Free ice cream?! Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at these Central Florida shops

Ice cream available at several Orlando-area locales

Generic photo of ice cream. (Pixabay)

We have a secret that is too sweet to keep!

National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday, July 21, and there are several shops across the Orlando area offering free or discounted treats in honor of the holiday.

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We have this sweet holiday thanks to former President Ronald Reagan, who designated the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day in 1984. According to National Today, Reagan deemed that the delectable dessert deserved its own day since it was a “nutritious and wholesome food” that over 90% of Americans enjoy.

Whether ice cream is actually nutritious is up for debate. But there is no denying that it is a well-loved treat enjoyed by a majority of the population. In honor of this mouth-watering holiday, here are some ice cream shops that are offering free or discounted treats this weekend in the Orlando area.

If you’d like a shop added to the list, send an email with details to web@wkmg.com.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is giving away its iconic Dilly Bar for free on Sunday with any purchase of $1 or more to all of its customers in celebration of National Ice Cream Day. The vanilla soft-serve bar coated with a chocolate hard shell has been a fan-favorite since it joined menus in 1955.

  • Where: Multiple locations across Orlando.
  • When: Sunday, July 21.
(Credit: Dairy Queen) ((Credit: Dairy Queen))
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream

Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream will be offering 50% off ice cream on Sunday in celebration of the holiday at participating locations. Find the nearest shop near you to visit and get half off of your sweet treat.

  • Where: Multiple “scoop shop” and counter locations across Orlando.
  • When: Sunday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ice cream from Kelly's (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)
Abracadabra Ice Cream

Abracadabra Ice Cream is hosting an ice cream social this weekend with games, activities, raffles, prizes and, of course, ice cream.

  • Where: 520 N. Main St., Kissimmee.
  • When: Saturday, July 20, from 1-4 p.m.
The Greenery Creamery

The Greenery Creamery is hosting its birthday celebration in conjunction with National Ice Cream Day festivities this weekend. The parlor is offering BOGO ice cream scoops, along with a discount on its signature Ice Cream Flight treat.

  • Where: Two locations. 420 E. Church St., Orlando and 212 W. First St., Sanford.
  • When: Sunday, July 21.
West Orange Creamery & Soda Fountain

West Orange Creamery and Soda Fountain is offering half-off sundaes this Sunday in honor of National Ice Cream Day. The shop is also hosting a “Stuff Your Stanley” event on Friday, where customers can bring a wide-mouthed cup and fill it with four scoops of ice cream for only $10.

  • Where: 1575 Maguire Road, Suite 101, Ocoee.
  • When: Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21.
A milkshake at West Orange Creamery in Ocoee. (West Orange Creamery)
Friendly’s

Friendly’s is giving away 89 cent ice cream cones all weekend in honor of National Ice Cream Day and the shop’s 89th birthday celebration.

  • Where: Two locations. 8718 International Drive, Orlando and 8600 Vineland Ave., Orlando
  • When: July 17-25.
Dippin’ Dots

Dippin’ Dots is giving away a free mini cup of Dippin’ Dots on Sunday during a two-hour window in honor of National Ice Cream Day. These times will vary depending on location, so be sure to check your local store to see when the giveaway will be. Dippin’ Dots is also offering 25% off of online orders when customers use promo code “nicd2024″ at checkout.

  • Where: Different locations across Orlando.
  • When: Sunday, July 21.
Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is giving away two free scoops ice cream in a cup this weekend with any purchase in store or online to celebrate the holiday.

  • Where: Several locations across Orlando.
  • When: July 19-21.
Two new Insomnia Cookies locations are coming soon to San Antonio. (Insomnia Cookies)
Sampaguita Ice Cream

Sampaguita Ice Cream is offering BOGO single ice cream scoops (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and BOGO soft cream (3-10 p.m.) on Sunday in celebration of National Ice Cream Day.

  • Where: 1233 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando,
  • When: Sunday, July 21.
Ice cream from Sampaguita (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

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About the Author

Kendal is a journalism student at the University of Central Florida. Born and raised in the Sunshine State, Kendal loves reporting on local and regional news in the Central Florida area. Her favorite coverage areas are breaking news, politics and environmental reporting. She joined ClickOrlando.com in June 2024.

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