by Jason Caravaggio

Created on: March 05, 2011   Last Updated: March 06, 2011

Eating out can be an enjoyable experience, but when children are involved it can start becoming rather expensive.  Even ordering off of the kids menu can cause a significant increase to a bill's total.  Luckily, there are many easy ways to enjoy dining out while ensuring that the kids receive a free meal.

1.  Pay Attention to Restaurant Advertisements and Promotions.

Whether it be in newspapers, on billboards, or on the radio, looking for ads from certain restaurants can be beneficial.  Many chains offer at least one "Kids Eat Free" night during the week.  For example, kids under the age of 10 can order any item off the kids menu on Tuesday's at Pizza Hut for absolutely free.   Choosing to eat out on that particular night can help save money.

2.  Look for Coupons

The newspaper can also be a great place to find coupons for various restaurants that will offer free kids meals.  Such coupons are often sent out through the mail and are sometimes available on restaurant websites as well.  Saving these coupons may not seem like a big deal when they are discovered, but when it comes time to eat out they can come in handy.

3.  Eat at Buffet Restaurants

Restaurants that offer a buffet are often a great place to get a free kids meal.  Knowing that children are not likely to get their money's worth, many of these restaurants will allow kids to eat for free with the purchase of one adult buffet meal.  Even if they don't have this offer, most restaurants will not care if families eating off of the buffet take a small plate and add a few items for their child as well.  Eating off a buffet can allow children to take only small amounts of foods that they want to eat.  This is great because it not only helps parents save money, but it also ensures that food won't be wasted.

4.  Order One Meal for Two Kids

For families that have more than one child, another option might be to order one meal for two children to share.  Kids sized portions at some restaurants are often very generous and can easily feed more than one child.  By ordering only one meal, one child is eating for free and money is being saved.

5.  Use the Internet

The internet can be a valuable tool when it comes to getting free kids meals.  Websites such as Kids Meal Deals and All Kids Eat Free are great resources for finding out which restaurants are offering free kids meals across the country.

6.  Sign Up for Kids Clubs or Birthday Clubs

Signing children up for Birthday Clubs or Kids Clubs is a great idea, because it often means a free meal for children.  For some restaurants, this may mean that kids get to eat for free on their birthday.  For others it might involve having coupons sent through email.  Signing up is easy and can usually be done right at the restaurant or on their website.

Families shouldn't feel the need to stay in for dinner because they are worried about spending too much money.  With so many ways to get a free kids meal, money can be saved and a great time can be had by all.

Sources

www.pizzahut.ca

www.kidsmealdeals.com

www.allkidseatfree.com

Learn more about this author, Jason Caravaggio.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.