Technically speaking, July 15 is the date tied to National Ice Cream Day — President Ronald Reagan officially designated July 15, 1984 as such in a presidential proclamation (in which he even referred to ice cream as “a nutritious and wholesome food”: a presidential endorsement I’m happy to invoke whenever I rationalize indulging in this delightful treat).
Although that proclamation names a specific day, retailers and restaurants commonly run promotions around the third Sunday in July (think National Donut Day, National Pretzel Day and National Cookie Day), so the third Sunday of July has effectively become the day most businesses celebrate as National Ice Cream Day.
10 Refreshing Freebies and Deals for National Ice Cream Day 2018
This year, National Ice Cream Day lands on Sunday, July 15, and we’ve gathered the best spots to find deals and giveaways (yes, the puns are intended).
1. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins is celebrating with the debut of Freak Shakes, available in three imaginative varieties at participating locations through the end of the month.
If you download the Baskin-Robbins mobile app on National Ice Cream Day, you’ll unlock special coupons like BOGO cones, BOGO sundaes, and $2 off a medium milkshake. The app also grants a complimentary regular scoop just for signing up. Plus, if you place a DoorDash order from Baskin-Robbins on July 15 totaling $10 or more, you may get a free single scoop included.
They’re also sweetening late July: on July 31 as part of their ongoing Celebrate 31 promotion, regular and kid-sized scoops will be priced at $1.50.
2. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s already hosted Free Cone Day back in April, and while no specific nationwide plans have been announced for this Sunday, there are related promotions: Whole Foods has teamed up with Ben & Jerry’s and Talenti to run a two-for-$6 deal on pints, both dairy and nondairy.
The sale runs for three days beginning July 15, and Amazon Prime members can get an extra 10% discount. Buy four or more pints and you’ll qualify for a $10 credit to spend during Amazon’s Prime Day event on July 16 and 17.
3. Carvel
Carvel will be offering buy-one-get-one cups or cones (soft-serve only) on July 15 — some shops may even feature specialty flavors like Reese’s, Oreo and strawberry.
If you’re still craving more midweek, stop by Carvel on Wednesday for BOGO sundaes at participating spots.
4. Cold Stone Creamery
Sign up for the My Cold Stone rewards program and you may be eligible for a buy-one-get-one offer on their signature “creations.”
Cold Stone is marking its 30th anniversary and continuing its Random Acts of Cold Stone tradition, where teams travel across the country handing out complimentary ice cream. Follow their Facebook updates to track where freebies will pop up.
5. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hasn’t announced a national campaign for National Ice Cream Day, largely because many franchises operate independently; some local DQs have run their own promotions in past years, so it’s worth contacting your neighborhood location to see if they’re participating.
To lock in a dependable offer, join the Blizzard Club — new members typically receive a BOGO Blizzard coupon within 24 hours and additional BOGO coupons throughout the year.
6. Dippin’ Dots
Drop by a participating Dippin’ Dots kiosk or mall location on July 15 to claim a free mini cup. The giveaway is only available during a two-hour window at each site, so call ahead to confirm the exact time your local vendor will be participating.
Dippin’ Dots is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, meaning there may be extra chances to win prizes during the festivities.
7. Monkey Joe’s
This Sunday, the large inflatable play center is hosting a customer appreciation event that includes free ice cream, along with a variety of giveaways and prizes throughout the day.
8. Sonic
Sonic Drive-In hasn’t revealed any special National Ice Cream Day promotions yet, but they’re currently running a ½-price after 8pm deal on shakes, floats and ice cream slushes. If your freebie-hunting leaves you still wanting more, Sonic’s evening discounts are a reliable fallback.
9. Yogurtland
This year marks Yogurtland’s first National Ice Cream Day celebration, and they’re offering a BOGO on five signature flavors, including rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, chocolate malt ball with Whoppers, butter pecan light, and Oreo cookies and cream.
The promotion runs at U.S. locations on July 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
10. Your Pie
Although it’s primarily known for pizza, Your Pie serves gelato and will be handing out free scoops on Sunday with no purchase necessary. Find participating locations across roughly 20 states.
Bonus: PetSmart PetsHotel
Don’t forget the pets — PetSmart PetsHotel locations nationwide will offer complimentary four-ounce servings of dog-safe ice cream all weekend long.
If you live in New York City, Washington D.C. or San Diego, bring your pups to local dog parks where the Wag! ice cream cart may be dishing out free dog-friendly treats.
And if you’re searching for more frozen freebies throughout the year, don’t miss opportunities like free ice cream offers and promotions tied to national smoothie day events — they’re great ways to score treats without breaking the bank.
Sydney Hale is an editorial assistant at Savinly. This post was refreshed for National Ice Cream Day 2018.
