Summer and ice cream go together like no other, and it's official with National Ice Cream Day. Former President Ronald Reagan declared July National Ice Cream Month in 1984, stating that the food should be recognized with "appropriate ceremonies and activities," and I'm here to help you find those suitable locations and ice cream eating activities. Because it's National Ice Cream Day, and you deserve to eat some free ice cream.
Here are all the ice cream stores giving out free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day.
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins is giving out free slices of it's brand, spanking new Mint Chocolate Chip Polar Pizza from 12-5 pm on July 14th (the Friday before National Ice Cream Day). It combines the best flavors: mint chocolate chip ice cream, brownie crust, and an Oreo, fudge, and marshmallow topping. Did I mention it's free?
Carvel
All soft-serve cups and cones are BOGO this Sunday at Carvel. To give you even more incentive to get ice cream, Carvel is donating some of their proceeds to Save the Whales (a non-profit that supports marine wildlife conservation).
McDonald's
Okay, so this National Ice Cream Day deal is insane: all vanilla soft serve cones are free if you order from the McDonald's app. Additionally, one lucky customer will win the golden arch (free ice cream for life).
PetSmart
This is honestly my favorite deal ... because dogs. All dog-stomers at PetsHotel locations will receive free and dog-safe Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes on Sunday. I lowkey wish I was a dog so that I could get this deal (actually, I highkey wish I was a dog in general).
Friendly's
At Friendly's, you can be enjoy quality ice cream and be charitable this Sunday. For each Friend-z ice cream (basically a Blizzard in such flavors as Butterfingers, cookie dough, and birthday cake) purchased, $2 is donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Cold Stone Creamery
This isn't a National Ice Cream Day exclusive, but Cold Stone Creamery has a BOGO offer if you sign up for the My Cold Stone Club. So basically, bring a friend and you can each get an ice cream half-off.
#SpoonTip: Be sure to sign up at least 24 hours in advance for the MCSC because it takes time to get that coupon.
Dairy Queen
Similar to Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen is not offering any National Ice Cream Day specific deals, but you can join the Blizzard Fan Club for a BOGO Blizzard. Honestly, I'd still do it for half-off Blizzards.
I challenge you to make July 16 a scoop-crawl, stopping in each store for your National Ice Cream Day free ice cream. You'll catch me doing it.