National Ice Cream Day 2025 Complete Guide To Freebies Deals And Promotions

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 information about how to maximize these offers. 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.

Completely Free Ice Cream Offers

For those seeking completely free ice cream without any purchase requirement, several national and regional chains have announced generous promotions for National Ice Cream Day 2025.

16 Handles is offering one of the most generous freebies for the occasion. 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. The app-based redemption process suggests interested individuals should download the application in advance to ensure a smooth experience at the point of sale.

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. This extended redemption window provides flexibility for customers to enjoy their free treat at their convenience. Additionally, as part of their July celebration, loyalty members will receive a new week-long surprise offer each Sunday throughout the month, effectively extending the National Ice Cream Day benefits for the entire month.

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. However, 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. This time-sensitive nature of the promotion requires advance planning to ensure participation.

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 three-day period. For customers who are not yet members, Friendly's is offering a cone or dish of ice cream for just 90 cents, providing an affordable entry point to join their loyalty program while still enjoying a discounted treat.

Handel's Ice Cream is joining the celebration by marking both National Ice Cream Day and their 80th birthday. On July 20 only, the chain will be giving a free small ice cream to guests who are over 80 years old. No purchase is needed, and there is a limit of one per person. This age-specific promotion acknowledges long-time customers while creating a memorable experience for seniors.

The Yard Milkshake Bar is offering a free scoop with any purchase made on July 20. This "buy one, get one free" style promotion requires a qualifying purchase but provides immediate gratification for customers visiting the establishment on National Ice Cream Day.

Discounted Ice Cream Offers

Several ice cream retailers are offering special discounted prices rather than completely free items. These promotions provide value for customers willing to make a purchase during the National Ice Cream Day celebration.

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. This limited-time promotion on a signature flavor creates exclusivity and encourages foot traffic during specific hours.

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. This discounted pricing is available exclusively to loyalty program members, incentivizing enrollment while providing a valuable price point for a classic ice cream treat.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream customers can enter for the chance to win free ice cream for a year through July 31. Additionally, rewards members can earn double points on all purchases through July 20. This combination of a sweepstakes entry and enhanced loyalty rewards provides multiple incentives for customer engagement during the National Ice Cream Day period.

Loyalty Program Exclusive Offers

Many ice cream chains are leveraging their loyalty programs to reward existing members while encouraging new enrollments during National Ice Cream Day.

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. The extended duration and multiple redemption options provide significant flexibility for loyalty program members.

Dairy Queen is offering rewards members a free Dilly Bar with any app or website order of $1 or more through July 20. The single-use offer is valid at participating locations. This low minimum purchase requirement makes the freebie accessible to nearly all loyalty program members while encouraging digital engagement.

Dunkin' is rewarding its loyalty program members on July 20 by offering three times the points on any frozen beverages purchased that day. This points multiplier promotion provides long-term value for customers who regularly participate in the chain's rewards program, as accumulated points can be redeemed for future purchases.

Special Promotions and Partnerships

Some ice cream retailers have developed unique promotions and partnerships to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in distinctive ways.

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. The complimentary topping represents a value-add approach to the promotion rather than a complete free item.

Mother's Cookies in partnership with Carvel is having a National Ice Cream Day Giveaway through July 26. The prize will be a $10 digital gift card and a 9-ounce package of Mother's Dynamite Dinosaurs Cookies. There will be 25 winners, and interested individuals can enter through the Instagram post. This cross-brand promotion leverages social media for entry while offering a combined prize of complementary products.

Big Chicken is offering a free ice cream cone in-restaurant on July 20 when customers mention the chain's National Ice Cream Day promotion. This simple verbal mention requirement makes redemption straightforward while increasing customer awareness of the promotion.

Deals from Non-Ice Cream Establishments

Several establishments not primarily known for ice cream are also participating in National Ice Cream Day promotions.

Wendy's is offering a free small Frosty, Frosty Fusion, or Frosty Swirl when customers make any in-app purchase on July 20. This promotion ties a free dessert to a qualifying purchase through their mobile application, encouraging digital engagement while providing a sweet treat.

Petco is participating in National Ice Cream Day with a free Pup Cup, though specific details about this offering are not provided in the available information. This pet-focused promotion acknowledges that ice cream celebrations extend to four-legged family members.

Planning Your National Ice Cream Day Experience

To maximize the benefits of these promotions, interested consumers should consider several strategic approaches:

1. Download necessary apps in advance: Several offers, including those from 16 Handles and Wendy's, require mobile app downloads or in-app purchases. Installing these applications before July 20 ensures seamless participation.

2. Verify participation details: Some offers, like Dippin' Dots' free mini cups, are available only during specific two-hour windows. Calling ahead to confirm exact times is recommended to avoid disappointment.

3. Check location participation: Not all locations within a chain may participate in these promotions. Checking with specific stores beforehand can prevent unnecessary travel.

4. Join loyalty programs: Several offers are exclusive to loyalty program members, either requiring membership or providing enhanced benefits to members. Enrolling in these programs before July 20 unlocks additional savings opportunities.

5. Plan for extended promotions: Some offers, like Baskin-Robbins' discount and Marble Slab's free treat, have redemption periods extending beyond July 20, providing flexibility in when to utilize these benefits.

Conclusion

National Ice Cream Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for ice cream enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite treats at reduced costs or completely free. From straightforward freebies like 16 Handles' app-based offer to specialized promotions like Handel's age-specific free small ice cream for guests over 80, there are options to suit various preferences and circumstances.

Loyalty program members particularly benefit from this celebration, with enhanced offers from Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Dunkin', and others providing additional value for enrolled customers. Meanwhile, limited-time promotions like Van Leeuwen's discounted honeycomb flavor create urgency and exclusivity for those willing to visit during specific hours.

By planning ahead, verifying participation details, and taking advantage of both free and discounted offers, consumers can maximize their ice cream enjoyment while minimizing expenses during this annual celebration. 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 staying informed through official brand channels, ice cream lovers can make the most of this sweet holiday celebration.

Sources

1. Complete Guide To National Ice Cream Day Freebies And Deals Where To Get Free Ice Cream In 2025
2. How To Get National Ice Cream Day Deals And Freebies This Weekend
3. National Ice Cream Day Deals 2025
4. National Ice Cream Day Deals