After a long workday 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. 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 the best restaurants where kids eat free. Most deals for free kids meals have an age cap (sorry, parents of teenagers) and require the purchase of an adult entrée, which is perfect for going out to eat as a family. As most of these restaurants are national chains, always be sure to double check with your local restaurant to make sure they’re offering the deal.
Restaurants where kids eat free every day
Wahlburgers
Location: Nationwide
Wonder about the restaurants where kids eat free everyday? Look no further than Wahlburgers, which offers one free kids meal with every adult burger, salad or bowl purchased at participating locations.
Chili’s
Location: Nationwide
If you sign up for Chili’s rewards program, Chili’s will regularly text or email you offers to get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal. Their regular “3 for Me” deal, which includes an entrée, appetizer and drink for $10.99, is a great deal for adults, too!
Denny’s
Location: Nationwide
Kids eat free at Denny’s with adult purchase of $6 or more. Denny’s is the classic diner experience. Kids and adults can get something yummy for breakfast, lunch or dinner. According to their website, days and times for this offer vary by location, so call your local Denny’s and ask first.
Fricker’s
Location: Midwest
If you live near this Midwestern chain, you’re in luck because they have a kids eat free all day, every day policy. All they require is the purchase of an adult meal and a kids beverage, and kids 10 and under can choose a meal off the kids menu.
IHOP
Location: Nationwide
IHOP kids eat free! IHOP is known for its delicious breakfasts, but take the kids between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., and they’ll get a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal. According to their website, this is a limited-time promotion, although it doesn’t specify the end date, so get down to IHOP soon!
Restaurants where kids eat free on Mondays
I Heart Mac and Cheese
Location: Nationwide
What do kids love more than mac and cheese? At I Heart Mac and Cheese, kids eat free every Monday with the purchase of an adult bowl. Don’t worry, adults, their menu is more than just plain mac and cheese. You can order buffalo mac and cheese, chicken parmesan mac and cheese or vegan mac and cheese while the kids enjoy their mac and cheese or grilled cheese kids meal.
Village Inn
Location: Nationwide
On Mondays and Tuesdays at Village Inn, every adult purchase comes with a free kids meal. Their classic breakfast plates look especially delicious. If you can’t make it on either of those days, some locations offer free pie on Wednesdays!
Restaurants where kids eat free on Tuesdays
Bob Evans
Location: Midwest and East Coast
Everyone will find something they like at Bob Evans, which serves nearly everything, including breakfast foods, burgers, seafood and a variety of desserts. Download the Bob Evans app and you can score a free kids meal on Tuesdays once you spend $15. The app can be used to order delivery or to pay in-person at the restaurant.
Coco’s Restaurant and Bakery
Location: Southern California and Arizona
Coco’s is a subsidiary of Shari’s (see below) and offers a similar diner vibe for those in the Southern California area. Kids eat free Tuesdays with purchase of adult entrée.
Marie Callender’s
Location: Nationwide
Marie Callender’s offers free kids meals on Tuesdays (and Saturdays; see below), with the purchase of an adult entrée. They’re known for their delicious pies, so make sure you save room for dessert!
Ruby Tuesday
Location: East Coast
At Ruby Tuesday, kids eat free Tuesdays after 5 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal. Take the kids for dinner and get yourself a salad, burger, pasta or seafood meal — their menu offers pretty much anything you could want!
Shari’s Cafe and Pies
Location: Pacific Northwest
Looking for a free kids lunch on a Tuesday? Head to Shari’s Cafe and Pies, where kids eat free 11am-10pm Tuesdays, with the purchase of an adult meal. Shari’s has a classic diner vibe with a particularly yummy selection of desserts, including their famous pie shakes (yes, they blend a pie into a milkshake).
Restaurants where kids eat free on Wednesdays
IKEA
Location: Nationwide
IKEA can already be such a fun adventure for little ones, so make a day of your IKEA trip by grabbing a meal for the family. Every Wednesday, you can get two free kids meals for every adult meal purchase. Swedish meatballs for everyone!
Luby’s
Location: Texas
Every Wednesday (and Saturday; see below), kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. For more energetic days, their website features some of their signature recipes if you want to make your own Luby’s-inspired meal at home.
Smashburger
Location: Nationwide
Craving a really delicious cheeseburger? Smashburger will give you just that, plus a free kids meal with your adult purchase every Wednesday.
Restaurants where kids eat free on Saturdays
Luby’s
Location: Texas
This Texas chain has a weekend option for their free kids meal deal, too. In addition to every Wednesday, kids eat free on Saturdays with the purchase of an adult meal.
Marie Callender’s
Location: Nationwide
In addition to their weeknight offer on Tuesdays, Marie Callender’s also has a weekend deal for families, offering free kids meals on Saturdays, with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Restaurants where kids eat free on Sundays
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Location: Nationwide
In the mood for BBQ? Spend $12 or more at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and get a free kids meal every Sunday.
Freebirds World Burrito
Location: Texas
For those in the Texas area, Freebirds World Burrito is a great option for a burrito or bowl. Go on a Sunday and get a free quesadilla or taco meal from their “Weebirds” menu. Or order online on a Sunday and use code “kidseatfree” for the same deal!
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Location: Nationwide
If you’re craving Tex-Mex on a Sunday, check out Moe’s Southwest Grill and get a free kids meal in-store with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids can choose from a burrito, quesadilla or taco meal, which all also include chips, salsa, a cookie and drink.
Restaurants where kids eat half-price or practically free
Buffalo Wild Wings
Location: Nationwide
Buffalo Wild Wings doesn’t offer free kids meals, but kids meals are 50% on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays with adult purchase. Their kids meals come with an entrée, side and drink for around $8, so on a 50% off day you can feed your little one for just $4.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex
Location: Nationwide
Don’t miss this practically free option on Wednesdays at participating Chevy’s locations! Add a kids meal to your order for just $1 (one kids meal per adult entrée), making it a very budget-friendly option for feeding kids, ages 12 and under. All kids meals include an entrée, one side, one dessert and a Sweet Corn Tamalito.
Red Robin
Location: Nationwide
You can get half off kids meals at Red Robin every Wednesday using code “50KIDSMEALS” online. Their kids menu features pizza, burgers, mini corn dogs and more, including fun lemonade flavors and cream sodas.
Steak ‘n Shake
Location: Nationwide
Looking for a cheap after-school treat for kids? Steak ‘n Shake offers half off milkshakes and drinks from 2-4pm every weekday. Their speciality milkshake menu includes every candy bar you can dream of!
Restaurants with free treats for special occasions
Culver’s
Location: Nationwide
Looking for a free sweet treat on a kid’s birthday? Culver’s offers everyone a free birthday custard if they get the Culver’s app and join the MyCulvers rewards program for free. Pay for a fun birthday meal and finish it off with a free birthday dessert.
Firehouse Subs
Location: Nationwide
Kids can get a free sub at Firehouse Subs on their birthday! As long as an adult has the app and joins the rewards program for free, they can add a kid’s birthday and get a free kids combo with purchase of a medium or large sub, chips and drink. Adults can get a free sub on their birthday too, with a minimum $1 purchase!
Krispy Kreme
Location: Nationwide
Not necessarily a meal, but Krispy Kreme donuts offers a free donut for every A on a report card. If your kid has a report card with A’s on it, bring it by Krispy Kreme and get up to six free donuts as a reward for their hard work.
