Kids Eat Free: 20+ Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat Free
Going out to eat as a family doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are 20+ restaurants that offer free kid's meals.
If you have young children, you’re likely spending more than you want to on dining. In fact, a 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey reported that the average American household spends more than $3,000 per year on food prepared outside of the home.
A few thousand per year may sound like a lot anyway, but with the US cost of living up by more than 8%, this few thousand can feel like even more. Therefore, to help families maximize their increasingly-tighter budgets, we've compiled a helpful list of dining hotspots across the United States that offer kids free meals.
Continue reading to check out our comprehensive guide of more than 15 restaurants that support your budget with weekly fast-food deals the whole family can enjoy.
Where Kids Eat Free on Sunday
Moe’s Southwest Grill
This fast-casual restaurant chain specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine and offers a build-your-own style menu, allowing customers to customize their meals based on personal preferences. The menu typically includes a variety of options such as burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads.
Deal: Every Sunday, kids eat free at Moe’s Southwest Grill with the purchase of one adult meal.
Find a Moe’s Southwest Grill Near You
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s is a national American barbecue restaurant most iconically known for its traditional, slow-cooked meats. With a menu that includes beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, ribs and more, Dickey’s is a great option for the hungry family looking for homestyle ambiance and value.
Deal: Kids eat free at participating Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations on Sundays with a dine-in purchase of an adult meal.
Find a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Near You
Tijuana Flats
Tijuana Flats is a popular casual chain that specializes in traditional Tex-Mex favorites like chimichangas, quesadillas, tacos, flautas, and more. Families that love fresh ingredients served with Tex-Mex flair will love stopping in, especially on Sundays when kids eat free.
Deal: At participating locations, kids get a free meal from the kids menu on Sundays by ordering an adult entree either in-store, online, or through the app.
Find a Tijuana Flats Near You
Where Kids Eat Free on Monday
BurgerFi
This tastey burger joint will give kids 12 years and under a free kids meal on Monday's with the purchase of an adult entree. Adult meal consists of any Burger, Regular-Sized Fresh-Cut Fries, and a Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage. This offer is available in-store only. This is a Monday food deal you don't want to miss!
Deal: Kids 12 an under get a free kids meal at Burger Fi every Monday with the purchae of one adult entree.
Find a BurgerFi Near You
Where Kids Eat Free on Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday
This laid-back and family-friendly restaurant chain is a popular choice for both individuals and families looking for comfortable Tuesday food deals on dinner. This restaurant's menu typically includes a range of appetizers, salads, burgers, steaks, pasta dishes, and seafood options, catering to kids and adults alike.
Deal: Kids 10 and under eat free at Ruby Tuesday on Tuesdays after 5pm with the purchase of one adult entree.
Find a Ruby Tuesday Near You
Chick-fil-A
Most of us recognize the line of cars for a Chick-Fil-A drive-thru when we see one and for good reason. Chick-fil-A's menu revolves around chicken-based offerings, featuring a variety of chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, and salads. The original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich has become a favorite among many.
Deal: Dine in at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday nights from 5-7pm for a free kids meal with the purchase of one regular meal.
Find a Chick-fil-A Near You
Miller’s Ale House
This casual dining restaurant chain with locations primarily in the eastern United States. Founded in 1988, the restaurant is known for its laid-back atmosphere, extensive menu, and wide selection of beers. Some of their popular menu items include their "Zingers," which are boneless chicken wings in various flavors, and their "Captain Jack's Buried Treasure," a seafood dish featuring shrimp, scallops, and clams.
Deal: Kids eat free on Tuesdays all day at participating locations with a qualifying meal purchase of $10 or more.
Find a Miller’s Ale House Near You
Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill
Uno's was founded in 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, and is credited with introducing the original deep-dish pizza to the nation. Their signature deep-dish pizza, paired with their warm and comfortable environment makes this a great and affordable dining choice for families.
Deal: For UNO Extras members, bring your kids in on Tuesdays for a free kids’ meal with the purchase of one adult meal.
