This comprehensive guide details over 20 national restaurant chains where kids eat free. From Fricker's in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan to IKEA's Swedish Restaurant, Chili's, and Holiday Inn, numerous options exist for families looking to dine out without breaking the bank. You can also find specific-day offers from restaurants like Cody's Original Roadhouse, Ruby Tuesday, and Luby's Cafeteria, which offers free meals for kids on specific dates.
That said, many of these offers are time-sensitive and may change from time to time to be replaced with discounted meal options. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we recommend checking with the restaurant before you go. And don't forget about your local non-chain eateries—they might have some fantastic deals too!
Let's face it, dining out with kids can be unpredictable. Your hard-earned cash can quickly transform into untouched plates of chicken nuggets left behind for the servers to clear. But when the magic words “Kids Eat Free” come into play, it's like music to every parent's ears, offering a glimmer of financial relief and a chance to please even the pickiest eaters.
With the current energy crisis and the rising cost of living, saving a few bucks on a meal is more than just a small victory. That's why we've curated a comprehensive guide featuring national restaurant chains that generously offer free kids' meals. Let this convenient resource be your go-to list when planning your family outings, ensuring both your wallet and your little ones leave the table satisfied.
Restaurants That Offer Kids Eat Free Everyday
#1 Fricker’s
Let's start with Fricker's, the perfect spot for family dining in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Bring your kids, aged 10 and under, and they can enjoy a free meal from the Fricker's kid's menu. You only need to purchase one kids' beverage and one adult meal.
This offer is only for dine-in at participating Fricker's locations.
#2 IKEA (Available Monday Through Friday)
Did you know that IKEA offers a tasty deal for families? If you're an IKEA Family member, when you buy any adult entrée at the IKEA Swedish Restaurant, your kids aged 12 and under can devour up to two free Mac & Cheese meals. Please note that this offer is available from Monday to Friday and only until August 2023. Check the Swedish Restaurant hours at your local IKEA and enjoy this delicious deal.
#3 Chili's
This call is to all My Chili's Rewards members! When this promotion is available, kids under 12 can enjoy a free meal from the Pepper Pals menu by purchasing a regular entrée. From burger bites to pizza and pasta, there's something to please every little taste bud. Join My Chili's Rewards today to receive emails and texts about these fantastic offers.
#4 Holiday Inn
Are you planning a family getaway? Take advantage of the Kids Eat Free offer at Holiday Inn. When you dine in the hotel's restaurant, your kids can enjoy a complimentary meal. Ensure an adult registered as a hotel guest accompanies them and orders a main course from the full-priced menu. Please note that this offer is valid for up to four children per dining family, per meal, or up to two children per parent, per meal. Room service and discounted rates are not included.
#5 Tucanos Brazilian Grill
Ready to savor the flavors of Brazil with your family? At Tucanos Brazilian Grill, kids aged 6 and under eat for free daily when accompanied by a paying adult.
#6 Denny's
Denny’s offers Kids every day eat free day. With an adult entrée purchase of $6 or more, you can delight your little ones with two free kids' menu entrées like junior alfredo pasta or mini corn dogs. Participation may vary depending on location, so check with your local Denny's to take advantage of this fantastic offer.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free On Mondays
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
Enjoy a delicious steak or ribs while your child (aged 10 or under) eats for free. With every adult entrée purchased, one kid's meal is complimentary. Plus, every adult entrée comes with a bottomless salad. Available every Monday and Tuesday night.
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free On Tuesdays
Ruby Tuesday
Guess which day Ruby Tuesday offers kids free meals? Tuesday! After 5 p.m., kids 10 and under can order a free meal by purchasing an adult entrée. Dine-in only.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
As mentioned above, you can treat your kids 10 and under to a free meal when you purchase an adult entrée at this popular Florida eatery on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Black-Eyed Pea
In Arlington, Texas, kids 12 and under receive a free meal from the children’s menu when an adult orders a full-priced entrée.
