Complete Guide To National Ice Cream Day Freebies And Deals Where To Get Free Ice Cream In 2025

National Ice Cream Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July, has become a highly anticipated holiday for ice cream enthusiasts across the United States. Established in 1984, this sweet occasion provides consumers with an opportunity to enjoy their favorite frozen treats while taking advantage of special promotions, freebies, and exclusive deals from numerous ice cream shops, restaurants, and retail establishments. As July 20, 2025 approaches, many businesses have announced their plans to participate in the festivities with enticing offers designed to attract customers and celebrate America's beloved dessert.

This comprehensive guide details the confirmed freebies and deals for National Ice Cream Day 2025, along with predictions for 2026. Whether you're a loyalty program member, deal seeker, or simply an ice cream lover looking to indulge without breaking the bank, this article will help you navigate the various offers available across the country.

Confirmed National Ice Cream Day Offers for 2025

Numerous national and regional chains have announced their promotions for National Ice Cream Day 2025. These offers range from complimentary ice cream treats to significant discounts, with varying requirements and availability windows. Below is a detailed breakdown of the confirmed offers:

16 Handles

16 Handles is offering one of the most generous freebies for National Ice Cream Day. On July 20, customers who download the chain's mobile app can receive a free treat of their choice up to $5 in value at participating locations. This offer requires no previous purchase or membership, making it accessible to new and existing customers alike.

Marble Slab

Marble Slab is rewarding its loyalty program members with a free small ice cream on July 20, which will remain valid for seven days following the holiday. Additionally, as part of their July celebration, loyalty members will receive a new week-long surprise offer each Sunday throughout the month.

Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen is participating in National Ice Cream Day with a special promotion on their popular honeycomb flavor. On July 20, customers can purchase a scoop of this signature flavor for $3, representing a discount from the regular price. The offer is available between noon and 2:00 p.m. only, so interested customers should plan their visit accordingly.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is extending its celebration beyond National Ice Cream Day itself. From July 20 through July 26, rewards members can save $5 on orders of $20 or more. This discount is available through multiple channels, including the chain's app, website, in-store purchases, and via third-party delivery services like GrubHub and Uber Eats.

Big Chicken

Big Chicken is offering a free ice cream cone to in-restaurant customers on July 20. To receive the complimentary treat, customers simply need to mention the chain's National Ice Cream Day promotion when ordering.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream

Bruster's Real Ice Cream is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with multiple offers. Through July 31, customers can enter for a chance to win free ice cream for a year. Additionally, rewards members can earn double points on all purchases made through July 20.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is providing a free Dilly Bar to rewards members through July 20. This single-use offer is valid with any app or website order of $1 or more and is available at participating locations.

Burger King

Burger King's rewards program members can enjoy a free soft serve cone on July 20. To receive this complimentary treat, members must make a purchase of $1 or more, with the suggestion that customers might consider purchasing fries to dip in their ice cream.

Wendy's

While not offering traditional ice cream, Wendy's is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with a promotion for its Frosty desserts. On July 20, customers can get a free small Frosty, including one of the new varieties with mix-ins, with any purchase when using the digital offer in the chain's mobile app.

Dippin' Dots

Dippin' Dots locations within stores and shopping centers will be giving away free mini cups of ice cream on National Ice Cream Day, allowing customers to choose their preferred flavor. The freebie is available only during a specific two-hour window, so customers are advised to call their nearest location to confirm the exact giveaway time.

Friendly's

Friendly's is celebrating National Ice Cream Day alongside the chain's 90th birthday from July 18-20. Rewards members can receive a free cone or dish of ice cream during this period. For customers who are not yet members, Friendly's is offering a cone or dish of ice cream for just 90 cents.

Graeter's

Graeter's is celebrating the holiday weekend with a special offer for loyalty club members. From July 18-20, members can purchase single dip sugar cones for $1.55 each.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' is rewarding its loyalty program members on July 20 by offering three times the points on any frozen beverages purchased that day.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream shops will be adding a complimentary Sundae Fudge Sauce to any order placed on July 20. This free addition allows customers to enhance their ice cream experience at no additional cost.

Predicted National Ice Cream Day Offers for 2026

While the confirmed offers for 2025 provide immediate opportunities for ice cream enthusiasts, many consumers are already looking ahead to National Ice Cream Day 2026, which will be celebrated on Sunday, July 19. Based on previous years' promotions and industry trends, several chains are anticipated to participate again next year. The following represents predicted offers for 2026, though official details should be confirmed closer to the date:

16 Handles

16 Handles will likely celebrate National Ice Cream Day 2026 by offering a free ice cream treat when customers order through the mobile app on July 19.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can anticipate receiving a discount on delivery orders during the 2026 celebration.

Friendly's

In addition to celebrating National Ice Cream Day, Friendly's will observe its 91st birthday in 2026. The chain is expected to offer Fan Club Rewards members a free cone or dish in-store, online, or for carryout.

