Set a paper scoop, a paper cherry and an empty bowl on each table before anyone brings out the ice cream. Guests can play a whole sundae party with paper ingredients. If you plan to serve dessert, leave it until the end so the host can play too.
What is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday in July. It celebrates a summer favorite that can be as simple as a shared scoop or as imaginative as a make-your-own sundae party.
A presidential scoop of history
Congressional action and President Ronald Reagan’s 1984 proclamation recognized July as National Ice Cream Month and July 15 that year as National Ice Cream Day. The celebration continued as a third-Sunday-in-July tradition. A particular summer’s recognition became a recurring occasion for ice cream fans and makers. U.S. Government Publishing Office’s history.
A simple way to enjoy the day
Ask everyone to pitch an imaginary flavor before opening the freezer. Pick one favorite topping per guest, or play the paper-cone games below. A dairy-free frozen treat can join the celebration when it suits your group.
Holiday dates for planning
| Observance | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Ice Cream Day | Sunday, July 19, 2026 | Sunday, July 18, 2027 | Sunday, July 16, 2028 | Sunday, July 15, 2029 | Sunday, July 21, 2030 |
National Ice Cream Day date reference
Take a pretend sundae order
Cut circles for scoops and smaller shapes for sauce, cherries and sprinkles. Put the ingredients where both partners can reach. A customer orders aloud: “One strawberry scoop, chocolate sauce and a cherry.” The scoop-shop partner builds the order from paper. Compare the result with the order, then trade jobs.
Add one new detail each round. Ask for two scoops in a specific order, a topping on the side or an extra spoon. A customer who prefers pointing can lay out a sample and let their partner copy it. Give every team a chance to invent a particularly surprising order for the host.
Call a round of sundae bingo
Hand out different three-by-three boards. The words include flavors, toppings, containers and scoop-shop equipment. Pull one folded caller slip at a time, read it and leave it where everyone can see. Players mark a match with pencil. The first straight line of three wins after the caller checks the words. The center square is free.
One copy of the printable gives sixteen boards. Pairs can share a board at a larger party. For a table with mixed reading levels, assign the younger partner to mark squares and switch callers between rounds.
Invent a flavor on paper
Give each player a paper cone and two blank scoop circles. On the first scoop, draw a familiar flavor. On the second, invent one with an unexpected name such as Blueberry Moonbeam. Pair up and take turns describing the invention while the listener sketches it. Compare pictures and choose one detail to borrow from each design for a shared imaginary sundae.
When to hold the party
National Ice Cream Day is observed on the third Sunday in July in the United States. The USDA’s National Ice Cream Month note describes the July observance. For a 30-minute party, use eight minutes for paper orders, ten for bingo, seven for drawing and five for sharing. If serving dessert, allow extra time and let guests choose ingredients with the host’s help.
Get the printable
Sundae Party Bingo includes 16 different ice cream boards, 24 scoop-shop caller slips and host instructions. The PDF is free.
Optional supplies
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Colorations construction paper gives the pretend scoop shop different colors for its paper scoops and toppings.