Celebrate Ice Cream Month with Homemade Recipes and Family-Favorite Ice Cream Shops in Denver

One scoop or two, in a cone or a dish – there’s no wrong way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month! This fun, month-long celebration began in 1984, when President Reagan officially declared July as National Ice Cream Month. Ever since, families across the country have been enjoying the occasion with a sweet, frozen treat. 

To help you join the fun, we’ve rounded up some easy, kid-friendly ice cream recipes you can make at home, along with great local spots in Denver to enjoy with your preschooler. And with National Ice Cream Day falling on Sunday, July 20, 2025, we’ve outlined a few places to follow to snag some free ice cream. 

At-Home Ice Cream Recipes for Preschoolers

• Turn Ice Cream Making Into a Fun Learning Activity: What’s more fun than mixing science and sweetness! Making ice cream in a bag is a simple, hands-on activity that not only results in a tasty treat, it also supports your child’s fine and gross motor development. The best part? You likely have everything you need right in your kitchen. With just ice, salt, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, you and your preschooler can shake up a delicious batch of homemade ice cream in minutes – no special equipment required!

• Whip Up a Healthy, Two-Ingredient Ice Cream: Looking for another fun and easy way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month with your child? Try this two-ingredient banana chocolate chip ice cream from Real Little Meals. It’s a simple, nutritious, and delicious frozen treat – perfect for a warm July day. All you need are frozen bananas, chocolate chips, and a blender or a food processor to create a smooth and creamy snack. Want to mix it up? Add strawberries, blueberries, or a spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor and fun!

Family-Favorite Ice Cream Spots around Denver

Denver is full of wonderful ice cream shops that serve up fun, flavorful, and even award-winning scoops. Whether your family is looking for a classic cone or something a little more adventurous, these local spots are perfect for a cool family outing during National Ice Cream Month.

• Little Man Ice Cream: A Denver classic since 2008, Little Man Ice Cream is known for its delicious homemade flavors like buttermilk cupcake, strawberry lemonade sorbet, and blackberry honey goat cheese. They also offer gluten- and dairy-free options, making it easier for little ones with allergies or sensitivities to join in the fun. Your child will love picking from fun toppings, including rainbow sprinkles and gummy bears. There’s something for everyone in the family. But it’s not just the ice cream that makes this spot special – the shop itself is shaped like a giant, 28-foot-tall cream can, making it a fun and memorable summer stop for preschoolers and grown-ups alike!
• Bonnie Brae Ice Cream: Located just a few blocks from Washington Park, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream has been delighting Denver families with award-winning scoops for nearly 40 years. From fun flavors like chocolate banana and orange creamsicle to timeless classics like chocolate chip and rocky road, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Since opening its doors, the shop has created more than 120 flavors. If you can’t make it in person, no problem! Bonnie Brae also offers delivery, so you can enjoy a scoop (or two) without leaving home.
• Nuggs Ice Cream: If you’re searching for a sweet spot to enjoy a cone or dish with your preschooler, Nuggs Ice Cream is a must-try! This family-owned shop has been serving up homemade scoops since 2014, using locally-sourced ingredients to create flavors like blue moon, key lime, and salted caramel, plus many more. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, Nuggs is the perfect place to enjoy a cool treat with your little one this summer.

Places to Keep on Your Radar for National Ice Cream Day

The only thing that makes ice cream even better is when it’s free. For National Ice Cream Day, which falls on July 20, 2025, keep an eye out for potential deals from the ice cream places mentioned above as well as some national ice cream brands like: 

• Dippin Dots is giving away free mini cups of Dippin’ Dots (any flavor!) during a two-hour window at their franchise locations. 
• Dairy Queen is offering a free Dilly Bar with an app order of $1 on National Ice Cream Day (and possibly other deals, too). Download and use their app for the deal. 
• Baskin Robbins offered $2 kid scoops of ice cream all day last year. Be sure to follow them online or download their app for this year’s deal. 
• Blue Bell Ice Cream offered several free tastings throughout Denver last year. 

Mile High on the Cheap often covers Denver-based deals so be sure to check out their site closer to National Ice Cream Day. 

Whether you’re whipping up a simple treat at home or heading out for a scoop with the family, there are many fun (and tasty!) ways to make summer memories – one cool treat at a time.