Cooler Weather Calls for Sweet Adventures With Your Pup
Living in Central PA means we know how to enjoy the little things, and nothing beats the simple pleasure of sharing an ice cream with your furry best friend on a warm summer evening. Whether you're strolling through Midtown Harrisburg or taking a break after exploring Hersheypark, our area is packed with ice cream shops that welcome dogs with open armsāand sometimes special treats just for them.
I've spent countless afternoons checking out the local ice cream scene with my own pup, and I can tell you that Central PA has some truly special spots where dogs aren't just toleratedāthey're celebrated. From genuine dog sundaes to frozen treats made specifically for four-legged customers, these shops understand that the best memories are made when the whole family can join in.
The Champions: Places That Go All Out for Dogs
Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Camp Hill
Located at 3519 Hartzdale Drive in Camp Hill, Bruster's has become legendary among local dog owners for their genuine commitment to our four-legged friends. They make a free sundae with dog bones crumbled on top for their furry customers, which is honestly one of the sweetest gestures I've seen at any ice cream shop.
With over 24 ever-changing flavors handmade fresh in their store daily and 150 recipes on rotation, they offer a wide range of frozen treats that are made with the freshest ingredients. Please note that outdoor seating is limited, so it's worth calling ahead during busy weekend evenings. The staff here genuinely loves seeing dogs, and they have free ice cream for dogs so they can join you for a treat.
Sarah's Creamery - Dover
About 20 minutes south of Harrisburg in Dover, Sarah's Creamery at 121 S. Main Street is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that has mastered the art of welcoming dogs. You can relax on their dog-friendly patio, wraparound porch, or picnic tables in the grass with your pup.
What makes Sarah's extra special is their selection: they serve 44 delicious flavors at a time, with Penn State flavors made within the Berkey Creamery at Penn State University's Main Campus. They even make dairy-free banana peanut butter frozen dog treats in house! The atmosphere is perfect for an evening outāyou can try their lawn games or just relax and listen to nostalgic music of yesteryear.
Cubby's Ice Cream CafƩ - Hummelstown
Just off Route 322 in Hummelstown, Cubby's at 295 E. Main Street is perfectly positioned for Hershey area visitors and locals alike. Dogs are welcome to join you on their outdoor, pet-friendly deck, and they serve whipped cream treats for the pup.
They proudly serve Beck's Ice Cream, known for its rich, creamy texture and buttercream body, with each scoop packed with real flavors sourced from local ingredients. The location makes it perfect for combining with other Hummelstown activities or as a post-Hersheypark treat.
The Local Favorites: Reliable Spots Throughout Central PA
Rita's Italian Ice - Multiple Locations
Rita's has several dog-friendly locations throughout our area, including spots in Mechanicsburg on Market Street and Camp Hill. All Rita's locations have dog-friendly outdoor seating and walk-up windows, so you're welcome to bring your pup along, and you can order a pup cup of vanilla custard or a fruit-flavored ice.
Rita's is particularly great for hot summer days when you want something refreshing. They have dozens of flavors of Italian ices made fresh daily, cream ices, soft-serve custard and more, with flavors like root beer, cherry, and gummy bear, plus specialties like Gelati (custard on top of Italian ice) and Blendini (custard blended with toppings).
The Meadows Original Frozen Custard - Harrisburg
Located in Harrisburg with five outdoor tables, The Meadows is dog-friendly and specializes in frozen custard with classic flavors and ever-changing flavors of the day. They offer unique treats like their Chipper Custard Sandwiches or Waffle Cone Sundae, with specialty flavors including creative options like Lemon Dream, Fruity Pebbles, and Chocolate Marshmallow.
3B Ice Cream - Multiple Locations
3B Ice Cream operates seasonally with locations in Harrisburg and Dauphin on Peters Mountain Road, where they serve hand-churned ice cream and BBQ sandwiches from an outdoor hut with dogs welcome at several picnic tables along a small brook. Pup cups are available if your dog would like a cool treat.
The Harrisburg location is seasonal and dog-friendly, where your pup can join you at one of five outdoor tables on the patio or in the grassy area, with walk-up window ordering available.
The Chain Champions: Familiar Names With Local Charm
Cold Stone Creamery - Harrisburg Area
Cold Stone Creamery locations in the Harrisburg area have dog-friendly seating outside, though dogs must wait outside while you place your order inside. Their menu features ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet flavors made fresh in-store, with guests able to choose from a variety of fruits, candies, and nuts to have mixed into their frozen treat on a granite stone.
Dairy Queen - Various Locations
Dairy Queen locations throughout Central PA welcome dogs at their outdoor seating areas. They don't offer a full dog menu, but pup cups of vanilla ice cream are available upon request, and they're famous for their signature frozen Blizzard drinks, ice cream cakes, dipped cones, and sundaes. Many locations have drive-thru windows, so your dog doesn't need to wait outside while you order inside.
Historic Charm: Eckle's Ice Cream Fountain
Eckle's Ice Cream Fountain has a dog-friendly table outside, and this spot comes with genuine local history. You may recognize Eckle's from the 1999 film "Girl, Interrupted," featuring Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder, and Whoopi Goldberg, but years have gone by since the cast and crew wrapped up the movie, and Deb McCreary remains, still serving old-fashioned ice cream.
On the menu, you'll find sundaes, sandwiches, and dozens of penny candy choices, including their famous Eckcessive Chocolate Bundt with chocolate bundt cake, hot fudge, chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, chocolate mini-chips, whipped cream, and a cherry. Eckle's is open Wednesday through Thursday from 11:30am to 1:30pm, Friday from 11:30am to 8:00pm, Saturday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Pro Tips for Ice Cream Adventures With Your Dog
Timing Is Everything
Visit during off-peak hours when possibleāmid-afternoon on weekdays tends to be less crowded than weekend evenings. This gives you and your pup more space to relax and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Bring Water
Always bring a water bowl or collapsible dish for your dog, especially on hot days. Ice cream is a treat, but fresh water should always be available.
Know Your Dog's Limits
Not all dogs handle dairy well, so if your pup has a sensitive stomach, stick to the specially made dog treats or ask for just a small vanilla sample. Many shops are happy to accommodate.
Check Seasonal Hours
Several of these spots are seasonal or have reduced winter hours, so call ahead if you're planning a special trip. Most ice cream shops in our area operate from early spring through late fall.
Making Memories in Central PA
There's something magical about the simple pleasure of enjoying ice cream with your dog on a warm Central Pennsylvania evening. Whether you're walking along the Susquehanna River afterward, exploring the Capital Area Greenbelt, or just sitting in your car watching the sunset over the rolling hills, these ice cream stops create the perfect backdrop for making memories.
Our local ice cream shop owners understand that dogs are family, and their welcoming attitudes make these spots true community gems. From the genuine dog sundaes at Bruster's to the homemade frozen dog treats at Sarah's Creamery, Central PA proves that the best adventures often involve four paws, two scoops, and one perfect summer evening.
Next time you're looking for a fun outing that includes your furry best friend, skip the generic chain stores and explore these local favorites. Your dog will thank you, and you'll discover why Central Pennsylvania has such a sweet spot in so many hearts.