National Ice Cream Day 2025: Scoop Up the Best Deals & Freebies!

Jul 20, 2025

National Ice Cream Day 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet Savings

Get ready to celebrate the sweetest day of the year! National Ice Cream Day 2025 is fast approaching, and that means one thing: incredible deals and freebies on your favorite frozen treat. As a seasoned ice cream enthusiast and deal hunter, I'm here to provide you with the ultimate guide to maximizing your savings and indulging in deliciousness on this special day. This isn't just a list of promotions; it's a strategic roadmap to navigating the icy landscape of National Ice Cream Day, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck (or should I say, scoop for your dollar!).

What is National Ice Cream Day?

National Ice Cream Day is an annual celebration observed on the third Sunday of July in the United States. It was established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, who proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month. Reagan recognized ice cream as a fun and wholesome food enjoyed by over 90% of the nation's population. The proclamation called upon the American people to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities." Since then, ice cream shops and brands across the country have offered special deals and promotions on this day, making it a favorite for ice cream lovers of all ages.

When is National Ice Cream Day 2025?

Mark your calendars! National Ice Cream Day 2025 falls on Sunday, July 20th, 2025. That gives you plenty of time to plan your ice cream strategy and prepare for a day of sweet indulgence.

Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the Ice Cream): Planning Ahead

Don't wait until the last minute! The key to maximizing your National Ice Cream Day experience is to plan ahead. Here's how:

Research Deals in Advance: Start looking for deals and promotions weeks before the actual day. Websites like RetailMeNot, Offers.com, and individual ice cream shop websites are great resources. Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite brands to get exclusive early access to deals.
Download Apps: Many ice cream shops and restaurants have their own apps that offer rewards, coupons, and special promotions. Download these apps ahead of time and create accounts to be ready to redeem deals on National Ice Cream Day. Consider apps like the Baskin-Robbins app, the Dairy Queen app, and the Carvel app.
Map Out Your Route: If you plan to visit multiple locations, map out your route to minimize travel time and maximize your ice cream enjoyment. Consider traffic and parking availability.
Check Social Media: Follow your favorite ice cream brands on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for announcements about exclusive deals and contests. Many companies will announce deals only through their social channels.
Read the Fine Print: Always read the fine print of any offer to understand the terms and conditions. Pay attention to expiration dates, restrictions, and any other limitations.

Expected Deals and Freebies: What to Watch Out For

While specific deals for National Ice Cream Day 2025 haven't been announced yet, we can anticipate similar promotions to those offered in previous years. Based on past trends, here's what you can expect:

National Chains: The Big Players

National ice cream chains are typically the most generous with their National Ice Cream Day offerings. Keep an eye out for these deals:

Baskin-Robbins: In previous years, Baskin-Robbins has offered deals like free scoops, discounts on sundaes, and special promotions on their app. Expect similar offers in 2025. Consider signing up for their email list and downloading their app for exclusive deals.
Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen often offers BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals on Blizzards or other frozen treats through their app. Keep an eye on their social media channels for announcements.
Carvel: Carvel typically offers deals on their classic soft-serve cones and sundaes. Check their website and social media for updates.
Cold Stone Creamery: Cold Stone Creamery often provides discounts on creations or offers points multipliers for rewards members. Sign up for their rewards program to take advantage of these offers.
Friendly's: Friendly's usually celebrates National Ice Cream Day with discounted sundaes and other sweet treats. Check their website for specific details.
Marble Slab Creamery: Look for special promotions and discounts on their custom ice cream creations. Their rewards program might offer extra perks.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream: Many Bruster's locations offer a free single-scoop waffle cone on National Ice Cream Day. Check with your local store to confirm participation.

Local Ice Cream Shops: Hidden Gems

Don't forget about your local ice cream shops! These smaller businesses often offer unique and creative deals on National Ice Cream Day to attract customers and build community. To find local deals:

Check Local Listings: Search online for local ice cream shops and check their websites and social media pages for announcements about National Ice Cream Day deals.
Visit Local Blogs and News Sites: Local blogs and news sites often feature articles about National Ice Cream Day deals in your area.
Ask Around: Talk to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to find out about any local deals they've heard about.
Look for Signage: Keep an eye out for signs and banners advertising National Ice Cream Day deals when you're out and about in your community.

Grocery Stores: Stock Up for Later

Grocery stores can also be a great place to find deals on ice cream for National Ice Cream Day. Look for:

Discounts on Pints and Tubs: Many grocery stores offer discounts on popular ice cream brands like Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, and Breyers.
BOGO Deals: Keep an eye out for Buy One Get One Free deals on ice cream pints and tubs.
Coupons: Check your local newspaper and online coupon sites for coupons on ice cream products.
Loyalty Programs: Use your grocery store loyalty card to earn points or discounts on ice cream purchases.

Beyond the Scoop: Creative Ways to Celebrate

National Ice Cream Day isn't just about free scoops; it's about celebrating the joy of ice cream in all its forms. Here are some creative ways to celebrate:

Host an Ice Cream Social: Invite your friends and family over for an ice cream social. Provide a variety of ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces, and let everyone create their own custom sundaes.
Make Homemade Ice Cream: Get creative in the kitchen and try making your own homemade ice cream. There are tons of easy recipes available online.
Visit an Ice Cream Festival: Many communities host ice cream festivals on or around National Ice Cream Day. These festivals often feature live music, food vendors, and, of course, plenty of ice cream.
Try a New Ice Cream Flavor: Step outside your comfort zone and try a new and unusual ice cream flavor. You might discover your new favorite treat!
Support a Local Ice Cream Shop: Show your support for local businesses by visiting a local ice cream shop and purchasing a scoop or two.
Donate to a Local Charity: Spread the joy of ice cream by donating ice cream or ice cream-related supplies to a local charity or organization.

