Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 19th!

National Ice Cream Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy a scoop (or three) of your favorite frozen treat! 🍦🎉 

Here are some fun and delicious ways to celebrate:

🍨 1. Ice Cream Party at Home

• Set up a DIY sundae bar with:
  • Multiple flavors of ice cream
  • Toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, fruit, whipped cream, and syrups
• Invite friends or family and make it a mini celebration

🏪 2. Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop

• Support a small business or try a new shop in your area
• Many chains like Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins, or Cold Stone offer deals or free scoops on National Ice Cream Day!

🍦 3. Try a Unique Flavor

• Step outside your comfort zone and try something adventurous like:
  • Lavender honey
  • Thai iced tea
  • Cereal milk

🎨 4. Get Creative with the Kids

• Make homemade ice cream in a bag or with an ice cream maker
• Decorate ice cream cone crafts
• Draw or paint your “dream ice cream” creation

🧁 5. Make Ice Cream Treats

• Ice cream sandwiches using cookies or waffles
• Milkshakes or ice cream floats
• Ice cream cakes or pies

🍦 Local Ice Cream Shops Worth Visiting

• Arctic Queen – Memphis, MI
  • Classic spot with walk-up service, cones, sundaes, and flurries. Great small-town vibe.
• The Creamery on Main – Armada, MI
  • Serves both soft serve and hand-dipped options. Ice cream flights and loaded milkshakes. Great for kids!
• Twist and Scoop – Macomb, MI
  • A charming ice cream shop that includes waffle nachos, milkshakes, custard, and more!
• Erma's Frozen Custard - Shelby Twp, MI
  • A longtime local favorite known for rich frozen custard, sundaes, parfaits, and rotating flavors.
•  Frontier Town Ice Cream Parlor - Washington, MI
  • A fun stop with hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, Dippin' Dots, vegan options, and a Western-themed atmosphere that's great for families.
• Scoop and Twist of Macomb - Macomb, MI
  • Excellent hard-scooped ice cream with a reputation for being allergy-conscious and community-focused.
• Hershey's Ice Cream - Macomb, MI
  • Friendly neighborhood shop with generous scoops and classic flavors.
• Custard Spot - Utica, MI
  • Delicious frozen custard, flurries, sundaes, and vegan options.

🧒 Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate

1. Ice Cream Scavenger Hunt 🍨
   • Create a list of flavors/toppings (e.g., "find something with rainbow sprinkles" or "try a flavor you've never had").
   • Visit multiple ice cream spots and "hunt" them down together.
2. Ice Cream Craft Station ✂️
   • Make paper cone art, ice cream bookmarks, or clay versions of your favorite scoops.
3. Make Ice Cream at Home
   • Super easy “ice cream in a bag” activity:
     • Combine milk, sugar, vanilla in a small Ziploc bag
     • Place it in a larger bag filled with ice and salt, and shake for 10 minutes
     • Add toppings and enjoy!
4. Build a Backyard Ice Cream Obstacle Course 🎯
   • Set up silly challenges (spoon relay with ice cream scoops, topping toss, etc.)
   • Winner gets first dibs at the sundae bar.

🎁 Bonus: Deals to Look Out For

Check for these on the day (check online or in apps):

• Baskin-Robbins – Usually has $ off deals or BOGO cones
• Dairy Queen – Typically $1 cones or small Blizzard deals
• Cold Stone Creamery – Sometimes offers freebies or rewards member bonuses
• Local mom & pop shops often run one-day specials!

🍦 1. Ice Cream Sundae Bar Checklist

✅ Base Flavors
☐ Vanilla
☐ Chocolate
☐ Strawberry
☐ Mint Chip
☐ Cookie Dough

✅ Toppings
☐ Rainbow Sprinkles
☐ Chocolate Chips
☐ Crushed Oreos
☐ Gummy Bears
☐ Hot Fudge
☐ Whipped Cream
☐ Maraschino Cherries
☐ Caramel Sauce
☐ M&Ms
☐ Fruit (bananas, strawberries)

✅ Fun Extras
☐ Waffle Bowls
☐ Cones (sugar or cake)
☐ Spoons & Napkins
☐ Ice Cream Scooper
☐ Plastic Tablecloth (for easy cleanup)

🔍 2. Ice Cream Scavenger Hunt (Kid-Friendly)

Give your child this list to check off during your ice cream adventures:

🔲 Find an ice cream with three or more toppings
🔲 Try a new flavor you’ve never had
🔲 Spot someone eating ice cream in a cone
🔲 Take a silly photo with your ice cream
🔲 Find a place that serves soft serve
🔲 Add sprinkles to your ice cream
🔲 Share a bite with someone
🔲 Say “Happy National Ice Cream Day!” to a stranger
🔲 Rate your ice cream: 🍦 = OK, 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦 = AMAZING!