When you take a whole crew out to eat, it can burn through your food budget. Thankfully, many national and local restaurants let kids eat free or at a discount on select days of the week. Taking advantage of these free meals will cut down your restaurant bills and allow you to eat out as a family more often.
Note that many restaurants offering free kids meals put restrictions on the deals. Many of them have age limits, the free meal must be from the kids menu and accompanied by an adult entree purchase, and not all restaurants participate in the deal. You should always call ahead and ask your local restaurant if they offer these family deals before you head out.
And come closer so we can whisper this into your ear: Many local and chain restaurants have free or discounted kids’ meals and don’t advertise them. You must ask your server if they are offering a promotion. So don’t be shy —if you don’t ask, your kids don’t eat free. (Check out our Living on the Cheap network sites for more restaurant deals near you.)
Here’s the list of restaurants where kids eat for free or cheap nearly every day of the week.
Kids eat free or cheap on Mondays
Genghis Grill. Starting at 4 p.m., kids eat for $1.99 with the purchase of an adult meal. This deal is limited to two per table and is only available for dine-in. There is one Valley Genghis Grill location in Tempe.
Kids eat free Tuesdays
Denny’s: Buy an adult entree for $6 or more – the days and participation may vary by location. Restrictions may apply. One free entrée per child. Offer valid for dine in only.
Kids eat free or cheap Wednesdays
IKEA: IKEA Family members get a maximum of two free kids deals with the purchase of one adult entrée. These deals change quickly, so call first if you have questions.
Rainforest Cafe: Until the end of February, kids can eat from a customizable menu for only 99 cents. Check it out here. There’s one location at Arizona Mills in Tempe.
Red Robin: Every Wednesday, Red Robin Kids’ Meals are 50% off, including entrees, sides and beverages. And dining in means unlimited free refills of bottomless sides and drinks! Use promo code KIDSMEAL50 if you are ordering to-go. There is a minimum purchase and some locations may not participate, so call first.
Smashburger: Participating locations are offering a Wednesday kids-eat-free deal. Children aged 12 or younger eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink. Kids’ meals include entree, fries, and a drink.
Kids eat free Sundays
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Sundays are free days for kids 12 and under! Purchase an order of $12 or more in the store or by ordering online using the promo code KEFOLO. Only available at participating locations and cannot be combined with other deals.
Kids eat free on select days
Bruster’s. Children less than 40 inches tall can get a free Baby Cone at participating locations.
Chili’s: Become a My Chili’s Rewards member and you’ll get free kids meal rewards and offers that can be redeemed in-restaurant and online. The loyalty club is free to join, but there isn’t a set schedule for when the deals will show up in your account.
Fogo de Chao: This restaurant’s FAQ section states that children six and under eat free from a complimentary menu at Fogo. Kids aged 7 to 12 dine at half-price.
Holiday Inn: Holiday Inn guests can eat at the on-site restaurant, and up to four kids ages 11 and under can eat free from the kids’ menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meal must consist of at least one main course and one dessert, and children must be accompanied by an adult who is registered as a guest and orders at least one main course from the full-priced menu.
If you liked this article from our Living on the Cheap sister sites, you might also like:
- How to get free food at restaurants
- Best birthday freebies from restaurants and retailers
- Secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
- Freezer cooking 101: Healthy family dinners without the hassle
This deal is from Living on the Cheap, our sister site.