Want to save money on your next family vacation? Many restaurants -- from big-name chains to local eateries-- offer Kids Eat Free deals.
"Kids Eat Free": How these Deals Work
That little phrase is music to a parent's ears; and it's true that many restaurants are willing and able to serve free kiddie meals. But keep in mind:
- typically, such meals are served only to kids age 12, or even 10, and under
- the child must order from a special kids' menu
- the child must be with an adult who's dining at the same time and ordering a regular-priced meal
Tip: Tuesdays are the best day of the week for free kids meals.
Where to find Kids Eat Free restaurants
Check out web sites, or related iPhone apps.
- My Kids Eat Free: select a city, and find restaurants where kids eat free; well-presented site covers hundreds of cities
- Kids Eat For: enter a zip code, and see where Kids Eat Free and also where kids meals are offered at a reduced price. ("Kids Eat Cheap"). Also available as an iPhone app.
- restaurants where kids eat free: tips shared by parents
- Kids Eat Free: a roundup of chain restaurants where kids eat free, organized by day of the week
- Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts: this giant chain has a Kids Eat Free program for guests: and up to four kids can eat free, per family
- Kids Eat Free restaurants in Phoenix
- Kids Eat Free- in Southeast Michegan
Tips for meals on the road when kids don't eat free:
- Mexican restaurants often serve a complimentary big basket of tortilla chips with salsa
- don't be shy about asking, nicely, for an extra plate so that two kids can share a meal
- for car trips: pull into a place with a ball room; parents eat their meals while the kids play; share out the kids' food once you're back in the car. That way, you can share out (cheaper) giant-sized portions. Handy to have: tupperware containers, for saving food for later; plastic cups for sharing out drinks.
