Eating out with your family can be an enjoyable yet costly affair. For parents seeking to minimize dining expenses without sacrificing fun, finding restaurants where kids eat free is a valuable option. In this comprehensive guide, we present 14 family-friendly restaurants offering free meals for children. We’ll cover options for all meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – and provide useful tips to ensure a delightful dining experience for both you and your children.
Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner at IHOP
IHOP, a favorite among breakfast enthusiasts, also caters to lunch and dinner preferences with its variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Children aged 12 and under eat free every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with an adult entree purchase. The kids’ menu includes pancakes, French toast, chicken nuggets, and more.
Denny’s: A Versatile Dining Option
Denny’s offers an array of dishes for all three meals. On Tuesdays, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., kids aged 10 and under eat free with an adult entree purchase. Their kids’ menu includes pancakes, eggs, burgers, and spaghetti, catering to various tastes.
American Classics at Applebee’s
Applebee’s, known for its classic American dishes like steaks and burgers, allows kids aged 12 and under to eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays with an adult entree. The kids’ menu features chicken grillers, macaroni and cheese, and mini cheeseburgers.
Tex-Mex Flavors at Chili’s
Chili’s offers a taste of Tex-Mex with its fajitas, tacos, and nachos. Kids aged 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays with an adult entree purchase. The menu for kids includes cheese quesadillas, chicken crispers, and cheeseburger bites.
Casual Dining at Ruby Tuesday
Specializing in burgers, salads, and seafood, Ruby Tuesday welcomes kids aged 10 and under to eat free every Tuesday from 5 p.m. with an adult entree purchase. The kids’ menu features grilled chicken, pasta marinara, and cheese pizza.
Fun Meals at TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays, known for its festive atmosphere, serves kids aged 12 and under free on Mondays and Tuesdays with an adult entree. The menu includes chicken fingers, cheeseburger sliders, and macaroni and cheese.
Homestyle Cooking at Bob Evans
Bob Evans, ideal for family dining, offers free meals for kids aged 12 and under every Tuesday after 4 p.m. with an adult entree. The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, turkey dinner, and more.
Fresh Mexican Cuisine at Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s serves customizable Mexican dishes like burritos and tacos. On Tuesdays after 4 p.m., kids aged 12 and under eat free with an adult entree purchase. The kids’ menu offers mini burritos and quesadillas.
All-Day Breakfast at Perkins
Perkins, a bakery and restaurant, serves breakfast all day and features a kids’ menu with pancakes, waffles, and French toast sticks. Kids aged 12 and under eat free every Tuesday after 4 p.m. with an adult entree.
Pizza Hut: A Family Favorite
Known for its variety of pizzas, Pizza Hut allows kids aged 10 and under to eat free every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an adult buffet or entree purchase. The menu includes cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, and chicken nuggets.
Gourmet Burgers at Red Robin
Red Robin offers gourmet burgers and unlimited fries. Kids aged 10 and under eat free every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with an adult entree purchase. The menu features cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and macaroni and cheese.
Classic Diner Experience at Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake serves classic diner fare. Kids aged 12 and under eat free every Saturday and Sunday with a $9 adult entree purchase. The menu includes steakburgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese.
Unique Pizzas at Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Uno Pizzeria & Grill offers deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas. Kids aged 12 and under eat free every Tuesday with an adult entree purchase. The menu features cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, and chicken bites.
Village Inn: A Cozy Eatery
Village Inn, a restaurant and bakery, serves kids aged 10 and under free every Monday and Tuesday with an adult entree purchase. The menu includes French toast, scrambled eggs, and mini burgers.
Making the Most of Kids Eat Free Offers
To maximize these offers, read the fine print for restrictions, call ahead for availability, tip well for good service, and most importantly, have fun and make memories with your family.
Affordable Family Dining
With these 14 restaurants, you can enjoy dining out without straining your budget. Remember to check the offer details, call ahead, tip generously, and enjoy your family time.
We hope this guide helps you save money while enjoying meals out with your family. Share this with friends and family who might also appreciate these deals, and feel free to suggest other kid-friendly dining options in the comments.
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.