After a long day at work or busy weekend, sometimes the prospect of cooking for the whole family (and especially cleaning up) just sounds exhausting. But going out to eat with kids can become expensive very quickly. Here’s the good news: if you know the right restaurant deals and plan accordingly, you can find many “kids eat free” offers when dining out with the family. Not only will you save money, but it’ll give the kids a chance to get out of the house and create new experiences.
We’ve compiled a list of restaurants where kids eat free or enjoy cheap meals out. Most deals offering free kids’ meals have an age cap (sorry, parents of teenagers) and require the purchase of an adult main course, which is perfect for going out to eat as a family. As most of these restaurants are chains, always be sure to double-check with your local restaurant to make sure they’re offering the deal. Some may limit their offers to times of the year when kids are more likely to be dining out with family, such as school holidays. If they don’t have a deal on, be sure to check the menu for other low-cost options just in case.
Supermarkets and stores where kids eat free or enjoy cheap meals
Asda
Location: nationwide
Supermarket chain Asda has a range of affordable options for dining out as a family. The company recently extended the Kids Eat for £1 deal in its in-store cafés to include more nutritionally balanced and vegan options. As an alternative to hot food, they also offer a £1 meal deal including a sandwich, drink and snack such as a jelly pot. If you’re out and about with tiny tots, the café has you covered, too: free baby food pouches are available for children under 18 months old.
Tesco
Location: nationwide
Another major UK supermarket chain, Tesco, offers a range of affordable, smaller meals at lower prices so kids can eat out alongside grown-ups in their in-store cafés. During school holidays and half-term breaks, the company also runs a Kids Eat Free deal, where little ones can enjoy no-cost nutrition when an adult purchases a main course.
Morrisons
Location: nationwide
Kids eat free all day, every day in Morrisons supermarkets – if the grown-up with them buys an adult-sized meal worth £4.49 or more. With a range of options from hearty breakfasts to nourishing main meals, there’s something for everyone.
Sainsbury’s
Location: nationwide
Kids eat for £1 at in-store cafés in Sainsbury’s supermarkets across the UK from 11.30 a.m. until closing. All grown-ups need to do to bag the deal is spend £5.20 or more on a main meal for themselves. The kids’ meal builder allows you to choose from healthy and veggie options to make your own meal.
M&S
Location: nationwide
Iconic British retail institution M&S offers a kids’ meal deal in its cafés featuring options such as a jacket potato with beans, cheesy pasta or toasties with a snack and a drink for £4 all year round. Look out for “kids’ eat free” deals during the summer holidays, too.
Dobbies Garden Centres
Location: nationwide
A day out to the garden centre can be plenty of fun for the whole family – especially when all that plant shopping is capped off with a delicious meal. Kids eat free at Dobbies – simply purchase a traditional or full adult-sized breakfast to get a free kids’ breakfast or an adult main course to pick up a free child’s hot meal or pick-and-mix lunch box. Drinks are included, too.
Dunelm
Location: nationwide
Furniture and homeware chain Dunelm offers a pleasant spot to relax after a hard day’s shopping in its in-store Pausa coffee shops. Kids can enjoy a tasty mini meal deal for free with every £4 spent – turning a family day out into a real treat.
Family friendly chain restaurants with kids’ meal deals
The Real Greek
Location: London/nationwide
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean? Little ones can feast on mezze and souvlaki at affordable prices with a meal deal that includes a main course, drink and dessert for £7.50. Kids eat free on Sundays at the chain’s London restaurants, too.
Wahaca
Location: nationwide
Upscale chain restaurant Wahaca lets kids explore the flavours of Mexico for affordable prices with a fun kids’ menu that allows them to build their own tacos and bowls for the same price as a small plate for adults. A cooling ice cream for dessert can be had for just £1.75, too.
Bella Italia
Location: nationwide
Let your kids sample Italy’s delicious cuisine and add a bit of la dolce vita into the bargain with a great deal on weekday dining. From Monday to Thursday, this family-friendly restaurant lets kids aged 2 to 11 feast on three Italian-inspired courses and a drink for just £1 with every purchase of an adult main course. Bellissimo!
Brewers Fayre
Location: nationwide
Family-friendly pub chain Brewers Fayre let kids eat free at breakfast time while adults load up on the unlimited morning buffet offer. Some pubs even have play areas where kids can let off steam while the grown-ups enjoy a hearty meal.
TGI Friday’s
Location: nationwide
Families can get that Friday feeling from Monday to Thursday with free meals for kids at this high street dining institution. Join the Stripes Rewards Members scheme to take advantage of this family-friendly deal.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Location: London
While celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay cuts a fearsome figure in the kitchen, family-friendly dishes inspired by his daughter Tilly’s kitchen adventures are part of a generous “kids eat free” deal available in participating restaurants in his chain. Simply purchase an adult’s main course to take advantage.