Having kids can be expensive. And if you’re like most parents, you’re always looking to save a buck or two wherever you can.
One of the places where the dollars add up most quickly is during family dinners out. Between the half-eaten chicken strips and grilled cheese sandwiches, the bill at the end can be downright painful.
But that doesn’t mean you have to stay home and never enjoy a night on the town with your family. No, you just need to be strategic in making your money stretch. And one of the best ways to do this is by finding restaurants where kids eat free.
As teachers, my family and I love to travel all over the place, especially in the summer. And with road trips come a lot of meals out at restaurants across the country. As much as I’m looking forward to the great experiences we’ll have, I’m a bit nervous about the cost. Which is why I’ve made it my personal mission to find all the restaurants across America (and Canada), both local eateries and national chains, where kids eat free on EACH day of the week. And now I’m sharing it with you!
Where Kids Eat Free...The Small Print
Before we dive into the deals, there are a few important details you need to know in order to ensure your kids do in fact eat for free.
First, with all these deals It’s super important that you always confirm the offer before you place your order. They can vary widely depending on location and restaurants are constantly changing their promotions. The last thing you want to do is sit down and order what you think is a free meal only to be disappointed when the bill arrives. Be sure to call ahead (this won’t be the last time your hear me say this!).
Here are some tips to ensure that you get the deal you’re after:
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- Many of these deals have specific day and time restrictions, so be sure to note their availability before you order.
- Many of these deals have specific day and time restrictions, so be sure to note their availability before you order.
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- The promotions are only available at participating locations. Don’t assume that if you got the deal at a restaurant in your home town you’ll get the same deal on the road.
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- Most kids meals are only valid for kids 12 and under. Some deals are only for children younger than 10, and other restaurants aren’t too picky (they’re not checking ID). But just to be safe so you don’t get an expensive surprise when the bill comes, be sure to ask before you order.
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- When your kiddo eats for free, they have to order off of the kids menu (or another specified menu).
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- Your child must be present when ordering.
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- You can usually only get 1 kids meal with the purchase of 1 adult entree. So no, your children can’t order 10 kids meals for the whole family to enjoy. Some restaurants do however offer 2 kids meals for every 1 adult meal, so again, be sure to ask before ordering.
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- The promo cannot be combined with other deals, coupons, or offers.
The bottom line is that there are a number of rules and restrictions involved at restaurants where kids eat free. Some restaurants have GREAT websites where these are crystal clear, easy to find and simple to understand. Others have nothing about kids eating for free and I had to call multiple locations to get answers.
Larger chains often have deals that really depend on the franchise owners. For example, at a Texas Roadhouse I called in California they had no kids eat free deal. I called one in Texas and they did. The lesson? Always be sure to call ahead to find out. And it’s always worth asking about kids deals whenever you’re out. Even if there’s no deal for that current day, you can always file it away in the memory bank for a future family night out down the road.
One last note, at the end of each restaurant description I’ve listed the states and provinces where the restaurant has locations. Please note that even though a state is listed, it does not mean that every restaurant in the state will honor the deal. As always, please be sure to call ahead to confirm!
Now sit back, relax and get ready to save money at these restaurants where your kids will eat for free, and enjoy a night out without hurting your wallet!
Where Do Kids Eat Free? The Most Searched
Whenever parents are looking for free kids meals, a few restaurants are always the most searched. I’ve taken some time here to highlight the details of these deals to make sure that you have the best family dining experience possible, at the best price!
Applebees Kids Eat Free
Be sure to call ahead because this deal is only available at participating locations. Kids can eat for FREE on Tuesdays. Other locations also have kids meals for just $0.99. (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free Chili’s
All you need to do is sign-up for the My Chili’s rewards loyalty club and you’ll receive emails and texts for a free meal for kids 12 and under with the purchase of any regular entree.
Denny’s Kids Eat Free
Hit a Grand Slam (see what I did there?) by scoring a free kids meal at Denny’s. Some Denny’s restaurants allow kids to eat free every day. Others are only on specific nights at certain times (often Tuesdays from 4 pm – 10 pm). Kids Eat Free days and restaurant participation will vary by location but participating restaurants will give you up to two free kids entrées for every one adult entrée purchase of $6.00 or more. Call ahead to your local Denny’s to get the details before you make your plans. (Nationwide)
Firehouse Subs Kids Eat Free
Kids eat free after 4 pm every day with the purchase of a medium or large combo. Be sure to call your location as this deal varies from restaurant to restaurant. (Nationwide)
Golden Corral Kids Eat Free
Did you know that if you’ve got munchkins 3 and under, they eat for free every day? It’s true at Golden Corral!
