This summer, Zoo New England and Mini Melts Ice Cream invite you to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in the sweetest way possible: with free ice cream! On July 16, the first 500 visitors will receive a complimentary frozen treat. This tasty promotion is available at both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo and is first come, first served.

The National Ice Cream Day giveaway is the start of an exciting new multi-year partnership between Zoo New England and Mini Melts Ice Cream, a leading provider of premium ice cream treats. This collaboration has enhanced the visitor experience at Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo by providing guests with expanded food offerings and innovative ordering options featuring robotic automated kiosks. Since the addition of the Mini Melts automated kiosks at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, the sales of frozen ice cream novelties have increased at both Zoos.

"We are excited to partner with Zoo New England for this collaboration," said Dan Kilcoyne, CEO of Mini Melts. "Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional frozen treats that not only delight taste buds but also contribute to the success and impact of our partners. We are honored to add Zoo New England to our ever-growing partnerships with many other institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”

This summer, Zoo New England will introduce exclusive new Mini Melts flavors, Cake Pop and Brownie Blast, which join the roster of other flavor offerings including Cookies and Cream, Cotton Candy and Rainbow Ice which is vegan/dairy free.

“We are always striving to improve the guest experience at both of our Zoos. Through this partnership, we have not only expanded the frozen treat offerings, which always brings a smile to people’s faces, but we have made it easier for guests to access these treats,” said John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO. “We look forward to continued partnership with a company that is equally committed to a high-quality product with a focus on guest satisfaction.”