Looking for ways to beat the summer heat in Mississippi? Here are 5 ways to stay cool.

Joshua Williams, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·4 min read

Summer is around the corner and the weather is getting hotter by the minute in Jackson.

While summer doesn't start until June 20 cooling down with a snowball, ice cream cone or swimming at a local splash pad are great ways to beat the heat.

To help you get started we've rounded up a few spots in Jackson to help beat the heat and have some fun.

1. Sno Biz

Sno Biz is a local shaved ice company in Jackson that offers delicious frozen treats such as snow blended coffees, slushes, shaved ice cones, cotton candy and smoothies. Eating a cup of shaved ice is a great way to cool down on a hot day.

Read this: Children, teens looking for summer activities in the Jackson area? Here are some options

MCEDA: Amazon facility in Canton set to open this summer after 18-month delay, MCEDA confirms

"The company originated in Minnesota in 1989 and the love for their flavors spread like wildfire within the first year," according to their website. "Sno Biz now has over 70 locations within the U.S. and by 1992 it was global."

Having a quality product with excellent service is still their motto today.

If You Go

  • Where: 311 W Northside Dr., Jackson or 6230 Old Canton Road, Jackson

  • When: Monday to Saturday

  • Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Cost: $1.50 to $5. small $3, medium $3.50, large $4, jumbo $5.50

2. The Yard Milkshake Bar

A chocolate milkshake at The Yard Milkshake Bar
A chocolate milkshake at The Yard Milkshake Bar

The Yard Milkshake Bar was created by a husband and wife Logan and Chelsea Green in May  2017 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, but later expanded the locations after a successful appearance on Shark Tank in 2019.

The bar serves milkshakes, edible cookie dough and coffee with sprinkles and a variety of toppings.

"In 2011 Chelsea and her mother started their first ice cream shop, Island Ice Cream, which is still owned by Chelsea today," according to their website.

The Yard Milkshake Bar currently has 19 operating locations throughout the United States including the location in Jackson.

If You Go

  • Where: 113 Dogwood Boulevard, Ste 34, Flowood

  • When: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Cost: cookie dough $2, ice cream pints $17, pint shakes $19, edible cookie dough pint jar $15, half a cup of cookie dough or ice cream $4, sugar cones $4, special bowls $12.

3. Play day at the Jackson Zoo

Tyler Ross, 9, of Jackson, cools off in the water of the Jackson Zoo Splash Pad
Tyler Ross, 9, of Jackson, cools off in the water of the Jackson Zoo Splash Pad

The Jackson zoo will hold a play day at the zoo on Saturday, June 4, for local residents. The zoo will open at 10 a.m. Activities start at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

The splash pad will be open for kids and grown-ups to jump into puddles and stand under the sprayers.

"Not only will the JZKeepers be doing animal enrichment and Keeper Chats during the event, but each child will receive a free carousel ride, use of the inflatables, and get to play with the zoo experts from Compound Fitness, The Club at St. Dominic’s, Boxer’s Rebellion, Trey Crake’s Academy of Kung Fu, and the Madison County Library System," according to their website.

From last month: Kiefer's could begin construction in Madison soon

More: Jackson to hold 6th Annual Juneteenth festival in downtown Jackson despite no vote by city

If You Go

  • When: Saturday

  • Where: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson

  • Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Admission: $8 ages 13 and up. $5 ages 2-12. Under 2 years free

4. Kingston Frazier Memorial Splash Pad

The city of Jackson department of parks and recreation dedicated a splash pad in memory of 6-year-old Kingston Frazier who was kidnapped and murdered in 2017.

Not only do children have access to the splash pad but also a playground, pavilion, hiking trail for adults and a memorial wall to honor children who have died in the community.

If You Go

  • Where: Presidential Hills Park II, 3971 N Flag Chapel Road, Jackson

  • When: Monday- Friday

  • Time: Noon to 4:30 p.m.

  • Admission: Free

5.  Shiloh Splash Park

Located in the heart of downtown Brandon the Shiloh Splash Park is a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

The park has a variety of things to do for not only children but also adults with soccer fields, baseball fields, walking trails and picnic spots.

Also the Shiloh splash park includes a  water mushroom, spray rings, dump bucket, ground geysers, butterfly falls, water palm trees, water cannons and the froggy slide.

If You Go

  • When: Monday-Sunday

  • Where: 322 Shiloh Road, Brandon

  • Time: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; private party times- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Admission: $5 for adults; free for children 1 and under and ages 50 and older

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson residents are looking for ways to beat the summer heat