Find an Uno Pizzeria & Grill Near You
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse restaurants are known for their Western-style decor and wide selection of hand-cut steaks, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet, all cooked to order. Families with kids that love hearty southern fare will leave Texas Roadhouse satisfied.
Deal: Get a free kid’s meal during one of the Kids Eat Free days (usually Mondays and Tuesdays) at participating Texas Roadhouse Locations. Some locations also have kids meals for $1.99 on those days.
Find a Texas Roadhouse Near You
Bob Evans
If your family is looking for traditional comforting fare like pancakes, fried chicken, pot roast, and omelets, Bob Evans is an excellent choice. Plus, when you download the Bob Evans app, you get access to convenient ordering and exclusive “kids eat free” deals.
Deal: At Bob Evans, kids eat free on Tuesdays with a qualifying purchase of $15 or more through the Bob Evans app.
Find a Bob Evans Near You
Pizza Ranch
Unlike traditional pizza joints, Pizza Ranch features a unique buffet-style dining experience that allows people to pick and choose from a variety of pizzas and other meal options. For families of varying palates, Pizza Ranch offers the perfect balance of flavor and flexibility.
Deal: Kids eat free at participating locations from the kid’s buffet on Tuesday nights with the purchase of one adult entree.
Find a Pizza Ranch Near You
Where Kids Eat Free on Wednesday
Smashburger
Smashburger is a fast-casual national restaurant chain specializing in gourmet burgers. The signature feature of Smashburger is its cooking method, where the burger patties are "smashed" on the grill. The diverse and family-friendly menu offered at Smashburger, plus their “kids eat free” Wednesday food deal each week, makes this chain a great dining option for families.
Deal: Kids under 12 eat free every Wednesday at participating Smashburger locations with the purchase of one adult meal.
Find a Smashburger Near You
Carvel
This well-known ice cream franchise began in 1934 and is famous for its soft-serve ice cream and novelty ice cream cakes. With a huge variety of flavors, sundaes, shakes, and cones, Carvel is sure to please families seeking a mid-week treat.
Deal: On Wednesdays, parents can treat their kids (and themselves) by taking advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free ice cream sundae special at participating locations.
Find a Carvel Near You
Where to Get Kids’ Free Meals Everyday
Denny’s
Every family knows and loves Denny’s. It’s the iconic restaurant for casual American breakfast fare. Their menu includes classic American breakfast items like pancakes, omelets, French toast, and bacon, served all day long. They also satisfy evening diners with a selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and dinner entrees.
Deal: Kids eat free from the kids’ menu with an adult purchase of $6 or more when you join the Denny’s Rewards program.
Find a Denny’s Near You
Tony Roma’s
Tony Roma's, a casual dining restaurant that started in North Miami, Florida in 1972, is a popular dining choice for families. The adult menu features a variety of dishes, with a primary focus on ribs and grilled meats, such as steaks, chicken, and seafood. The kid’s menu, which offers baby back ribs, marinara pasta, and chicken tenders, is just as appealing.
Deal: Kids eat free all day every day at participating Tony Roma’s locations
Find a Tony Roma’s Near You
Chili’s
This recognizable national chain is known for its relaxed and lively atmosphere and affordable menu, making it a comfortable choice for families. The fare at Chili's includes a diverse range of dishes, with a focus on Tex-Mex cuisine, such as fajitas, burgers, quesadillas, and ribs.
Deal: My Chili’s Rewards members can redeem a free kids' meal with the purchase of any regular entree.
Find a Chili’s Near You
IHOP
IHOP, or the International House of Pancakes, is an American staple like no other. IHOP is, of course, known for its extensive menu of pancake flavors, from classic buttermilk pancakes to creative options like chocolate chip, blueberry, and seasonal specials. However, items like omelets, French toast, burgers, and various sandwiches can also be enjoyed at IHOP.
Deal: At participating locations, kids eat free each day from 4-10pm with the purchase of one adult meal.
