Frozen Fun Alert: Where to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Your Toddler in DC & Beyond

Sunday, July 20th 2025 is National Ice Cream Day and this will be my very first time celebrating with my daughter! I’m so excited to turn this sweet little holiday into a new family tradition. There’s something so joyful about a toddler’s messy, melt-all-over-their-shirt kind of ice cream moment—and I’m here for all of it. In this post, I’ve rounded up the best family-friendly events and scoop-worthy deals happening in and around Washington, DC, plus some fun nationwide offers if you’re outside the area.

Whether you're planning a full-on ice cream crawl or just want to pop into your favorite local spot for a freebie, there’s plenty here to help you celebrate the day with your little one in a fun (and delicious) way.

DC-Area Free Scoops, Discounts, & Events

1. Tipsy Scoop – Chinatown🍒

Free Spiked Cherry Limeade Sorbet! The first 50 guests get a free scoop at 1:00 PM, plus giveaways.

📍 Address: 675 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001

🔗 Website

2. Smize & Dream by Tyra Banks – Woodley Park

Enjoy a free scoop if you’re one of the first 202 visitors during opening weekend (July 19–21).

📍 Address: 2653 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

🔗 Website

3. Ice Cream Jubilee – Navy Yard, Georgetown, Ballston

Get a free extra scoop with any scoop purchase between 12–6 PM.

📍 Navy Yard: 301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

📍 Georgetown: 1407 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009

📍 Ballston: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203

🔗 Website

4. Metrobar Family Ice Cream Fest – Brentwood

A free family-friendly festival from 12–3 PM featuring ice cream, crafts, face painting, and science demos.

📍 Address: 640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

🔗 Website

5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck – Georgetown

Enjoy discounted scoops and ice cream sandwiches from 2–7 PM, plus special “Pawpsicles” for dogs.

📍 Address: 1050 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007

🔗 Website

6. Insomnia Cookies – Multiple DMV Locations

Get two free scoops of ice cream with any in-store purchase from July 19–22.

📍 Multiple locations including: 1309 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

🔗 Website

7. Nicecream – Clarendon

Celebrate with a sprinkle bar and free scoops for the first 20 guests at 11 AM.

📍 Address: 2831 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

🔗 Website

8. Here’s The Scoop – Columbia Heights

Buy one, get one free soft serve from 1–3 PM (while supplies last).

📍 Address: 2824 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

🔗 Website

9. Fairlington Farmers Market – Arlington

Get a free scoop while enjoying local vendors and live music from 9 AM–1 PM.

📍 Address: 3308 S Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22206

🔗 Website

 Nationwide Ice Cream Deals

• Dairy Queen: $1 off dipped cone via app

• Dippin’ Dots: Free mini cup at participating locations

• Van Leeuwen: Hello Kitty Yummy Berry White Chocolate Truffle flavor drops July 21

• McConnell’s: 15% off online pints (July 19–21)

• Salt & Straw: Buy 3 get 1 free in-store or snag 5 for 4 online with code NICD2024

• Jeni’s: Select flavors for $8/pint July 20–Aug 2 (early rewards access)