheelchair accessible
What to try:
- Thai tea
- Taro
- Cookies and cream
- Mango
Blanca’s Snow Cones
Location: 4821 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA (closed during winter); 7293 commerce St., Springfield, VA (year round)
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; closed Saturday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday–Thursday
Phone: Arlington, (240) 401-6263; Springfield, (240) 401-6263
Blanca’s Snow Cones is a family-owned business offering Mexican-style snow cones in a variety of flavors and toppings. Think sweet, salty, and spicy—everything from classic syrups to condensed milk, dulce de leche, chamoy and fresh fruit.
What you’ll like:
- Pet-friendly
- Women-owned
- Latinx-owned
- Private lot and bike parking
- Friendly service
- Unique flavor combos
What to try:
- Tamarind topping
- Strawberry
- Coconut
Le Petit Ananas Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Location: 2307A Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA
Hours: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; noon-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Closed Monday- Tuesday
Phone: 202-281-4333
Le Petit Ananas is a family-owned business serving all-natural Hawaiian shaved ice made with premium ingredients sourced from the local community. This premier destination for shaved ice in Del Ray, Alexandria, is now serving up healthy, delicious Açaí bowls to add another refreshing summer treat option for families to choose from.
What you’ll like:
- Pet-friendly
- Covered outdoor seating
- Street and bike parking
- Natural flavors
- Gluten-free
- Friendly service
- Family-owned
What to try:
- Condensed coconut milk
- Mochi
- Strawberry
- Tiger’s Blood
Houey’s Shaved Ice
Location: 15193A Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD
Hours: 2-7 p.m. Sunday-Saturday; 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: (240) 510-5329
Houey’s Shaved Ice is a welcoming, family-oriented business offering authentic Southern-style shaved ice in a wide range of flavors. They also provide takeout and catering services for larger gatherings.
What you’ll like:
- Pet-friendly
- Kid-friendly
- Veteran-owned
- Black-owned
- Covered outdoor seating
- Offers takeout and catering
- Private lot and bike friendly
What to try:
- Strawberry cheesecake
- Strawberry
- Blue raspberry
- Coconut
- Marshmallow topping
Capitol Snow
Locations: 6201 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA; 901 Wharf St., Washington, DC
Hours: Franconia Summer Hours: 3-8 p.m. Monday–Friday, Noon-8 p.m. Saturday–Sunday; The Wharf Summer Hours: 3-9:30 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, Noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday
Phone: Franconia: (703) 677-6031
Capitol Snow is DC’s only authentic New Orleans–style snowball spot, known for handcrafted, real fruit syrups and inventive flavor combinations. Their homemade syrups and fresh toppings are locally sourced for quality.
What you’ll like:
- Pet-friendly
- Takeout available
- Fresh, homemade syrups
- Wide flavor selection
- Friendly service
What to try:
- Condensed milk topping
- Marshmallow fluff topping
- Cherry
Clayboy’s Shave Ice
Location: 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD (Outside Anthropologie on Bethesda Row)
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily in the summer months, closed on rainy days
Phone: 301-651-9176
Clayboy’s Shave Ice is committed to serving the greater DC area traditional and delicious Hawaiian shaved ice at an affordable price. Offering a menu of 15 different cane sugar syrups, including different kinds of fruit and other traditional desserts along with their perfect and soft shaved ice-with their signature Swedish fish at the bottom.
What you’ll like:
- Accepts credit cards
- Bike parking
- Affordable
- Variety of flavors
- Traditional Hawaiian shaved ice
- Friendly service
What to try:
- Flavors: Tiger’s blood
- Blue raspberry
Mama Rosa’s Ice
Locations: 2700 Potomac Mills Cr. Woodbridge, VA
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 571-277-1315
Mama Rosa’s Tropical Ice brings Central American flavor twists to shaved ice, with four locations throughout Woodbridge and Manassas. Their wide variety of syrups and toppings ensures something for every taste.
What you’ll like:
- Private parking lot
- Multiple locations
- Variety of flavors and toppings
- Friendly service
What to try:
- Passion fruit with condensed milk
- Strawberry
- Coconut
- Tamarind sauce
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