National Ice Cream Day on July 20th is basically Christmas for anyone who’s ever debated whether ice cream counts as breakfast. While most of us will be melting in this summer heat, these nine chains have decided to throw us a bone with some genuinely solid freebies and deals.
We’ve done the legwork here, so you don’t have to waste your weekend hunting down fake deals that don’t exist. These are the real McCoy, verified and ready to save you some serious cash while you cool down.
Just remember: National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 20th this year, but many of these deals are running longer. Now, onto that list!
1. Dairy Queen — Free Dilly Bar (July 14-20)
DQ isn’t messing around this year—they’re giving you a whole week to cash in on this National Ice Cream Day deal. Download their app, spend just $1 on literally anything, and boom—free Dilly Bar. It’s their classic vanilla soft serve dipped in chocolate, and honestly? It’s a solid choice that won’t disappoint. The fact that they’re running this from July 14th through the 20th shows they actually get it.
The catch: You must be a DQ Rewards member and place your order through their app or website.
2. Burger King — Free Soft Serve for Royal Perks Members
BK is jumping on the ice cream bandwagon with free soft serve for their Royal Perks loyalty program members this National Ice Cream Day. Spend $1 or more on anything—a value menu item, fries, whatever—and get your free cone or cup. It’s straightforward, no-nonsense, and actually available nationwide.
The catch: Royal Perks membership required, but it’s free to join.
3. Dunkin’ — 3X Points on Frozen Beverages
Okay, this one’s not technically “free” ice cream, but hear me out. If you’re already a Dunkin’ regular, triple points on frozen drinks on the 20th of July are actually pretty sweet. Those points add up to free stuff eventually, and their frozen coffee drinks are legitimately good for beating the heat.
The reality check: This is more of a loyalty booster than a freebie, but still worth mentioning for the DD faithful.
4. Dippin’ Dots — Free Mini Cup Plus Collectible Cup
Here’s where it gets interesting. Dippin’ Dots is giving away free mini cups during a two-hour window at 120 participating locations, plus the first 100 people will receive a collectible cup on this National Ice Cream Day. The offer is part of a larger National Ice Cream Day celebration, which includes partnerships with Chuck E. Cheese, Cinemark, and American Dream Mall, where similar giveaways and collectible cups are also available.
The timing varies by location, so you’ll need to call ahead. This is classic “first come, first served” territory, so don’t sleep on it. For those unable to visit a physical location, Dippin’ Dots is also offering a 25% discount on online orders placed on their website on July 20 using the promo code NICD2025.
The catch: A limited time window, limited quantities, and you need to call your local spot to confirm times.
5. Friendly’s — Free Cone or Dish for Fan Club Members
Friendly’s is celebrating both their 90th birthday (Friday, July 18th) and National Ice Cream Day this week, which is honestly pretty cool timing. Fan Club members get a completely free cone or dish of ice cream. Everyone else pays 90 cents (get it? 90th birthday?) for a single scoop. It’s a nice touch that shows they’re not just phoning it in. The celebration is set to take place from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The catch: Fan Club membership is required for the freebie, but the 90-cent deal is still a solid option for non-members.
6. Yogurtland — Double Points on Purchases
Another points-based deal, but Yogurtland’s loyalty program is actually pretty generous. Double points on both in-store and online purchases on National Ice Cream Day means you’re essentially getting double the value toward future freebies. If you’re already planning to hit up Yogurtland anyway, this is a no-brainer.
The bottom line: Not immediate gratification, but solid long-term value.
7. Petco — Free Doggie Ice Cream for Reward Members
This one’s for your four-legged friend, but honestly, it’s kind of genius. Petco Rewards members can grab free doggie ice cream, and let’s be real—your dog deserves to celebrate National Ice Cream Day too.
This is Petco’s first-ever company-wide doggie ice cream giveaway. It’s a unique angle that shows someone at corporate was actually thinking outside the box. Petco has made things super easy for customers as well — you can sign up for membership on the day of the event and still qualify.
What You’ll Get: Could be Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Dessert (regularly $1.94), YoPup Frozen Yogurt Cup (regularly $3.99), or another brand, depending on store inventory. The promo is limited to one free treat per rewards account and is available during regular store hours on July 20, 2025, while supplies last.
The catch: For dogs only (obviously), and you need to be a Petco Rewards member.
8. Halo Top — Buy a Pint, Get Your Money Back
This one’s got a weird twist that’s actually pretty clever. Halo Top is giving away 8,000 pints to people whose first, middle, or last name matches an “iconic ice cream brand.” Think Ben, Jerry, Baskin, Robin, Dreyer, Kemps, and many others.
Buy a pint (part of a rebate system), submit your receipt and proof of name, and receive your money back (up to a maximum of $8). It’s gimmicky but in the best possible way. The promotion is effective through July 14–21, 2025.
How can you qualify for the promotion? You must be 18+ years old and a legal US/DC resident, and you can only make one claim per person.
The catch: Your name must match an ice cream brand, and it’s limited to the first 8,000 people. Unfortunately, the promotion excludes residents of certain states (those in California, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nevada, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are not eligible to participate).
9. 16 Handles — Free Froyo (Up to $5) via App
16 Handles is keeping it simple with up to $5 worth of free froyo (frozen yogurt) through their app at select locations on July 20th. The deal is part of 16 Handles’ National Ice Cream Day promotion, where they’re also launching summer flavors, such as the SpongeBob-inspired Vanilla Pineapple Ice Cream, and bringing back the Rocket Pop Italian Ice.
Given that most froyo orders fall under $5 anyway, this is essentially a free treat. The self-serve model means you control exactly what you get, which is always a win.
The catch: Select locations only, so check the app first.