Sometimes the best family outings are short and sweet. Literally.
My family enjoys going out for ice cream. It’s a delicious treat, and an easy and wonderful way to connect—and to support neighborhood merchants, too. Plus, there are lots of other benefits! Here are several solid reasons to carve out time for ice cream excursions—at any time of year!
- Fortify children’s choices. There are endless possibilities—assorted flavors (pecan, strawberry, maple, pistachio, mint…); different toppings (candy sprinkles, granola, chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, brownie chunks…); cone or cup; soft swirl or hard scoop; cake; and so on… Enable children to select what they want (within reason), to be independent, and to learn about preferences—their own and those of others.
- Bond over a treat. Life is hectic, and it’s good to slow down and just be together. Chat as you relax over a shared indulgence. It can be the stuff of lasting memories. Some of our most cherished family photos feature messy ice cream covered faces, and extremely happy smiles.
- Getting there can be fun, too. Walk, ride a bike, take a scooter, drive in a car or bus—or find another way. Enroute, take time to use your senses. For example, check out pretty gardens and unusual sights, or listen to birds and other sounds. Tasting is also a sensory activity—once you get to your destination.
- Be anticipatory. Consider—what might happen at the ice cream parlor? You may have to wait, or perhaps you’ll be able to request a couple of samples. Sometimes a preferred flavor is not available, or unexpected ones are. Where will you eat your treats, and how will you be mindful of recycling? Discussion opens the door to further discussion.
- Go on a quest. What’s the best ice cream shop in your neighborhood? How do you know for sure unless you try them all? Do some planning, mapping, exploring, and taste-testing. Compare. Contrast. Describe. Record opinions. Debate. What about milkshakes? Sundaes? Or banana splits? Make it an interesting investigation!
- Get creative! Can your family imagine unique combinations? Ice cream “pizza” may not be conventional but it’s a reality. It’s common place for ice cream to adorn cakes or waffles, but what about ice cream on top of something else? Actor Chris Pratt suggests, “You can pour melted ice-cream on regular ice-cream. It’s like a sauce!” (One’s never too old to learn new ways to enjoy ice cream!) Maybe embellish it with fruit, biscuits, licorice, soda pop, or pickles!
- Find an ice cream truck. Tip: they’re often situated near parks or community playgrounds on weekends, or near schools—especially after 3:30 pm on weekdays. And, if you can’t locate an ice cream truck, you can always roleplay one at home with your kids. (Incorporate jingly music and a catchy song!)
- Try different varieties of ice cream from around the world. The joy of ice cream has transcended centuries. Apparently, it was invented in China around 200BC when milk and rice were combined in packing snow or crushed ice. Throughout the years, there have been countless iterations. Try gelato (Italian), glace (French), pagotó kataifi (Greek), nieve garrafa (Spanish), paleta (Mexican), spahettieis (German), potbingsu (South Korean), and so on…
Above all, have fun with your family as you indulge in your frozen treats, and spend time together. It’s sure to be sweet!
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
This piece is updated from an article that I wrote that was featured in issues of Best Version Media’s Neighbours Magazines, and distributed across Ontario, Canada and beyond.
