Woodside Farm Creamery
Homemade ice cream from the farm's own Jersey cows — on a Hockessin farm the same family has worked since 1796.
The Quick Version
- • A working family dairy farm in Hockessin that makes its own ice cream on site from its own Jersey cows.
- • Seasonal — generally spring through fall, closed in winter; opening day each spring is a local rite. Check current hours before you go.
- • Free to visit (you pay for ice cream); easy parking, outdoor picnic seating with farm views, and cows to say hi to.
- • A short, happy stop (about 45 minutes); pair it with Mt. Cuba Center or a Hockessin-area outing.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
30–60 minutes
Adults
Free to visit (pay for ice cream)
Kids
Free to visit
What to Expect
Woodside is a working family dairy farm in Hockessin where the Mitchell family has farmed since 1796 — they marked 200 years of family farming in 1996. After selling the dairy herd in 1961, the family returned to dairying in 1995 and opened the creamery in 1998; today they make the ice cream on site from their own Jersey cows' milk.
For families it's a simple, joyful stop: order from the rotating flavors at the window, grab a picnic table with farm views, and let the kids say hello to the Jersey cows. It's seasonal — generally spring through fall, closed in winter — and opening day each spring is a genuine local rite.
Set expectations: it's ice cream and a farm, not a full meal or a play area. Think of it as a sweet add-on to a bigger outing rather than a destination that fills an afternoon on its own.
Who It's Best For
Ice cream on a farm is a universal win. Toddlers love the cows and the open space; older kids love working through the flavor list. It's low-stress and meltdown-resistant — no lines of fire here beyond the actual line for cones.
Highlights
Ice cream from their own cows
All agesMade on site from the farm's Jersey herd, with rotating daily flavors. About as fresh and local as ice cream gets.
Say hello to the Jersey cows
All agesIt's a real working dairy — the cows that make the milk are right there, and kids love meeting them.
Picnic tables with farm views
All agesOutdoor seating overlooking the farm, with shade under the big tree — a pleasant place to let cones melt slowly.
Story Time Under the Big Tree & event days
Little onesSeasonal family events on the farm — worth checking the calendar around your visit.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Coming hungry — it's ice cream, not a meal; eat first.
- • Winter trips — it's a seasonal, warm-weather spot.
- • Peak weekend evenings if your kid can't handle a line — go off-peak.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
Free to visit (pay for ice cream)
Kids
Free to visit
Under
Free
There's no admission — you pay for what you order. They sell gift cards and tokens; check current payment options before you go.
Getting There
Parking
Easy free parking on the farm.
Warm weekend evenings draw a crowd and a line — go on a weekday or early to skip the wait.
Entrance
Drive in off Little Baltimore Road and order at the creamery counter.
Parent Logistics
The creamery and seating areas are stroller-fine; it's a farm, so expect some gravel and grass.
Restrooms on site.
Not confirmed — plan ahead.
Some shade at the outdoor tables, including under the big tree, but bring sun cover on a hot afternoon.
Food & Snacks
Homemade ice cream made on site from the farm's own Jersey-cow milk, with rotating daily flavors. That's the whole point — it's a creamery, not a full meal.
Snack strategy: This is the treat, not lunch — feed the kids a real meal first, then come for cones.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Opening day each spring is a local event — follow them to catch the date.
- ✓ Go on a weekday or early evening to skip the warm-night line.
- ✓ Check their calendar for Story Time Under the Big Tree and special event days.
- ✓ Pair it with Mt. Cuba Center (about 10 minutes) for a garden-plus-ice-cream afternoon.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Warm-weather afternoons and evenings. Weekends draw a crowd and a line, so go off-peak if you can. Watch for Story Time Under the Big Tree and seasonal event days.
Seasonal Notes
Seasonal operation — typically spring through fall, closed in winter, with extended summer hours in peak season. Opening day each spring is a local event. Special days include Story Time Under the Big Tree, telescope viewings, Fire Company Appreciation Day, and National Ice Cream Day.
Rainy Day?
An outdoor, seasonal creamery — save it for a nice day.
While You're in the Area
Mt. Cuba Center is about 10 minutes away; Ashland Nature Center and the rest of the Hockessin area are close too.