Ice cream deals national ice cream day celebrations are heating up across the country today, July 20, as major chains and local shops offer free treats and special promotions. From coast to coast, dessert lovers can score everything from complimentary cones to discounted scoops as America celebrates one of its sweetest holidays.
National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 20, 2025, marking the perfect opportunity for families to indulge in frozen treats without breaking the bank. This year’s offerings span from household names like Dairy Queen and Wendy’s to premium brands like Van Leeuwen and Halo Top.
Table of Contents
Top Restaurant Chains Roll Out Free Frozen Treats
Major fast-food and ice cream chains have stepped up their game with impressive giveaways. Burger King Royal Perks members can snag a free soft serve with any purchase of $1 or more, while Wendy’s customers receive a complimentary small Frosty with in-app purchases.
Dairy Queen rewards members can claim a free Dilly Bar with app orders of $1 or more through their special promotion running from July 14-20. The deal represents significant savings for families looking to treat multiple children.
Dippin’ Dots sweetens the deal with a 25% discount on online orders using promo code NICD25, valid exclusively on July 20. This digital-first approach caters to customers who prefer ordering from home.
Key Points Summary
- Free treats available: Burger King, Wendy’s, and Dairy Queen offer complimentary items with minimal purchase requirements
- Premium brand discounts: Van Leeuwen provides $3 scoops, Dippin’ Dots offers 25% off online orders
- Unique promotions: Halo Top gives free pints to people with ice cream-related names
- Pet-friendly options: Petco provides free pup cups for furry family members
- Time-sensitive offers: Most deals valid only on July 20, with some extending through the week
Specialty Ice Cream Shops Join the Celebration
Premium ice cream brands haven’t been left behind in the excitement. Van Leeuwen locations offer $3 scoops of their signature Honeycomb flavor between noon and 3 p.m. ET, providing access to artisanal flavors at reduced prices.
Halo Top has created buzz with their namesake promotion, offering free pints to customers whose first, middle, or last names appear in ice cream aisles—including Ben, Jerry, Jeni, Edy, Hill, and Robbins. This creative marketing approach connects personal identity with brand loyalty.
Marble Slab Creamery rewards loyalty members with free small ice cream offers valid for seven days following the holiday. This extended timeframe gives customers flexibility to redeem their treats.
Local and Regional Opportunities Abound
Beyond national chains, local ice cream shops across different regions participate in National Ice Cream Day festivities. Austin locations like Amy’s, Lick, and Gati provide city-specific deals and freebies, while Connecticut residents can find promotions at regional favorites including Friendly’s.
New York establishments like In the Raw and Fini Pizza have partnered for special pop-up events, distributing sweet treats and goodie bags. These collaborations demonstrate how businesses leverage the holiday for community engagement.
The diversity of participating locations ensures that ice cream enthusiasts nationwide can find deals regardless of their preferred brands or budget constraints.
Pet-Friendly Celebrations Expand Holiday Joy
Petco stores nationwide will provide free pup cups in-store on July 20, recognizing that National Ice Cream Day celebrations should include four-legged family members. This pet-inclusive approach reflects growing trends toward treating pets as integral family members during special occasions.
Many local ice cream shops have historically offered dog-friendly frozen treats, but major retailers joining this movement signals broader acceptance of pet-inclusive celebrations.
Planning Your Sweet Sunday Adventure
Smart shoppers should download restaurant apps before heading out, as many deals require mobile ordering or loyalty program membership. Several promotions specify that deals may take up to 24 hours to appear in accounts, making advance preparation essential.
Time-sensitive offers mean today provides the best selection of available deals, though some promotions extend through the week for added convenience.
The combination of free treats, premium discounts, and unique experiences makes this National Ice Cream Day particularly appealing for budget-conscious families and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you prefer classic soft serve or artisanal gelato, today’s promotions offer something special for every palate and preference.
What’s your favorite ice cream deal from today’s celebration? Share your sweet discoveries and help fellow dessert lovers make the most of this delicious holiday.