SPRINGBANK PARK
We have always loved this shaded playground in the middle of the park next to a wading pool complete with stairs to the river. With the new renovations sponsored by former talk show host Jennie Jones, this park is now tops in the city. It is totally accessible with equipment you won't see anywhere else in town. We also love the spongy floor around the playground, the swings, sand pit and the proximity to Springbank's famous train, merry-go-round, great walking path and washrooms.

GIBBONS PARK - 2a GROSVENOR ST.
The shade at this great playground and the adjoining splash pad is perfect for a hot day. We love the climbable trees, great river access, picnic tables and the washrooms nearby.  We wish the geese and ducks made less of a mess, but they are entertaining. This is also seems to be a great place to catch Pokemons.

PLANE TREE PARK - 214 PLANE TREE DR.
​In the middle of one of London's nicer neighbourhoods, off of Fanshawe Park Road, this playground is something to see. Perhaps most notable is the sea serpent coming out of the ground. We also like all the different climbing options. The ramp entrance on one structure makes it at least somewhat accessible. We always appreciate swings and we like some of the hidden features underneath structures.

With the most extensive selection of sundaes, parfaits, shakes, freezies (ice cream and slushies mixed together),  dipped cones, hard and soft ice cream and frozen yogurt substitutions, Merla Mae ranks #1 for us. The old favourites like Rocky Road or Avalanche sundaes keep us coming back. And the option to sit inside on those ridiculously hot or rainy days means we can eat ice cream any time.   Hours: 10am to 11pm (we think)

​Quality of Ice Cream: 8/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Value: 7/10
​​Growing up in Northeast London makes this a sentimental pick, every time we are here it feels like a home coming of sorts. We love that the retro decor and artistic signage hasn't changed over the years. ​

Quality of Ice Cream: 9.5/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Value: 8/10
​This pink hidden gem makes and supplies ice cream to lots of other vendors throughout town and as far north as cottage country. It’s true that you can’t eat it inside, their selection isn’t overly extensive with no crazy toppings and you might have to wrestle for a seat on a picnic tables, but boy oh boy does the London Ice Cream Co. have awesome ice cream!
​Only hard ice cream is on sale here and all of the choices are delicious, fresh and made onsite - which is pretty cool. 
​​Moose Tracks is their specialty (with mini peanut butter cups,) cherry bugaboo is fantastic, we've never had a better peanut butter chocolate and their Acadian vanilla is terrific for the simple ice cream aficionado in your life.

​Check out the cooler on your left hand for their 5.7 liter $13 change-over tubs containing two random flavours (watch for their 2 for 1 tub sale on twitter @LdnIceCreamCo). Of course you probably need a stand up freezer and a few dozen friends to help you eat it… or not. 
Now with debit.
Hours: 12noon to 10pm 

Quality of Ice Cream: 8/10
Atmosphere: 6.5/10
Value: 8/10
You can't miss this giant sized ice cream cone on Southdale Rd and what kid doesn't want to hear here. While this is another place that doesn't have inside seating, the Twistee Treat is certainly worth the stop. They do have a few picnic tables and plenty of parking. Their selection is extension with lots of hard (Shaws) and soft ice cream flavors, good toppings, sundaes, shakes and parfaits. Their twisters are best described as flavour combos twisted together - pretty neat. The homemade rubbarb sauce is famous.
No debit available.    Hours: 2pm to 9:30pm

​Quality of Ice Cream: 9/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Value: 7/10
What Double Decker Ice Cream lacks in indoor seating it makes up for in cool retro-ness.  The fact that you get to eat Shaws ice cream served out of an old-school double decker bus is awesome (it reminds us of the days when London had a double decker bus tour through the city….no seriously it did). 
They do have a good selection of flavours and friendly service. There are a few umbrellas and the bus provides some shade. The parking lot is very big but you are very close to Wellington Rd.

Check out their Facebook page for deals and Terrific Tuesday specials 
​Cash only
Hours: 1pm to 10pm​