Kids Eat Free Holiday Inn
Make your vacation a bit more reasonable by taking advantage of this great deal which allows up to 4 kids age 11 and under to eat free with a family (2 free meals/purchase of an adult meal). And to make it even better, the deal is valid every day, all day.
IHOP Kids Eat Free
EVERY DAY!! What?? Yup, from 4 pm-10 pm just buy an adult entree and your kid eats for free! (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free Ikea
Every Tuesday get up to 2 kids meals for free with the purchase of one adult entrée of $3.99 or greater. Only valid for kids 12 and under. (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free O’Charley’s
Kids eat for free. All day. Every day. Get one free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. Be sure to check to be sure your location is participating. (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free Pizza Hut
I know I’ve seen this deal in several locations online but based on my research, it is no longer in play. I called several locations and all of them gave me the same answer. In spite of what you’ll find on other sites, I’d say the sun has set on this deal.
Perkins Kids Eat Free
Wow. I called several Perkins and all of them had different days that kids eat free on. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday were among them. What was common was that they were typically after 4 or 4:30 pm, only for kids under 12 and you needed to buy an adult entree to get the deal! (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free Pizza Ranch
Lots of Pizza Ranch locations offer a FREE kids Buffet when an adult purchases a buffet at regular price. Availability and hours vary by location, so be sure to call ahead to check your local Pizza Ranch for details!
Texas Roadhouse Kids Eat Free
Be sure to check out your favorite Texas eatery on Tuesdays From 5-8 pm where kids eat free (be sure to call your location to confirm). (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free Zaxby’s
This one varies widely from state to state. In Utah and Texas, there was nothing. In Oklahoma, jackpot, as kids eat for free all day on Saturday in June and July. In Arkansas, kids 12 and under eat for free Monday thru Thursday all day with the purchase of an adult meal. The moral of the story? I know I sound like a broken record but be sure to call ahead to confirm the details at your local Zaxby’s. (UT, TX, KS, MO, KS, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, TN, KY, IN, VA)
Where Do Kids Eat Free?
Kids Eat Free Every Day
Where Do Kids Eat Free?
So you’ve had a tough day at the office (or with the munchkins) and the idea of cooking a family meal feels like climbing Mt. Everest. You want to go out but the thought of dropping your hard-earned money on dinner out seems wasteful. Unless…unless you can find a restaurant where kids eat free TODAY.
The following restaurants all fit the bill because kids eat free every day. So don’t worry about whether your kids eat free today, because they do!
Brusters Real Ice Cream – They aim to keep the smallest members of your family enchanted by offering free ice cream to any child under 40 inches in height. (Nationwide)
Cafe Rio – get a FREE kids (nino) quesadilla when an adult purchases a regular entree (WA, UT, MT, ID, AZ, CO, WY, CA, NV, MD, VA, FL)
Cici’s Pizza – Kids under 3 can eat for free when accompanied by an adult (so your 3 year old can’t pop out from daycare for a quick bite to eat by themselves) (Nationwide)
Culvers – It’s not a whole meal but kids get a free custard with the purchase of a kids meal.
