Kids Eat Free in Tampa: The Complete 2026 Restaurant Guide
Feeding a family is expensive—but it doesn't have to be! Tampa has dozens of restaurants offering free kids meals with adult purchase. This guide organizes every deal by day of the week so you can plan budget-friendly family dinners.
Last Updated: January 2026
Tip: Always call ahead to confirm deals! Restaurant promotions change frequently, and franchise locations may have different offers than corporate.
Quick Summary: Best Days for Kids Eat Free
| Day | Number of Deals | Best Options |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12+ deals | Denny's, Applebee's, IHOP |
| Wednesday | 10+ deals | PDQ, Bob Evans |
| Sunday | 8+ deals | Church's, Golden Corral |
| Daily | 5+ deals | IHOP (select locations) |
Kids Eat Free by Day of Week
Monday 🍽️
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef 'O' Brady's | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Multiple Tampa locations |
| Moe's Southwest Grill | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations |
| Tijuana Flats | Free kids taco with adult purchase | 12 & under | Tampa/Brandon |
Tuesday 🍽️ ⭐ BEST DAY
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denny's | Free kids meal 4-10 PM | 10 & under | All Tampa locations |
| Applebee's | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations (call ahead) |
| IHOP | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Most locations |
| Cheddar's | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Brandon, Wesley Chapel |
| Bob Evans | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | All locations |
| Pizza Hut | Free buffet for kids | 10 & under | Lunch buffet locations |
| Steak 'n Shake | Free kids meal 2-5 PM | 12 & under | Most locations |
| Perkins | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 10 & under | Select locations |
Wednesday 🍽️
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDQ | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | All Tampa locations |
| Bob Evans | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | All locations |
| Fazoli's | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations |
| Cracker Barrel | Free kids meal 4 PM-close | 10 & under | Sunday-Wednesday |
Thursday 🍽️
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moe's Southwest Grill | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations |
| O'Charley's | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 10 & under | Select locations |
| Fuddruckers | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations |
Friday 🍽️
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef 'O' Brady's | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations |
| Golden Corral | Free buffet for kids (with 2 adults) | 3 & under | All locations |
Saturday 🍽️
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHOP | Free kids pancakes (breakfast) | 12 & under | Select locations |
| Golden Corral | Free buffet for kids (with 2 adults) | 3 & under | All locations |
| CiCi's Pizza | Free buffet for kids | 2 & under | All locations |
Sunday 🍽️
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church's Chicken | Free kids meal with adult combo | 10 & under | Most locations |
| Golden Corral | Free buffet for kids (with 2 adults) | 3 & under | All locations |
| Cracker Barrel | Free kids meal 4 PM-close | 10 & under | Sunday-Wednesday |
| Bob Evans | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | All locations |
Daily Deals 🍽️ ⭐
These restaurants offer kids eat free EVERY day:
| Restaurant | Deal Details | Age Limit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHOP | Free kids meal 4-10 PM | 12 & under | Most Tampa locations |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 5 & under | Select locations |
| Firehouse Subs | Free kids meal with adult purchase | 12 & under | Select locations |
| McAlister's Deli | Free kids meal with adult entrée | 12 & under | Select locations |
Local Tampa Restaurants with Kids Eat Free
Beyond national chains, these local Tampa favorites offer kids eat free deals:
| Restaurant | Day | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepo's Cuban Cafe | Tuesday | Free kids meal | Multiple locations |
| Miguel's Mexican | Wednesday | Free kids taco plate | Brandon |
| Cappy's Pizza | Monday | Free kids pizza | South Tampa |
| The Pub Tampa | Tuesday | Free kids meal | Multiple locations |
Tips for Maximizing Kids Eat Free Deals
Before You Go
- Call ahead - Confirm the deal is still active
- Check age limits - Most are 10-12 and under
- Ask about limits - Usually 1-2 free kids meals per adult entrée
- Check minimum purchase - Adult entrée usually required ($10-15+)
At the Restaurant
- Mention the deal when ordering
- Tip on full value - Tip as if you paid for kids meals
- Be patient - Restaurants may be busy on deal days
Best Strategies
- Tuesday dinner = Most options
- IHOP = Most consistent daily deal
- Cracker Barrel = Sunday-Wednesday, great food
- PDQ = Healthy option, Wednesday
Kids Eat Free Apps & Programs
Sign up for these programs for additional deals:
| Program | Benefits |
|---|---|
| IHOP Pancake Revolution | Free birthday meal, exclusive offers |
| Chili's Rewards | Free kids meal on birthday |
| Applebee's Email Club | Kids eat free coupons |
| Denny's Rewards | Free birthday meal, regular offers |
Family Dining on a Budget: More Tips
Beyond kids eat free, save money with:
- Happy Hour - Many restaurants have early bird specials
- Lunch specials - Same food, smaller prices
- Birthday freebies - Sign up for restaurant rewards
- Entertainment Book/Groupon - Family dining deals
- Restaurant Week - Tampa Bay Restaurant Week (April/October)
Share a Deal!
Know a kids eat free deal we missed? Contact us to add it to the list!
Happy saving, Tampa families! 🍽️👨👩👧👦
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can kids eat free in Tampa? ▾
Many Tampa restaurants offer free kids meals with adult purchase. Popular options include IHOP (kids eat free daily), Denny's (Tuesdays), Applebee's (local varies), and many local spots like PDQ and First Watch.
What day has the most kids eat free deals in Tampa? ▾
Tuesday and Wednesday have the most kids eat free offers in Tampa. Most restaurants require purchasing an adult entrée to get the free kids meal.
Do kids actually eat completely free? ▾
Most deals require purchasing an adult entrée (typically $10-15 minimum) for each free kids meal. Some limit ages (usually 12 and under) and number of free kids meals per adult.
Are kids eat free deals available at chains in Tampa? ▾
Yes! National chains like IHOP, Denny's, Applebee's, and Chili's often have kids eat free promotions. Check with your local Tampa location as deals vary by franchise.