Find an IHOP Near You
Zaxby’s
This Georgia-based fast-food chain has become popularized by its hand-breaded chicken wings, fingers, and flavorful Southern sauces, including the “Zax Sauce.” Families looking for a casual dining option should consider stopping at Zaxby’s the next time you’re traveling or running errands with the kids.
Deal: Kids eat free with the Big Zax Snack Meal (valued at $6.99) when you download and order from the new Zaxby’s mobile app.
Find a Zaxby’s Near You
Woody’s BBQ
Woody’s BBQ is known for its warm and friendly ambiance and delicious variety of smoked meats, from pulled pork and chicken to ribs and brisket. Families looking for homestyle Southern comfort food won’t be disappointed with a trip to Woody’s.
Deal: Kids Eat Free Nights are hosted by many of Woody’s BBQ locations. Call a Woody’s near you to learn which night is Kids Eat Free Night from the kids menu in your area.
Find a Woody’s BBQ Near You
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is a well-known fondue dining chain that specializes in a variety of different fondue-style dishes. From cheese fondue to fondue entrees with different meats and seafood, The Melting Pot offers a fun and social experience the whole family will love.
Deal: The Melting Pot rewards students with its Great Grades Club. When you bring in an excellent report card, kids 12 and under get a free entree from the kids' menu, and students 12 and up get a free chocolate fondue with the purchase of one adult entree.
Find a Melting Pot Near You
Where To Find Almost-Free Kids Menus
Red Robin
Opening in 1969, Red Robin has become one of the most well-established US burger chains. The restaurant features a family-friendly atmosphere with innovative burger options, like the "Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger" and innovative creations like the "Banzai Burger" or the "Whiskey River BBQ Burger." Burger-loving families looking for a deal will love Red Robin.
Deal: On Wednesdays at Red Robin, meals from the kids' menu are half off when you dine in at participating locations.
Find a Red Robin Near You
Piccadilly
With a menu that features a variety of Southern dishes, including fried chicken, roast beef, meatloaf, and country-fried steak, Piccadilly is a comfort-food-lover’s paradise. Plus, one of the distinctive features of Piccadilly is its cafeteria-style setup. With this, customers can choose their desired dishes from a display of options, giving parents and kids alike the ultimate freedom of choice!
Deal: On Thursdays, kids 12 and under eat from the kids' menu for just $1.99 all day with the purchase of an adult meal as part of Piccadilly’s “Made Here” program.
Find a Piccadilly’s Near You
Fuddruckers
Founded in 1980, the distinctive “build your own burger” concept has put Fuddruckers on every burger-lovers map. At Fuddruckers, customers can choose from an assortment of fresh toppings, cheeses, and condiments to build a personalized burger or enjoy other signature items like their chicken sandwiches, salads, and milkshakes.
Deal: While specifics aren’t revealed, Fuddruckers makes it clear on their website that many of their locations offer specials for kids. Be sure to ask your local Fuddruckers about any “kids eat free” deals they may be running in your area.
Find a Fuddrucker’s Near You
Can’t Find a Restaurant That Offers Kids’ Free Meals?
Despite this extensive list, certain situations can still make finding a restaurant that offers kids free meals challenging. If you’re traveling through several states, for example, or spending time in a new area, it may not be as easy to track down a deal that works with your schedule or location. Fortunately, in these cases, there are a couple of other things you can do to cut down on the costs of dining out.
Other money-saving tips families can use when dining out:
- Visit MySavings.com to view more food freebies and other kinds of restaurant deals.
- Request a box before your food arrives; then, when it does, put half right into the box. That way you’ve instantly created two meals out of one.
- Create a new email address just for coupon mailing lists and signups. A $5 coupon here and there may not sound like much, but it can add up!
- Forego getting any “starters” or appetizers, especially if the restaurant already offers free bread or tortilla chips.
- Dine out on traditionally “slower” restaurant days (like Mondays or Tuesdays) to catch cheaper menu specials like $10 burgers or two-for-one entrees.