You scream, I scream, did somebody say free ice cream? I had never heard of an Ice Cream Social before I moved to the Twin Cities. Here, they are a summer phenomenon. Neighborhoods, parks and towns across the metro host these community get-togethers all summer long. Many are combined with movie nights or family activities. Others encourage outdoor play and an opportunity to mingle with neighbors. They are always a fun way to get out with kids in the summer.
Besides our summer Ice Cream Socials, we encourage you to mark your calendars for Free Cone Days at some of our favorite Twin Cities ice cream shops. Free Cone Days start in March, with ice cream social season beginning in May and goes through August!
Twin Cities Community Ice Cream Socials – Free Ice Cream in Local Parks
Get your ice cream fix all summer long! Most of these ice cream social events are free; we have noted a few events that are charging for the ice cream and/or admission. In some cases, additional food and activities have a fee. Most of these socials serve free vanilla soft serve cups, but they are all different, so it is fun to check out a few each summer to find your favorite.
Bonus! These are a great excuse to explore a new park or to mingle with neighbors at your favorite local park. Follow our park links for more information about each park.
Let’s get this summer started! May ice cream socials
May 11, 2024: Seward Neighborhood Day
Matthews Park Center 2318 29th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55460
Family fun and free ice cream with your Seward neighbors. 12-3pm.
Hello Summer! June ice cream socials in the Twin Cities
June 7, 2024: 1st Friday Ice Cream Social
Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55130
Outdoor yard games and free ice cream monthly on the first Friday all summer. Free. Drop In. 3:30-4:30pm.Â
June 13, 2024: McRae Summer Celebration
4800 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55419
An evening to celebrate summer with music, games and ice cream. 6-8pm.
June 15, 2024: Fuller Park Ice Cream Social
4800 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55419
Another summer evening with music, games and ice cream. 6-9pm.
June 17, 2024: Hazel Park Ice Cream Superlicious Day
Hazel Park Recreation Center, 945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar ice cream treats at the park. Drop In. 6-7pm.
July 17, 2024: MLK Ice Cream Social
Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 271 Mackubin Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Enjoy a sundae while you play at the park. Drop In. 3-4pm.
June 20, 2024: Duluth & Case Ice Cream Day
Duluth & Case Recreation Center, 1020 Duluth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55106
Free ice cream and games outdoors. Call the Rec Center regarding registration requirements (651) 298-5709. 5:30-6:30pm.
June 20, 2024: Keewaydin Park Ice Cream Social
Keewaydin Park, 3030 E 53rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Free ice cream, activities for kids and a bounce house. 6-8pm.
June 26, 2024: Highwood Hills Ice Cream Day
Highwood Hills Recreation Center, 2192 Londin Ln E, St Paul, MN 55119
Outdoor games and free ice cream in the park. 3-4pm.Â
June 26, 2024: Summer Solstice Annual Ice Cream Social
Martin Luther King Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55409
A summer evening with face painting, inflatables and FREE Sebastian Joe’s ice cream! 6pm-8:30pm.
June 28, 2024: Bottineau Ice Cream Social
Bottineau Field Park, 2000 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Ice cream and family fun, followed by a dusk movie. 6-8pm.Â
Summer 2024 TBA: Vadnais Heights Ice Cream Social
Berwood Park, 780 W Berwood Ave, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Free ice cream, live music and activities for all ages in the park. Meet reps from community organizations. 6-8pm.
Summer 2024 TBA: Bruentrup Farm Dairy Day
2170 County Rd D E, Maplewood, MN 55109
Activities on Dairy Day have included learning how to milk a cow and make butter, taking a hayride, playing lawn games, touring the farmhouse and listening to live music. Ice cream and other food items available for purchase. Free admission. (June 26, 2022)
Summer 2024 TBA: Champlin Cone With a Cop
Dairy Queen, 11200 Aquila Dr. N, Champlin, MN 55316
Ages 12 and under get a free cone of ice cream plus the first 200 attendees age 13+. 4-6pm.
Related:
- FFTC’s Guide to the Best Frozen Yogurt in the Twin Cities
- FFTC’s Guide to the Best Ice Cream Shops in the Twin Cities
Hot Enough For Ya? July is National Ice Cream Month
The entire month of July is National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July is National Ice Cream Day, by proclamation of President Ronald Reagan. Yes, this is an official food holiday. That makes it our patriotic duty to find some ice cream this month!