Bob Evans
You receive a free kids ‘ meal when you order via the Bob Evans app and spend $15. Offer valid only on Tuesdays and limited to one per customer.
The Melting Pot
Every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM, kids 10 and under can eat free when accompanied by an adult ordering a 4-course meal. Additionally, a house magician visits to entertain kids of all ages during this time.
Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free On Wednesdays
Luby’s
At participating locations, kids 12 and under enjoy a free meal on Wednesdays and Saturdays by purchasing an adult entrée. The meal includes an entrée or three-veggie plate, Jell-O, and a drink. Dine-in only.
Smashburger
At Smashburger, kids 12 and under receive a complimentary kids’ meal by purchasing an adult entrée, side, and drink. Valid for dine-in orders only at select locations.
Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free On Thursdays
Cafe Brazil
Kids eat free at Cafe Brazil from 5 pm to 10 pm every Sunday to Thursday. You get one free kids entrée for every purchase of an adult entrée. Available for children 12 years and under.
Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free On Fridays
Ruby Tuesday
You can make Fridays extra special with free kids’ meals all day at Ruby Tuesday when you purchase an adult entrée. Available for kids 10 and under but only for dine-in purchases.
Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free On Saturdays
Luby’s
Purchase an adult meal, and your kids 12 and under will eat free at Luby’s. This offer is also available on Wednesdays.
Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free On Sundays
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
On Sundays, children 12 and under can enjoy free sliders or chicken nuggets with a minimum $12 purchase. This offer is only available at participating locations, not in all of Dickey's Barbecue Pit restaurants.
The Melting Pot
Treat your kids to a memorable Sunday dining experience at the Melting Pot (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). For each adult ordering a 4-course meal, one child (10 and under) eats free.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Buy one adult meal and receive one free kids' meal for guests under 12. Every Sunday, children can customize their kids' meals with a burrito, quesadilla, or taco, accompanied by a cookie and a drink.
Kids Eat Free Disclaimer
We've dedicated significant time and effort to compiling this extensive list of restaurants where kids can eat for free. However, you should understand that many of these offers are time-sensitive and may have since changed or been replaced with discounted meal options. And while these discounts are still a great deal, they don't match a completely free meal deal.
Here are a few other key things to bear in mind:
- Certain restaurants might require you to use a coupon, a verbal request for a free or discounted meal, or be part of their rewards program. We've made sure to include these specifics where they apply.
- Our list primarily includes offers currently promoted on a restaurant's official website or social media platforms. However, some chain restaurants may have local deals that aren't listed here. We strongly recommend you contact them directly to inquire about any potential kids eat free deals. Also, pay attention to your local independent eateries, which might have enticing deals.
- The offers listed here are accurate as of the date this article was published. Depending on when you're reading this article, some promotions may have expired, changed, or may only be available at specific locations participating in the promotion.
In Summary
Dining out with your family doesn't have to break the bank. With our comprehensive guide to restaurants where kids eat for free, you can enjoy a meal while keeping your budget in check. There are many options, from everyday deals to specific-day offers.
Remember, these offers can change, and participation may vary by location. So, checking with the restaurant before you go is always a good idea. And don't forget about your local non-chain eateries—they might have some fantastic deals too!
Kids Eat Free FAQs
What is a “Kids Eat Free” card?
A “Kids Eat Free” card is a promotional card offered by some restaurants or certain areas (like cities or tourist destinations). This card allows a child to eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. The offer's specifics can vary—it might be valid only on certain days, for certain meals, or at specific locations. It's a popular way for restaurants to attract families.
Do kids eat free at IHOP?
Not always. IHOP was known to offer “Kids Eat Free” promotions every evening from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the past, but it doesn't anymore. However, as of writing this article, there's a limited-time kids eat free offer at IHOP as part of the restaurant's 65th anniversary. We recommend checking IHOP's official website or contacting your local IHOP restaurant directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about their kids' meal policies.
