Summer officially begins on June 20, and restaurants are offering deals to celebrate. From discounted ice cream to BOGO shakes and summer-themed sandwiches, these are my picks for the best first day of summer deals to help kick-start the season.
You'll see deals like FREE ice cream at Friendly's, FREE Do-Nuts at Shipley, and my personal favorite: The Parent Pass at Baskin-Robbins — securing parents a $1.99 scoop of ice cream.
The majority of these first day of summer deals require a rewards membership, so be sure to get in on the free loyalty programs and apps before June 20.
Download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text HACKS to 57299 for the latest money-saving tips, deals, and coupons.
The first day of summer is an annual celebration for the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year — with food freebies and BOGO offers.
The summer solstice, on June 20 this year, marks the official start of summer and the longest day of sunlight.
Restaurants often use this day as a seasonal kickoff, offering deals to draw in customers and build buzz as people head outdoors, travel more, and shift into summer routines and habits.
The first day of summer falls on June 20 this year.
This year's first day of summer is on Friday, June 20, 2025. The Earth's orbit doesn't exactly match our 365-day year, so we see the longest day fall on either June 20, 21, or 22 each year.
Next year, the Summer Solstice will be on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
First Day of Summer Deals and Freebies
Baskin-Robbins: Rewards members get $1.99 scoops at Baskin Robbins with the Parents Pass coupon (in-app only) from June 16 - 20.
Chicken Salad Chick: Order the new Maui Mama Chicken Salad on a Bacon Cheddar Melt at Chicken Salad Chick and get $1 off when you dine in on June 20.
Friendly's: Rewards members get a Wallet Drop in the Friendly's app for a free scoop or cone both. The offer works both in-store and for carry-out on June 20.
Krispy Kreme: Get a $2 Original Glazed dozen when you purchase any dozen at regular price. Plus, some guests visiting their local Krispy Kreme on June 20 may win a year's worth of doughnuts.
Kroger: On June 20, Kroger is giving away 92,000 FREE pints of ice cream. Use the digital coupon to get a pint of any flavor of Kroger-brand ice cream or sherbet for free.
Scooter's Coffee: Rewards members get Double Smiles on any Red Bull Infusion drink after 11 a.m. with a Scooter's app coupon on June 20.
Shipley Do-Nuts: All customers get a classic Shipley Glazed Do-Nut with any purchase.
Sonic: Celebrate the first of Live Free Fridays happening all summer long. From June 20 - Aug. 29, open your Sonic app for exclusive freebies with any qualifying purchase.
TGI Fridays: Get $5 Happy Hour all day long when you dine-in at TGI Fridays on June 20.
Wendy's: Celebrate summer and the launch of the new Takis Fuego Chicken Sandwich on June 20 with the Wendy's Spice Invasion game in the Wendy's app to win prizes and free food.
White Castle: Get BOGO free small shakes at White Castle after 8 p.m. from June 20 – 22 with code SUMMER.
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