July 19 is National Ice Cream Day, and chains across Illinois are celebrating with giveaways, limited-time flavors, exclusive merchandise and freebies.
Some deals are available for just one day, while others are set to stretch through the end of the month.
Here’s where residents can snag a free scoop.
Free Dilly Bars at Dairy Queen
All week long, from Monday, July 13, to Sunday, July 19, Dairy Queen is offering free Dilly Bars to all DQ Rewards members with any purchase of $1 or more in the DQ App.
The deal is valid for one Dilly Bar per rewards member at participating U.S. locations.
Cold Stone Creamery celebrates National Ice Cream Month
Cold Stone is celebrating National Ice Cream Month throughout July, with weeks of deals and exclusive treats.
At the heart of the celebration is a limited-time Cookies ‘n’ Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco made with Oreo and Reese’s. The treat is wrapped in a waffle taco and coated with chocolate, Oreo cookies and Reese’s peanut butter sauce.
My Cold Stone Reward members can also text “LOVEIT26” to 568348 for an exclusive $5 off any $10 purchase. New members who join during July will receive an additional $5 reward.
From July 13-19 the ice cream chain is hosting a series of giveaways on social media, with prizes including gift cards up to a $250 value, free ice cream for a year and Cold Stone merchandise.
Free Dippin’ Dots for National Ice Cream Day
Dippin’ Dots is giving away free mini cups in any flavor at participating locations.
Fans can also enter the chain’s National Ice Cream Day Sweepstakes through July 19 for a chance to win free Dippin’ Dots for a year and exclusive merch.
Chicago’s Harry Potter Shop gives away free ice cream
The Harry Potter Shop in Chicago is unveiling a new line of ice cream flavors inspired by the four Hogwarts houses, available for a limited time from July 19–26. Flavors include Gryffindor Raspberry, Ravenclaw Blue Raspberry, Slytherin Pistachio and Hufflepuff Banana Ripple, featuring magical toppings like House-colored sprinkles, Jelly Slugs and Mini Chocolate Frogs.
The store is also celebrating National Ice Cream Day on July 19 by giving out free ice cream with complimentary toppings to the first 100 guests while supplies last.
$5 Rainbow Cones for National Ice Cream Day
Chicago-based Rainbow Cone is celebrating July 18-19 by serving $5 cones at its Rainbow Truck. Fans can use the chain’s online Truck Finder to locate a nearby pop-up truck.
The chain is also bringing an iconic sprinkle pool to its museum, located at 435 N. Michigan Ave. The museum will host an immersive Rainbow Cone exhibition from July 15 through Aug. 3, walking fans through its 100-year history.
Free Mini Melts at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Participating Sky Zone locations are offering a limited supply of free Mini Melts on July 19. Illinois residents should check the terms and conditions at their local park.
Schaumburg Sky Zone, for example, is offering free Mini Melts to the first 50 children with paid admission.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: July 19 is National Ice Cream Day! Where to score free scoops in Illinois
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
