Let’s face it, it’s way too much effort to cook balanced dinners from scratch every night for the modern busy family.
But eating out can cost an arm and a leg, especially when you have little ones in tow.
Fortunately, there are a few chain restaurants out there that offer kids meals for free or deeply discounted.
Restaurants where kids eat free, are more common than you think, and the requirement is usually as easy as an adult entrée purchase.
14 Kids Eat Free or Cheap Restaurants
Contents
So read on for the 14 best deals where kids eat free or cheap at some of the most famous and delicious chains in the country.
1. Bob Evans
This family-favorite-style restaurant has been around since 1948 and is well known for its hearty meals, particularly breakfast.
Kids will love the varied menu that caters to even the pickiest of eaters.
For those who still enjoy eating around the dinner table at home, family packs are available to take out or enjoy dining in at the restaurant.
But if you’re dining in, your little one can enjoy a free meal each and every Tuesday.
Day of week: Tuesdays
Times: After 4 pm
Requirements: An accompanying adult must purchase an adult entree
Eligible ages: 12 years old and under
Contact details: Website | Phone number: 1 (866) 616-6464
2. O’Charleys Restaurant
There’s very little you can buy these days for less than a dollar.
But at O’Charleys, kids can get a meal for the mind-blowing price of $0.99.
This southern-style chain has been around since 1971 and specializes in yummy dishes that the entire family will enjoy. On Tuesday nights, kids eat free!
Day of week: Every Day
Times: Any time
Requirements: An accompanying adult must purchase a meal. Offer can’t be combined with any other specials.
Eligible Ages: 12 years and under
Contact details: Website | 1-615-256-8500
3. Golden Corral
Golden Corral is an all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurant with locations throughout the United States that offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options.
Founded in 1973, Golden Corral prides itself on providing customers with quality food and exceptional service.
For those dining with children, Golden Corral has a special deal every day where kiddos can enjoy a meal on the house.
And the best part is if you have two kids, you’ll get two free kids’ meals!
Day of week: Every day
Times: Any time
Requirements: An accompanying adult must purchase an adult entree. A limit of two children per one adult entree buffet (4 children eat for free with 2 adults)
Eligible ages: 3 and under
Contact details: Website | 1-512-973-8264
4. Chili’s
Chili’s is a family-friendly restaurant that has been around since 1975 and has over 1,000 locations.
With delicious Tex-Mex Menu items like quesadillas, tacos, and sliders – there’s something for everyone including the pickiest of eaters.
All kids’ meals come with a side, drink, and choice of entrees. Their famous “Pepper Pals” menu has been filling the tummies of little with delicious kids’ meals ones since 1985.
In order to receive a free meal for children under 12, you’ll need to sign up for the Chili’s Rewards Program.
Not only will this unlock free meals for your two kids meals, but it will also help you to earn other rewards if you regularly frequent this eatery.
Day of week: Every day
Times: Any time of the day
Requirements: An adult meal purchase and active Chili’s Reward Program Account
Eligible ages: 12 years old and under
Contact details: Website | 1-512-930-7880
5. Boston Market
Boston Market is a popular American fast-casual chain that specializes in rotisserie chicken and home-style meals. Founded in 1985, it has grown to over 450 locations across the United States.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, kids can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée or family meal.
Their free kids’ meals feature many of the same delicious ingredients that can be found in their adult counterparts and include comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes.
Day of week: Tuesday and Thursday
Times: After 3pm
Requirements: One adult meal purchase and the child must be physically present.
Eligible ages: 12 and under
Contact details: Website | 1-303-317-6900
6. Cici’s Pizza
Cici’s Pizza has been serving up delicious and affordable pizza since 1985.
And with over 500 locations across the United States, you don’t have to go far to get your hands on some of their yummy pies.
This kid-friendly pizza buffet is already a staple restaurant option for many parents.
But near-free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal sweetens the deal even more.
Any day of the week, children added 4 to 10 can eat from the children’s buffet for $5.44.
Even better, children that are 3 and under can enjoy the buffet for $1.29.
Drinks come with all kid’s meals and are included in the adult buffet purchase at discounted prices.
Day of week: Every day of the week
Times: All day
Requirements: an accompanying adult must be present.
Eligible ages: 10 and under, with two different age categories
Contact details: Website | 1-972-745-4200
7. Dennys
Dennys has become one of the most popular names associated with the traditional American dinner, and locations can be found in all 50 states, as well as internationally.
Founded in 1953, this diner-inspired restaurant offers an impressive array of menu items including classic breakfast dishes such as pancakes and omelets, salads and burgers for lunch or dinner, and a selection of mouthwatering desserts.
You’ll get one free kids’ meal at this popular location with an adult entrée purchase totaling $6 or more.
All Denny’s locations participate in this offer, but details vary by location, so make sure to contact your local restaurant for more information.
In addition to getting one free kid’s meal, sign up for Denny’s rewards program and you’ll get an even better deal.
You’ll get regular deals sent to your inbox, 20% off your first visit after joining, and a free burger as an annual birthday gift.
Day of week: Varies by location
Times: Varies by location
Requirements: an accompanying adult must purchase an adult entree
Eligible ages: 12 years old and under
Contact details: Website | 1-800-733-6697
8. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
For a filling and savory meal, stop by the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
This fast-casual chain has been serving up delicious Texas-style smoked barbecue since 1941, making it one of the oldest restaurant chains in the United States.
