Last summer, the slow economy spurred restaurants to try to pull in cash-strapped families with offers of free meals for kids. Maybe it's a good sign for the economy that for the summer of 2010, fewer national or regional chains appear to be offering similar deals. But we still found 10 popular restaurants offering families a meal out without emptying their wallet.
Note: These specials vary from restaurant to restaurant and are subject to change at any time. The sample deals are real listings, but may not apply to the specific restaurants in your area. (Sometimes, the deal in your area might even be better.)
Applebee's
Sample deal: On Mondays, get one free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Captain D's
Sample deal: On Thursdays, get two free kid's meals with any adult entree purchase, dine in only.
Chevys
Sample deal: On Tuesdays, get one free kid's meal with one adult entrée, dine-in only.
Denny's
Sample deal: Up to two kids 10 and younger eat free with each adult purchase of $2.50 or more, from 4pm to 10pm on select nights.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Sample deal: On Sundays, one child eats free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Lone Star Steak House
Sample deal: On Tuesdays, up to two kids eat free with the purchase of one adult entrée.
Luby's
Sample deal: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée, typically on a weekday evening after 4:30pm. Check lubys.com for a list of when each restaurant features the promotion.
Marie Callender's
Sample deal: Get one free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Perkins
Sample deal: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 10pm, get one free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Steak 'n Shake
Sample deal: On Saturdays and Sundays, get one free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée of $9 or more. Dine-in only.
Article by Stewart Coerver
Want more ways to have affordable fun this summer? Go to Grandparents.com for:
Discover Yahoo! With Your Friends
Explore news, videos, and much more based on what your friends are reading and watching. Publish your own activity and retain full control.
To get started, firstLogin with Facebook
- How to handle a toxic boss17 hours ago
- What your manager won't ever tell you Mon, May 21, 2012 7:34 PM EDT
- 7 fashion don'ts at the officeTue, May 22, 2012 2:05 PM EDT
- 5 chic and easy summer hairstylesTue, May 22, 2012 11:59 AM EDT
- How to read the new sunscreen labelsTue, May 22, 2012 4:24 PM EDT
- Vogue's guide to getting great-looking legsTue, May 22, 2012 10:34 AM EDT
- Best and Worst Choices at a BarbecueWed, May 23, 2012 10:36 AM EDT
- Why Going on Vacation Can Save Your HealthWed, May 23, 2012 6:40 PM EDT
- How to Be More Confident15 hours ago
- Create a Gardening HavenTue, May 22, 2012 7:25 PM EDT
- 3 Surprising Ways Your House is Making You FatWed, May 23, 2012 9:35 AM EDT
- 7 Ways to Turn a Closet into Your Home OfficeTue, May 22, 2012 5:54 PM EDT
- Style lessons from Carrie UnderwoodThu, May 3, 2012 11:31 AM EDT
- Best & worst foods for your skin at every ageMon, Apr 23, 2012 5:42 PM EDT
- Hairstyles to hide your flawsFri, Apr 27, 2012 2:56 PM EDT
- Create a Gardening HavenTue, May 22, 2012 7:25 PM EDT
- 3 Surprising Ways Your House is Making You FatWed, May 23, 2012 9:35 AM EDT
- 7 Ways to Turn a Closet into Your Home OfficeTue, May 22, 2012 5:54 PM EDT
Follow Shine
Join us on Pinterest
CHEAT SHEET
DAILY SHOT VIDEO
We apologize. An error has occurred. Please try again.


294 comments