Where to Get Free Ice Cream Today: Ice Cream Day!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan named July National Ice Cream Month and named the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. The ice cream industry in the United States contributes more than $39 billion to the economy and creates more than 188,000 jobs, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. When Reagan made the proclamation, he called for people in the United States to observe National Ice Cream Day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

So celebrate. Here's a round-up of places to get free or reduced cost ice cream today! Be sure and check with the location. Times and freebies will vary.

Comment to add any local favorites.

Fenton’s Creamery (Oakland and Vacaville): Fenton’s Creamery is celebrating its 123rd birthday Sunday by offering junior Black & Tan sundaes for $1.23. The sundaes are usually $9.25.

Cold Stone Creamery: If you sign up for My Cold Stone Club, you can get a “buy one, get one free” coupon that’s good through July 23. There will also be a “buy one, get one free” offer on its Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream, a limited summer flavor, according to the Orange County Register.

Dairy Queen:You can join Dairy Queen’s Blizzard Fan Club and “buy one, get one free” Blizzard coupon, according to Spoon University.

Wendy’s: The fast-food chain will offer Frostys, vanilla or chocolate, for 50 cents until Aug. 25 

Whole Foods: One-day sale on pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, frozen yogurts and non dairy treats. Two pints for $6. Select locations will also host “Sundae Fundae” sampling events.

McDonald’s: Free vanilla soft serve cone if you download the fast food chain’s mobile app and redeem the Free Vanilla Cone offer. You’ll also be entered to win a one-of-a-kind "Golden Arches Cone” that will entitle you to free McDonald’s soft serve for life. July 16; 2pm to 5pm local time for the sweepstakes

Carvel: Any size soft serve ice cream cone or cup when you buy one. You can choose from three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, or Oreo.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Kids and teens under 18 will get a free kids scoop in a classic orange cake cone with sprinkles, when an accompanying adult buys a scoop or cone.

Dippin’ Dots: Free mini cup of ice cream at most locations.

Cumberland Farms: Free Farmhouse Premium Ice Cream Sandwich when you buy a 20oz Pepsi or Mountain Dew drink.

Steak ‘n Shake: The roadside burger chain has a coupon for buy-one-get-one (BOGO) Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshakes. Now through August 31 

Your Pie: This pizza chain will give you a free scoop of its premium gelato.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream: The nation’s first liquid nitrogen ice cream chain is offering a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on its custom ice cream creations.  July 16, 2pm to 6pm

PetSmart: Turns out your dog can get in on the dessert-filled celebration, too.They'll be handing out free Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes -- dog-safe vanilla ice cream topped with a dog biscuit sprinkle -- at PetSmart PetsHotel locations nationwide.

Baskin-Robbins: Although the 31 flavors purveyor is celebrating the occasion this year early with free samples of its new ice cream pizza on Friday, July 14, the chain is also promising offers for more freebies and deals on National Ice Cream Day itself if you download the Baskin-Robbins Mobile App. 

16 Handles: Download this self-serve frozen yogurt chain's mobile app, and you'll get a coupon for a free four-ounce order from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Friendly's: For every $2.99 Friend-z ice cream order on Sunday, Friendly's will donate $2 to the Boys & Girls Club of America. Customers who purchase a Friend-z on Sunday will also get a coupon good for a free ice cream in the future.

Krystal: The Krystal fast food chain is offering sundaes for only 99 cents from July 16 to July 23. 

Monkey Joe's: All guests at Monkey Joe's indoor play centers get free ice cream cups on Sunday. 

A & W: Receive a free regular shake with purchase of an Original Bacon Double Cheeseburger