Okay, so you know that moment you’re standing at the freezer aisle, sweating over which tub to grab (mint chip or rocky road, right), and suddenly wonder—which month is National Ice Cream Month? Yep, that’s a thing! And honestly, I used to forget every single summer, but you know what? July is officially National Ice Cream Month, so you’ve got a ready-made excuse to lick cones for breakfast if you really want. By the way, if you’re into creamy treats (and who isn’t?), check out this chocolate cream cheese pound cake Gordon Ramsay recipe—totally worth trying after your ice cream binge. 
What is National Ice Cream Month
So let’s lay it out simple: National Ice Cream Month is, well, a whole month dedicated to celebrating everyone’s favorite frozen treat. Yes, the entire month. Not just a random day! Every July, folks across the U.S. pause their usual dessert game to shout out ice cream in all its glory. It’s about sharing your love for cool sweet treats and—let’s be honest—having an excuse to pile on extra sprinkles.
This tradition isn’t just about eating (although, really, it mostly is). It’s about coming together, trying new flavors, maybe even making your own ice cream at home or supporting local shops. Families hit up their favorite parlors. Friends post their wild sundae creations online. Between pool parties and backyard cookouts, you’ll see gallons disappear faster than a cold soda on a hot day. That’s the magic of National Ice Cream Month.
Presidential Proclamation
Back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan made ice cream history. He declared July as National Ice Cream Month and even picked the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day. Does that sound official or what? This proclamation was, honestly, kind of a sweet move from the White House. It basically encouraged Americans (like we needed encouragement) to celebrate the “nutritious and wholesome” goodness of ice cream.
So yeah, you can tell Grandma it’s a presidential order next time you go for that extra scoop. There’s actual paperwork behind the reason we’re chowing down on cones in July. Makes you feel a little fancy, don’t you think?
We make our own ice cream every July, and it’s become this silly family tradition since learning about National Ice Cream Month. Feels special, even if it’s just vanilla in a cheap plastic bowl! — Lisa, New Jersey
Celebration Ideas
Okay, if you need a nudge to go all-in this July, here are a few chill ways to get into it:
- Throw an ice cream social with neighbors (kids get wild with toppings, it’s hilarious).
- Visit a new local ice cream shop each weekend. Trust me, every spot has that one must-try flavor.
- Host a DIY sundae bar—get waffles, gummy bears, the works.
- Challenge yourself to taste-test something wacky (curry ice cream, anyone?).
Really, the point is to make it fun. Go solo, do it with friends, or trick your family into being your ice cream taste-testers. There’s no wrong way to dig in.
Ways to Share Your Love of Ice Cream
Look, you don’t have to be an influencer to spread the ice cream gospel. Sometimes just dropping that favorite pint when someone’s having a tough day, or bringing a cone to a friend, can make a world of difference. (Plus, it’s way easier than baking a cake from scratch.) Share pics of your top flavors, swap recipes, or just hand out popsicles during a backyard BBQ. Even getting a scoop alongside your morning coffee counts—no judgment here.
People genuinely light up when there’s talk of free ice cream. You could even use this month as a reason to try out homemade versions (my blender’s gotten a workout from that hacky two-ingredient “nice cream”). Mark your calendar. Go for it.
Historical Context of National Ice Cream Month
Okay, geek moment for a second: Ice cream’s been a thing in the U.S. for a lot longer than you’d think. It was super popular way back with the Founding Fathers—George Washington reportedly spent a small fortune on it in a single summer. But National Ice Cream Month? That’s more recent, thanks to President Reagan. He thought ice cream deserved its own month due to how much Americans loved it and how many people actually worked in the ice cream industry.
So it’s not just about eating and grinning. There’s a little American history packed into every scoop you take in July. Gives you a built-in fun fact for your next get-together, you know?
Common Questions
Q: Why is July National Ice Cream Month?
A: July’s hot, so it makes perfect sense to eat more ice cream. But also, President Reagan officially chose this month in 1984.
Q: Do other countries celebrate National Ice Cream Month?
A: Not really. It’s mostly a United States thing, though some places copy the idea just for fun.
Q: How can I make homemade ice cream if I don’t have a fancy machine?
A: Freeze a mix of cream, vanilla, a little sugar, and fruit in a bag, shake it like crazy, and you’ve got instant ice cream (sort of).
Q: Is there a National Ice Cream Day too?
A: Yep! It’s the third Sunday of July—so mark your calendar.
Q: Any weird flavors actually worth trying?
A: Oh, totally. Lavender honey, olive oil, or spicy chocolate. Don’t knock ’em till you try ’em!
Don’t Miss Out on the Scoop!
So, bottom line—July is your freeze-your-tongue-off ticket to joy. National Ice Cream Month is about sharing, experimenting, and mostly, enjoying every cone without a hint of guilt. If you want more fun food ideas, check out the National Ice Cream Month July page at the National Day Calendar or get inspired by their updates. And seriously, after all that sweetness, pair your treat with a simple bagel with cream cheese—it’s oddly satisfying. Go wild, try that extra scoop, and bring some friends along for the brain freeze!
Print
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Join the celebration of National Ice Cream Month in July with delicious ideas for enjoying and making ice cream.
Ingredients
- Ice cream of your choice (store-bought or homemade)
- Variety of toppings (sprinkles, chocolate syrup, fruits, nuts)
- Waffles
- Gummy bears
Instructions
- Visit a local ice cream shop each weekend to try new flavors.
- Host a DIY sundae bar with various toppings.
- Challenge yourself to taste-test unusual ice cream flavors.
- Share ice cream with friends as a delightful pick-me-up.
- Experiment with making homemade ice cream using simple ingredients.
Notes
Get creative with flavors and garnishes for a personalized taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: National Ice Cream Month, ice cream, dessert ideas, summer treat, DIY sundae