Denny’s – Some Denny’s restaurants allow kids to eat free every day. Others are only on specific nights at certain times. Call ahead to your local Denny’s to get the details before you make your plans. (Nationwide)
Double Dave’s Pizza – For the buffet, kids under 5 eat for free, while those 6-11 years old are $5 (Texas, Oklahoma)
Firehouse Sub – Kids eat free after 4 pm every day with the purchase of a medium or large combo. Be sure to call your location as this deal varies from restaurant to restaurant. (Nationwide)
Frickers – Kids eat free every day, no exceptions!! (Indiana, Ohio, Michigan)
Golden Corral – For your little munchkins 3 and under, they eat free every day! (Nationwide)
Holiday Inn – Just another way to make your stay a bit less expensive, this KILLER deal allows up to 4 kids age 11 and under to eat free with a family (2 free meals/purchase of an adult meal). And to make it even better, the deal is valid every day, all day. (Nationwide)
IHOP – From 4 pm -10 pm just buy an adult entree and your kid eats for free! (Nationwide)
Jose Peppers – On your first visit you’ll get a coupon for a free kids meal that you can redeem on any day! (KS, MO)
Norms – Monday to Friday (not every day but pretty darn close) 12 pm – 10 pm, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. (CA)
O’Charley’s – All day, every day, kids eat for free when you buy an adult entree. Be sure to call ahead to verify the deal is valid at your local restaurant. (Nationwide)
Shoney’s – If you’ve got a kiddo 4 and under, bring em’ into Shoney’s where they can get a free buffet any day of the week. (TN, KY, AL, GA, IN, NC, MS, VA, WV, SC, MO, OH, FL, LA, OK, TX)
Souper Salad – Every day of the week, kids 3 and under eat for free! (AZ, NM, TX)
Steak & Shake – Kids 12 and under eat free all weekend. You get one free kids plate with every $9 spent. (Nationwide)
TGI Friday’s – Monday and Tuesday are the most common days, but each location is different. What’s consistent is that you’ll get a free kids meal and drink with the purchase of an adult entree. (Nationwide)
Tucanos Brazillian Grill – Your little 6 and under kiddos eat free with a paying adult. (NM, ID, CO, IN, SC, VA, UT, MO)
Kids Eat Free Days
Kids Eat Free Monday
Kids Eat Free Days
Arooga’s – Kids eat free on Monday with the purchase of an adult entree (NJ, CT, PA, NY)
Atlanta Bread Company – I called multiple restaurants and some have the deal on Monday, others on Tuesday, and some on Wednesdays. Some start at 4 pm, others at 5. What’s in common is that you need to buy an adult meal to get a free kids one. Be sure to call your local restaurant to get the specifics to avoid being disappointed when you have to pay! (GA, AL, TN, SC, NC, OK, AR, CO, WI, NJ)
Backyard Burgers – Come in from 5-8 pm and get a free kids meal when you buy an adult meal. Be sure to call ahead as this deal really varies by location. (LA, FL, MS, AR, AL, TN, KY, MO, IL, NE, NC)
Cinzetti’s Italian Market – If you’ve got little munchkins under 12, be sure to swing by Cinzetti’s where kids eat free Monday and Tuesday from 5 – 8:30 pm. (Colorado and Kansas)
Cody’s Roadhouse – Kids 10 and under eat free from the kids menu on Mondays and Tuesdays. (Florida)
Frisch’s – Kids under 12 eat for free all day long. Just purchase an adult entree and enjoy a meal with the original Big Boy himself. The deal varies by franchise location so be sure to call ahead! (IN, OH, KY)
Planet Sub – Buy an adult combo (sub, chips and a drink) and get 2 kids meals for free! (AZ, TX, OK, KS, NE, IA, MO, MI)
Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse – Kids 12 and under eat for free when you buy one adult meal. Note: 2 free kids meals per adult meal purchased. (ME, NH, NY, VA, MI, PA, VA, WV, OH, KY, IN, TN, MO, IL, IA, FL, WI, MN)
Kids Eat Free Tuesday
Applebees – This deal is only available at participating locations so be sure to call, but kids can eat for FREE on Tuesdays. Some locations also have a deal that’s not free but is pretty darn close where kids can get a meal for just $0.99. (Nationwide)
Atlanta Bread Company – Like I said above, this deal starts at 4 pm or 5 and you need to buy an adult entree to get the free kids meal. Be sure to call ahead (GA, AL, TN, SC, NC, OK, AR, CO, NJ)
Bob Evans – Kids eat free on Tuesday after 4 pm with the purchase of an adult entree. (Nationwide)
Black-eyed Pea – Take a break from the kitchen and bring your whole family where kids eat for free on Tuesday when the grown-ups buy and adult entree. (TX, TN, CO)
Beef O’Brady’s – 1 free kids meal when you buy an adult meal. (FL)
Carrows – from 11 am to close get 2 FREE kids meals when you purchase a regularly priced entree. Only valid for kids 10 and under. (CA)
Chick-fil-A – This deal is location dependent, but kids who wear their Vacation Bible School t-shirt in the summer can get a free meal when another is purchased. (Nationwide)
Coco’s Bakery – Kids eat free Tuesday from 10 am until close. Limit of 2 kids meals per adult entree. (CA, AZ, NV)
Ikea – Get your Frugalstorp on every Tuesday when you can get up to 2 kids meals for free with the purchase of one adult entrée of $3.99 or greater. Only valid for kids 12 and under. (Nationwide)
