Dining out with kids can be a challenge — between researching places, checking menus for dishes your kids will eat, getting everyone in the car and managing manners, it can feel like running a gauntlet to treat the family to a restaurant meal. Then there’s the cost.
Especially for a larger family, places where kids eat for free or for significantly less than parents can be the difference between going out and staying home to cook. If you’re looking to stretch your family dine-out dollar, the following eateries will help with their free or low-cost kid meal deals.
Many other restaurants offer separate kids meal items at fraction of the cost of adult entrees. Always ask if your dine-out has a kid menu, lower-price half sizes for younger kids or other options. Do you know of a place where kids eat for free or at a steep discount? Drop us a line at editor@seattleschild.com.
Agave Cocina & Cantina
While not as good as free, Agave (winner of the Diner’s Choice Award 2017) does offer a great deal just the same. On Sundays, kids eat for $4.99 all day!
Locations: Redmond and Kent
Applebee’s
Every Applebee’s restaurant sets its own rules when it comes to this deal, so call your local Applebee’s to ask about kids’ meal discounts. Some stores let kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée or offer special menus for kids.
Locations: Renton, Tukwila, Bellevue, Lynnwood, Bothell, Auburn, Federal Way, Covington.
Big Fish Grill
At Woodinville’s Big Fish Grill, kids (age 12 and under) get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree from the regular menu on Sundays. Each kids’ meal comes with milk, juice, or soda, and fresh fruit that can be substituted for fries. Not available for take-out orders or during Happy Hour.
Locations: Woodinville (Issaquah shut down)
Denny’s
Kids eat free at many Denny’s with adult entrée purchase of $6 or more. Days and participation vary by location and some restrictions may apply. Offer is for dine-in only. Call your local restaurant to confirm their schedule.
Locations: Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Auburn, Kent, Tacoma, Poulsbo, Everett and other Puget Sound cities.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
It’s Sunday Funday at this barbecue heaven. Kids (age 12 and under) receive a free kids meal with a minimum order of $10 or more in store.
Locations: Everett, Bellevue, Bremerton, Gig Harbor, Kent, Port Orchard, Tacoma, Issaquah, Bonney Lake and Puyallup.
Farrelli’s Pizza
On Mondays, kids eat free all day with their paying folks at Farrellie’s. Kids’ meals include carrots, a breadstick, a cookie and a beverage.
Locations: Lacey, DuPont, Sumner, Tacoma, Maple Valley, Puyallup, Silverdale, Yelm and Ruston.
IHOP
America’s popular pancake eatery on East Madison offers a free kid meal with the purchase of an adult entree and drink every day after 4 p.m. Other IHOP locations may not offer the same deal so call head to ask.
Locations: Bellevue, Lynnwood, Seattle, Silverdale, and more.
Ikea
Need to make a run to Ikea? a Tuesday meal deal where IKEA Family members can choose from the selection of adult entrees for only $3.99 each. Get 2 free kid’s entrées when you buy 1 adult entrée on Wednesdays.
Location: 601 SW 41st St, Renton, WA 98057
Luna Park Cafe
Kids don’t eat for free but they sure eat for cheap at Luna Park Cafe (named after the old amusement park that used to run in West Seattle). Micky Mouse pancakes start at $5.99 and kids dishes top out at $8.99. Do not miss the milkshakes.
Location: 107 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Red Robin
Select locations of this family favorite restaurant chain are offering 50% off kids meals on Wednesdays. Red Robin id’s meals include an entrée, side dish, and drink. When you dine-in, it includes unlimited free refills of sides and drinks.
Locations: Seattle, Bellevue, Bothell, Des Moines, Redmond, Tukwila, Renton, Lynnwood, Auburn, Federal Way, Covington, Kent, Everett, Woodinville, Tacoma, Monroe, Puyallup.
The Ram
All day Sunday and Monday, kids eat for $1.99 at The Ram with the purchase of an adult entrée. Call your location to make sure they are offering the Sunday deal.
Locations: Issaquah, Kent, Lacey, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Marysville, Puyallup and Tacoma.
Trapper’s Sushi
Head to Trappers for Kids Eat Free Sundays – that’s when children 10 & younger may order one item for free off the kid’s menu with the purchase of a soda or juice box. Dine-in only.
Locations: Bonney Lake, Covington, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Lacey, North Bend, Parkland, Puyallup, Silverdale, Tacoma, and Tukwila.
Whistle Stop Ale House
On Mondays family’s get one free kid meal (burger or sandwich) at Whistle Stop, with an adult purchase of a meal. Ages 12 & under.
Location: 809 S 4th St, Renton, WA 98057
Wing Dome
At certain times of the year, kids receive one free kid’s meal for every adult entree purchased on Tuesdays — and, psst! There are specials on beer for the parents. Check the Wing Dome location near year to see if the kids’ meal deal is being offered.
Locations: Greenwood, Kirkland and Pier 56
Article updated July 2024
