National Ice Cream Day 2025 Complete Guide To Freebies And Deals

July 20, 2025 marks National Ice Cream Day, a sweet celebration that falls on the third Sunday of July as designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. This annual occasion, part of National Ice Cream Month, brings together ice cream lovers across the United States with an array of complimentary treats and special offers. From classic ice cream shops to fast food chains, numerous brands are participating in this frozen festivities with freebies and discounts designed to delight customers.

Ice Cream Shop Freebies

16 Handles

Ice cream enthusiasts visiting 16 Handles on July 20 can enjoy a complimentary treat of their choice with a value of up to $5. To take advantage of this offer, customers need to download the 16 Handles mobile app before visiting a participating location. The free treat is available exclusively through the app, and availability may vary by location.

Marble Slab

Marble Slab Creamery is celebrating National Ice Cream Day by offering loyalty program members a free small ice cream. The complimentary treat is valid for seven days after July 20, providing flexibility for when customers choose to redeem it. Additionally, Marble Slab is enhancing the celebration by introducing new surprise offers each Sunday throughout July, giving members additional reasons to visit throughout the month.

Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is offering a special deal on July 20 where customers can purchase a scoop of the popular honeycomb flavor for just $3. This discounted option is available only between noon and 2 p.m. at participating Van Leeuwen locations. The limited-time window encourages customers to plan their visit accordingly to enjoy this sweet deal.

Dippin' Dots

Dippin' Dots is participating in National Ice Cream Day by distributing free mini cups of their signature ice cream at participating locations. The giveaway operates within a two-hour timeframe specific to each location, so customers should verify the exact hours at their nearest franchise. Additionally, the first 100 guests at each participating location will receive a special souvenir take-home cup, adding an extra element of exclusivity to the offer.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is celebrating with a $5 discount on orders of $20 or more, available from July 20 through July 26. This offer is accessible through multiple channels, including the Baskin-Robbins app, website, in-store purchases, and third-party delivery services. The promotion is exclusive to rewards members, highlighting the benefits of joining their loyalty program.

In addition to the National Ice Cream Day promotion, Baskin-Robbins is featuring the Flavor of the Month for July, which is Rainbow Sherbet—a refreshing trio of Tart Raspberry, Sweet Pineapple, and Tangy Orange-flavored Sherbets. To conclude the month, Baskin-Robbins will host its Celebrate 31 Special on July 31, offering 31% off all scoops.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream

Bruster's Real Ice Cream is giving customers the opportunity to win free ice cream for a year through a contest running until July 31. Additionally, rewards members can enjoy double points on all purchases made through July 20, enhancing the value of every visit during National Ice Cream Day weekend.

Braum's

Braum's is offering discounted ice cream cones on July 20, with Junior & Single-Dip Cones priced at $1.45 and Double-Dip Cones available for $2.00. These special prices are accessible at all Braum's locations, making it convenient for customers to enjoy a sweet treat without breaking the bank.

Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with daily deals throughout the week. The specific deal of the day can be found on the brand's social media channels, so customers should follow Cold Stone for updates on the current promotion.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream shops are offering a complimentary Sundae Fudge Sauce with any order on July 20. This free addition allows customers to elevate their ice cream experience at no extra cost, transforming a simple scoop into a decadent sundae.

Fast Food Chain Offers

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is treating rewards members to a free Dilly Bar with any online or in-app order of $1 or more through July 20, 2025. To access this offer, customers must use the DQ app or website. It's important to note that it may take up to 24 hours for the offer to appear in the app after signing up for the rewards program, so early registration is recommended.

Burger King

Burger King is offering a free soft serve ice cream cone on July 20 for members of the Royal Perks program. To receive the complimentary treat, customers must make a purchase of $1 or more through the BK app. The small purchase requirement allows customers to enjoy a side of fries to dip in their ice cream while taking advantage of the sweet deal.

