Dining out can be an enjoyable experience, even when you have kids. With prices rising, buying the entire family dinner at a restaurant may seem almost unaffordable. Believe it or not, many family spots are very understanding about having kids, so they have kids-eat-free promotions.
Below are 18 popular restaurants that allow you to save money with kids eating free. Whether on a particular day or time of the week or a special redeemable offer through a rewards program, each place helps take a few dollars off your bill. It may not seem like much, but it sure helps families!
Kids Eat Free at These Restaurants (Plus Other Deals)
Here are all the places where you can get a “kids eat free” (or almost free) deal. They’re well-known restaurants that families across the nation know and love! (Just remember to check out your local eateries because participation may vary.)
1. IHOP
Kids under 12 eat free every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree. This deal even includes the famous create-a-face pancake and their new Jr. breakfast quesadilla. IHOP offers a variety of breakfast food and lunch options. It’s the best spot if your family is craving breakfast for dinner!
Fine print: This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations during certain times of the year.
2. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids eat free all day every Sunday at Moe’s. You get one free kid’s meal with each adult entree purchase. The kids’ meals also come with a drink, a dessert, and free chips and salsa. This is a great option if you want to skip cooking on the weekend or enjoy a family lunch. Your kiddo can choose from a taco, quesadilla, or burrito. The best part is they can customize their food and only add the toppings they love.
Fine print: One free kid’s meal with each adult entree purchase.
3. Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen
If your kids are under 12, they can eat free after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Their menu has many kid-friendly options, including breakfast plates with pancakes, French toast, and macaroni and cheese for lunch or dinner. They also have fun options like a cheeseburger and fish and chips.
Fine print: You must place your order within the app and spend a minimum of $15.
4. Smashburger
With the purchase of any adult meal, kids 12 and under eat free all day every Wednesday. This is an excellent spot for takeout as well. Smashburger serves burgers or chicken tenders for the kids, and the meals come with a side of french fries and a choice of drink.
Fine print: This promotion can’t be combined with any other discount and is only available in-store and at participating locations.
5. Denny’s
Kids eat free with any adult entree purchase that’s $6 or more. Of course, Denny’s is a diner chain, so you can imagine all the options on the menu! This is no different for the kids. They even offer a Build Your Own Jr. Grand Slam and Jr. milkshakes, too.
Fine print: Days and participation vary by store location, so contact your local Denny’s for their promotion.
6. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Take a break this weekend and enjoy some delicious Mexican food! Kids under 12 get a free kids’ entree all day Wednesday with the purchase of an adult entree (at full price). Their kids’ menu includes nachos, quesadillas, tacos, and even corn dogs!
Fine print: This deal is only valid at participating locations.
7. Uno Pizzeria & Grill
On Tuesdays, kids get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree. Uno’s offers everything from pizza to pasta, giving your little one many tasty choices. They even have their famous “Make Your Own Pizza” option for kids.
Fine print: You must be a rewards member and dine at one of the participating locations.
8. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Your little one can receive a free baby ice cream cone at Bruster’s. Who doesn’t love going out for ice cream, especially on a hot summer day? They have a huge variety of flavors across their locations, from classics like strawberry, Oreo, and cookie dough to signature flavors like key lime pie and blueberry cheesecake.
Fine print: Offer is only valid at participating locations, and your child must be less than 40 inches tall.
9. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Join Beef’s Rewards, and your kids can enjoy a meal for only $1.99 all day on Sundays. Even though this isn’t technically free, it’s still a really nice discount since dining out can be expensive. They have a pretty standard kids’ menu with options like grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, and chicken nuggets.
Fine print: Dine-in only at participating locations; the child must be under 12.
10. Miller’s Ale House
On Tuesdays, kids can get a free meal with the purchase of a $10 food item. You can redeem this for up to two meals per table. From mini burgers to fried shrimp to grilled chicken, there are fun options for every child here!
Fine print: Valid only at participating locations.
11. Chili’s
If you join the Chili’s rewards program, you can receive offers for free kids’ meals and other discounts. Sometimes you can even get free appetizers! The kids’ menu has everything from pizza to Kraft macaroni and cheese, as well as side choices like fries, fruit, and veggies.
Fine print: You must sign up for My Chili’s Rewards, and the offers will be emailed to you.
12. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday offers daily deals all week long. On Tuesdays, kids eat free after 5 p.m. with an adult entree purchase (at full price). They can choose from pasta, grilled chicken, and crispy shrimp, to name a few options. Several kids’ meals also come with a side.
Fine print: This offer is available dine-in only and for kids 12 and under.
13. BurgerFi
Enjoy tasty burgers for dinner! On Mondays, you can treat your kids to one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. The offer includes your child’s choice of an entree, side (such as hand-cut fries), and cold beverage. Take advantage of this deal to start your week off with a break from cooking.
Fine print: This deal can’t be combined with other offers or rewards. It’s only available for in-restaurant orders and only at participating locations.
14. Red Robin
Although this isn’t a free deal, getting half off is still pretty awesome! Kids’ meals at Red Robin are 50% off every Wednesday! They can pick from entrees like a juicy cheeseburger and a personal pizza — plus a side and drink. As a bonus, the fries (and certain drinks, like their lemonade and root beer float) are bottomless if you eat at the restaurant!
Fine print: Offer is valid at participating locations for kids under 11 with a purchase. Limit of four kids’ meals per adult entree. Applies to dine-in meals or mobile app orders with the code KIDSMEAL50.
15. Chevys Fresh Mex
Every Wednesday, kids 12 and under can eat for $1. These kids’ meals include an entree, side, dessert, and drink! Choose from classics like macaroni and cheese, tacos, or a cheese quesadilla. Kids can finish their meal with a yummy ice cream cone, too!
Fine print: This offer is available all day every Wednesday in the Chevys dining room for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree.
16. Piccadilly
This southern, cafeteria-style chain is a family favorite! Kids’ fresh meals are $1.99 all day every Thursday at Piccadilly! They’ll receive an entree, two sides, a dessert, and a drink. Options include chicken tenders and French fries, but offerings may vary by location.
Fine print: Offer is valid for kids 12 and under and dine-in only. Limit two kids’ meals per adult entree.
17. El Chico
If you’re craving Mexican food, check out El Chico, which is known for its burritos and enchiladas. On Thursdays, kids eat for only $0.99. Options include Mexican pizza, a taco dinner, and enchiladas, to name a few. They come with a drink and cherry gelatin for dessert.
Fine print: This offer is valid for kids under 12 with the purchase of an adult entree. Their meal must be selected from the Niños menu and has a limit of $5.99.
18. Cowboy Chicken
Known for its wood-fired rotisserie chicken, Cowboy Chicken is a smaller chain found in states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Kids eat free here every Monday after 4 p.m. They can choose between chicken drumsticks, crispy tenders, and a veggie option. The meal comes with their choice of two sides and a dinner roll.
Fine print: Receive one free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entree. Limit of four kids’ meals per transaction. The offer is limited to kids 10 and under.
Everyone, even parents, deserves the opportunity to take a night off from cooking and washing dishes! Saving just a little bit on kids’ meals can put money back in your wallet while taking some stress off your shoulders.
