There are fewer words in the English language that evoke as much excitement as the word FREE! Personally, if I hear the word FREE, I pay attention. Sometimes it’s some hokey ploy, but I’m always willing to listen…just in case. I don’t clip coupons, nor do I follow the sales at the local grocery store. I couldn’t tell you the price of a can of peas or how much I saved with my Kroger Plus Card. However, you can always count on me to find the free stuff. It’s a gift, really. And because I’m such a giving person, I’m going to share some of that knowledge with you.
Here is a list of a few national restaurants that offer free or nearly free meals for kids. Keep in mind that these specials can end at any time, so I recommend checking with your local establishment before heading out. It’s also important to note that free meals usually require a purchase from the adult menu and do not include drinks. Finally, keep in mind that most restaurants are owned on a franchise basis. So, there’s always the chance that specials will vary according to the location. This is just a list to get you started.
Some other ways to score free food include free meals for report cards, and signing up for birthday clubs and email alerts. I like to set up a separate email to receive promotional messages. That way I don’t get flooded with messages to my primary account. When signing up for birthday clubs or email promotions, most restaurants will offer at least one free food item…so get out there and score some free food! And, if all else fails, it doesn’t hurt to give your favorite eating establishment a call and ask them if they have any deals. You might get lucky.
If you know of more let us know.
Steak n’ Shake www.steaknshake.com
Get a free kids meal for every $9 you spend on Saturday and Sunday.
Uno Chicago Grill http://www.unos.com/coupons/myop/
For a limited time Uno Chicago Grill is offering a coupon to allow kids to make their own pizza for free (provided an adult menu item is purchased.) Children are given aprons, thin-crust pizza dough, sauce, and toppings to make their own delicious creations, which are baked and brought back to the table for dinner.
Denny’s www.dennys.com
Kids eat free Tuesday nights from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some locations also offer a free kids night on Saturdays. The deal is good for two free kids’ entrees from the kids menu per one regularly priced adult entree purchase.
Fazoli’s http://fazolis.com/
On Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. kids eat for 99 cents instead of the regular $2.99 price. Most restaurants also offer arts and crafts for kids on Tuesday nights.
Chick-Fil-A www.chick–fil-a.com
Many locations host a family fun night at least once a month, sometimes even weekly. The night includes activities and games for the young ones and sometimes discounted or free kids meals. Check with your local restaurant for exact details.
Champps www.champps.com
Many locations offer free kids meals on Tuesday nights from 4 p.m. to close.
Texas Roadhouse www.texasroadhouse.com
The website says each “hometown Texas Roadhouse has special nights, events, and activities for kids. So stop by or call your area location for all the details.”
Lone Star Steakhouse www.lonestarsteakhouse.com
Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays. Two children can eat free for every paying adult.
Captain D’s www.captainds.com
Kids eat for free on Thursday. Get two free kid’s meals with any adult entree purchase at regular price, dine in only.
Max and Erma’s www.maxandermas.com
Specials are offered by franchisees at the store level. Some locations offer free kids meal on Tuesday’s.
Famous Dave’s www.famousdaves.com
Specials are offered by franchisees at the store level. Many restaurants offer a special deal for kids, but promotions vary by location.
Moe’s Southwest Grill www.moes.com
Specials are offered by franchisees at the store level. Many restaurants offer a special deal for kids, but promotions vary by location.
TGI Fridays www.tgifridays.com
Specials are offered by franchisees at the store level. Many restaurants offer a special deal for kids, but promotions vary by location.
Bennigan’s www.bennigans.com
Specials are offered by franchisees at the store level. Many restaurants offer a special deal for kids, but promotions vary by location.
Firehouse Subs www.firehousesubs.com
Specials are offered by franchisees at the store level. Many restaurants offer a special deal for kids, but promotions vary by location.
Guest article written by: Rebeca Simpson Holloway
Rebeca is an average mom raising an active toddler in the Midwest. In additional to taking care of her family full time, she also works as a PR chick for Designed Write Public Relations and is the creator of the facebook page, The Average Parent.
In addition to spending time with her friends and family, Rebeca enjoys trying new things and spreading the word about her experiences. Contact Rebeca at theaverageparent@gmail.com.