Save Money on Family Dinner: 7 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

What’s better than free food?

Many restaurants throughout the country offer the best possible deal on kids meals: They’re free! If you’re taking the family out for a meal, this can help put a big dent in the final bill.

Before heading in, though, be sure to contact your location to confirm it offers the deal, as some offers can change without notice. Check out the fine print, too, since some deals are only available during certain days and times, and others have age restrictions or additional necessary purchases.

Of course, remember the cardinal rule anytime you receive a restaurant discount or freebie: Be sure to tip your server based on the full cost of all the food, even if you’re not paying for it.

Here are seven restaurants where kids eat free:

1. Denny’s

The family favorite diner famous for its Grand Slam also lets your little ones eat for free.

Head over to Denny’s on Tuesdays from 4 to 10 p.m. Generally, kids must be 10 or under to eat free, and you must purchase an adult entree for every two kids’ entrees.

Eligible kids’ entrees usually include kids’ menu options like chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches and other kid-friendly favorites.

2. Godfather’s Pizza

Indulge in a midweek pizza buffet at Godfather’s Pizza. Some locations offer a special Tuesday deal for kids 10 and under that includes a free pass through the buffet during lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.).

3. IHOP

Kids 12 and under eat for free at IHOP restaurants. You’ll get one free kids’ entree per full-price adult entree from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

But be ready to shell out for a glass of milk or juice, since this offer does not include beverages.

4. Qdoba Mexican Grill

Many Qdoba Mexican Grill locations offer one day each week when kids eat free. This day varies by location and is often Wednesday or Sunday.

5. Shoney’s

Shoney’s offers free kids’ meals to children age 4 and under with each adult meal.

It also offers free kids’ meals to children 10 and under during certain times of the year, so keep an eye out for those deals, too.

6. Texas Roadhouse

Bring your Texas-sized appetite for a meal at the Texas Roadhouse.

Some locations offer a Monday or Tuesday deal where kids 12 and under can enjoy a free meal off the kids menu, which generally features everything from mac and cheese to sirloin bites, as well as a side and drink.

7. TGI Friday’s

Bring the family to TGI Friday’s to enjoy a free kids meal with each adult entree. Participating locations may offer this promotion on different days of the week, but Monday and Tuesday deals are the most common.

Kristen Pope is a freelance writer and editor in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.