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 turn 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. Since we started compiling this list, sadly, many kids-eat-free offers have gone by the wayside (or been replaced with discounted kids’ meals, which isn’t quite as good as free).
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 to get a free kids’ meal. Those details are included below.
- We are publishing only 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 franchise 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, when it’s available. Members receive emails and text alerts for the free kids’ meals, which are for children 12 and under with the purchase of a regular entrée. Items on the kids’ menu, dubbed Pepper Pals by Chili’s, include burger bites, pizza and macaroni and cheese.
Denny’s offers Kids Eat Free days for it rewards members (see details on how this program works), but the exact day of the week that is varies depending on your location. During the Kids Eat Free day, any adult entrée purchase over $6 qualifies you for a kids’ menu entrée like junior alfredo pasta or mini corn dogs.
IHOP
IHOP doesn’t ALWAYS offer free kids’ meals, but they pop up from time to time. We tend to see it during the summer. Generally, when this deal is live, at participating locations (dine-in only) you can get a free kids’ meal from the kids’ menu with every full-priced adult meal purchased, daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. If the promo isn’t currently happening, you can still save by ordering from the kids’ menu.
Red Robin
Red Robin helps boost birthday celebrations with free offers for kids 17 and under. On their birthday, kids receive a free sundae and a special song. You’ll need to add your child to your loyalty account and enter their birthday to be eligible. Members of the Red Robin Royalty program are also eligible for a free burger or entrée during their birthday month.
Kids can get a free Chicken or Tofu Mini Bowl when you order a full-price entree. This offer is valid Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. and all day on Saturday and Sunday. If you place your order online, you’ll need to use a promo code, which you can find here.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Mondays
We called several locations to confirm that this is still happening. 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
On Tuesdays, spend $15 on the Bob Evans app and get a free kids’ meal. Must order via the app, limit of one per customer. Learn more.
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. Learn more.
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. Learn 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. On Wednesdays, you can get up to 2 kids’ entrees for free when you purchase an adult entree. For IKEA Family members only. Learn more.
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. Learn more.
Red Robin
Not free, but get free 50% off kids’ meals every Wednesday at participating locations (learn more). Valid for kids under 11. Each kids’ meal includes an entree, side and drink (with free refills if you dine in AND bottomless sides). Minimum purchase required. Valid for dine-in, to-go or delivery (but not via third-party apps).
Get a free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult meal (entrée, drink, side). This freebie is available for kids 12 and under and is valid for dine-in orders only at participating locations. Learn more.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Saturdays
Modern Market
Kids eat free on Saturdays after 5 p.m. Get a free kids meal for every purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only. See details.
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
We called several locations to confirm this one. 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 $12 purchase. This offer is available at participating locations only, so call ahead.
Save barbecue bucks when you tap into deals at Dickey’s.
Modern Market
Kids eat free on Saturdays after 5 p.m. Get a free kids meal for every purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only. See details.
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