Gopuff

Gopuff is predicted to celebrate with savings on select ice cream products from brands including Jeni's Ice Cream, Unilever, Dreyers, Mars Wrigley, FatBoy Ice Cream, Halo Top, Dr. Bombay, Sweet Nothings, and more. Additionally, Gopuff FAM members will likely receive an exclusive deal.

Graeter's

Graeter's Ice Cream will probably offer Sweet Rewards Loyalty members a special deal on single-dip sugar cones for National Ice Cream Day 2026.

Halo Top

Halo Top is expected to participate with a giveaway promotion during the 2026 celebration.

Handel's Ice Cream

Handel's Ice Cream will likely observe its 81st birthday alongside National Ice Cream Day in 2026. The chain is predicted to offer guests over 81 years of age a free small ice cream, with no purchase necessary.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is anticipated to offer a free scoop of any ice cream with a purchase on National Ice Cream Day 2026. Rewards members can likely earn triple points on every purchase during the celebration.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is expected to add free Sundae Fudge Sauce to any order placed on National Ice Cream Day (July 19, 2026).

Marble Slab Creamery

Marble Slab Creamery will probably offer loyalty members a free small cup of ice cream on National Ice Cream Day 2026, with no purchase required.

Mother's Cookies and Carvel

These two brands are anticipated to collaborate on a promotion where they give away Carvel gift cards through their Instagram accounts.

Petco

Petco is likely to allow furry family members to join in the celebration by offering a FREE ice cream pup cup for dogs on National Ice Cream Day 2026.

Stop & Shop

Stop & Shop GO Rewards members can anticipate receiving a special National Ice Cream Day deal in 2026.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream will probably celebrate both National Ice Cream Day and its anniversary by offering everyone a free scoop of the Big Blast from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026 (the day before the official holiday).

The Yard Milkshake Bar

The Yard Milkshake Bar is expected to offer a FREE scoop with any purchase made on National Ice Cream Day 2026.

Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen will likely offer discounted scoops of ice cream between noon and 3:00 p.m. ET on National Ice Cream Day 2026.

Wendy's

Wendy's is predicted to offer a free small Frosty, Frosty Fusion, or Frosty Swirl with an in-app purchase on National Ice Cream Day 2026.

Yogurtland

Yogurtland will probably give Real Rewards members double points for any online, in-app, or in-store orders placed on National Ice Cream Day 2026.

Tips for Maximizing National Ice Cream Day Deals

To make the most of National Ice Cream Day promotions, consider the following strategies:

1. Join Loyalty Programs in Advance: Many offers are exclusive to loyalty program members. Sign up for these programs before July 20 to ensure eligibility for special deals.

2. Download Mobile Apps Early: Several offers, including those from 16 Handles and Wendy's, require the use of mobile apps. Download these apps before the holiday to avoid any technical issues on the day of the promotion.

3. Check Participation Details: Some offers are only available at participating locations. Verify that your local store is participating before making a special trip.

4. Note Time Restrictions: Offers like Van Leeuwen's discounted honeycomb scoop and Dippin' Dots' free mini cups are only available during specific time windows. Plan your visits accordingly.

5. Combine Offers When Possible: Some promotions can be combined with other deals. For example, using a rewards membership discount on top of a National Ice Cream Day promotion might provide additional savings.

6. Follow Brands on Social Media: Many companies announce last-minute deals or additional promotions through their social media channels. Following your favorite ice cream brands can provide access to these opportunities.

7. Check for Expiration Dates: Some offers, like Marble Slab's free small ice cream, have validity periods beyond the actual holiday. Take advantage of these extended offers by planning future visits.

8. Share with Friends and Family: Some promotions have limitations on the number of free items per customer. Consider coordinating with friends or family to maximize the collective value of available offers.

Conclusion

National Ice Cream Day has evolved from a simple celebration of America's favorite frozen dessert into a highly anticipated event for deal seekers and ice cream enthusiasts alike. The confirmed offers for 2025 provide numerous opportunities to enjoy complimentary treats and special promotions across a wide range of establishments, from dedicated ice cream shops to fast-food chains offering frozen desserts.

By taking advantage of loyalty programs, mobile app offers, and time-limited promotions, consumers can maximize their savings while enjoying their favorite ice cream creations. For those who miss out on the 2025 celebrations, the predicted offers for 2026 provide a preview of what to expect in future years.

As with any promotional event, it's important to verify the specific terms and conditions of each offer, including participation locations, eligibility requirements, and expiration dates. By planning ahead and staying informed through official brand channels, ice cream lovers can make the most of this sweet holiday celebration.

Sources

1. Cheapism - National Ice Cream Day Deals and Freebies
2. Today.com - National Ice Cream Day Deals 2025
3. The Krazy Coupon Lady - National Ice Cream Day