National Ice Cream Day was established in 1984 by President Reagan. It takes place the third Sunday in July. Ice cream provides jobs for many Americans so support this industry by enjoying a cold serving at one of these fine establishments near you.

Carvel Ice Cream is offering a free kids cup or cone in honor of National Ice Cream Day with an adult purchase. See their facebook page for more information.

Baskin-Robbins: Kids can sign up for the birthday club and get free ice cream on their birthday as well as a discount on a birthday cake. The flavor of the month is Super Soldier Swirl.
Cold Stone Creamery: It is fun for kids to watch the ice cream artisans mix ingredients into the ice cream while you watch at this locally founded operation. The flavor of the month is Strawberry Basil, Cold Stone also features free ice cream on your birthday. Sign up for the My Cold Stone Club to get a sneak peek at new products and promotions.

Dairy Queen: People can join the Blizzard Fan Club or see their facebook page for discounts and DQ event information.

Haagen Daz: Delicious ice cream located within the Arizona Biltmore, Scottsdale Fashion Square and Arizona Mills Mall. For current promotions and events please check out their facebook page or sign up for their newsletter.

For unique flavors and an eco friendly approach to ice cream try Sweet Republic Artisan Ice Cream. Be sure to sign up for their email newsletter for current events and happenings.



Dippin' Dots is celebrating National Ice Cream Day 2011 with a contest. Kids need to be at least 13 to enter a drawing for one of 23 grand prizes. Each winner will receive one gallon of Dippin' Dots ice cream (serves 30), cups and spoons.



Another way to mark the occasion is by making your own frozen conconction. For something on the healthy side try juice pops. Use puchased popsicle molds or paper cups and craft sticks. Pour your child's favorite 100% juice in the mold and freeze for wonderful cool treat.



If you happen to own an ice cream maker you know that a day is well spent when kids are helping to make their own ice cream. Here is a very simple recipe for chocolate ice cream that turns out very well.



Quick and Easy Chocolate Ice Cream (Adapted from Aroma Ice Cream Maker Recipes)

15 Tbsp. Cocoa

3 cans sweetened condensed milk

6 cups whole milk

In a large mixing bowl, kids can pour and mix together the milk and condensed milk. Dissolve cocoa in about a ½ c. of hot water. Add water slowly and adjust measurement as needed until smooth. Kids can stir the cocoa into the milk until completely blended. From there, follow the instructions on your ice cream maker to complete. In most cases, this will need to be done by an adult.



Whatever National Ice Cream Day activities you choose, have fun and bon appetit. Please feel free to comment with your favorite kid friendly ice cream parlor in the area or an ice cream recipe that's so good it must be shared.