July 5, 2024: 1st Friday Ice Cream Social
Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55130
Outdoor yard games and free ice cream monthly on the first Friday all summer. Free. Drop In. 3:30-4:30pm.Â
July 11, 2024: Audubon Park Ice Cream Social
1320 29th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN, US 55418
Free ice cream, activities for kids. Classic summer stuff here. FREE. Drop In. MPRB Activity #7088. 6-9pm.
July 12, 2024: Hiawatha School Park Ice Cream Social
Hiawatha School Park, 4305 E 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Free baseball-themed fun in the park: ice cream, bounce houses and a movie. 6-8pm.
July 15, 2024: Hazel Park Ice Cream Superlicious Day
Hazel Park Recreation Center, 945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar ice cream treats at the park. Drop In. 6-7pm.
July 17, 2024: Pershing Park Ice Cream Social
Pershing Field Park, 3523 W 48th St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
A community bonding event with face painting, inflatables, yard games for kids and FREEÂ ice cream. 6-9pm.
July 18, 2024: Windom South Park Ice Cream Social
Windom South Park, 5821 Wentworth Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Bring an picnic dinner and enjoy ice cream, music, kids inflatables and more in the park. 5:30-7:30pm.
July 18, 2024: Waite Park Ice Cream Social
Waite Park, 1810 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Free ice cream treats, face painting, yard games and inflatables for kids. Stick around after until dusk for a movie. 6-11pm.
July 18, 2024: 30th Anniversary and Ice Cream Social
Morris Park, 5531 39th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Morris Park is celebrating its 30th birthday with an ice cream social, including inflatables, food trucks, free ice cream, and more. Drop In. 5:30-8pm.
July 18, 2024: Corcoran Park Ice Cream Social
Corcoran Park, 3334 20th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Gather the neighbor kids to play in the bounce house, enjoy free ice cream, and watch a movie in the park at dusk. 6-11pm.
July 21, 2024: National Ice Cream Day
What a perfect excuse to explore our tasty list of the BEST ICE CREAM SHOPS IN THE TWIN CITIES, chock full of spots to get cones, dips, sundaes, malts, double-decker scoops, waffle cones and toppings galore. You need not limit yourself to one day of celebration this summer, of course.
Summer 2024 TBA: Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days Ice Cream Social
Citizens Independent Bank, 3700 W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Free Johnny Pops, face painting, live music and a vehicle fair. 4-6pm. (July 7, 2022)
Summer 2024 TBA: Open Eye Ice Cream Social
506 E. 24th Street, Minneapolis, MN
An afternoon of puppet shows, carnival games, music, puppet crafts and ice cream. Traditionally held the last Saturday in July.
Summer 2024 TBA: Windom NE Park Ice Cream Social
2251 Hayes Street N.E., Minneapolis, MN, US 55418
Free fun in the park: ice cream and games for kids. 6-8pm.
Summer 2024 TBA: Golden Valley Ice Cream Social & Concert in the Park
Brookview Park, 200 Brookview Parkway N, Golden Valley MN 55427
Weekly concerts are held in the park; this particular date also hosts an ice cream social. 7pm.
Summer 2024 TBA: Lakeville Pan-o-Prog Ice Cream Social
20150 Highview Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
The community festival includes an ice cream social with free ice cream and cookie dough plus carnival games and live music. 1-3pm.
Summer 2024 TBA: Stillwater Community Ice Cream Social
 101 W. Pine Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
If tradition is kept, the ice cream social will be held on the grounds of the historic Washington County Courthouse. The event is part of the rousing Stillwater Lumberjack Days community festival in July. (Did you know that Stillwater also hosts an annual free ice cream social in the midst of winter? Yep, since 1950 area families have gathered to keep this tradition alive.) 5-8pm.
Countdown to School with August Ice Cream Socials in the Twin Cities
August 2, 2024: 1st Friday Ice Cream Social
Arlington Hills Community Center, 1200 Payne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55130
Outdoor yard games and free ice cream monthly on the first Friday all summer. 3:30-4:30pm.Â
August 6, 2024: Hayden Heights Ice Cream Social Night
Hayden Heights Recreation Center, 1965 Hoyt Ave E, St Paul, MN 55119
A free ice cream treat and other fun activities in the park. Free. Drop In. 6-8pm.
