Summer is officially here, and keeping cool is a top priority! We've rounded up a list of locals' favorite ice cream and frozen yogurt spots, and we've included everything from family-owned independent ice cream parlors to more popular chains.

When it gets hot out and that sweet tooth starts to act up, you can use our handy map to find the closest ice cream option to you. Everything from the sundaes to the soft serves will surely get your tastebuds going!

Polar Cub

380 US-22, Whitehouse, NJ 08888

Fans of the Polar Cub know that the drive to its Whitehouse location is definitely worth the ride! The old-fashioned, walk-up ice cream stand is a classic favorite, and regulars recommend the Peanut Butter-covered Vanilla Ice Cream, Soft Serve Chocolate with Marshmallow topping or just a good ol' Hot Fudge Sundae.

Cold Stone Creamery

428b Route 202-206 North Bedminster, NJ 07921

Known for their "Signature Creations", Cold Stone Creamery is a fun experience that all ice cream lovers should try at least once! For the "Create your Own Creations," you can choose a type of ice cream and choose what toppings you want to mix in. Instead of simply getting toppings, employees will mix up the ice cream and toppings for you! The toppings include things like rainbow sprinkles, pecans, white chocolate chips, brownies, butterfingers, cake, caramel and much more!

Zita’s Homemade Ice Cream

1790 Springfield Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974

Opened by the Elefante family in 2000 and named for their grandmother, Zita Elefante, Zita's has been going strong ever since. Soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, homemade hard ice cream, and Italian ice flavors are all on the menu, plus favorites like brownie sundaes, shakes, blends, and slushies!

16 Handles 

6 Mt Bethel Rd, Warren, NJ 07059

With several locations on the East Coast, 16 Handles is an obvious favorite—and for a reason! They offer a long list of frozen yogurt flavors, from classics like Chocolate Love Affair and Salted Caramel to more unique flavors like Peach Sangria Sorbetto and Green Tea Vanilla. There is also a range of health-conscious options, from low-fat and fat-free to vegan and no sugar added.

Hi-Tams Ice Cream

48 S Main St, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

Locals say that this South Bound Brook spot is definitely worth the ride! A brother and sister duo have been running the shop for over 40 years. It's their homemade ice cream and Italian ice that has people coming back again and again. Their flavors include a long list of delectable classics, like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Butter Pecan, Cherry Vanilla, Maple Walnut, and many more.

Blizzard Island

111 Mountain Ave, Middlesex, NJ 08846


Blizzard Island offers some of the most delicious ice creams around. The best thing about it is that it's all homemade! Yup, that's right, everything made from scratch using recipes from older generations. They also serve ice cream cakes, which can give you a tingling sensation on your teeth as well as your tastebuds!

Baskin Robbins

109 E Main St #111, Bound Brook, NJ 08805

A nationwide favorite, known for its many different flavors of sorbets and ice cream cakes. It's said that the 31 in its logo represents all the original flavors, for every single day of the month. The choice is yours when it comes to Baskin Robbins, but try a different flavor every day! 

Summer Ville Homemade Ice Cream

144 E Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876

Nothing beats a classic! At Summer Ville you'll get to enjoy the flavors we all know and love, like strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla, but also some unique ones as well, like Dulce de leche, Pina colada, Pumpkin spice, and even cranberry. You can either get them plain or loaded with toppings, the choice is yours. 

Petrucci's Inside Scoop

474 S Washington Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854

Wanna stay outside? How bout' window-served ice cream? At Petrucci's ice creams are served directly from the kitchen to customers via a sliding window. They have a ton of flavors and a wide variety of items to choose from, which include but are not limited to, smoothies, ice lattes, hard ice cream, soft serve, cakes, and ice cream sandwiches. Enjoy cold delicacies right under the hot summer sun!