Jason’s Deli – After 5 pm kids 12 and under eat free when an adult buys an entree. Valid for 2 kids meals per adult entree. (Nationwide)
Marie Callender’s – Kids eat for free on Tuesdays and Saturdays when you buy an adult entree. (CA, NV, UT)
Moe’s Southwest Grill – You don’t have to settle for just free chips and salsa. After 5 pm buy an adult entree and get one kids meal for free. Even though this deal is promoted corporately, it varies depending on the location. Be sure to call to verify. (Nationwide)
Mongo’s Grill – Come in on Tuesday’s where kids 10 and under eat for free between 4 pm and 9 pm! (MN)
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza – Get one FREE kids buffet when you purchase an adult buffet and drink. Valid for kids 12 & under. Kids’ drinks are additional. Be sure to call to verify as this deal varies a lot with the location. (IN, KY, LA, MS, NC, TN, TX)
Perkins – The deal varies by location but the common factors are after 4 pm or 4:30, kids under 12 can eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. (Nationwide)
Pizza Street – Come in and get some free slices for your munchkins ages 4 to 9 as kids eat free Tuesday night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (MO, KS)
Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse – Same deal as above, just on Tuesday. Kids 12 and under eat for free when you buy one adult meal. Note: 2 free kids meals per adult meal purchased. (ME, NH, NY, VA, MI, PA, VA, WV, OH, KY, IN, TN, MO, IL, IA, FL, WI, MN)
Ruby’s Diner – Kids eat for free Tuesday after 4 pm! Not valid at every location so be sure to call ahead. (CA, NV, AZ, TX)
Ruby Tuesday – Come check out what’s new at Ruby Tuesday and get a free kids meal when you purchase an adult entree any time after 5 pm. (Nationwide)
Salsarita’s – Tuesday and Sunday, purchase an adult meal and get a kids one for free. Other locations have a Tuesday night deal where if you order an adult meal you can get up to 3 kids meals for 99 cents. (Nationwide)
Shari’s – From 10 am until 11 pm kids eat free! Be sure to grab a slice of delicious pie while you’re at it! (WA, OR, CA, ID)
Texas Roadhouse – From 5-8 pm on Tuesdays, kids eat free (be sure to call your location to confirm). (Nationwide)
TGI Friday’s – Monday and Tuesday are the most frequent days, but this deal changes depending on the location. What won’t change is getting a free kids meal and drink with the purchase of an adult entree! (Nationwide)
Woody’s BBQ – The night varies by location, so be sure to call to find out the details, but kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. (FL, PA)
Kids Eat Free Wednesday
Atlanta Bread Company – Kids eat free Wednesday after 4 pm or 5 and is only available when you buy an adult entree. I know I sound like a broken record, but be sure to call ahead. (GA, AL, TN, SC, NC, OK, AR, CO, WS, NJ)
East Coast Wings – After 3:30 on Wednesdays, kids 12 and under eat for free! (TN, TX, NC, VA, PA)
Friendly’s – Swing by the friendliest restaurant in the country where kids eat free on Wednesday with the purchase of an adult entree. (NC, VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, PA, CT, RI, NH, VT, FL)
Logan’s Roadhouse – This deal can really change by location. Some restaurants allow kids under 6 to eat for free (1 child/adult). Others have a kids eat for 99 cents deal. Just buy an adult entree and get your kiddo’s meal for only $1. And be sure to call ahead to verify your location’s offer. (Nationwide)
Luby’s – Bring the kids and enjoy a free meal of chicken, beef, fish, or veggies. Only available at participating locations, this deal has kids meals for free on Wednesday and Saturday! (TX, MS)
Perkins – The day changes with location but after 4 or 4:30, kids under 12 can eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. (Nationwide)
Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse – The Wednesday Ponderosa deal. See Monday for details. (ME, NH, NY, VA, MI, PA, VA, WV, OH, KY, IN, TN, MO, IL, IA, FL, WI, MN)
Red Brick Pizza – Kids eat free Wednesday with a $10 purchase. Dine in only. (CA, TX, FL, AL, KY, NJ)
Skyline Chili – Every Wednesday night from 5 pm to 9 pm you can get one free kids meal from the Skyline Chili Kids Menu with an adult meal purchase of $5 or more. (One Adult Meal = One Kids Meal.) Dine in only. Offer not valid with any other offers. (OH, IN, KY, FL)
Kids Eat Free Thursday
Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse – The last day of the week for the Ponderosa deal and the only kids eat free Thursday restaurant. See the kids eat free Monday section for details. (ME, NH, NY, VA, MI, PA, VA, WV, OH, KY, IN, TN, MO, IL, IA, FL, WI, MN)
Kids Eat Free Friday
Perkins – The lone Friday deal on the list. After 4 pm or 4:30, kids under 12 can eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Free Weekends
There are few things as sweet as enjoying a meal together as a family on a quiet Saturday or Sunday. Maybe the only thing better? Indulging in a meal out where you don’t have to pay for your kids! Check out the deals below to snag a free kids meal or two to make your weekend that much better!