August 8, 2024: Phelps Ice Cream Social
Phelps Field Park, 701 E 39th St. Minneapolis, MNÂ 55407
Activities include face painting, yard games and inflatables and, of course, Ice Cream. Free. Drop In. 6-8pm.
August 13, 2024: Loring Park Ice Cream Social
Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN, US 55403
Free ice cream, music, lawn games and more. 6-7:30pm.
August 14, 2024: Bryant Square Park Ice Cream Social
Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55408
Free ice cream, live music, carnival games and more. 6-8pm.
August 15, 2024: Ice Cream Social and Movie
Logan Park, 690 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Free ice cream while supplies last, bounce houses, face painter, balloon artist, food truck, and community fun! Disney’s Strange World begins at dusk. FREE. Drop In. 6pm-11:30pm.
August 16, 2024: Duluth & Case Ice Cream Day
Duluth & Case Recreation Center, 1020 Duluth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55106
Free ice cream and games outdoors. Free. Call the Rec Center regarding registration requirements (651) 298-5709. 1:30-2:30pm.
August 20, 2024: Sibley Ice Cream Social
Sibley Park, 1900 40th St East, Minneapolis MN 55407
Free ice cream, yard games, face painting and inflatables. End the evening with a movie at dusk. FREE. Drop In. 6-8pm.
August 24, 2024: Back to School Ice Cream Social
Farview Recreation Center, 621 N 29th Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55411
Free ice cream, face painting, family activities, naturalist activities. FREE. Drop In. 11am-2pm.
August 29, 2024: Hazel Park Ice Cream Superlicious Day
Hazel Park Recreation Center, 945 N Hazel St, St Paul, MN 55119
Treat yourself to dollar ice cream treats at the park. Drop In. 6-7pm.
August 30, 2024: Back to School: Ice Cream
Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Ave N, Minneapolis, MNÂ 55430
An evening of treats and celebration to greet the new school year. FREE. Drop In. 6-8pm.
Summer 2024 TBA: Corcoran Park Ice Cream Social
3334 20th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, US 55407
Free ice cream, music, kids games and more. 5:30-7:30pm.
DIY Ice Cream Treats at Home:
- Family Recipe: The BEST Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream – Serve this with a piece of strawberry pie!
More Twin Cities Community Ice Cream Socials Not Yet Announced for 2024
Pratt School Ice Cream Social – Cancelled indefinitely
112 Williams Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
The annual ice cream social takes place under the iconic “witch hat” tower in the Prospect Park neighborhood with the thrilling, rare chance to scale it. Typically held the Friday AFTER Memorial Day weekend.
Ice Cream Socials in the Twin Cities North Metro TBA
Firemen’s Park Ice Cream Social & Beach Bash
We don’t want to make assumptions and upset Chaska, but there has typically been a summer ice cream social during the month of June in Firemen’s Park.
Eidem Farm Ice Cream Social
4345 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
The historic farmstead typically serves up an ice cream social during the month of July, usually in conjunction with the city’s summer festival.
2024 Free Ice Cream Cone Dates
March 19, 2024: Rita’s Italian Ice – First Day of Spring
1016 Diffley Road, Diffley Marketplace Suite 300, Eagan MN 55123
15594 Pilot Knob Rd, Cobblestone Lake Commercial Suite #400Apple Valley MN 55124
It’s a longtime Rita’s tradition to give away Italian ice freebies on the first day of spring. Get yours and celebrate the end of winter in Minnesota! (Or pretend to?)
March 19, 2024: Dairy Queen Free Cone Day
A classic! Enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating non-mall locations. All day, limit one per person.Â
April 16, 2024: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day
This delicious day traditionally takes place in April. Watch for more information!Â
National Ice Cream Day: Insomnia Cookies
This cookies and ice cream shop has a Minnesota location in Dinkytown and traditionally offers a FREE ice cream scoop for National Ice Cream Day on the third Sunday in July. Sign up for their email list to get announcements
Your birthday can be your own special Free Scoops Day!
