As the sun blazes over Gainesville, there’s no better way to cool off than with a delicious scoop of ice cream! Gainesville’s local ice cream places offer a variety of ice cream, from classic cones to adventurous flavors. Here are the best ice cream places in Gainesville that are sure to delight kids and parents alike.
Kilwins
4949 Celebration Pointe Ave ste 60
Hours:
11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-gainesville
Kilwins in Gainesville is a nostalgic sweet spot known for its rich, creamy ice cream made in small batches. Along with their signature fudge and caramel apples, their ice cream flavors, like toasted coconut and Mackinac Island fudge, are some favorites. The old-fashioned parlor ambiance adds a charming touch to your visit.
Karma Cream
607 W University Ave
Hours:
8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mon – Thurs
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sun
instagram.com/karma_cream
For those searching for something different or something vegan, Karma Cream is the place to go. This eco-friendly Gainesville ice cream place offers organic, fair-trade and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can find something they love! The laid-back, artsy vibe of Karma Cream makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a sweet treat.
Sweetberries Eatery and Frozen Custard
619 NW 5th Ave
Hours:
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day
Closed Tuesdays
Campus Location:Â 1700 Stadium Rd
Hours:
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mon – Fri
sweetberries.com/gainesville
Sweetberries offers a unique twist on the classic ice cream experience with their refreshing frozen custard. This family-friendly spot features a rotating menu of flavors, ensuring there’s always something new to try. The laid-back atmosphere and outdoor seating make it a great place to enjoy your dessert on a warm Gainesville evening. Their concrete mixers, which blend custard with your choice of toppings, are a must-try!
The Hyppo Gainesville
214 SE 2nd Ave
Hours:
Noon – 10 p.m. Sun – Thurs
Noon – 11 p.m. Fri – Sat
thehyppo.com
If you want a cold treat that isn’t a classic cone, visit The Hyppo Gainesville! It offers a refreshing take on frozen desserts. It specializes in gourmet ice pops, and uses fresh, all-natural ingredients to create flavors that are both inventive and delicious, like strawberry lemonade and pineapple cilantro.
Carvel
3411 SW Archer Rd Suite A
Hours:
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Open until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
carvel.com
Although it opened just recently, Carvel will soon be a beloved classic among Gainesville’s ice cream places. Known for their soft-serve ice cream and signature ice cream cakes, Carvel offers a nostalgic experience for both kids and parents!
Frosty Fox
3265 SW 34th St Ste 2
Hours:
Noon – 10 p.m.
frostyfoxusa.com
Frosty Fox in Gainesville brings creativity to the table with its inventive ice cream offerings. Known for their rolled ice cream, each order is made fresh on a cold plate, offering a fun and interactive experience. The menu includes a variety of flavors and mix-ins, allowing you to customize your treat! It’s a great spot for families and anyone looking to try something different.
Cold Stone Creamery
3443 SW Archer Rd Ste A3
3822 Newberry Rd Suite B
Hours:
Noon – 11 p.m.
Open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays
coldstonecreamery.com
Cold Stone Creamery is an ice cream place in Gainesville known for its interactive experience. Your little ones will be delighted to watch their ice cream being mixed on a frozen granite stone with the mix-ins of their choosing.
Ice Cream & Crêpes Eatery
1025 W University Ave
Hours:
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
ice-eatery.square.site
Ice Cream & Crêpes Eatery offers the perfect blend of dessert options, with their homemade ice cream and freshly made crêpes. Located in a cozy setting, this eatery is ideal for a casual dessert outing. The ice cream is smooth and flavorful, with a range of flavors to choose from. Pair your scoop with a crêpe for a delightful combination that satisfies any sweet tooth!
D’Lites Emporium
4216 NW 16th Blvd
Hours:
Noon – 9 p.m.
Open until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
gainesvilledlites.com
For a guilt-free indulgence, head to D’Lites Emporium. This health-conscious ice cream shop offers low-calorie, low-sugar and low-fat options without compromising on taste! With flavors that change daily and a range of toppings to choose from, there’s always a new combination to explore. This local spot is perfect for families looking to enjoy a healthier treat.
BC Boba Tea & Ice Cream
2001 NW 13th St
Hours:
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mon
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tues and Sun
11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wed – Sat
facebook.com/bcbobatea
BC Boba Tea & Ice Cream brings a fusion of Asian-inspired treats to Gainesville, combining the best of bubble tea and ice cream. Their ice cream menu includes both traditional and unique flavors, like matcha and taro. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular spot for students and locals alike. Don’t miss out on their signature boba toppings for a truly unique dessert experience!
Menchies
2905 SW 42nd St #20
Hours:
Noon – 10 p.m.
Opens at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
menchies.com
For those who love to customize their sweet treats, Menchies is the ultimate destination! This self-serve frozen yogurt shop offers a wide variety of flavors and an extensive toppings bar, allowing you and your kiddos to create your perfect dessert. Also, the vibrant and playful environment adds to the excitement!
Jeremiahs
3232 SW 35th Blvd
Hours:
Noon – 11 p.m.
jeremiahsice.com
Jeremiah’s is a vibrant and fun spot known for its refreshing Italian ice and creamy soft serve. The Gainesville location offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic lemon to more adventurous options like piña colada. You can also create a Gelati, layering your favorite Italian ice flavor with soft serve for a cool and creamy treat. It’s the perfect place to beat the Florida heat with a sweet treat.
Zero Degrees
3033 SW 34th St
Hours:
Noon – 10 p.m. Mon – Thurs
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Fri – Sun
zerodegrees3033.com
Zero Degrees in Gainesville stands out with its bold flavors and innovative Asian American fusion treats. While known for its specialty drinks, their ice cream offerings are equally impressive, featuring flavors like Thai tea and black sesame. The bright and modern atmosphere makes it a popular hangout spot. Their signature Mangonada, a spicy-sweet blend, is a local favorite worth trying.
Ritter’s Frozen Custard
6815 W Newberry Rd
Hours:
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
ritters.com
Ritter’s Frozen Custard offers a rich and creamy alternative to traditional ice cream in Gainesville. Their custard is made fresh daily, with a dense and velvety texture that sets it apart. Popular flavors include chocolate and vanilla, but seasonal offerings like pumpkin pie are a treat not to be missed. The family-friendly environment and generous portions make it a go-to spot for dessert lovers.
Gainesville’s ice cream scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something for every taste and preference! So gather the kids, beat the heat and visit one of the best ice cream places Gainesville has to offer.
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