Taking young kids out to eat can be quite challenging that’s why we – parents – often prefer dining at home. It’s just less of a hassle that way. However, when restaurants offer your child a free meal, it might just make all that chaos worthwhile.
That being said, I’ve listed 18 restaurant chains where kids can eat free. But keep in mind that deals can vary by location, especially with franchises, so it’s best to call your local outlet to confirm before you go.
1. IHOP
There’s no need to remember which day it is at IHOP because kids under 12 eat free daily from 4PM to 10PM. Kids can enjoy fun options like the Funny Face Pancake or try something new like chicken and waffles. This offer is available only for dine-in orders.
2. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Kids 12 and under can enjoy a free meal at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Sundays and they can choose from much loved menu items like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and barbecue sliders.
3. Chick-fil-A
At select Chick-fil-A locations, kids under 12 can receive a free meal with a purchase.
4. Cody’s Original Roadhouse
Monday and Tuesday nights are perfect for families at this BBQ spot. Kids under 10 can enjoy a free meal with a purchase of an adult entrée. Choices include pulled pork sandwiches, shrimp on a stick, burgers, and mac and cheese, all served with fries or applesauce and a drink.
5. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
In some Romano’s Macaroni Grill locations, kids 12 and under get a free meal on Mondays and Tuesdays with a purchase of an adult entree.
6. Lone Star Steakhouse
Kids eat free Mondays to Thursdays with every main meal purchased. This is available in select locations only.
7. Ruby Tuesday
Remember, Tuesday is the day kids eat free all day at Ruby Tuesday. Plus, kids under 12 can also get a free meal on Fridays with a full-priced adult entrée.
8. Smashburger
On Wednesdays, a free kids’ meal comes with the in-store purchase of an adult meal at participating locations. Kids 12 and under can choose from a cheeseburger, hamburger, or chicken strip meal, all with sides and a drink.
9. Denny’s
Join the Denny’s reward program, and kids under 12 can eat for free on select nights with the purchase of an adult entrée over $6. Dates and restrictions do vary by location.
10. Bob Evans
Download the Bob Evans app to get a free dinner for the kids on Tuesday nights. If you spend $15 at the restaurant you’re eligible for a free kids’ meal, which might even be breakfast for dinner. Options include Little Piggy Pancakes (hotcakes with banana slices and sausage or bacon) or Tic-Tac-Toast (a creative take on French Toast).
11. Famous Dave’s
On Tuesday nights, kids under 12 can enjoy a free Lil’ Wilbur meal with the purchase of an adult meal at select Famous Dave’s locations.
12. Chili’s
By joining My Chili’s Rewards, you’ll receive notifications about free meals for kids under 12 with the purchase of an adult entrée. While you enjoy your baby back ribs, your kids can choose from favorites like quesadillas, burger bites, or cheesy chicken pasta.
13. Hooters
Occasionally, Hooters runs specials that offer free wings or other kid-friendly menu items, such as chicken tenders or sliders, to children under 12 with the purchase of an adult meal.
14. Marie Callender’s
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, kids under 12 get a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal. The extensive menu includes options like buttermilk pancakes, burgers, and a soup-and-salad bar combo.
15. Moe’s Southwest Grill
At participating Moe’s locations, kids under 12 can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on select nights. The kids’ menu features burritos, quesadillas, or tacos, and each meal comes with chips, a drink, and a cookie. Call your local Moe’s for specific details.
16. Fuddrucker’s
Although we can’t confirm if the free kids’ meals is available in all Fuddrucker’s locations, it’s worth contacting your nearest one. Many locations offer regular deals for kids, so check in with them for specific offers.
17. On the Border
Follow On the Border on social media to catch kids eat free coupon codes, available on select weekends and at specific locations. Menu choices for kids include enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, chicken strips, and corn dogs.
18. Golden Corral
Kids 3 and under always eat free at Golden Corral. But every now and then GC runs promotions in some of their locations where kids older than 3 can eat for free. For example, in their Bensalem PA location, kids 8 and under can dine for free between 4PM to 9PM on Tuesdays. The cost of Golden Corral for children varies depending on age and time of visit. Typically, it ranges from $8 to $12.
