The words “Kids Eat Free” is music to every parent’s ears. It’s always nice to save a few bucks, but especially when it comes to kids who aren’t all that interested in eating what you order for them. Let’s face it, eating out with kids can sometimes be a crapshoot and your hard-earned cash can tufree rn into a full plate of mac-and-cheese left behind for the servers to clear. But when kids eat free, at least you didn’t have to pay for the wasted food.
We’ve put together a convenient guide of national restaurant chains that offer free kids’ meals to help you decide where to go when you head out for a bite with the family.
Just remember, the staff at the restaurant is working just as hard whether you are paying for your kids’ meal or not. Make sure you factor that into your tip at the end of the meal.
A couple of obligatory disclaimers:
- Some restaurants require that you provide a coupon, verbally request that free or discounted meal, or be a member of a restaurant’s rewards program. Those details are included below.
- We are only publishing offers that are currently advertised on a restaurant’s website or social media sites. Some restaurant chains (e.g., Applebee’s, Johnny Rockets, Steak N’ Shake) may offer local deals that are not included on this list. Give them a call to find out! And don’t forget to check your local non-chain eateries for good deals.
- Offers on this list are current as of the date of publication of this article. Some may expire or are limited to specific locations that are participating in the promotion.
- Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free Every Day
Bruster’s Ice Cream
If you have a little one under 40 inches, Bruster’s hooks them up with a free baby cone any day of the week. Just make sure to bring some wipes for the half of the cone that will inevitably end up all over their face and shirt!
Chili’s
Those enrolled in the My Chili’s Rewards program are eligible for the Kids Eat Free promotion. Members receive emails and text alerts for the free kids’ meals, which are for children under 12 with the purchase of a regular entrée. Items on the kids’ menu, dubbed Pepper Pals by Chili’s, include burger bites, pizza, pasta, and chicken dippers.
Denny’s offers Kids Eat Free days, but participation varies depending on your location. During the Kids Eat Free day, any adult entrée purchase over $6 qualifies you for two free kids’ menu entrées like junior alfredo pasta or mini corn dogs.
Firehouse Subs
Have a birthday celebration with a hot grilled cheddar cheese at Firehouse Subs. By filling out THIS FORM, you can get either a free kids combo or a free medium sub for your child on their big day. The free deal requires the purchase of medium or large sub, chips and drink.
IHOP
There’s no current kids eat free deal on pancakes, but that can flip at any time. Keep your eyes peeled for free meal deals for kids at your local IHOP, which occur throughout the year at participating locations. You can also check out our IHOP deals page.
Before you flip into your plate of flapjacks, check for IHOP deals on your next meal.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids under 12 can pick a burrito, taco, or quesadilla for no charge at Moe’s on Sundays. The offer, which must also include the purchase of an adult entrée over $6, includes chips and salsa, a drink, and a cookie. It is valid in-store at participating locations.
OK, you got us, it’s not technically free but kids can eat at a steep discount at your local O’Charley’s. Kids meals are just 99 cents, and some (like mini corn dogs and cheeseburgers) also come with a side. Beverages are extra.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
For kids ages 12 and younger, Perkins is offering a free meal during their birthday week. You have to sign up for the Perkins Kids Birthday Club to receive the deal.
Red Robin
Red Robin helps boost birthday celebrations with free offers for kids 11 and under. On their birthday, kids receive a free sundae and a special song. Members of the Red Robin Royalty program are also eligible for a free burger or entrée during their birthday month.
Steak ‘n Shake
Steak n’ Shake has been known to offer free meals for kids during promotional periods. Terms vary, but, generally, kids under 12 can eat free if you dine in and order an adult meal.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Mondays
Every Monday, Fuddruckers offers a cheap kids’ meal for just $1.99. The meal includes the entrée, drink, side, and cookie, and must be accompanied by an adult purchase. Entrée options include burgers, chicken tenders, and corn dogs. Participation may vary, so check your location.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays
Bob Evans
It’s Family Day on Tuesdays at Bob Evans, where a purchase of an adult meal entitles you to a free kids’ meal. The offer is valid Tuesdays after 4 p.m. Kids menu items include Macaroni & Cheese, Turkey Lurkey (their name, not ours), and Tic-Tac-Toast.
This chain has franchises in more than a dozen states and serves many variations on a tried-and-true crowd pleaser — macaroni and cheese. While you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this delicacy, kids get an extra perk: free meals on Mondays.
Red Lobster
Kids eat free on Tuesdays for a limited time when you order a kids menu entree online. Use promo code LOBSTER 91. Or, present the coupon on Red Lobster’s site when you dine in. Exclues the Kids’ Petite Maine Lobster Tail entree. Only one per order — not valid in combination with any other offer. See the fine print.
Ruby’s Diner
On Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until close, all kids under 12 can eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. This is only valid at participating locations, so be sure to check before you order.
Ruby Tuesday
Take a guess at which day kids eat free at Ruby Tuesdays? That’s right, on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to closing time at participating locations, kids can pick from menu items like cheese pizza or cheeseburger sliders along with fresh sides like grapes or broccoli (kids love broccoli, right?). The free entrée must accompany one adult entrée purchase.
Take advantage of these Ruby Tuesday deals when you visit—on Tuesday or any other day!
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays
Chevy’s Fresh Mex
At participating locations on Wednesdays, grab a children’s meal for $1 for anyone in your party that is under 12 years old. The purchase of an adult meal is required, and the dine-in offer is available all day on Wednesday. Kids can choose from quesadillas, tacos, Fresh Mex chicken bits and more.
IKEA
After you’ve dragged your kids through IKEA, head on over to the IKEA restaurant before you go home to assemble your new furniture. Grab some Swedish meatballs on Wednesdays, where all kids’ entrees are 50 percent off. The offer is valid for IKEA Family members and excludes beverages.
Save on furniture and food when you take advantage of these IKEA deals.
Luby’s
At participating locations, kids 12 and under can get a free meal on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Luby’s. The meal consists of either an entrée (e.g., bacon cheesesteak, roasted turkey, fish) or three-veggie plate, with a Jell-O and a drink. An adult meal purchase is required for this dine-in only offer.
SmashBurger
Through June 30, 2022, get a free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult meal (entree, drink, side). This freebie is available for kids 12 and under and is valid for dine-in orders only. Learn more.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Saturdays
Steak ‘n Shake
Call ahead for this one, because participation varies widely. But, at some locations during promo periods, all day Saturday and Sunday, right after your kid’s soccer game—children 12 and under get one free meal with the purchase of a $9 adult meal. Although the chain is known for its burgers, there’s more to choose from at Steak ’n Shake. A basket of mini corn dogs, grilled cheese and chicken fingers are also on the kids menu, and they all come with fries or applesauce. Just don’t order a milkshake for Junior—those aren’t included in the deal!
Knock a few bucks off your meal or maybe score a free milkshake for you with these Steak ‘n Shake offers.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Sundays
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Sunday dinners come at no cost to the kids at Dickey’s BBQ pit. Anyone 12 and under can get some sliders or chicken nuggets for free on Sundays with a minimum $10 purchase. This offer is available at participating locations and for delivery and carryout orders (use the code KEFOLO).
Save barbecue bucks when you tap into deals at Dickey’s.
Kona Grill
From 2 p.m. to close, kids 12 and under can order from the Kids Menu and get a free meal with purchase of an adult entrée. Limit of two free kids meals per adult entrée. Not valid on holidays.
Steak ‘n Shake (see above; Saturdays and Sundays!)
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