Big Chicken

Big Chicken is celebrating National Ice Cream Day by offering a free ice cream cone in-restaurant on July 20. Customers simply need to mention the National Ice Cream Day promotion when ordering to receive their complimentary treat.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' is rewarding its loyalty program members with triple points on any frozen beverages purchased on July 20. This promotion enhances the value of rewards membership, encouraging customers to enjoy their favorite frozen drinks while earning accelerated points.

How to Maximize Your Ice Cream Day Experience

Finding Participating Locations

While many of these offers are available nationwide, participation may vary by location. Before heading out to claim your freebies, it's advisable to check with your local shops to confirm they are participating in the National Ice Cream Day promotions. Most brands provide location finders on their websites or apps to help customers identify participating establishments.

Signing Up for Loyalty Programs

Several of these offers require membership in loyalty programs, such as DQ Rewards, Royal Perks, or Baskin-Robbins rewards. If you haven't already joined these programs, signing up is typically free and can be done through the respective brand's app or website. Keep in mind that some offers, like Dairy Queen's Dilly Bar, may take up to 24 hours to appear in your account after registration.

Best Times to Visit

For time-limited offers like Van Leeuwen's discounted honeycomb flavor (available only between noon and 2 p.m.) or Dippin' Dots' two-hour giveaway window, planning your visit during the specified hours is crucial. Additionally, visiting earlier in the day may help you avoid crowds and long lines, especially for offers with limited quantities like Dippin' Dots' souvenir cups.

Additional Ice Cream Month Deals

Baskin-Robbins Celebrate 31 Special

As National Ice Cream Month concludes, Baskin-Robbins is hosting its Celebrate 31 Special on July 31, offering 31% off all scoops. This provides an additional opportunity for ice cream lovers to enjoy their favorite flavors at a discounted price.

Month-Long Promotions

Some brands extend their National Ice Cream Day promotions throughout July. Marble Slab, for example, offers new surprise deals each Sunday, giving members multiple opportunities to enjoy free treats throughout the month. Bruster's continues to reward members with double points on purchases through July 20, enhancing the value of every visit.

Terms and Conditions to Note

Membership Requirements

Many of these offers require membership in loyalty programs. While joining these programs is typically free, customers should ensure they have registered and their accounts are active before attempting to claim promotions.

Purchase Minimums

Some offers, such as Dairy Queen's free Dilly Bar with a $1 minimum purchase or Burger King's free soft serve with any $1+ purchase, require a small purchase to qualify. These minimums are generally easy to meet and often allow customers to pair their ice cream with other menu items.

Time Restrictions

Several promotions have specific time limitations. Van Leeuwen's discounted honeycomb flavor is only available between noon and 2 p.m., while Dippin' Dots' free mini cups are available during a two-hour window that varies by location. Customers should verify these times in advance to avoid disappointment.

Location Availability

While most brands offer these promotions at participating locations, not every franchise may participate. Checking with local establishments or using the brand's location finder can help confirm availability before making a special trip.

Conclusion

National Ice Cream Day 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for ice cream enthusiasts to enjoy complimentary treats and special discounts from numerous brands. Whether you prefer classic ice cream shops like Baskin-Robbins and Marble Slab or fast food chains like Dairy Queen and Burger King, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this sweet occasion.

To make the most of these offers, remember to check participation at your local locations, join necessary loyalty programs in advance, and note any time restrictions on specific promotions. With proper planning, you can maximize your ice cream day experience and enjoy a variety of frozen delights without straining your budget.

As you celebrate National Ice Cream Day, remember to indulge responsibly and consider sharing these sweet deals with friends and family. After all, ice cream tastes even better when enjoyed with loved ones.

Sources

1. Cheapism - National Ice Cream Day Deals
2. Free Stuff Finder - National Ice Cream Day Deals
3. Today - National Ice Cream Day Deals 2025
4. Free Prizes Online - National Ice Cream Day 2025
5. Fortune - National Ice Cream Day 2025
6. Living on the Cheap - National Ice Cream Day Freebies