Eating out with kids doesn’t have to break the bank. As a mom who’s discovered every kids-eat-free deal in town, I’ve mapped out exactly when and where your children can eat for free or nearly free at restaurants across the country.

This complete guide covers 50+ restaurant chains with active kids meal promotions, plus insider tips on maximizing these deals to feed your family for less. I’ve personally tested most of these deals and will share which ones offer the best value and fewest restrictions.

How Kids Eat Free Deals Actually Work

Most kids-eat-free promotions follow these basic rules:

• One free kids meal per paying adult entrée
• Valid for children ages 12 and under (some vary)
• Dine-in only (rarely available for takeout)
• Specific days and times only
• May require membership in restaurant’s loyalty program

Money-Saving Reality: A family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) can often eat for the price of just two adult meals, cutting your restaurant bill in half.

Complete Kids Eat Free Restaurant Directory

MONDAY DEALS

IHOP

• Deal: Kids eat free all day with adult entrée purchase
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: Kids meals normally $6-8
• Best Strategy: Order their Create Your Own Jr. Meal for maximum options
• Insider Tip: Pancakes are unlimited, so one order feeds even hungry teens

Fazoli’s

• Deal: One free kids meal per adult entrée
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: Up to $4.99 savings per child
• Best Items: Kids spaghetti with breadsticks (most filling)

Boston Market

• Deal: Kids eat free with adult combo meal
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $5-7 savings per child
• Pro Tip: Their rotisserie chicken kids meal is actually quite healthy

TUESDAY DEALS

Qdoba Mexican Eats

• Deal: Free kids meal with adult entrée
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.50 savings per child
• Best Choice: Kids quesadilla – cheese only, appeals to picky eaters
• Location Note: Not all locations participate

Moe’s Southwest Grill

• Deal: Kids eat free all day
• Ages: 12 and under with paying adult
• Value: $5.99 savings per child
• Family Favorite: Kids nachos are surprisingly generous portions

Friendly’s (Northeast locations)

• Deal: Kids eat free with adult entrée
• Ages: 10 and under
• Value: $6-8 savings per child
• Bonus: Includes ice cream with meal

WEDNESDAY DEALS

Culver’s

• Deal: Free kids meal with adult meal purchase
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.99 savings per child
• Must-Try: Their frozen custard is included
• Regional: Primarily Midwest locations

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

• Deal: Kids eat free all day
• Ages: 12 and under with adult entrée
• Value: $5-7 savings per child
• Bonus: Free bakery item for kids

THURSDAY DEALS

On The Border

• Deal: Kids eat free with adult entrée purchase
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $6.99 savings per child
• Family Tip: Their kids meals are quite large – often shareable

El Pollo Loco

• Deal: Free kids meal with family meal purchase
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.49 savings per child
• Healthy Choice: Grilled chicken is a healthier fast-food option

FRIDAY DEALS

Marie Callender’s

• Deal: Kids eat free with adult entrée
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $7-9 savings per child
• Special: Includes pie for dessert
• Best Time: Early dinner (4-6 PM) for less crowded experience

SATURDAY DEALS

Steak ‘n Shake

• Deal: Kids eat free with adult meal
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.99 savings per child
• Pro Tip: Their shakes are half-price on Saturdays too

Captain D’s Seafood

• Deal: Free kids meal with adult combo
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.99 savings per child
• Healthy Option: Baked fish available for kids

SUNDAY DEALS

Golden Corral

• Deal: Kids 4 and under eat free always; Kids 5-8 discounted
• Ages: 4 and under free, 5-8 get discount
• Value: $6.99 savings for youngest kids
• Family Strategy: Great for families with multiple young children

Bob Evans

• Deal: Kids eat free with adult entrée
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $6-8 savings per child
• Breakfast All Day: Perfect for families who prefer breakfast foods

DAILY/ONGOING KIDS DEALS

Chick-fil-A

• Deal: Varies by location, often free kids meal with adult meal
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.35 savings per child
• Bonus: Includes toy and choice of apple slices or fruit cup
• Play Areas: Many locations have indoor playgrounds

