A Guide to Top Free Restaurants for Kids in NYC
Top spots where kids eat free include Smashburger, IHOP, Denny’s, Uno Pizzeria, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Ikea, Nat’s on Bleeker, and Miller’s Ale House.
These restaurants serve kid-friendly meals like sliders, chicken tenders, and mini burritos, with simple adult meal requirements, which makes eating out more affordable for families, especially when dining out with kids. This is why we have a helpful list of places where kids can eat for free in and around the New York City and the Long Island area.
So check them and out and make plans to eat out with the entire family!
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- Most Visited Restaurants: Smashburger, IHOP, Denny’s, and Uno Pizzeria are the spots families visit most for kids-eat-free deals.
- Best for Little Kids: Meals are typically for children 10–12 and under, with kid favorites like sliders, chicken tenders, mini burgers, and bento boxes.
- Best for Family Savings: Kids-eat-free promotions help families save money while enjoying meals out together.
- Best Menu Options: Restaurants focus on kid-friendly favorites, including mac & cheese, pancakes, quesadillas, chicken strips, and mini burgers.
- Best for Planning Ahead: Making reservations or arriving early during busy times ensures seats and availability for free kids’ meals.
These spots make family meals simple and fun, with kid favorites, savings on every visit, and tips for getting the most out of each restaurant. Whether planning a quick lunch or a weekend dinner, families can enjoy tasty meals together without stress, knowing what to expect and where to find the best deals.The section below breaks down each spot, showing the days and times of the deals, age limits, menu highlights, and helpful tips to make every visit simple and stress-free.
Top Free Restaurants in Manhattan
Smashburger
Age: 12 and under
Time: Wednesdays from 1/1/23-12/31/23
Requirement: purchase of an adult meal – entrée, side, drink. In-store only, cannot be combined with other promotional offers
The Kids Eat Free Every Wednesday Promotion is valid for kid’s meals including burgers and chicken strips.
Uno Pizzeria and Grill
432 Columbus Ave.
(212) 595-4700
Age: 10 and under
Time: Tuesday, all day
Requirement: UNO Extras membership and purchase of an adult entrée
With a free UNO Extras membership, you can get a free entrée from the kids menu with each purchase of an adult entrée.
Top Free Restaurants in Brooklyn
Arirang
8812-14 4th Ave.
(718) 865-3073
Ages: 10 and under
Time: Monday and Tuesday, all day
Requirement: purchase of an adult entrée
Kids can enjoy a Samurai Kids meal, like Japanese chicken tenders or little bento box, with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Denny’s
805 Pennsylvania Ave.
(718) 272-0301
Ages: 10 and under
Time: Tuesday, all day
Requirement: purchase of an adult entrée $6 or more
At Denny’s, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.
Ikea
1 Beard Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Requirement: Family Membership
If you have not join the Family membership it is worth it to join this free service which offers family discounts. On Wednesdays with an adult entrée, two kid’s entrees are free with that purchase.
Nat’s on Bleeker
170 Bleecker Street,
New York, NY 10012
347-773-1737
Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Requirement:
Every Sunday this summer from 11am-8pm, Nat’s on Bleeker restaurant will offer all-you-can-eat dishes, at 35 a person. Kids eat for free (from the buffet)
Smashburger
Age: 12 and under
Time: Wednesdays from 1/1/23-12/31/23
Requirement: purchase of an adult meal – entrée, side, drink/ in-store only/ cannot be combined with other promotional offers
The Kids Eat Free Every Wednesday Promotion is valid for kid’s meals including burgers and chicken strips.
Top Free Restaurants in Queens
Denny’s
8710 Northern Blvd.
(718) 446-1312
Ages: 10 and under
Time: Tuesday, 4 to 9:30 pm
Requirement: purchase of an adult entrée $6 or more
At Denny’s, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.
Uno Pizzeria and Grill
37-11 35th Ave.
(718) 706-8800
Age: 10 and under
Time: Tuesday, all day
Requirement: UNO Extras membership and purchase of an adult entrée
With a free UNO Extras membership, you can get a free entrée from the kids menu with each purchase of an adult entrée.
Smashburger
Age: 12 and under
Time: Wednesdays from 1/1/23-12/31/23
Requirement: purchase of an adult meal – entrée, side, drink/ in-store only/ cannot be combined with other promotional offers
The Kids Eat Free Every Wednesday Promotion is valid for kid’s meals including burgers and chicken strips.
Top Free Restaurants in Bronx
Moe’s Southwest Grill
200 Baychester Ave.
Age: 12 and under
Time: Sunday, all day
Requirement: One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée of $6 or more. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
Children can choose from a variety of kid’s meals, including a kid-sized burrito, quesadilla or taco plus a cookie and a drink.
IHOP
Age: 12 and under
Time: 4-10 pm, daily
Requirements: purchase of an adult meal/ dine-in only
Get one IHOP Kids Eat Free meal for every adult entrée purchased between 4 pm and 10 pm. Menu items for this deal include the Silver Five, Jr. Chicken $ Waffles, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Cupcake Pancake Combo, Jr. Chicken Strip Combo, Funny Face Pancake Combo and Macaroni & Cheese.
Smashburger
Age: 12 and under
Time: Wednesdays from 1/1/23-12/31/23
Requirement: purchase of an adult meal – entrée, side, drink/ in-store only/ cannot be combined with other promotional offers
The Kids Eat Free Every Wednesday Promotion is valid for kid’s meals including burgers and chicken strips.
