One of the best things about living in Greater Orlando is that our perpetually sunny climate offers us the excuse to indulge in ice cream all year long—which is particularly appreciated, given that taking the family out for a few scoops is a great way to spend time together without breaking the bank. Ready for some quality time in a cool way? From old-fashioned scoops to trendy Korean creations, we’ve rounded up a few favorite local beat-the-heat treats.

5F(x) Ice Cream and Sweet Cakes

For an Asian twist, head to Waterford Lakes and order a scoop of green tea, lychee, taro or red-bean ice cream. For the less adventuresome, there are plenty of traditional flavors. What really sets 5F(x) apart, though, is that after choosing your flavor and milk preference (dairy, almond or soy), you get to watch as the mixologists craft your creamy creation behind the counter and then sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Don’t leave without trying a taiyaki, a made-to order, hot and fluffy, fish-shaped waffle filled with fruit or savory fillings.

688 N. Alafaya Trail #104, Orlando, (407) 930-7181

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream

What started with a food truck led to this small-batch, handcrafted ice cream shop in the Audubon Park Garden District. Offerings vary daily, with unique flavors like pomegranate ginger sorbet and lavender vanilla. Can’t decide? The ice cream flights—four mini-waffle cups holding different flavors—make decision making unnecessary. This shop offers plenty of seating, and games encourage customers to stay awhile. Don’t forget an icy treat for Fido on your way out, either! Kelly’s Dog Pops, made with peanut butter and rice milk, are perfect for your furry friend. 3114 Corrine Dr., Orlando, (321) 226-8685

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Jeremiah’s is a family favorite for fruity Italian ice in tropical flavors, such as mango, Key West and piña colada. Not a fruit fan? Cinnamon-spiked horchata, sea-salted caramel and “Scoop Froggy Frog” (aka mint chocolate chip) are the perfect antidote to sweltering summers. You can also pair one or more flavors with soft-serve ice cream for a creamy gelati. With dozens of flavors in the mix, you can try something different on every visit. Kiddie portions, Facebook specials and “pup cups” for your favorite pooch make Jeremiah’s a win for the whole family.

Multiple locations, JeremiahsIce.com

Private Island Ice Cream

What could be more fun than watching ice cream being made in a cloud right before your very eyes? Owners Wendy and John Eustace whip up custom ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Freezing the ingredients in a matter of minutes yields the creamiest smoothest ice cream around. “It’s fun to watch—it’s a real spectacle and everyone loves to put their hand in the cloud,” said John Eustace, who blends fresh cream with over 50 mix-in goodies, before blasting the mixture with -320 °F liquid nitrogen. House-made caramel and fudge are two of the most popular flavors, but with rotating specials there’s something to please everyone.

14650 Gatorland Dr. # 4, Orlando, (407) 433-9545

Simka’s Sweets

Located in Cagan’s Crossing in Clermont, Simka’s Sweets is the only kosher ice cream parlor in Greater Orlando. “It’s a nice little throwback to the soda fountains of the past,” said general manager Nancy McDonald. Shakes, malts and floats are popular choices, along with homemade waffle cones filled with Blue Bunny ice cream. Simka’s caters to big and small, with games, high chairs, crayons and coloring pages that kids can later display in the store’s windows. Build-your-own-sundae birthday parties are a hit with families, too.

600 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont, (352) 243-2230