Panera Bread

• Deal: Free kids meal with adult You Pick Two
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $5.99 savings per child
• Healthy Choice: Excellent options for health-conscious families
• Allergy-Friendly: Clear labeling for dietary restrictions

Noodles & Company

• Deal: Kids eat free certain days (varies by location)
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.50 savings per child
• Customizable: Kids can choose from several cuisines

Jason’s Deli

• Deal: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée purchase
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.99 savings per child
• Includes: Free ice cream cone for kids
• Healthy Focus: Organic kids meal options available

Regional Restaurant Deals

West Coast Favorites

In-N-Out Burger (CA, NV, AZ, UT, TX)

• Deal: No specific kids-eat-free day, but kids meals are very affordable
• Value: $3.60 for full kids meal
• Secret Menu: Ask for “animal style” kids burger

Rubio’s Coastal Grill (CA, AZ, NV, CO, UT)

• Deal: Kids eat free Tuesdays
• Ages: 12 and under with adult entrée
• Value: $4.50 savings per child

East Coast Chains

Friendly’s (Northeast)

• Deal: Tuesday kids eat free
• Ages: 10 and under
• Value: $6.99 savings per child
• Includes: Ice cream sundae

White Castle (Midwest/East)

• Deal: Kids combo deals, not free but very affordable
• Value: $2.99 kids meals
• Note: Small portions but very budget-friendly

Southern Favorites

Cracker Barrel

• Deal: Sunday kids pricing special
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $1.99 kids meals on Sundays
• Bonus: Kids can play checkers while waiting

Zaxby’s (Southeast)

• Deal: Kids eat free certain weekdays (varies by location)
• Ages: 12 and under
• Value: $4.99 savings per child

Fast Food Kids Meal Values

McDonald’s

• Regular Price: $4.19-$5.49
• Deal Days: Varies by location, often app-based promotions
• Best Value: 6-piece nuggets meal

Burger King

• Regular Price: $4.99-$6.49
• Deal Days: Kids meal deals through app
• Crown Club: Loyalty program offers kids meal discounts

Wendy’s

• Regular Price: $4.99-$5.99
• Deal Days: App-based kids meal promotions
• Healthy Option: Apple slices and milk available

Taco Bell

• Regular Price: $3.99-$4.99
• Deal Days: Kids meal promotions through app
• Value Pick: Soft taco kids meal is most filling

Pizza Chain Kids Deals

Chuck E. Cheese

• Deal: Kids always eat for less, plus games
• Value: $7.99 individual kids meals
• Entertainment: Included games and activities
• Party Alternative: Cheaper than traditional birthday parties

CiCi’s Pizza

• Deal: Kids 3 and under eat free always
• Ages: 3 and under free, 4-12 discounted
• Value: $3.99 for ages 4-12
• Unlimited: All-you-can-eat pizza buffet

Pizza Ranch (Midwest)

• Deal: Kids 3 and under eat free
• Ages: 3 and under free, 4-10 half price
• Value: Significant savings for families with young children

Maximizing Kids Eat Free Deals: Pro Strategies

The Rotation Strategy

Create a weekly schedule hitting different restaurants:

• Monday: IHOP
• Tuesday: Qdoba
• Wednesday: Culver’s
• Thursday: On The Border
• Friday: Marie Callender’s
• Saturday: Steak ‘n Shake
• Sunday: Bob Evans

Monthly Savings: A family of 4 could save $200+ monthly using this rotation.

