Here's Where You Can Get Free Treats In CT On 1st Day Of Spring

CONNECTICUT — After a relatively mild winter, spring is finally here— and what better way to celebrate than with free ice cream and Italian ice?

Rita's and Dairy Queen are both offering their free treats to celebrate the start of spring. Unlike last year when spring started with several inches of snow, this year's first day of spring is expected to be sunny with temperatures in the mid-50s, so you can enjoy dessert outside.

Rita's will give away a free small Italian ice to all customers who stop by on March 20.

The promotion runs from noon to 9 p.m.; custard can be added on top for an additional charge. There are several Rita's locations in Connecticut including: Southington, Farmington, Bethel, West Hartford, Rocky Hill, New Britain Stadium, West Haven, Branford, Milford, C, Rita's of Ballpark at Harbor Yard, Rita's of Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, South Windsor, and Vernon.

Click here to find your closest Rita's location.

Dairy Queen is handing out free small vanilla cones on all day long at participating stores on Wednesday. Customers are asked to make a contribution to the Children's Miracle Network as part of the promotion.

There are numerous Dairy Queen locations in Connecticut including: 1731 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, 81 East St. in Plainville, 1062 S Main Street in Cheshire, 447 Main Street in Torrington, 956 Broad St. in Meriden, 806 Farmington Avenue in Kensington, 235 S Colony Street in Wallingford, 2011 Whitney Avenue in North Haven, 59 Washington Avenue in North Haven, 2514 Berlin Turnpike in Newington, 51 Shunpike Road in Cromwell.

And additionally at 401 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe, 59 Main St Box 555 Winsted, 64 Orange Avenue in West Haven, 254 1/2 Kimberly Avenue in New Haven, 870 Portland Cobalt Road in Portland, 280 North Branford Road in North Branford, 435 Main Street in East Hartford, 1363 New Haven Avenue in Milford, 949 Huntington Road in Bridgeport, 1514 Barnum Avenue in Stratford, 684 Hartford Road in Manchester, 490 Boston Post Road in Guilford, 845 Sullivan Avenue in South Windsor, 1902 Post Road in Fairfield, 395 Enfield Street in Enfield, 109 Boston Post Road in Westbrook, 1370 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, 885 Summer Street in Stamford.

***And to reiterate, the free, small cone is being offered at participating places, so you may want to call ahead to make sure yours is participating.

Following Free Cone Day, DQ is offering a small regular or dipped soft serve cone for 50 cents, available for redemption only with the DQ mobile app, March 21-31 at participating DQ and DQ Grill & Chill locations. This offer includes the NEW DQ orange, creamy and crunchy dreamsicle dip, or try the DQ classic chocolate dip.

Click here to find your Dairy Queen's closest location.