Kids Eat Free Saturday
Bennigans – Kids eat free Saturday at Bennigans where you can get up to 2 free kids meals with the purchase of one adult entree. (IL, IA, MD, MI, NJ, TX, FL, ND, OH)
Blue Mesa Grill – Come in for Saturday brunch from 10 am – 2 pm and score a free kids brunch for a child 5 and under when you buy an adult one. (TX)
Luby’s – As we said in the kids eat free Wednesday section, enjoy a healthy kids meal for free on both Wednesday and Saturday! (TX, MS)
Margaritas – Get up to 2 kids meals for free when an adult purchases an entree. Depending on the location, it may be available on Sunday too. (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, PA)
Perkins – The Saturday version of this deal. Be sure to call ahead to confirm. After 4 or 4:30, kids under 12 can eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. (Nationwide)
Uno’s – Kids eat free on Saturday at Uno’s if they’re 10 under eat! (CO, FL, IL, IN, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VT, VA, WI)
Kids Eat Free Sunday
Arriba Mexican Grill – Have a second plate of nachos knowing that kids eat free Sunday when you purchase an adult entree. (AZ)
Blue Mesa Grill – Just like the deal on Saturday, except it runs from 9 am – 3 pm. Just buy an adult brunch and get a kids one for free for a child 5 and under! (TX)
Dickey’s – Buy an adult plate and your child can eat for free all day! (Nationwide)
Freebirds – Enjoy a free kids meal when you buy an adult entree all day on Sunday! (CA, UT, TX, OK, TN)
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant – Be sure to call ahead to see if the deal at your local Mexican eatery is valid on Saturday and Sunday. Get up to 2 kids meals for free when an adult purchases an entree. (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, PA)
Slim Chickens – Cruise into Slim’s before the week starts where kids eat free Sunday with the purchase of an adult meal. Valid for kids 10 and under. (AR, IL, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NE, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX)
Tumbleweeds – Enjoy some Tex Mex with the fam when kids eat free on Sunday. Only valid for kids 10 & under. One free kids meal (off the kids menu) for every adult entrée purchased. (KY, OH, IN)
Kids Eat Almost Free
Kids Eat Almost Free Everyday
Kids Eat Almost Free
Double Dave’s Pizza – When ordering the pizza buffet, kids 6-11 are $5. (Texas, Oklahoma)
Godfather’s Pizza – Lunch and Dinner – $1/year until you reach the regular price ($11.99 for the dinner buffet) (Nationwide)
Mcalister’s Deli – There are variations of this deal depending on your location. Some locations have kids eating for just 99 cents after 3 pm during the week and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Other locations have every day kids meals for just $2.79 if you dine in. It’s $3 if you order takeout. Be sure to call ahead to check your local establishment. (Nationwide)
Olive Garden – They run regular promotions where kids can eat for just $1. Just go here and enter your cell number to get access to a variety of coupons. (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Almost Free Monday
Fuddruckers – From 4 to close, kids meals are just $1.99 with an adult purchase. (Nationwide)
The Spaghetti Warehouse – Kids 12 and under eat for $1.99. It’s not free, but it’s close! (Ohio, New York, Texas)
Kids Eat Almost Free Tuesday
Backyard Burger – Another variation of Backyard Burger’s deal is that on Tuesday from 5-8 pm kids can eat for just $2.99. Not free, but not an arm and a leg either! (LA, FL, MS, AR, AL, TN, KY, MO, IL, NE, NC)
Fazoli’s – Kids meals vary depending on location. Some are 99 cents with the purchase of an adult meal and others are half off. Be sure to confirm with your location. (Nationwide)
Kids Eat Almost Free Wednesday
Chevy’s Fresh Mex -Mmmmm, who doesn’t love a great burrito or quesadilla? Kids eat for $1 with the purchase of an adult entree. (CA, FL)
Famous Dave’s – Come in all day and kids can eat for just 99 cents (that’s practically free where I come from). Be sure to call ahead as not all locations participate. (MO, KS, NE, IA, IL)
Red Robin’s – For kids 11 and under, they can score a kids meal for just $1.99 with the purchase of an adult entree.