Check out these Birthday Freebies and Deals for Minnesota Kids to find Several Opportunities to get coupons for a scoop of free ice cream on your birthday, these include Baskin’ Robbins Birthday Club, Broadway Pizza Kids Birthday Club, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen Blizzard Fan Club and Julius League and Rita’s Italian Ice. Plus, we’ve found a lot of fun birthday deals for kids that have nothing to do with Ice Cream.
Cheap ice cream scoop shops & cool discounts in the Twin Cities
Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream
1224 S Robert St, West St Paul, MN 55118
1420 Yankee Doodle Rd, Eagan, MN 55121
7668 150th St W Ste 101, Apple Valley, MN 55124
16179 Kenrick Ave Ste 100, Lakeville, MN 55044
The shop’s signature 31 ice cream flavors are just $1.70 for a scoop on the 31st of the month. Please call ahead to verify your local shop is participating in this sweet deal.  If you LOVE Baskin-Robbins, consider getting their mobile app to get one regular scoop awarded immediately. After that you’ll get deals and coupons periodically.
Cold Stone Creamery
Silver Lake Village, 2700 39th Ave NE, Ste A116, St. Anthony, MN 55421
The Shops at National Market Center, 10400 Baltimore St NE, Ste 150, Blaine, MN 55449
Market Lofts, 768 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
Arbor Lakes Shopping Center, 7765 Main Street North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Village Shopping Center, 720 Main St Hwy, Suite 133, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Mall of America 3rd Floor Food Court, 382 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425
Mall of America, 134 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
A pint-sized Family Pack services 4-5 people for $15.99. It includes 2 pints of ice cream, yogurt or sorbet plus your choice of two toppings. If you plan to do this often, sign up for the eClub to earn points on purchases to earn free ice cream and other special offers. Look for annual National Ice Cream Day deals in July.
Conny’s Creamy Cone
1197 Dale St N, Saint Paul, MN 55117
Conny’s claim to fame is her 27 flavors of soft-serve ice cream offered at great prices – cone sizes range from “baby” to large and are all $3 or under. Opens for the season in mid-March.
Cup and Cone
2126 4th St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
This yummy soft serve joint is the pride of White Bear Lake – and the prices will have you crying tears of joy. Opens for the season in early March.
Hastings Co-op Creamery
1701 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033
Otherwise known as the Hastings Dairy Store on the town’s main drag. Super-budget and the best chocolate shakes we’ve ever tasted. SADLY, THIS BUSINESS HAS CLOSED.
Nelson’s Ice Cream
454 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55105
920 Olive St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Look forward to an incredible pile of ice cream for your money. Four kids and one hungry mom were completely satisfied with that sole kidding scoop. You need to trust us. Opens for the season in mid-March.
St Paul Corner Drug
240 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55105
Though it’s been many years since the cones cost a quarter, the prices still evoke a different era (a sundae is $3.50) and the sizes are generous enough to split. Open seasonally.
If you’re in search of an old-timey soda fountain experience in the Twin Cities northern suburbs, we recommend our friends at the BLUE SUN SODA SHOP (now GRANDPA JOE’S CANDY SHOP).
Sugar Mamas Ice Cream Truck
This family-owned ice cream truck cruises metro neighborhoods and can be booked for events. In 2021, they were the only Minnesota ice cream shop to be picked when Blue Bunny picked up the tab at local parlors across the U.S. for National Ice Cream Day.
University of Minnesota Dairy Salesroom
1354 Eckles Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108
The Dairy Salesroom is a tiny hidden gem stocked with freezers of delicious ice cream made by UofM students and sold for $4 a pint. We love to visit in the summertime when we can enjoy our treats on the lawn. The salesroom is only open Wednesdays from 2-5pm but there’s also the option of purchasing inexpensive cones of homemade ice cream from the St Paul Student Center.
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Seward Neighborhood Day at Matthews Park is May 11th in 2024 and includes free ice cream and family fun. It would be great to see you there.
Thanks Destiny. I’m adding this to our list. Keep them coming.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
I know what you mean. Free Ice Cream! How can that NOT be great, but wait for our 2024 update so you can have accurate information. And, Yes, believe it or not, we do have related content:
FFTC’s Guide to the Best Ice Cream Shops in the Twin Cities
Family Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwiches + 5 Saint Paul Ice Cream Shops
FFTC’s Guide to the Best Frozen Yogurt in the Twin Cities
I hope this helps with your ice cream cravings.