Maximize Your Savings: Pro Tips for National Ice Cream Day

Ready to become a National Ice Cream Day savings pro? Here are some insider tips to help you maximize your savings and enjoyment:

Stack Deals: Look for opportunities to stack deals and coupons to save even more money. For example, you might be able to combine a manufacturer's coupon with a store promotion.
Use Cash Back Apps: Use cash back apps like Ibotta and Rakuten to earn cash back on your ice cream purchases. Simply scan your receipt after you make your purchase and the app will automatically credit your account.
Take Advantage of Rewards Programs: Sign up for rewards programs at your favorite ice cream shops and grocery stores to earn points or discounts on future purchases.
Go with a Group: If you're planning to visit multiple locations, go with a group of friends or family members. This way, you can share the costs and try more flavors.
Be Patient: Expect long lines and crowds on National Ice Cream Day. Be patient and remember that everyone is there to enjoy the same thing: delicious ice cream!
Bring a Cooler: If you plan to purchase multiple pints or tubs of ice cream, bring a cooler to keep them frozen while you travel.
Pace Yourself: It's tempting to try as much ice cream as possible on National Ice Cream Day, but remember to pace yourself. Don't overeat and ruin the experience.

The Experience Matters: Beyond the Freebies

While saving money is a major perk of National Ice Cream Day, remember that the experience is just as important. Take the time to savor each bite, enjoy the company of your friends and family, and appreciate the simple pleasure of a delicious scoop of ice cream. Here's how to enhance your experience:

Try Unique Flavors: Don't be afraid to try new and unique ice cream flavors. Ask for samples before you commit to a full scoop.
Create Your Own Sundae: Get creative with your toppings and sauces and create your own custom sundae.
Visit Different Ice Cream Shops: Explore different ice cream shops in your area and discover new favorites.
Take Photos: Capture the memories of your National Ice Cream Day adventure by taking photos of your ice cream, your friends, and your surroundings.
Share Your Experience: Share your National Ice Cream Day experience on social media using the hashtag #NationalIceCreamDay.

Case Study: A Successful National Ice Cream Day Strategy

Let's look at a real-world example of how to successfully navigate National Ice Cream Day for maximum savings and enjoyment. Sarah, a self-proclaimed ice cream aficionado, planned her National Ice Cream Day strategy meticulously. Here's what she did:

Early Research: Sarah started researching deals weeks in advance. She signed up for email newsletters from her favorite ice cream brands and followed them on social media.
App Download: She downloaded the apps for Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Cold Stone Creamery and created accounts.
Route Planning: Sarah mapped out a route that included her favorite local ice cream shop, a Dairy Queen, and a Baskin-Robbins.
Deal Stacking: She found a coupon for $1 off any Baskin-Robbins ice cream purchase and combined it with a National Ice Cream Day promotion for a free scoop.
Cash Back: She used the Ibotta app to earn cash back on her Dairy Queen purchase.
The Result: Sarah enjoyed three different scoops of ice cream, saved a total of $5, and had a fantastic time celebrating National Ice Cream Day with her friends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on National Ice Cream Day

Even the most seasoned ice cream enthusiasts can make mistakes on National Ice Cream Day. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Waiting Until the Last Minute: Don't wait until the last minute to plan your strategy. Many deals are only available for a limited time, and popular flavors may sell out quickly.
Ignoring the Fine Print: Always read the fine print of any offer to understand the terms and conditions.
Overeating: It's tempting to try as much ice cream as possible, but remember to pace yourself.
Forgetting Your Wallet: Don't forget to bring your wallet or credit card with you.
Being Impatient: Expect long lines and crowds and be patient.
Only Focusing on Freebies: Remember that the experience is just as important as the savings.
Not Supporting Local Shops: Don't forget to support your local ice cream shops.

National Ice Cream Day: A Global Phenomenon?

While National Ice Cream Day originated in the United States, the love for ice cream is universal. Many countries around the world have their own versions of ice cream festivals and celebrations. Check local listings to see if there are any ice cream-related events happening in your area, regardless of where you live.

The Future of National Ice Cream Day

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in the future. Here are some potential trends:

Virtual Reality Ice Cream Experiences: Imagine being able to virtually visit an ice cream factory or create your own custom flavor using virtual reality.
AI-Powered Ice Cream Recommendations: AI algorithms could analyze your preferences and recommend the perfect ice cream flavor for you.
Drone Delivery of Ice Cream: Imagine having a drone deliver your favorite ice cream directly to your doorstep.
Personalized Ice Cream Creations: 3D printing technology could allow you to create your own personalized ice cream creations.

Conclusion: Get Ready to Scoop Up the Savings!

National Ice Cream Day 2025 promises to be a day filled with sweet deals, freebies, and delicious ice cream. By planning ahead, researching deals, and following our pro tips, you can maximize your savings and enjoy the ultimate ice cream experience. So, mark your calendars for July 20th, 2025, and get ready to scoop up the savings! Don't forget to share your National Ice Cream Day adventures on social media using #NationalIceCreamDay. Happy scooping!

Disclaimer

Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Please verify all deals and promotions with the participating vendors before making any purchases.

About the Author

I have been an avid ice cream lover and deal hunter for over 15 years. I've spent countless hours researching the best deals and promotions on ice cream, and I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge with others. My goal is to help you save money and enjoy the ultimate ice cream experience on National Ice Cream Day and beyond.