Mark your calendars: Sunday, July 21 is National Ice Cream Day—certainly a day worth celebrating! The national holiday is observed each year on the third Sunday in July as part of National Ice Cream Month, which was declared by President Ronald Reagan on July 9, 1984. He noted then ice cream was enjoyed by more than 90 percent of people in the United States, functioning as an integral part of our country’s economic well-being. It’s no wonder why ice cream was declared in 2019 alone to be an $11 billion industry that generates $1.6 billion in direct wages. In honor of National Ice Cream Day, we compiled a list of all the sweet deals taking place across the New York metro area, so you know which spots to hit with your kids.
Baskin-Robbins
This deal doesn’t just last for National Ice Cream Day! Sign up for Baskin-Robbin’s app at any time and you’ll get served a free regular-sized scoop for joining.
Cold Stone Creamery
This custom ice cream spot will offer a buy one, get one free deal at all locations on National Ice Cream Day.
Carvel
Fudgie fanatics can buy one, get one free deal on a cup or cone of soft serve ice cream on July 21.
Cumberland Farms
Get $1 off of the brand’s “Ultimate Scoop” flavors. Text SCOOPS to 64827 to receive an automatic coupon on the morning of July 21, which can be redeemed through July 28.
Friendly’s
Not only is Friendly’s celebrating National Ice Cream Day this year, but it’s also celebrating the chain’s 80th birthday. After 11 am, enjoy a buy one, get one free deal by purchasing a single scoop in a cone or dish for $1.99 and then getting the second single-scoop for free!
Godiva Café
Head to the chocolate café on July 21 (located in Penn Station and Midtown East, Manhattan) to receive a buy one, get one half off deal on soft serve ice cream and parfaits.
Halo Top Creamery
There are two ways you can score a free box of Halo Top Pops (flavor options include Strawberry Cheesecake, Mint Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Peanut Butter Swirl): 5,000 coupons will be available on the company’s website, plus the brand is partnering with Bumble to give away another 5,000 coupons. To get the coupon, swipe in Bumble Date, Bumble BFF, or Bumble Bizz for a chance to match with Halo Top— once you enter your address, you’ll receive the coupon, redeemable at “select national retailers while supplies last.”
Johnny Rockets
This year, Johnny Rockets will offer two sweet deals! Customers can try free milkshake samples from 12-3pm on July 18, 19, and 20. Plus, enjoy a free milkshake when you purchase any entrée on July 21.
My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream and Uniqlo
These two brands are partnering to offer free mochi ice cream, including flavors such as sweet mango, ripe strawberry, s’mores, and vanilla blueberry, at the Fifth Avenue and Soho locations of Uniqlo from 11am-4pm.
Nutella Café
Nutella Café will offer fee treats from 3-5pm at its Union Square, Manhattan location on July 21. The first 50 customers will receive a free frozen Nutella pop topped with chopped hazelnuts. All customers can also snag a scoop of their favorite gelato flavor for free until 5pm.
PetSmart PetsHotel
If you’re a dog-lover, this deal is perfect for you. Stop at PetSmart PetsHotel to get a free, dog-friendly ice cream with a doggy biscuit on top for your pooch.
Pressed Juicery
Get a $2 Freeze on July 21 at the following NYC locations: Union Square, Upper West Side, Madison Square Park, Financial District, and Williamsburg.
So Delicious Dairy Free
Earn a free pint of So Delicious frozen dessert (made from coconut milk, cashew milk, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk) by posting a picture on Instagram with your best friend on National Ice Cream Day. Hashtag the post #ShareAPint and #FreePintPromo, tag and follow So Delicious, and get your coupon for the free pint if you’re one of the first 500 people to participate.
