National Ice Cream Day 2025: Freebies, Discounts & Deals

Here’s your deep dive into National Ice Cream Day 2025—happening Sunday, July 20—with a fully loaded scoop of freebies, discounts, deals, and fun facts to celebrate the coolest food holiday of the year. 🍦

🧊 What Is National Ice Cream Day?

Origins & Timing
National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday in July each year—a tradition established in 1984 by President Reagan, who also declared July as National Ice Cream Month.
In 2025, this means Sunday, July 20.
Why July?
July is the peak of summer heat, and ice cream companies nationwide take the opportunity to treat customers with deals and samples.

📣 Major Chains: Free Scoops & Sweet Discounts

Baskin-Robbins

When? July 20–26
Offer: Rewards members receive $5 off orders of $20+ via third-party delivery apps.

Dairy Queen (DQ)

Dates: July 14–20
Offer: DQ Rewards members get a free Dilly Bar with any $1+ order through the app/website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMGPscWgMLM/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWtocHRwdGQzaml3dQ==

Dunkin’

On July 20 only:
- 3× points on all frozen beverages for Rewards members.
- $3 medium Refresher deal.

Friendly’s

Dates: July 18–20
Reward members: Free cone or dish.
Non-members: Enjoy 90¢ scoops (in-store or carryout).

Burger King

On July 20:
- Royal Perks members get a free soft-serve cone or cup with any $1+ purchase via app/website.

🏪 Scoop Shops & Specialty Chains

Cold Stone Creamery

Celebration stretches through National Ice Cream Month with BOGO half-off deals, new Birthday Cake Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Taco, and an entry sweepstakes for free ice cream for a year.

Dippin’ Dots

July 20 (select locations):
- Free mini cups (any flavor) during a 2‑hour window.
- The first 100 customers get a souvenir cup.
Online: 25 % off using promo code (NICD25 or nicd2024).

Graeter’s

July 18–20:
- Rewards members get $1.55 sugar cones.
Online orders from now until July 20 get 10 % off with promo code NBCLOCAL.

Jeni’s

On July 20 only:
- Free Sundae Fudge Sauce on any scoop.

Salt & Straw

July 14–20:
- On July 20, every order includes a digital scratch-off for prizes ranging from free scoops to merch or an ice-cream making session.

Van Leeuwen

- July 20, 12–2 p.m. ET:
  - $3 scoops of Honeycomb flavor.
  - Giveaway sweepstakes prize, including a city-sized tub and merch.

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Marble Slab Creamery

- - Every Sunday in July: surprise loyalty offers.
  - On July 20, a free small scoop for loyalty members, valid for 7 days.

16 Handles

- - July 20:
    - Download the app for a free soft-serve treat.

🛒 Grocery & Retail Treats

Klondike

- - Throughout July:
    - Digital coupons via Fetch, iBotta, and Walmart Cash.

Popsicle

- - BOGO free at Target, Publix, Kroger, all month.

Talenti

- - July 14–20:
    - Target Circle: BOGO 50 % off.
    - Wakefern: 2 for $9 (then 2 for $10 through the end of July).
  - Extra deals via iBotta.

Breyers

- - Week of July 30 (post–Ice Cream Day):
    - BOGO free and bundled deals at Publix, Kroger; digital deals at Albertsons.

🐶 Pet- & Family-Friendly Goodies

Petco

- - July 20: Complimentary pup cups of ice cream.

My/Mochi

- - Every Sunday in July: “summer chill packs” (ice cream coupons & merch).
  - July 20: chance to win a year’s supply by following, liking, commenting, and tagging on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMDV3DCPVQR/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=dTNpMHdpNjE5YTNu

🎉 Participation Tips & Strategy

- 1. Join loyalty/rewards programs (DQ, Baskin, Dunkin’, Friendly’s, Marble Slab, Salt & Straw)—most freebies are exclusive to members.
  2. Check local participation—hours and offerings may vary. Always verify with your nearest shop.
  3. Plan on timing—some deals are time-limited (e.g., Dippin’ Dots, Van Leeuwen).
  4. Stack offers smartly—think BOGO items + discounts, coupons + app offers.
  5. Grocery game strong—stock up on Klondike, Popsicle, Talenti, and Breyers at great prices.

🍦 Fun Flavor Facts & Stats

- - Annual consumption: Americans down about 5 gallons per person per year, equating to roughly 20.8 litres.
  - First proclaimed: By Reagan’s Proclamation No. 5219 in 1984, marking July as Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day.

📅 At‑a‑Glance Deal Summary

Brand/Chain	Offer Type	Dates
Baskin‑Robbins	$5 off $20+ via delivery	Jul 20–26
Dairy Queen	Free Dilly Bar (Rewards)	Jul 14–20
Dunkin’	3× points + $3 Refresher	Jul 20
Friendly’s	Free cone/dish (Rewards); 90¢ scoops	Jul 18–20
Burger King	Free soft‑serve w/ $1 purchase (Royal Perks)	Jul 20
Cold Stone	BOGO ½-off, new flavors, yearly ice sweepstakes	Jul Month
Dippin’ Dots	Free mini cups (2‑hr window) + online 25 % off	Jul 20
Graeter’s	$1.55 cones (Rewards); 10 % online	Through Jul 20
Jeni’s	Free Sundae Fudge Sauce	Jul 20
Salt & Straw	Daily specials + scratch-off prizes	Jul 14–20
Van Leeuwen	$3 Honeycomb scoops + prizes	Jul 20, 12–2 p.m. ET
Marble Slab	Free small scoop (Rewards)	Jul 20 (7‑day redeem)
16 Handles	Free soft‑serve (up to $5 via app)	Jul 20
Klondike, Popsicle, Talenti, Breyers	Grocery freezer aisle deals	All July (+ post‑Jul)
Petco, My/Mochi	Pup cups & year supply sweepstakes	Jul 20 & Sundays

✅ Final Tips

- - Mark your calendar for July 20—National Ice Cream Day!
  - Join relevant reward programs early to qualify.
  - Plan your route: stack deals across quick-service, scoop shops, and grocery.
  - Track time‑sensitive offers (e.g., Doctor’s 12–2 p.m., app-only coupons).
  - Bring your crew and pets—because treats and pup cups are fair game!

No matter where you go—fast food chain, local scoop shop, grocery freezer aisle, or even your favorite pet store—you’re in for a treat-filled celebration this National Ice Cream Day 2025. Happy scooping, stay cool, and enjoy every delicious bite!