Dining out on a budget sometimes requires a bit of planning. To get the most bang for my buck at a restaurant, I always ask for half my portion to be boxed up to-go when the meal is served. It’s like automatically getting a 2-for-1!
Ordering water instead of a soda or overpriced cocktail is also a great money-saving tactic.
If you’re dining out with kids, you’ll want to plan to take advantage of these restaurants where kids eat free to save even more.
15 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Denny’s
The classic American diner icon offers a free kid’s meal with the purchase of adult meal on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 10 pm. Whether you’re in the mood for dinner or you want to take advantage of their all-day breakfast, this is a great family dining option that won’t break the bank.
Chick-fil-A
If you have kids, then I don’t have to explain how sometimes fast food is the only option. If you can get the timing right, most locations offer a free or $0.99 kid’s meal on Tuesdays between 5:30-7:30 pm with the purchase of an adult combo meal.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Qdoba has not one, but two days each week where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal! Stop by Qdoba on Wednesdays and Sundays to take advantage of their deal. Since the majority of restaurants run their free kids specials on Tuesdays, this deal stands out even more.
Red Robin
Who can resist a classic American burger-and-fries combo? With Red Robin, kids eat free all day Monday with the purchase of an adult meal. All of this on top of their everyday bottomless fries will make your family frequent guests.
TGI Fridays
At TGI Fridays, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal on Mondays and Tuesdays. Most locations will allow you to take advantage of both the free kid’s meal and their rewards member incentive of free chips and salsa. So if you’re not a member of their rewards program, you’ll want to be!
Golden Corral
At this popular buffet, kids eat free on Mondays from 5-9pm with the purchase of an adult. Even the pickiest eater will be able to find something they like among Golden Corral’s many options.
Perkins
At Perkins, kids eat free all day on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and of course, all-day breakfast is available.
Jason’s Deli
At Jason’s, kids eat free all day Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult meal. This is a great option for a fast, healthy, and cost-effective family meal.
Applebee’s
Most locations offer at least one kids-eat-free day per week. The day varies by location, so if you live close to multiple locations, you may be able to take advantage of this deal multiple times per week!
IKEA
If you’re out running errands on Tuesday, make a little extra time to stop by the IKEA cafeteria. Kids eat free at most locations on Tuesday with the purchase of an adult meal.
Pizza Hut
Pizza delivery deals are always hot but don’t forget that this popular chain has restaurants as well. All-day Tuesdays, kids eat free at Pizza Hut. You can usually pair this deal with a coupon deal as well, so you can feed a crowd for cheap!
Firehouse Subs
There’s something satisfying about a freshly-made sub. Take your kids to Firehouse Subs on Wednesdays for a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Kids and pasta are a match made in heaven. Kids age 5 and under eat free all day Saturdays — so you don’t even need to find a babysitter for date night!
Famous Dave’s
Spice up your life with some delicious barbeque. Kids under 12 eat free at most locations on Tuesdays — although your local restaurant may have a different day, so be sure to double-check.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex
Kids eat free at Chevy’s all day Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal. And depending on what kind of day you’re having, you may want to indulge in one of their famous margaritas. No judgment here.
