Everywhere You Can Get Free Food for Kids Right Now
Most schools are out for the foreseeable future. That presents a whole host of challenges for parents and caretakers.
Editor’s Note: Information listed here may be subject to change depending on the developing situation with COVID-19's Omicron variant. Please check for the latest updates available or contact each establishment directly for more info.
Most schools are out for the foreseeable future. That presents a whole host of challenges for parents and caretakers. Not dire, but nonetheless real is the need to get something in their mouths so they stop talking for a second. Also, sustenance, but the other thing too.
When you get tired of cooking or making meals they complain about, restaurants around the country are offering a load of free and cheap meals for kids that you can get for contactless delivery or pickup. That includes big chains like Burger King, Subway, Red Robin, and many other spots.
We'll be updating the below list that features the best deals on food for kids almost daily, so bookmark this page and check back often.
Free Food for Kids
Modern Market Eatery
The deal: Kids eat free in-restaurant with the purchase of an adult entrée.
When: Sundays and Mondays after 5 pm
Boston Market
The deal: The rotisserie chain is offering free kid meals. No purchase is required at all. Kids 12 and under can just grab a free one.
When: For just a little while
Tijuana Flats
The deal: Kids nab a free meal when you buy an adult entrée. Use the code "KEFSJL22."
When: Sundays through the end of the summer
Charleys Philly Steaks
The deal: Purchase a combo meal and get a free kids meal.
When: Through September 30
Romano's Macaroni Grill
The deal: Kids 12 and under get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée when dining in.
When: Through September 30
Cotton Patch Cafe
The deal: Kids eat for free on Wednesdays throughout September.
When: Wednesdays through September 28
Moe's Southwest Grill
The deal: The burrito chain's new "Kids Eat Free" program offers a free meal to kids 12 and under every Sunday at participating locations. No purchase is required.
When: Ongoing
Subway
The deal: Take advantage of the Family Takeout Special, and get a free footlong when you buy two footlongs for takeout on the Subway website or through its mobile app.
When: Ongoing
Sheetz
The deal: The convenience chain is offering free meals for kids at more than 600 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Just ask at the counter or drive-thru daily.
When: Ongoing
B.GOOD
The deal: The restaurant has expanded its usual kid meal deal. Kids can eat free every day of the week with the purchase of one adult entrée. In fact, you can get two free kid meals for every adult meal purchase.
When: Ongoing
Village Inn
The deal: Kids eat free every Monday and Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entrée.
When: Mondays and Tuesdays
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
The deal: Kids can get free Texas-style barbecue on Sundays with all delivery and carryout orders when you use the code "KEFOLO." Though you have to order at least one entrée and hit the $10 minimum. If your kids like Texas-style barbecue, Sunday is a big day.
When: Every Sunday
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
The deal: Nab a free grilled cheese sandwich for kids when you buy an entrée and get it delivered.
When: Ongoing
Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern
The deal: Kids can grab a book tracker to participate in the restaurant's Bucketeer Bookworms program. After every five books they read, they'll get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.
When: Ongoing
Tijuana Flats
The deal: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. There's a limit of two free kid meals per order.
When: Ongoing
El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant
The deal: Every Tuesday, kids eat gratis. You'll be able to snag one kid meal for every adult entrée you buy.
When: Every Tuesday
Cotton Patch Cafe
The deal: Kids can get a free meal on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée that hits that pesky $10 minimum.
When: Every Wednesday
Saladworks
The deal: Kids eat free from the Kids Works menu every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entrée.
When: Every Tuesday
Red Lobster
The deal: Kids now eat free every Tuesday at Red Lobster. The free kids meal is available with the purchase of an adult entrée. Use the code "LOBSTER91" when ordering online.
When: Every Tuesday
Pluckers Wing Bar
The deal: Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Options include mac 'n' cheese and boneless wings.
When: Every Tuesday
Fazoli's
The deal: Get a free kids meal with any purchase.
When: Ongoing
Pollo Campero
The deal: Kids under 12 get free soft-serve ice cream with the purchase of a kids meal.
When: Ongoing
Chick N Max
The deal: Kids get a lunch box for just $2. It comes with an order of Popcorn Chicken and a side or applesauce.
When: Monday through Friday, 11am-1pm
Chick N Max
The deal: Buy a kids meal on a weeknight and parents get a freebie. Grab your choice of an Original or Classic Smoked Sandwich, 2 Tender Meal, Regular Popcorn Chicken, 6-Pack of Wings, or Leg Quarter Meal.
When: Weeknights at dinner
Food Deals for Kids and Families
El Pollo Loco
The deal: The Family Feast is available for just $24. That includes eight pieces of bone-in chicken, two large sides, an Avocado Family Salad, four churros, and tortillas.
When: Through November 2
Boston Market
The deal: Take $25 off any order of at least $100.
When: Through September 30
Boston Market
The deal: Take 50% off any family meal on National Family Day.
When: September 26
Uberrito
The deal: The chain is running a "$5 chicken for pick-up" deal as well as offering a $0.99 kid meal with the purchase of an entrée.
When: Ongoing
Casa Olé
The deal: Grab an entrée, and it'll cost you just $0.99 to add on a kid meal. Also, the restaurants are offering double points every day on all pick-up orders.
When: Ongoing
Blaze Pizza
The deal: Get free delivery through Postmates if you hit the order minimum of $15. There's always that catch.
When: Ongoing
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
The deal: The restaurant now offers Family Bundles for the road. Entrée options include House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Tenders, and Grilled Salmon. For $24.99, the Bundle also comes with two family-sized sides and a half-dozen Honey Butter Croissants.
When: Ongoing
Einstein Bros. Bagels
The deal: Every Monday you can trim 40% off a baker's dozen bagels. That'll run you just $7. It's available for bakery pickup or curbside pickup.
When: Every Monday through September 17
I Heart Mac & Cheese
The deal: Kids eat free on Mondays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
When: Every Monday
Please note: This list does not include local resources, which are available through many cities and school districts.
More Deals for Kids?
Did we miss some offers? Let us know about them at news@thrillist.com with "Food Deals for Kids" in the subject line, and we might include it here.Want More Free Food?
Here's our huuuuuuuge running list of all the free food you can get right now, as well as the best pizza deals, reward programs, birthday freebies, gift card offers, deals on food for kids, food delivery offers, and alcohol delivery deals you'll find. If you want a little more than, say a free taco, we also have you covered with a long list of meals you can get at fast food chains under $5. You're welcome.
Additionally, we've put together a list of places offering free food to healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 outbreak.