Dining out as a family doesn’t have to mean overspending or settling for subpar options. Many national chains and local restaurants offer kid-friendly deals, bundled meals, and value menus that make it easier to enjoy a sit-down dinner without straining your budget. The key is knowing where—and when—to go.

Here’s a look at family dining deals that actually offer great value, including specials where kids eat free and bundled meals that feed the whole table at a discount.

1. Kids Eat Free Nights at National Chains

Plenty of restaurants offer free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée, typically on select days. Always check your local location to confirm availability:

• IHOP – Kids eat free every day from 4–10 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entrée at participating locations.

• Denny’s – Offers vary by location, but many feature Kids Eat Free deals on Tuesdays.

• Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Every Sunday, kids 12 and under eat free with a $10 adult meal purchase.

• Perkins – Several locations offer a Kids Eat Free promo on select nights.

2. Bundled Meal Deals for Families

Some restaurants offer combo meals or bundled menus that serve two or more people for a fixed price—often cheaper than ordering separately.

• Chili’s – The 3 for Me deal starts at $10.99 and includes a drink, appetizer, and entrée. For families, this means affordable stacking across multiple people. You can also earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card when paying digitally.

• Olive Garden – The Create Your Own Pasta Station or Buy One, Take One promos make it easy to feed multiple people at a low cost.

• Applebee’s – Value combos and seasonal specials like 2 for $25 allow two adults to dine affordably with room for add-ons for kids.

3. Loyalty Programs for Repeat Visits

If you’re dining out as a family more than once a month, it pays to join rewards programs:

• My Chili’s Rewards – Earn points toward free meals and unlock personalized offers.

• IHOP MyHop – Includes birthday freebies and exclusive family offers.

• Denny’s Rewards – Access to exclusive coupons and seasonal deals.

4. Combine Rewards with Cashback Gift Cards

To save even more, consider paying with digital gift cards that offer instant cashback. With Fluz, you can get rewards with a Chili’s gift card simply by buying the card right before you pay.

This strategy stacks with any in-store deals, loyalty programs, and family promotions.

5. Additional Ways to Save on Family Dining

• Look for family nights at local restaurants, especially pizza parlors or diners. Many offer pizza + drinks + sides packages at flat rates.

• Sign up for email newsletters to receive coupons, free kid meal vouchers, or birthday discounts.

• Use apps like Yelp and Google Maps** to search “kids eat free near me” and filter by rating or distance.

Final Tip: Share and split smartly

Family meals often come with generous portions. If your children are younger, skip the kids’ menu entirely and share an adult entrée between two kids. Combine it with an extra side or drink to round out the meal without doubling the bill.