We think the best way to celebrate National Ice Cream month is with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or gelato from one of Boston’s best ice cream shops. It’s like summer in a cup! So the next time your crew is chanting (you know the one) for their favorite summer treat, head to one of these spots families love.
Honeycomb Creamery
Families love this small batch ice creamery in Cambridge, and it’s not just because they have inventive flavors like Horchata, Honey Lavender and Port Cherry Vanilla. We think it’s their sweet take on Taco Tuesday that makes this shop a must-visit on a sunny day. Grab street tacos from your favorite spot for dinner, followed by Honeycomb Creamery’s taco-shaped waffle cone filled with your favorite ice cream and dipped in chocolate for dessert.
Hours: Mon.-Sun., noon-10 p.m.
1702 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge
Online: honeycombcreamery.com
Toscanini’s
When it comes to finding a great scoop of ice cream in the city, you can’t go wrong with Toscanini’s. Started in 1981, this fantastic spot is known for their creamy and flavorful cups of ice cream and their frequently rotating menu of choices. On the can’t-miss list is Toscanini’s Vienna Finger and Tiramisu.
Hours: Weds.-Sun., noon-11 p.m.
159 First St.
Cambridge
Online: tosci.com
Emack & Bolio’s
The rock ‘n’ roll story behind Emack & Bolio’s is almost as legendary as their ice cream. And although the shop’s hours have changed over the years—from après show, late night hours to something more standard—their ice cream still rocks. Whatever flavor you choose, we suggest tricking out your treat with a covered cone (it’s kind of their thing). Get yours with Oreos, Rice Krispies or Fruity Pebbles to earn extra enthusiastic thanks from the kiddos.
Newbury
290 Newbury St.
Boston
North Station
Causeway St.
Boston
Online: emackandbolios.com
Tipping Cow
When it comes to interesting ice cream flavors you can’t find anywhere else, Tipping Cow is the place. Their ice cream is made in-house and families with food sensitivities can always count on it being peanut, tree-nut and sesame-free (psst... they have non-dairy options too). We’re crushing on their original flavors like Goat Cheese and Fig, Strawberry Basil and Sweet Corn.
415 Medford St.
Somerville
525 Western Ave.
Boston
Online: tippingcowicecream.com
Taiyaki NYC
Named for the irresistible fish-shaped waffle cone it’s served in, Taiyaki NYC serves up Japanese-style ice cream your kids will scream for (in the “I scream, you scream” sense of the word). Fish-shaped cone? Check. Unicorn sprinkle topping? They’ve got it. What more could a kid ask for on a swelteringly hot summer day?
119 Seaport Blvd., Suite B
Boston
Online: taiyakinyc.com
Cookie Monstah
Whether you track down one of the trucks, or visit a bakeshop location, you and the kids will be hard pressed to find a tastier ice cream sandwich anywhere else. And if you ask us, it’s the DIY aspect of the treat that makes it so good. After all, if there’s one thing we know kids always want (besides ice cream, of course), it’s to be in charge. Let them choose their favorite cookie and ice cream flavor combo to create the sweet sandwich of their dreams.
Locations in Danvers, Swampscott, Burlington and Needham. Plus food trucks (find out where they’ll be popping up next).
Online: thecookiemonstah.com
FoMu
If plant-based is your jam, FoMu is where you’ll find creamy vegan ice cream to enjoy. All their creative flavors are made in-house and from scratch, and the coconut milk base gives their ice creams a smooth, gelato feel. Although you might be tempted to try the avocado ice cream, don’t neglect the more traditional flavors like chocolate cookie dough, vanilla bean and cold brew ice cream when you go. They’re just as good as FoMu’s more creative flavors.
Locations in Allston, Jamaica Plain, South End and Fenway.
Online: fomuicecream.com
OddFellows
With flavors like Ol’ Dirty Custard, Peanut the Kidnapper and Joe Bananas you might wonder what exactly is in this ice cream. Count on enticing combos that keep you and your little ice cream lovers coming back for more. Beyond these everyday flavors families can take advantage of OddFellow’s summer collection. These ice creams featuring light and fruity flavors are available for pick-up now.
55 Boylston St.
Chestnut Hill
Online: oddfellowsnyc.com
Forge Ice Cream Bar
Go old school with a trip to the Forge Ice Cream Bar. Whatever your hankering for, they’ve got it on their menu. Traditional scoop on a cone? Check. Shakes, ice cream sodas or a root beer float? Your kids can order it here. And if they really want to go bananas, try a Curious George (or an ice cream flight) to share.
626b Somerville Ave.
Somerville,
Online: forgebakingco.com/ice-cream
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