The Sweetest Day of Summer
National Ice Cream Day, celebrated on the third Sunday of July since President Ronald Reagan declared it in 1984, is more than a nod to America’s favorite dessert—it’s a cultural moment. The International Dairy Foods Association estimates that Americans consume about four gallons of ice cream per year, and in 2024, the U.S. churned out over 1.3 billion gallons of the stuff. That’s a lot of scoops! This year, on July 20, 2025, ice cream shops, restaurants, and even pet stores (yes, really) are rolling out deals to make your taste buds sing and your wallet sigh in relief. From free cones to quirky flavors like pineapple coconut or “Beast Feast,” here’s where to go, what to grab, and why this day is worth celebrating.
Free Scoops to Kick Off the Party
Who doesn’t love free ice cream? This National Ice Cream Day, brands are dishing out complimentary scoops to lure you in, and the offers are as diverse as the flavors themselves. Here’s a rundown of the best freebies to snag on July 20, 2025:
- Friendly’s 90th Birthday Bash: Friendly’s is pulling out all the stops for its 90th anniversary, which conveniently aligns with National Ice Cream Day. Fan Club Rewards members can score a free cone or dish from July 18–20, whether dining in, ordering online, or grabbing carryout. Not a member? No worries—join for free, or nab a single scoop for just 90 cents in-store or to-go. With locations across Massachusetts and beyond, this deal is a nostalgic win.
- Dippin’ Dots Mini Cup Mania: Known for its colorful, beaded ice cream, Dippin’ Dots is giving away free mini cups of any flavor during a two-hour window on July 20. The first 100 people in line at participating locations also get a souvenir take-home cup. Check the Dippin’ Dots store locator for specific times, and use code NICD2024 for 25% off online orders.
- 16 Handles App-Exclusive Treat: Download the 16 Handles app and visit a participating location (think New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut) to claim a free soft-serve treat worth up to $5. This deal is perfect for those who love a quick, no-fuss dessert.
- Stop & Shop’s Generous Giveaway: GO Rewards members can grab a free 1.5-quart tub of Stop & Shop’s store-brand ice cream (choose from 15 flavors like Moose Tracks or Neapolitan) by checking in at in-store Savings Station kiosks from July 18–20. New members can sign up at the kiosk to join the fun.
- Halo Top’s Name Game: In a quirky twist, Halo Top is offering 8,000 free pints to anyone whose first, middle, or last name matches an ice cream brand—like Ben, Jerry, Baskin, or even Talenti. Head to HaloTop.com/IceCreamDay from July 14–21 to claim yours, but act fast—these pints are limited to celebrate their eight new mix-in flavors.
- Handel’s Senior Sweet Deal: Handel’s Ice Cream is honoring its 80th birthday by offering free small ice creams to guests over 80 on July 20, no purchase required. It’s a heartwarming gesture for loyal fans.
These freebies are a fantastic way to indulge without spending a dime, but check with local stores, as participation and hours may vary. Pro tip: Sign up for loyalty programs ahead of time to maximize your haul.
Secret Discounts You Don’t Want to Miss
If free scoops aren’t enough, National Ice Cream Day 2025 is packed with discounts that make indulging even sweeter. These deals, often tied to apps or loyalty programs, are perfect for savvy dessert lovers:
- Baskin-Robbins Week-Long Savings: From July 20–26, Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can enjoy $5 off orders of $20 or more through the BR app, in-store, or via delivery platforms like DoorDash. Use code SEIZETHEYAY for in-store redemptions. Plus, their new “Sydney’s Signature Scoop,” a rainbow sherbet creation with gummy bears and sprinkles inspired by actress Sydney Sweeney, is a must-try.
- Burger King’s Royal Treat: BK Rewards members can snag a free soft-serve cone with any purchase over $1 on July 20. It’s a simple way to add a sweet touch to your meal.
- Cold Stone Creamery’s Sweet Savings: Text LOVEIT25 to 568348 on July 18 for $5 off a $15+ purchase, valid for 15 days. On July 20, enter their sweepstakes for a chance to win free Cold Stone for a year. Their National Ice Cream Month special, a birthday cake Oreo cookie ice cream in a chocolate-dipped waffle taco, is calling your name.
- Dairy Queen’s Dilly Bar Deal: From July 14–20, DQ Rewards members get a free Dilly Bar with any $1+ purchase via the DQ app. Pair it with their nostalgic soft-serve for a classic treat.
- Van Leeuwen’s Honeycomb Special: From 12–2 p.m. ET on July 20, all Van Leeuwen scoop shops nationwide offer $3 scoops of their iconic Honeycomb flavor, celebrating its 10th anniversary. One lucky fan could win a 3-gallon tub, a Lovesac x Van Leeuwen CitySac, and a Material ice cream scooper. New Yorkers at the Tribeca location can grab scratch-off tickets for extra prizes.
- Graeter’s Legacy Deal: Sweet Rewards members can enjoy $1.55 single-dip sugar cones from July 18–20, honoring Graeter’s 155 years of small-batch ice cream. Try bold flavors like Midnight Snack or Bourbon Ball.
