Best Kids Eat Free Restaurants

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One great way to save money while going out to eat is to take advantage of a "kids eat free" deal. My favorite are when you can get up to two free kids meals with the purchase of one adult meal. This allows my family to save even more, since I can share a meal with my husband or one of my kids.

While the specifics will vary by area, here are some of the top restaurants that offer a kids eat free deal.

Acapulco

Acapulco varies by location, but when the restaurant does offer free kids meals, it is for kids 11-years-old and under.

Applebee's

Many Applebee's locations offer a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entry on Tuesday night. I like their kid's meal options the best because they seem a bit healthier than the usual greasy chicken nugget/French fry route.

Bob Evans

Kids can eat free on Tuesday nights starting at 4 p.m. at Bob Evans. You can order one free kid's meal per adult meal purchased. Breakfast is usually served all day, so your kids can enjoy a fun breakfast for dinner if they wish.

Chevy's Tex-Mex

Every Tuesday, Chevy's Fresh Mex offers up two free kid's meals for every adult meal purchased. Children must be 10 and under to qualify.

Chick-fil-A

On Tuesday nights, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., kids can receive a free meal for every adult combo meal purchased. Chick-fil-As are individually owned and operated, so not all locations offer this promotion.

Denny's

Denny's seems to be the most vocal restaurant about their kids eat free promotion. Kids can eat free Tuesdays from 4 to 10 p.m.

Dickey's Barbeque Pit

Dickey's Barbeque Pit offers one free kid's meal per paid adult meal. The offer is only valid on Sundays and for kids 12-years-old and under. The best part is that everyone gets free ice cream with their meal.

El Torito

Kids 10 and under can enjoy one free meal with the purchase of an adult entree at El Torito. For families of three to four, you can save money by splitting one main meal and one free kid's meal, since it is easy to fill up on chips while you wait.

Firehouse Subs

Days vary by location, but you can receive up to two free kids meals per one paying adult meal. My local Firehouse Subs allows kids to eat free on Saturday and Sunday. My kids got a kick out of the free firefighter hats that came with their meal.

Hooters

Many might not consider Hooters a family-friendly restaurant, but they offer up to two free kid's meals with the purchase of an adult meal all day on Sundays. The meals are valid for kids ages 12 and under. While the meal is free, you do have to purchase them a beverage.

IHOP

According to IHOP's news release, their kid's eat free promotions are offered periodically. For 2016, IHOP offered a free kid entree with the paid purchase of an adult entree from April to May. Join their eClub to receive a free meal and birthday meal and to be notified if they do another kid's eat free promotion.

Ikea

Many Ikea locations are offering free kids meals for summer. My local Ikea is offering up to two free kid's meals with every adult meal purchased. This promotion is valid every Monday through Friday, between June 6th to July 29th for kids 12 and under.

Joe's Crab Shack

To celebrate school being out, Joe's Crab Shack allows kids to eat free Sundays and Mondays.

Pizza Hut

Some Pizza Hut locations offer a free kid's buffet with each adult buffet purchased. This is valid for kids 10-years-old and younger.

Ruby Tuesday

Kids eat free on Tuesday nights, usually from 5 p.m. to close.

Souplantation

Kids two and under can eat free at Souplantation. Souplantation also regularly offers "kids eat free" coupons and family deals. This used to be a favorite spot of my family, since it was easier to find foods my picky toddler wanted to try.

Steak 'n Shake

Sometimes Steak 'n Shake offers free meals for kids during the weekend or other promotional period.

Check with your local restaurants to verify their kids eat free rules. Days and regulations might vary by location. Also, be sure to check with local mom and pop restaurants in your town for kids eat free specials. Don't feel like going out at all? Try these 10 Frugal and Delicious Meals to Make With Your Kids instead.

What is your favorite restaurant to take advantage of the kids eat free deal?