Kids Eat Almost Free Thursday
Piccadilly – Come in all day Thursday to enjoy a kids meal for just $1.99. Just be sure the grown-up orders too! (GA, AL, TN, LA, MS, FL, VA)
Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen – Enjoy a kids meal for 99 cents when you buy a regularly priced adult meal. (TN)
Kids Eat Almost Free Sunday
C.B. & Potts – Be sure to come in on Sunday where all day kids eat for a buck when an accompanying adult buys a meal. (CO)
Kids Eat Free Breakfast
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and when it’s free, it tastes even better!! Check out these restaurants where the kids eat free deals are good for breakfast.
Blue Mesa Grill – Kids 5 and under can score a free brunch on Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm and Sunday 9 am – 3 pm when you buy an adult one. (TX)
Coco’s Bakery – Come in a grab a delicious breakfast on Tuesdays where kids eat free from 10 am until close. Limit of 2 kids meals per adult entree. (CA, AZ, NV)
Denny’s – Be sure to call your local Denny’s to confirm the deal as some Denny’s let kids eat free every day and others have a specific day of the week that the deal is on. What’s stated on the Denny’s website is that you’ll get 2 free kids meals for every adult entree at participating locations. (Nationwide)
Friendly’s – Your kids can get a scrumptious stack of flapjacks on Wednesday’s for free with the purchase of an adult entree. (NC, VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, PA, CT, RI, NH, VT, FL)
Golden Corral – Kids 3 and under eat free every day! Golden Corral is only open early (7 or 7:30 am) on the weekends and at some locations on Friday for breakfast.
Holiday Inn – This is an awesome deal that gives up to 4 kids age 11 and under free meals with their family (2 free meals/purchase of an adult meal). And to make it even better, the deal is valid all day, every day.
Ikea – Enjoy a Swedish breakfast every Tuesday when you can get up to 2 kids meals for free with the purchase of one adult entrée of $3.99 or greater. Only valid for kids 12 and under. (Nationwide)
Marie Callenders – Be sure to call ahead to confirm the details but you can enjoy a kids eat free breakfast on Tuesdays and Saturdays when you buy an adult entree. (CA, NV, UT)
Shari’s – Kids can get a delicious hot breakfast on Tuesday starting at 10 am for free! (WA, OR, CA, ID)
Kids Eat Free in Canada
This list wouldn’t be complete without giving a shout out to my Canadian brothers and sisters. Whether you’re a native Canuck or a tourist checking out the beautiful scenery, take advantage of this list to save your loonies and toonies!! Free food rocks, eh??