- DoorDash DashPass Perk: From July 17–23, DashPass members get $5 off two Ben & Jerry’s pints on grocery or convenience orders. Stock up for a Netflix-and-chill night.
These discounts are a goldmine for ice cream enthusiasts, but many require app downloads or loyalty memberships. Plan ahead to ensure you’re ready to scoop up the savings.
Bizarre Flavors Stealing the Spotlight
National Ice Cream Day isn’t just about freebies—it’s a stage for brands to flex their creativity with flavors that range from whimsical to downright wild. In 2025, ice cream makers are leaning into bold, unexpected combinations that challenge the classics. Here are some standouts:
- Baskin-Robbins’ Sydney’s Signature Scoop: This limited-time flavor, created with Sydney Sweeney, blends rainbow sherbet with a chocolate-dipped waffle cone, rainbow sprinkles, and gummy bears. It’s a playful, Instagram-worthy treat that screams summer fun.
- Cold Stone’s Waffle Taco Wonder: Their National Ice Cream Month special features birthday cake Oreo cookie ice cream stuffed into a chocolate-dipped waffle taco, topped with sprinkles. It’s as indulgent as it sounds.
- Graeter’s Beast Feast and More: Graeter’s is serving up quirky flavors like Beast Feast (yes, it’s real), alongside Midnight Snack, Bourbon Ball, and Cotton Candy. These small-batch creations, made with the French Pot method, deliver intense flavor in every bite.
- Salt & Straw’s Toppings Extravaganza: From July 14–20, Salt & Straw offers a Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Cone and Sundae, plus a new toppings lineup with marionberry coulis, candied nibs, and wild Italian cherries. Kids get free scoops, and app users can score free waffle cones.
- Clementine’s Blonde Bombshell: Available only on July 20, this Marilyn Monroe-inspired flavor combines Madagascar vanilla with hot fudge, Amarena cherries, and candied peanuts for a decadent twist.
- FatBoy’s New Sandwich Flavors: Casper’s Ice Cream introduced four new FatBoy ice cream sandwiches, including Cinnamon Churro (vanilla ice cream with a caramel core between churro cookies) and Hot Fudge Brownie (vanilla ice cream with a fudge center between brownies). Find them at grocery stores for a unique at-home treat.
These flavors reflect 2025’s trend toward adventurous, customizable ice cream experiences. According to Instacart data, while vanilla remains America’s top flavor (27% of 2024 sales), offbeat options like pineapple coconut (up 37% from 2023) and pistachio are gaining traction. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or boundary-pushing, there’s a scoop for you.
Regional Gems and Hidden Spots
While national chains dominate the headlines, local ice cream shops are where the magic often happens. In the Bay Area, for instance, shops are dishing out free or discounted scoops alongside unique flavors. Pizzi Farm in Waltham, Massachusetts, combines National Ice Cream Day with a school supply drive for the Salvation Army, offering free ice cream to the first 100 donors. Putnam Pantry in Danvers samples over 30 flavors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 20, giving you a chance to taste before you commit.
If you’re in New Jersey, check out the American Dream mall, where Dippin’ Dots is handing out free scoops. In Boston, Van Leeuwen’s expansion means you can grab that $3 Honeycomb scoop at their newest locations. Wherever you are, search local scoop shops on social media for last-minute deals—many announce specials on X or Instagram closer to the date.
Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends
National Ice Cream Day isn’t just for humans! Petco is joining the party with free “pup cups” of dog-safe ice cream at participating stores on July 20. It’s a delightful way to include your four-legged friends in the festivities. Just double-check with your local Petco, as not all locations may participate.
Tips for Maximizing Your Ice Cream Day
To make the most of July 20, 2025, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to scoop up the best experience:
- Join Loyalty Programs Early: Many deals (Friendly’s, Baskin-Robbins, Graeter’s) require membership. Sign up now to avoid missing out.
- Check Store Hours and Locations: Freebie windows, like Dippin’ Dots’ two-hour giveaway, vary by location. Confirm details on store websites or apps.
- Follow Brands on Social Media: X and Instagram often reveal last-minute deals or contests, like Kilwins’ $600 e-gift card giveaway (follow @Kilwins and tag a friend by July 31).
- Bring a Friend: Sharing a deal, like Burger King’s free soft-serve with a $1 purchase, makes the day even more fun.
- Explore New Flavors: Use the occasion to try something bold, like Salt & Straw’s wild Italian cherry toppings or Graeter’s Beast Feast.
A Scoop of Nostalgia and What’s Next
National Ice Cream Day 2025 is more than a chance to grab free scoops—it’s a reminder of how this simple treat weaves itself into our lives. From childhood memories of licking cones before they melted to discovering a flavor that feels like a dare, ice cream has a way of bringing people together. As brands push the envelope with flavors like pineapple coconut or churro-inspired sandwiches, the future of ice cream looks as vibrant as ever. So, where will you be scooping up your treats this Sunday? Share your plans or your wildest ice cream flavor experience in the comments—I’d love to hear what makes your dessert heart skip a beat.