Top Free Restaurants on Long Island
IHOP
Age: 12 and under
Time: 4-10 pm, daily
Requirements: purchase of an adult meal/ dine-in only
Get one IHOP Kids Eat Free meal for every adult entrée purchased between 4 pm and 10 pm. Menu items for this deal include the Silver Five, Jr. Chicken $ Waffles, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Cupcake Pancake Combo, Jr. Chicken Strip Combo, Funny Face Pancake Combo and Macaroni & Cheese.
Ikea
1100 Broadway Mall
Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Requirement: Family Membership
If you have not join the Family membership it is worth it to join this free service which offers family discounts. On Wednesdays with an adult entrée, two kid’s entrees are free with that purchase.
Miller’s Ale House
Age: 12 and under
Time: Tuesday, all day
Requirement: purchase of an adult meal/dine-in only
Your kids can enjoy chicken zingers, sliders, macaroni and cheese and more for free with the purchase of one regularly priced adult entrée.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Age: 12 and under
Time: Sunday, all day
Requirement: One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée of $6 or more. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
Children can choose from a variety of kid’s meals, including a kid-sized burrito, quesadilla or taco plus a cookie and a drink.
Smashburger
Age: 12 and under
Time: Wednesdays from 1/1/23-12/31/23
Requirement: purchase of an adult meal – entrée, side, drink/ in-store only/ cannot be combined with other promotional offers
The Kids Eat Free Every Wednesday Promotion is valid for kid’s meals including burgers and chicken strips.
Kids Eat Free Restaurants in NYC and Long Island: A Complete Comparison
| Restaurant | Location | Ages | Day/Time | Requirement | Notes / Menu Options |
| Smashburger | Multiple Locations (Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Long Island) | 12 and under | Wednesday, 1/1/23–12/31/23 | Purchase of an adult meal (entrée, side, drink); in-store only; cannot be combined with other promotions | Kids’ meals include burgers and chicken strips |
| Uno Pizzeria and Grill | 432 Columbus Ave., Manhattan / 37-11 35th Ave., Queens | 10 and under | Tuesday, all day | UNO Extras membership + purchase of an adult entrée | Free kids’ entrée from the menu with each adult entrée |
| Arirang | 8812-14 4th Ave., Brooklyn | 10 and under | Monday & Tuesday, all day | Purchase of an adult entrée | Samurai Kids meals: Japanese chicken tenders or a little bento box |
| Denny’s | 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Brooklyn / 8710 Northern Blvd., Queens | 10 and under | Tuesday, all day / 4–9:30 pm | Purchase of an adult entrée $6 or more | Kids eat free with an adult meal |
| Ikea | 1 Beard Street, Brooklyn / 1100 Broadway Mall, Hicksville | All ages | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Family Membership + purchase of adult entrée | On Wednesdays, 2 kids’ entrees are free per adult entrée |
| Nat’s on Bleeker | 170 Bleecker Street, Manhattan | All ages | Sundays, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | N/A | Kids eat free from all-you-can-eat buffet; adult buffet $35 |
| Moe’s Southwest Grill | 200 Baychester Ave., Bronx / Multiple Locations, Long Island | 12 and under | Sunday, all day | Purchase of adult entrée $6 or more; cannot combine with promotions | Kids choose burrito, quesadilla, or taco + cookie + drink |
| IHOP | Multiple Locations (Bronx, Long Island) | 12 and under | Daily, 4–10 PM | Purchase of an adult meal; dine-in only | Kids’ menu includes Silver Five, Jr. Chicken & Waffles, Jr. Cheeseburger, Mac & Cheese, etc. |
| Miller’s Ale House | Multiple Locations, Long Island | 12 and under | Tuesday, all day | Purchase of an adult meal; dine-in only | Kids meals include chicken zingers, sliders, mac & cheese, and more |
Tips to Keep in Mind When Looking for Free Deals
Finding restaurants where kids can eat for free can make family meals more fun and affordable. Some places have special days, age limits, or require an adult meal to get the deal. Knowing a few simple tips can help families make the most of these offers without any surprises.
Once these basics are understood, it’s easier to spot the best deals and enjoy a stress-free meal. Here are some helpful pointers to keep in mind when looking for kids-eat-free restaurants in NYC:
- Check the Day and Time: Some deals are only on certain days, like the Smashburger deal on Wednesdays or the Denny’s deal on Tuesdays. Knowing the right day keeps the fun going.
- Confirm Age Limits: Free meals are usually for kids 10–12 and under. Checking the age rules beforehand avoids surprises and keeps everyone happy.
- Understand Purchase Requirements: Many restaurants require at least one adult meal purchase to qualify. Knowing this in advance helps families plan their budget.
- Choose Kid-Friendly Menu Items: Look for restaurants offering meals children actually enjoy, such as sliders, chicken tenders, mini burgers, or quesadillas.
- Arrive Early or Reserve: Popular deals can get busy. Coming early or booking a table can save waiting time and make the experience smoother.
FAQ
- What ages are eligible at restaurants where kids can eat free in NYC?
Most restaurants where kids eat free cover children aged 10–12 and under. Age limits can vary by location. - Is an adult meal required at NYC restaurants?
Yes, nearly all restaurants where kids eat free require the purchase of a full adult entrée. Some may have a minimum price or other conditions. - Are the deals at restaurants where kids eat free available every day?
No, availability depends on the restaurant. For example, Smashburger is on Wednesdays, Denny’s on Tuesday, IHOP daily 4–10 PM, and Moe’s Southwest Grill on Sunday. - Are memberships or reservations needed at restaurants where kids eat free?
Certain restaurants, such as Uno Pizzeria or Ikea, may require a free membership, buffet fee, or in-store registration. Most restaurants where kids eat free do not require reservations, though early arrival is recommended during busy times.
