National Ice Cream Day, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and observed on the third Sunday of July, offers consumers a variety of freebies and promotional deals from major chains and local establishments. In 2025, this falls on July 20, with many brands extending offers throughout the week. The available information details specific promotions from fast-food chains, ice cream retailers, and pet care stores, alongside local community events.
Major Chain Promotions
Several national fast-food and ice cream chains have announced rewards-based deals for National Ice Cream Day. Most of these offers require membership in the brand’s rewards program and the use of a mobile app or website for redemption.
Baskin-Robbins Baskin-Robbins is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with a weeklong promotion running from July 20 through July 26. * Offer: $5 off any order of $20 or more. * Eligibility: Must be a Baskin-Robbins Rewards member. * Redemption: Available via the app, website, in-store, and through third-party delivery services. Source [1] notes the deal is valid for third-party delivery, while Source [7] specifies it applies to online or in-store orders.
Dairy Queen Dairy Queen is offering a free treat to rewards members leading up to and on National Ice Cream Day. * Offer: A free Dilly Bar. * Requirements: Must be a DQ Rewards member and make a purchase of $1 or more. * Dates: The promotion runs from July 14 through July 20. * Redemption: Orders must be placed through the DQ mobile app or website. Source [1] indicates the offer is valid through July 20, while Source [4] specifies "now through July 20."
Dunkin’ While Dunkin’ does not serve traditional ice cream scoops, the chain is offering bonus points on frozen beverages. * Offer: Triple points (3X) on frozen beverages. * Eligibility: Must be a Dunkin’ Rewards member. * Date: Valid on July 20 only.
Burger King Burger King is offering a free dessert item to rewards members on the holiday. * Offer: A free soft serve cone. * Requirements: Must be a member of the BK rewards program and make a purchase of $1 or more. * Date: Valid on July 20.
Wendy’s Wendy’s is participating with a free frozen treat, though it requires a purchase via their app. * Offer: A free small Frosty. * Requirements: Must purchase an item through the Wendy’s app. * Note: While Wendy’s is included in National Ice Cream Day roundups, their primary frozen offering is the Frosty rather than traditional ice cream.
Specialty Ice Cream Retailers
Gourmet and specialty ice cream brands are also participating with unique offers, ranging from free toppings to specific flavor promotions.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams * Offer: A free brand-new Sundae Fudge Sauce (a rich chocolate sauce with sea salt) with any scoop shop order. * Date: Valid for one day only, July 20. * Effect: This allows customers to turn any scoop into a sundae at no additional cost.
Dippin’ Dots Dippin’ Dots is offering both a discount and a physical giveaway. * Online Discount: 25% off online orders using promo code NICD25, valid on July 20. * In-Store Giveaway: Free mini cups of ice cream (any flavor) during a two-hour window at franchise locations on July 20. * Special Bonus: The first 100 people in line at each location will receive a souvenir take-home cup. * Partner Offer: Chuck E. Cheese customers can get a free cup of Chuck E.'s Cookie Crunch Dippin’ Dots using a digital coupon.
Van Leeuwen * Offer: $3 single scoops of their signature Honeycomb flavor. * Time: Available from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.
Insomnia Cookies * Offer: A free scoop of ice cream. * Requirements: Must make a purchase of $5 or more. * Date: Valid on Sunday, July 20.
Halo Top * Offer: A free pint of ice cream. * Eligibility: Available to individuals who have an ice cream brand name in their own name (e.g., Ben, Jerry, Halo, Top). * Process: Consumers must verify their identity via a designated online portal.
Pet-Friendly Offers
National Ice Cream Day extends to pets, with one major retailer offering a safe alternative for dogs.
Petco * Offer: Free "doggie ice cream" safe for pets to consume. * Date: Available on Sunday, July 20. * Availability: At participating locations.
Local and Community Events
Beyond national chains, the source data highlights community-focused events and local shop participation.
Pizzi Farm (Waltham) * Event: Celebrating National Ice Cream Day while supporting a local cause. * Activity: The shop is collecting school supplies for the Salvation Army's "Tools for Schools" program. * Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
General Local Participation Consumers are advised to check with local ice cream stands, as many participate in the holiday with unlisted specials. Source [2] recommends calling ahead to ensure local store participation in chain-wide offers.
Conclusion
National Ice Cream Day 2025 offers a wide range of opportunities for consumers to enjoy free or discounted frozen treats. The majority of major deals are tied to loyalty programs and app usage, specifically at chains such as Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Burger King. Additionally, specialty shops like Jeni’s and Dippin’ Dots are offering unique in-store promotions, while Petco provides a treat for pets. Consumers looking to maximize these offers should ensure they have the necessary apps downloaded and accounts registered prior to July 20.