If you have little ones, the costs of going out for dinner can add up pretty quickly, so it’s always a great idea to consider visiting restaurants where kids eat free.

You may be surprised to learn there are a handful of nationwide restaurants where kids eat free, including some well-known locations you’re likely already familiar with.

While pretty much all restaurants offer children’s meals at a lower price than that of an adult meal, choosing restaurants where the entire meal is free can save you a lot of money if you go out to eat often. As a bonus, it also means no cooking or clean-up!

Take a look at some of the most popular restaurants where kids eat free either all the time or on special occasions. We have only included restaurants who advertise the free meals on their website, so if you have another one in mind, give them a call and ask about their deals for children.

Bob Evan’s

You can get a free kids meal every Tuesday from Bob Evans if you spend $15 in their app.

The order must be placed through the app and you will need to add the deal before placing your order. Once the deal is on your account, simply place an order of at least $15 and the kids meal will be free at checkout.

Bruster’s Ice Cream

While not nationwide, if you have a Bruster’s Ice Cream near you, your child can get a free baby cone.

Your child must be less than 40″ tall — which is around 3 feet — but other than that, they can get a free cone any day of the week at participating locations.

Chili’s

Simply enroll in the My Chili’s Rewards program and you’ll receive personalized rewards based on what you eat at Chili’s, which includes a free kids’ meal with the purchase of a regular entree.

While Chili’s doesn’t say how often you’ll receive the reward for a free kids’ meal, if you eat there often, you’re more likely to get more rewards.

Denny’s

Kids eat free at Denny’s restaurants with any adult entrée purchase of $6 or more. To get the deal, simply sign-up for their free rewards program, which also includes perks like 20% off your first visit, birthday gifts and other deals.

Days and participation vary by location and restrictions may apply, so you’ll want to ask your local location for details.

IKEA

You’ll get two free kids meals with the purchase of one adult entree every Wednesday at Ikea.

You will need to sign up for their Ikea Family Loyalty Program, but membership is free and also includes other perks like free delivery on select purchases, free coffee and tea, rewards and 90-day price protection.

Marie Callender’s

Kids 12 and under eat free at Marie Callender’s restaurants nationwide every Tuesday and Saturday.

You’ll receive one free kids meal for each adult entree purchased, so if you have two children, just make sure there are two adults and you’ll get both children’s meals for free.

Ruby Tuesday

Kids eat free every Tuesday at Ruby Tuesday from 5 p.m.-close. The deal includes one free kids’ entree per adult entree.

The kids’ menu includes cheese pizza, cheeseburger sliders, mini corn dogs or chicken tenders, all served with one side.

Smashburger

Kids eat free at Smashburger every Wednesday through Dec. 31, 2024. The offer is good in-store only at participating locations for kids 12 and under.

The deal includes the value of a kids meal with a minimum purchase of an adult meal.

Texas de Brazil

Children 2 years of age and under are always free at Texas de Brazil, while children 3-5 years old are $5 and 6-12 years old are half price.

While it appears the deal is valid at every location, it wouldn’t hurt to call your local restaurant and ask just in case.

Anyone who signs up for the Red Robin Royalty rewards program can get a free meal on their birthday, including children. Simply add any child under age 17 to your profile and they’ll get a free meal on their birthday.

The reward will be activated on your account the first day of their birthday month and can be redeemed once during that month by applying the reward to a purchase. It is good for dine-in only and your child must be present to redeem the reward.

Baskin Robbins

Kids can get a free scoop of ice cream on their birthday at Baskin Robbins at multiple locations nationwide.

Simply register your name, email address and birthday, then add additional family members, including children, to your account. When your child’s birthday rolls around, head to your local Baskin Robbins for the free treat.

IHOP

Who doesn’t love free pancakes?! You can register for IHOP’s rewards program with your child’s birthday and they will get free pancakes.

Other perks by joining the rewards program include exclusive offers, secret menu items and the ability to pay on the app and then pick up your order quickly.

Dairy Queen

Sign up for the Blizzard Fan Club and you’ll get a coupon for a buy one, get one free blizzard for your child’s birthday.

You’ll have to buy one for yourself to get the other free for your child, but why should kids have all the fun?!