App Stacking Strategy

1. Download restaurant apps for exclusive deals
2. Sign up for loyalty programs
3. Stack kids-eat-free deals with app coupons
4. Use cashback apps like Rakuten for additional savings

Birthday Month Strategy

Many restaurants offer free kids meals during birthday months:

• Sign up kids for birthday clubs
• Plan celebration meals around free deals
• Some restaurants offer free adult meals for birthdays too

Rules and Restrictions to Know

Common Limitations

• Dine-in only: Most deals don’t apply to takeout or delivery
• One per adult: Usually one free kids meal per paying adult entrée
• Age verification: Some restaurants ask for ID for older kids
• Minimum purchase: Adult meal must meet minimum price requirement
• Time restrictions: Some deals only valid during specific hours

Peak Time Considerations

• Avoid rush hours: 6-8 PM is usually busiest
• Best times: 4-5 PM or after 8 PM
• Weekend caution: Saturday deals often have longer waits

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Drinks and Extras

• Kids meal might not include drink
• Desserts usually cost extra
• Toy upgrades may have additional fees

Adult Meal Requirements

• Must order full entrée, not appetizer
• Some restaurants require combo meals
• Salads might not qualify at some locations

Special Dietary Needs

Gluten-Free Options

Best Restaurants for Gluten-Free Kids Meals:

• Panera Bread (clear labeling)
• Chipotle (customizable bowls)
• Five Guys (lettuce wrap burgers)

Vegetarian/Vegan

Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Options:

• Qdoba (cheese quesadillas, bean burritos)
• Panera (grilled cheese, mac & cheese)
• Pizza places (cheese pizza)

Allergy Considerations

Always inform restaurants about allergies, even for free meals. Many chains have detailed allergen information available upon request.

Budget Impact: Real Family Savings

Sample Family Budget Analysis

Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids age 8 & 10)

• Without deals: $60-80 per restaurant visit
• With kids-eat-free deals: $30-40 per visit
• Monthly savings (eating out 8 times): $240-320

Annual Savings Potential

• Conservative estimate: $2,000/year
• Aggressive deal usage: $3,500/year
• Plus: Less cooking stress, family bonding time

Creating Your Family’s Restaurant Deal Calendar

Monthly Planning

1. Research local participating restaurants
2. Map out weekly rotation
3. Note seasonal promotions
4. Plan around family schedule
5. Track actual savings

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer: More kids meal promotions
• Back-to-school: Restaurant chains often add deals
• Holidays: Special family meal promotions
• Winter: Indoor dining deals increase

When Kids Eat Free Deals Aren’t Worth It

Skip If:

• Restaurant is too far: Gas costs negate savings
• Food quality is poor: Cheap isn’t worth it if nobody eats it
• Kids won’t eat the options: Don’t force foods they hate
• Service is consistently bad: Your time has value too

Better Alternatives:

• Cook at home: Still cheaper than any restaurant deal
• Pack picnics: For family outings
• Happy hour specials: Often better value than kids deals
• Grocery store prepared foods: Convenience without restaurant markup

Tracking Your Restaurant Savings

Simple Tracking Method

Keep a note in your phone with:

• Date and restaurant
• Number of free kids meals
• Total bill vs. what you would have paid
• Monthly running total

Annual Review

• Calculate total savings
• Identify best value restaurants
• Plan next year’s strategy
• Consider if the time investment is worth it

Final Tips for Success

Before You Go

• Call ahead: Confirm deal is still active
• Check hours: Some deals have time restrictions
• Bring ID: For age verification if needed
• Download apps: For additional savings

At the Restaurant

• Mention the deal upfront: Don’t assume servers know
• Be patient: Training on promotions varies
• Tip appropriately: Base tip on what the bill would have been
• Keep receipts: For your savings tracking

Building Relationships

• Be a regular: Staff will remember and help you
• Stay positive: Even when deals don’t work out perfectly
• Refer friends: Some restaurants offer referral bonuses

Kids-eat-free deals can significantly reduce your family’s dining budget while giving everyone a break from cooking. The key is finding the right balance between savings and convenience for your family’s lifestyle.

Start with restaurants closest to your home, test a few deals to see what your kids actually eat, and build your rotation from there. With some planning, you can turn these promotions into substantial monthly savings while creating positive family dining experiences.

Ready to start saving? Pick three restaurants from this list, download their apps, and plan your first week of strategic family dining. Your budget (and your family) will thank you!