One day we were out with our kids running errands. It was getting to be dinner time, so we asked our kids where they would like to eat. That’s always a loaded question, with differing ideas of where they want to eat, which usually causes some arguing. We were just driving by Denny’s and they all said DENNY’S!! I was happy they all agreed, and hey, it was right there.
In the back of my mind, I was thinking, “This is going to be expensive.”
So we go in and get seated and start our ordering. To my delight and surprise, the waitress told me the kids eat FREE!! I was so excited. I thought we hit the jackpot on a special promotional day and couldn’t believe how lucky we were. I said, “Wow, what’s the special occasion?” She said, “Kids eat free every day between 4pm-10pm, 10 and under, and with the purchase of an adult entree.”
NO WAY!!! How awesome is that! So, we had the best dinner and I love free, don’t you?
That got me to thinking, where else do kids eat free? This is just too much fun.
So, here is my list for you where kids eat free. Maybe you already know these or maybe you forgot and this is a good reminder, or maybe you’re like me and thinking this is hitting the mommy lottery! Either way, here you go! These are places in Utah, but most chain restaurants have the same kids eat free programs. Policies change regularly so no matter where you are be sure to check it out in your local area for participating locations. Happy eating where kids eat free!
Denny’s
Every day kids eat free 4pm-10pm with an Adult Entree. Two kids (10 and under) per adult. So say your husband goes too, that’s four kids who get to eat free.
Cafe Rio
With the purchase of an adult meal and when you dine in, you get a FREE kids quesadilla. Cafe Rio is so great about this, and I can’t tell you how many times we have done this. Our kids eat free and my husband and I share a salad, and we can eat dinner for our whole family for less than $12.
It is awesome food and such a great perk that your kids get a yummy quesadilla that comes with a strawberry or orange slice. It is perfect for your little ones and it is good for every day.
Ikea
Ikea !! Yes, Ikea not only has a kids’ playground and free babysitting while you shop, but every Tuesday, kids 12 and under eat free.
If you’re like me and not so sure about Swedish meatballs for lunch, I highly recommend the Cobb salad with blue cheese dressing. It honestly was extremely good and very satisfying. I loved it.
IHOP
Every day from 4 pm-10 pm, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree, two kids per adult. So say your husband goes, too that’s four kids who get to eat free. If you have more than four kids, additional kids eat for only 99 cents. Awesome. Moons over Miami for the win!
Corner Bakery
Monday nights after 4pm, kids 12 and under eat free. For every adult entree purchase, kids get a full free kid’s meal that comes with your choice of sandwich or pasta, fruit or cookie, pickle, chips, or carrot sticks and a drink. This is awesome. This could be a great place to go for a daddy/daughter date or mommy/son date when you just have one of your kids with you. Everybody wins.
Paradise Bakery
Chick-Fil-A
With every kid’s meal, when you turn in the toy, you can get the free ice cream, and you can do that also in the drive thru. I don’t think moms know that, and they can do it in a cone or a cup with a lid to go.
Firehouse Subs
At select participating locations in Utah, Mondays after 5pm and ALL DAY Sunday you can purchase a combo meal and get two kid’s meals for free. It comes with a sandwich of their choice, little drink, and Rice Krispie treat.
Rumbi
Monday and Tuesday after 4pm, purchase an adult entree and get a kid’s meal from the little Kahuna’s Kid’s Menu. Yummy!!!
Golden Corral:
Every Monday kids 10 and under can eat free from 5-9PM with two kids free per adult. Children under three are free any day.
There are so many fun restaurants that offer Kids eat Free! It’s awesome to go try! Go with the whole family or maybe a special one on one mommy/son or daddy/daughter date. These are some yummy restaurant options that are sure to get you full and save a few dollars in your wallet! Enjoy the perk of having kids and go redeem your free meal! You’ve earned this perk of your job!! In the words of Cafe Rio FREEEEEEE MEEEEAAAALLLL!! Double check the restaurant you go to and see if they are a participating location. Have fun! Want more good ideas? Here’s a list of some free summer fun ideas for kids.
My husband and I took 4 children to IHOP at 5:00 p.m. last week. They only gave us 2 meals free for 2 of the children and then took .99 off of the price of the 2 other children’s meals. The bill was crazy expensive $36.00. We had 2 $9.00 dinners for the adults and 2 $1.50 orange juice. Was in total shock when the bill came after following your advice.
First of all thanks for visiting our site! I was in shock too when I heard your response so we went ahead and called all of the locations to see what the deal is. It seems like some of their policies have changed within the last couple of weeks and vary by location. As we mentioned in the beginning of the article it’s always good to check with the location to make sure they are participating. Here’s what I learned from each location in Utah:
Ogden: 2 kids per adult entree St. George: 1 kid per adult entree (this recently changed) but they did tell me that kids after eat for only 99 cents. 2100 South Salt Lake said 2 kids per adult entree and if you have 5 kids then the fifth kid only eats for 99 cents.
With all that information, I’m a bit confused why they took .99 off rather than that being the entire total of your other kid’s meals as this wasn’t how they explained it to me. Perhaps your waiter was in error?
I enjoyed your article and always love to learn about what’s to eat cheaper with kids! I take my 6 kids out a lot and always want to save more money ? We are at IHOP in AF with no problem. They didn’t charge us for our kids meals at all!!! Thanks for the good advice.
The remaining kids are 99 cents each, not 99 cents off. Kids drinks are not included.
Best news ever! Especially in the month of May when every second seems filled with some lovely performance or school project or final game of some sort! I find myself struggling to find a time to make a good dinner for my family! This is perfect! Can’t wait to try all these place out! Thanks for the useful info!
FYI – at the Utah County locations (Lehi and Orem), Jersey Mike’s Subs offers Kids Eat Free Monday nights after 4pm. Free kids sub, kids drink, and a cookie! With purchase of regular or giant sub.
Several businesses listed here don’t mention anything about Kids Eat Free on their websites. So it’s always good to check before you go. Restaurants change their policies all the time.