Applebees – It’s not free, but it is cheap. On Wednesdays, kids can eat for $2.99 with the purchase of an adult meal. (AB, SK, MB, ON)
Crabby Joe’s – Are you feeling a bit crabby? This should put you in a better mood. All day Sunday kids 10 and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult entree? (ON)
Denny’s – Breakfast for supper??!! You bet!! Kids eat for free on Tuesdays from 4 pm – 11 pm where parents can get a free meal for kids 10 and under when they buy an adult meal. (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NL)
East Side Mario’s – When you sign up to join the Mini Mario’s club you’ll get special deals and promos as well as 5 free kids meals and 5 free chillers drinks. (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, NL)
Humpty’s – Roll into your local Humpty’s on Friday and get a free kids meal from 5 pm – 9 pm. (AB, MB, SK, BC)
IHOP – Who doesn’t love pancakes for supper?? Get your flapjack fix Thursdays after 4 pm where kids 12 and under eat for free. 1 kids meal for every adult meal. Call your local IHOP to verify the deal. (BC, AB, MB, ON)
Ikea – When you swing by the Ikea food court and get an adult meal you can enjoy free baby food with your purchase. (AB, BC, MB, NS, ON, QC)
Jungle Jim’s – Yes, it’s not free, but the famous “Pay by your height” night is pretty darn close! Kids pay 1 cent/centimeter so a kiddo who is 120 cm only costs $1.20 (I hope I didn’t insult anyone’s intelligence there 😉 All the fun takes place on Tuesday and starts at 4 pm. (AB, NS, NB, NL)
Mexicali Rosa’s – Kids eat for free off the kids menu all day on Sunday. Arriba!!!! (NB, NS, ON)
Mongo’s Grill – Bring in the whole family on Tuesday’s where kids 10 and under eat for free between 4 pm and 9 pm! (MB, ON)
Montana’s – Get your rib on on Tuesdays where kids can grab a free meal with the purchase of any adult entree. I like my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs! (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NB, NL, PEI)
Pizza Delight – Delight yourself with free pizza on Tuesdays. Kids 10 and under get a free kids meal with each adult meal purchase of $9.99 or more, before tax. Available for Dine-in only at participating locations. Not available in Cavendish, PEI. (Those cheap Cavendish folks) (NB, PEI, NS, ON)
Pizza Hut – This deal depends like CRAZY on the location but kids under 2 eat for free at participating locations that have a pizza buffet. It’s super important to call ahead to see if your location offers this deal. (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NL, NS, PEI, NT, YT)
Pizza Pizza – Pizza Pizza offers a Free Pizza and Birthday Card for children 12 & under on their birthday. The offer is valid for one slice of Cheese or Pepperoni pizza and a 355 ml can of pop, 250 ml milk or 500 ml bottled water. All you need to do is sign up ahead of time and they’ll send you your birthday card and coupon. It applies to walk-in orders only, before the expiry date on the coupon, on presentation of the birthday card and it’s only accepted at traditional Pizza Pizza restaurants in Ontario and Quebec. You must enroll your children by the 15th of the month prior to their birthday to ensure they receive a birthday card this year. Yikes! Lots of rules, but free is free! (BC, SK, MB, ON, NS)
Press’d Sandwich Co. – This deal varies with location but on Saturday and Sunday you can get a free kids meal with the purchase of a full priced sandwich, wrap or salad. (AB, SK)
Red Robin’s – For kids 11 and under, they can score a kids meal for just $3.99 with the purchase of an adult entree. (BC, AB)
Ricky’s – Kids under 2 get free pancakes until 4 pm and then after that, they can get free mashed potatoes and gravy with veggies. Also, if you sign up for the Ricky Kids Club you can get a free kids meal on your kiddo’s birthday! (BC, AB, SK, ON)
Smitty’s – Kids 10 and under eat for free when an adult buys an entree. The day and details vary by location so be sure to call your local Smitty’s for all the particulars. (Participating locations can be found in BC, AB, MB, ON, NS)
Swiss Chalet – If your kids love the Shirley Temples as much as mine do, you won’t want to miss this deal. On Wednesdays, when you purchase an adult meal, kids eat for free all day. Just be sure to call and verify the deal at your local restaurant because the days may be different and not all locations offer it. Also, be sure to come in on your kiddo’s birthday when they’re celebrating up to their 10th birthday and they’ll eat for free! (AB, MB, BC, ON, SK, NS, NB, NL, PEI)
Via Cibo – Get your fill of pasta on Monday’s when kiddos under 12 eat for free all day with the purchase of an adult entree. (AB, ON)
Wok Box – Get your wok on and get a free kids meal on Sunday when you buy a regular box. Note that your kiddo must be present and it’s valid for dine-in only. (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, NS, NL, NB)
Bringing It All Together
Having kids can be expensive, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the finer things in life like eating out. You just need to be smart about how to make it happen. Use this list and be sure to always call ahead to confirm the deal before you head out. By taking advantage of these kids eat free deals, you can have your cake and eat it too, and get it on the cheap, which makes the eating out experience that much more enjoyable!
One last note; If any of the deals listed below are no longer valid (these deals change often), please drop me a line in the comments below to let me know! And if you come across any deals I missed, please pass that along as well. I’ll update the piece to be sure that it stays current!