In addition to their classic smoked meats like pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers a variety of sides such as macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and fried okra.
And the best part is that kids can enjoy all these delicious items for free every Sunday with an accompanying adult entrée purchase of at least $10.
Day of week: Sunday
Times: Any time of the day
Requirements: Purchase of an adult meal that’s at least $10 per child
Eligible ages: Kids 12 and under eat free
Contact details: Website | 1-512-244-2877
9. Johnny Rockets
If you’re looking for a classic 1950s diner experience, look no further than Johnny Rockets.
Founded in 1986, this restaurant chain is modeled after the classic diners of the mid-20th century, complete with checkered floors, jukeboxes at every table, and an extensive menu of classic American fare.
On Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., this classic diner-style burger joint offers a special treat for families – youngsters eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée and beverage.
Make sure to contact your local restaurant for more information about their kids eats free days and hours.
Day of week: Tuesdays
Times: 4 pm
Requirements: free kids meal comes with the purchase of an adult meal and drink
Eligible ages: 12 and under
Contact details: Website | 1-888-856-4669
10. Qdoba
For something a little different, you can bring your family over to Qdoba Mexican Grill.
This fast-casual restaurant serves up classic Mexican cuisine such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos with a variety of protein options including beef, pork, chicken, and more.
They also add fresh ingredients that help to balance the flavors, like guacamole, pico de gallo and cilantro-lime rice.
On Wednesdays and Sundays, the little ones eat for free when a parent orders an enchilada entrée.
A great benefit of this “kids eat free” promotion is that it’s applicable for both dining in and taking out your dinner, making it super flexible for parents looking for an easy kids menu.
Day of week: Wednesdays and Sundays
Times: All day long
Requirements: An accompanying adult must purchase an enchilada adult meal
Eligible ages: ages 12 and under are eligible for one free kids’ meal
Contact details: Website | customer service form
11. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is a casual-dining chain with locations in 13 countries and territories around the world.
At Ruby Tuesday, you’ll find an exciting menu of classic American dishes such as burgers, steaks, and ribs.
This restaurant also caters to families on (you guessed it) Tuesdays.
Kids eat free all day long when a parent purchases an adult entree purchase until after 5 pm.
The free kid’s meal ranges from chicken strips to grilled cheese and includes a choice of side, drink, and dessert.
Want even more benefits from this popular chain? Download the Ruby Tuesday Rewards App to earn points that can save you even more on your next meal.
Day of week: Tuesdays
Times: After 5 pm
Requirements: Purchase of an adult meal for kids to eat free
Eligible ages: 12 years old and under
Contact details: Website | 1-844-786-2983
12. Uno
This iconic pizza joint began in Chicago in 1943 and has since become a popular spot for pizza lovers everywhere.
In addition to their classic thin crust pizzas, UNO also offers specialty pizzas such as Chicago Classic and BBQ Chicken along with classic sides like garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, and wings.
On Tuesdays at select locations, kids can eat free when dining in with the family.
When it comes to high-end pizza, UNO definitely takes the cake and gives parents a great deal on a night out.
Plus, margaritas are served at a very reasonable price of $6 each, so adults can enjoy a happy hour drink too.
Day of week: Tuesdays
Times: Any time of the day
Requirements: children must be accompanied by an adult
Eligible ages: 12 and under
Contact details: Website | Contact form
13. Fuddruckers
Finally, Fuddruckers is a family-friendly restaurant with an emphasis on fresh, 100% pure beef hamburgers.
Known for its large burgers, Fuddruckers also offers many other options such as turkey burgers, veggie burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.
You can join the Fudds Club and receive plenty of coupons and opportunities that give you significant savings when taking the family out to eat.
Every Monday, Fuddruckers offers an unbeatable deal with their $1.99 kids’ meal – a price that can’t be beaten!
When kids eat one free meal, they’ll get a drink, side, entree, and yummy cookie for dessert.
Your young one can choose from chicken tenders, corn dogs, and burgers for their free kid’s meal.
Day of week: Mondays
Times: All day
Requirements: A free kids’ meal requires one or more adults present and the purchase of an adult meal.
Eligible ages: 12 and under
Contact details: Website | 1-512-590-7540
14. Kona Grill
Looking for a surf and turf experience while trying to save a bit of cash?
The Kona Grill is a fun adventure for all members of the family.
They also have an excellent happy hour that rotates offerings each day of the week and serves delicious libations and dishes that are $3, $6, or $9 dollars.
And for even deeper savings, your children will eat for free at this establishment every Sunday night.
Simply purchase an adult entree and a kid’s drink and your child will receive a free meal!
The kids’ menu offers all the classics, including burgers, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese.
Day of week: Sundays
Times: All day long
Requirements: free kid’s meal comes with the purchase of an adult meal and drink
Eligible ages: 12 and under
Contact details: Website | 1-646-624-2400
Final Thoughts: Free Kids Meals At Major Restaurants
Now that you’ve read through these 14 awesome options where kids eat free, I’m sure you’re hungry!
So look up the locations nearest you, give them a call to confirm that free kids’ meals are available, and hop in the car.
Remember that eating out at lunch, on weekdays, and attending happy hours are additional ways to save when you’re eating out with the family.
And signing up for rewards cards can help you to get a free adult entrée, drink, or birthday gift in addition to a discounted kids menu.
Happy eating and saving!
