Facing the cost of living crisis? Relax, we've got your family dinners sorted. Discover nationwide 'kids eat free' offers that won't leave your wallet empty. From supermarket cafes to traditional pubs and hidden gems, our comprehensive guide is your passport to budget-friendly family meals.
Remember, fun family moments don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Many UK restaurants offer ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals, providing delicious reprieve for your budget, especially during school holidays. We’ve rounded up the best spots for cost-effective feasts that’ll delight the whole family.
In the face of the current cost of living crisis, stretching the family budget becomes a real challenge. One area where you could find some relief is in the cost of feeding your children, particularly during the week and weekends. Or of course, over the school holidays, when it isn’t always an option to take a packed lunch.
Make mealtimes an adventure! Spending quality time with the family doesn’t have to be expensive. Many restaurants across the UK offer “kids eat free” deals during school holidays, making eating out a budget-friendly option.
We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly restaurants and cafes throughout the UK with fantastic offers both in and outside of holiday times. Just remember to check the terms and conditions — these deals often can’t be combined with other discounts.
From pizza lovers to pub enthusiasts, and even adventurous young palates, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in and see where your kids can eat for free or very cheaply any time.
Supermarket cafes
Regular saviours for parents, supermarket cafes like Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s provide free children’s meals — both hot and cold options — throughout the week with an adult purchase.
Asda Cafes will offer £1 kids’ meals until the end of 2024, with no minimum spend for adults, and offer free Ella’s baby food pouches (under 18 months) with any purchase.
Family pubs
Enjoy a traditional pub experience at Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, or Whitbread Inns which all offer free breakfasts for children with a paying adult. Every Monday, children can eat for £1 at Hungry Horse pubs across the UK.
Casual dining
Chain restaurants like TGI Fridays entice families with free kids’ meals when adults order main courses. Bella Italia offer kids three courses and a drink for just £1 with every purchase of an adult meal.
IKEA’s affordability offers are worth noting… It offers pasta and tomato sauce or mac and cheese for 95p or any other kids meal for £1.50 — and we all love the hot dogs!
Hidden gems
Purezza, the vegan pizza chain, offers a free mini pizza for children under 10 with every adult dining (with select locations in Brighton and Manchester).
The Real Greek offers kids to eat for free on Sundays, if an adult spends £10 or more.
Where can kids eat free during school holidays?
Look for special offers during school holidays. Lots of places have free and cheap options for kids during breaks from school, alongside the options above.
Big chains
Cafe Rouge and Yo Sushi run promotions where children eat free or at a discount during the school holidays and the May half term is no exception.
Family favourites
Toby Carvery has a kids eat for £1 offer every school holiday, and Frankie & Benny’s offer a kids eat free menu (margherita pizza, tomato pasta and fish fingers) when adults purchase from the main menu.
Hotels
If you are staying at a Travel Lodge this holiday, then children under 15 can get a free breakfast with a paying adult. Plus, all Holiday Inn hotels offer free meals for kids under 12, alongside their free stay!
Practical tips for dining economically with your kids
Smaller portions: Many establishments provide smaller portion options on their children’s menus. These will be ideal for under-10s but might not fill up a growing teenager. These pint-sized portions can be a budget-friendly option compared to adult-sized meals, allowing you to cater to your child’s needs without overspending.
Sharing plates: Consider sharing a main course or sharing plates (like nachos) with your child. It’s a bit messier and fun! This strategy not only saves money but also provides an opportunity to bond with your children over a delicious meal.
Always check: Remember to check before you visit whether the restaurant has any age restrictions or minimum spends required for free kid’s meal deals. A quick call to the restaurant beforehand can save you a trip and ensure a smooth dining experience for everyone.
Loyalty Schemes and Mailing Lists: Joining loyalty or mail schemes can provide ongoing updates on promotions and special events. These platforms provide updates on promotions and special events, allowing you to maximise your savings and snag the best deals.
Useful Reminder: While free meals and discounts are excellent, they may vary depending on location, so it’s always wise to check with the establishment before you visit.
Conclusion: Kids can eat free at various places in the UK
With some planning and being savvy about offers, enjoying meals out with your children doesn’t need to break the bank. Keep in mind that offers may vary depending on location.
Always check with the establishment before you visit, as you don’t want to be disappointed or worse, spend money you don’t want to.
Now go out there and have a delicious and wallet-friendly meal with your little ones!
For all the best restaurant deals and freebies, head over to hotukdeals — the community of deal hunters is there to help you save time and money.
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Peter Carr
I'm Peter Carr, editor for the hotukdeals Magazine. I first played computer games on my dad's ZX Spectrum and have had most major consoles since. Growing up gaming has given me decades of entertainment, I want to share that with you.