National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (1st Sat in Feb)
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is all about throwing out the rules and enjoying something sweet first thing in the morning.
Whether you’re piling scoops onto waffles or setting up a mini breakfast sundae bar, it’s a fun way to start the day. You’ll also find easy ideas and a free coloring page kids will enjoy.
When is the Holiday?
It takes place on the first Saturday of February each year.
Who Invented It?
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day was started by Florence Rappaport, a mom from New York, back in the 1960s.
On a cold, snowy morning, she decided to surprise her six kids with ice cream for breakfast to lift their spirits. What began as a playful family tradition eventually turned into a holiday people celebrate around the world.
The History of the Day
The origins of this holiday are just as playful as the celebration itself. During a particularly snowy winter, Florence Rappaport found herself stuck indoors with her children and looking for a way to brighten the mood. On a whim, she served ice cream for breakfast—and a tradition was born.
What began as a family joke quickly caught on. As her children grew up, they shared the idea with friends, who then passed it along to their own families. Over time, the celebration spread beyond Rochester and into other communities.
By the 1990s, the holiday had gained international attention, with families in places like Israel, Australia, and England joining in the fun.
Today, it continues to grow, with ice cream shops offering morning specials and families creating their own quirky traditions to mark the occasion.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Born from a Snow Day: The holiday was invented by a creative mom, Florence Rappaport, in the 1960s to brighten a snowy, dreary morning in New York.
- A Family Tradition Gone Global: What began as a fun family activity gradually spread worldwide, with celebrations now held in countries like Israel, Australia, and the UK.
- Social Media Boosted Its Fame: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have turned this quirky day into a global phenomenon, inspiring themed posts and celebrations.
- Ice Cream Shops Join the Fun: Many local and chain ice cream parlors participate by opening early and offering special breakfast-themed flavors and deals.
- A Holiday for All Ages: While kids adore the chance to eat dessert for breakfast, adults embrace it as a nostalgic reminder of carefree childhood moments.
Coloring Page
If you’re celebrating with kids, this free ice cream for breakfast coloring page adds a fun creative twist to your morning treat.
Activities to Celebrate
- Create an Ice Cream Breakfast Buffet: Include a variety of flavors and toppings.
- Try Ice Cream Pancakes or Waffles: Combine breakfast classics with scoops of ice cream.
- Host a Virtual Ice Cream Party: Share your creations with friends online.
- Visit Local Shops: Support ice cream parlors offering morning specials.
- Healthy Twist: Use frozen yogurt with fruit and granola for a balanced treat.
Recipes for an Ice Cream Themed Breakfast
- French Toast with Ice Cream: Elevate a breakfast classic by topping warm, fluffy French toast with your favorite ice cream flavor, a drizzle of syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Waffle Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY station with waffles, a variety of ice cream flavors, and toppings like whipped cream, fruit, and chocolate chips for a family-friendly celebration.
- Maple Bacon Ice Cream: This unique blend of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon bits in creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with a stack of pancakes or waffles.
- Coffee Ice Cream Oatmeal: A comforting bowl of oatmeal made with milk and coffee, topped with a scoop of coffee ice cream, is the ultimate pick-me-up breakfast treat.
- Pumpkin Pancakes with Ice Cream: Soft and spiced pumpkin pancakes become a decadent delight when paired with vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Homemade Orange Julius made with ice cream: A creamy, refreshing drink made with fresh orange juice, vanilla ice cream, and a hint of sweetness—a perfect morning indulgence.
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Links to Resources
- Ice Cream Maker: A must-have tool for making homemade ice cream to enjoy on this special day. Choose from classic electric models or fun hand-crank versions perfect for kids to help out with.
- Ice Cream for Breakfast Book: This inspiring read explores the joy of breaking routines and reconnecting with your inner child. Filled with heartwarming anecdotes and life lessons, it’s a great companion for the holiday.
- Ice Cream Math Worksheets for Preschoolers: Fun, educational printables that incorporate counting, addition, and pattern recognition with ice cream themes. Perfect for engaging young learners while celebrating the day.
Related Holidays
- National Crepe Day (February 2)
- National Frozen Yogurt Day (February 6th)
- International Pancake Day (February)
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