Money-Saver: 'Kids Eat Free' Specials

Jan 25th 2011 8:10AM / by Nanette Wiser

Dining out with kids can be a chore, especially with picky eaters. Gather your ankle-biters and enjoy "kids eat free" specials at these family favorites, made even more entertaining by balloon-twisting servers and coin-guzzling games. In addition to these list below, some area Denny's allow kids to eat free 4pm to 10pm (one adult meal, two free kids meals) as do children age 12 and under at IHOP (4pm to 8pm, drink not included). Feeling flush? At Crispers, kids eat for only 99 cents. Check ahead for details, menu options and age limitations. In most cases, kids get a one children's meal per adult entree purchase.

Beef O'Brady's: On Tuesdays from 4pm to 8pm (and some locations 5pm to 9pm or close), kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, tasty mini corn dogs or burgers with fries, and grilled chicken wraps or salads. These are popular with Little Leaguers who are celebrating home runs all around Tampa Bay.
5006 East Bay Drive, Clearwater; 727-532-2333
210 S. Kings Ave., Brandon; 813-681-3428
10799 Park Blvd., Seminole; 727-393-2880
Click here for more locations in Tampa, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Clearwater

Carmelita's: Carmelita's offers free meal for kids age 10 and younger on Mondays. Kids love the chips and salsa, and in the wink of any eye, will devour a cheese enchilada or quesadilla, chicken and rice, bean and cheese burrito or beef taco with rice. There are no complaints about the Mexican veggies.
7705 Ulmerton Road, Largo; 727-533-8555
6218 66th St., Pinellas Park; 727-545-8226
5211 Park. St. N., St. Petersburg; 727-545-2956

Chick-Fil-A: One free four piece chicken nugget kids meal per combo meal purchased on Tuesday Family Fun Night (5pm or 5:30pm to 7:30pm or close depending on location) make this healthy choice popular with kids. On the second Friday in July, if you dress like a cow, you get a free combo meal. Mooove over, Halloween.
Click here for locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Cody's Original Roadhouse: Kids eat free at Cody's Monday and Tuesday nights, and up to two kids can eat for free per adult entree purchased. Get all the peanuts you can crack, plus a choice of steak on a stick, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, corn dog, cheeseburger, Kraft mac and cheese or pepperoni pizza. The balloon guy at the new location on Park Street deserves a hip hip hooray.
Click here for locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon Springs.

Perkins Restaurant: Monday through Friday, one child under age 12 eats free with the purchase of an adult meal. You can print games and sign up for a birthday meal at the restaurant's website, and the servers are pleasantly patient. A free drink and crazy cookie accompany tasty entrees, such as chicken tenders, cheese pizza or quesadilla, cheeseburger, grilled cheese sandwich or mac n' cheese. It's the sides that make moms crow with pleasure: cup of chicken noodle soup, salad, broccoli, applesauce and other healthy choices.
Click here for locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Spring Hill, New Port Richey and Seminole.

Steak'n' Shake: Mom's all about the banana, dad likes peach, and everyone swears by the creamy chocolate shakes. Kids age 12 and under eat for free on Saturdays and Sundays, one free kid's plate (no drinks) for every $8 spent. Other treats: free chef hats, crayons and cruisers, plus delectable chicken fingers, steakburger, mini corn dogs, grilled cheese, hot dog with fries, mandarin oranges or applesauce.
Click here for locations in Tampa, Largo, Oldsmar, New Port Richey, Riverview, St. Petersburg.