Columbus on a Budget: Where to Enjoy Free Kids’ Meals

Note: Use this as a guide. I will keep it updated and make changes as needed, but always verify before visiting. Feel free to call, check the website, or look at their social media because you know how things can change daily!

Kids’ meals can add up quickly,  but I have  good news for families in Columbus, Ohio! I’ve scoured the internet to compile an up-to-date list of places where kids can eat for free or at a very low cost on specific days of the week. That means you can enjoy a delicious meal out with your kids without breaking the bank! Woo ho!  Whether you’re craving Mexican, burgers, or something in between, Columbus has got you covered. 

Monday

1. Las Margaritas
   • Kids eat free for children aged 12 and under.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 6270 Gender Road, Canal Winchester
   • 706 N. State Street, Westervile
2. Carsonie’s
   • Kids eat free (2 kids per one adult entree).
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 1725 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
3. Buffalo Wings & Rings
   • Kids eat free with a $10 minimum purchase.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 8661 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center
   • 1574 Stringtown Road, Grove City
4. MCL Restaurant & Bakery
   • Enjoy up to two complimentary kids meals per adult meal purchased (dine-in only).
   • 3154 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
   • 5240 E. Main Street, Whitehall, OH 43213

Tuesday

1. Bob Evans
   • Enjoy a free Kids Meal when spending $15 on their app. Must be at least $15 before sales tax. Not valid for use in orders placed outside of the Bob Evans app. Limit one offer per customer. Only Valid on Tuesdays.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • Multiple locations. Find closest location here.
2. Denny’s
   • Kids eat free every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 3019 Olentangy River Road
3. Hofbrauhaus Columbus
   • Family Night takes place on 2nd Tuesday of each month. They have entertainment: 6–8 p.m. Kids eat free for Family Night only with each adult entree purchase. Limit 1 kids meal per child.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 800 Goodale Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
4. El Vaquero
   • Tuesday special (all day) buy one regular dinner and get one free kid’s meal. Offer only valid if not using coupon. Only for children under 12 years old. People over 12 add $3.00. Mexican Rice, refried beans or pinto beans may be substituted for french fries or brown Mexican rice. Add a small white milk, chocolate milk (no refill) or soft drink for .99.
   • Multiple Locations. Find your closest location here.
5. Skyline Chili
   • Every Tuesday night, kids eat free with a paying adult. Plus, enjoy a free kid’s craft!
   • I haven’t been yet, but I read on their website that the Sawmill SKyline has a kids area full of toys and seasonal coloring sheets.
   • 7668 Sawmill Road Dublin, OH 43016

Check out this list of things that we’ve brought to dinner with us to help entertain the kids. Includes things like our fav stickers, wiki sticks, things that can be easily cleaned up…

Wednesday

1. Fiesta Jalisco
   • Kids eat free on Wednesdays (one child per adult, children aged 12 and under).
   • View Menu Here
   • 2700 Northland Plaza Dr, Columbus, OH 43231
2. Star Lanes Polaris
   • Kids eat free after 5 PM when you purchase one regular-priced adult meal.
   • Star Lanes may be a bowling alley, and you might not expect it, but trust me, the food is fantastic! You can also enjoy bowling, arcade games, and more for a fun-filled night. Or, if you want to stick to the budget, enjoy your dinner at one of the tables!
   • View Menu Here
   • 8655 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240
3. Roosters
   • Every Wednesday from 3 PM – Close, kids’ meals are just $0.99 with the purchase of an adult entree.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • Multiple Locations. Find your closest location here.
4. IKEA
   • IKEA Family members receive two kids’ entrees free with the purchase of an adult entree on Wednesday nights. They have a HUGE dining area with floor to ceiling windows. It is lovely.
   • Bonus: Did you know they have a kids’ area where children can stay and play for up to an hour while you shop, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a coffee, or even just relax on the couch at the entrance? It’s absolutely FREE!
   • Learn More Here
   • 1900 Ikea Wy, Columbus, OH 43240
5. Red Robin
   • Enjoy 50% off kids’ meals every Wednesday, including unlimited free refills of bottomless sides and drinks when dining in or order online.
   • View Kids Menu Here.
   • Multiple Locations. Find your closest location here.
6. Smashburger
   • Kids eat free every Wednesday with the purchase of an adult meal (entrée, side, & drink).
   • View Kid Menu Here
   • Multiple Locations, but per website it looks like Westerville and OSU are the two locations that participate.
   • 1840 N. High St. Space B-110, Columbus
   • 552 South State Street, Westerville
7. Melt Bar & Grill
   • Melt offers an affordable option for kids’ meals at just $3 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 4206 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219

Check out IKEA! The girls LOVED the food, the kids area (bottom right corner) and the open space while eating! 10/10 recommend!

Thursday

1. Quaker Steak & Lube
   • Kids eat free every Thursday.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 8500 Lyra Dr, Columbus, OH 43240
2. Melt Bar & Grill
   • Melt offers an affordable option for kids’ meals at just $3 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 4206 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219

Friday

TBD

Saturday

TBD

Sunday

1. The Old Bag of Nails
   • Kids eat free on Sundays.
   • View Menu Here.
   • Multiple Locations. Find closest location here.
2. Moe’s Southwest Grill
   • One kids meal for children under 12 years old every Sunday with the purchase of an adult entree.
   • View Kids Menu Here
   • 7000 Hospital Drive Dublin, OH 43016
   • 363 South Hamilton Road Gahanna, OH 43230
3. Late Night Slice
   • This is a fun one! For $6.99, they let the kiddos make their own awesome pizza. They bring it out on this super cute tray with all the good stuff—sauce, cheese, and pepperoni—so the little chefs can work their magic. It also comes with a drink and Unicorn Bar!
   • 892 Oak St., Columbus, Oh 43205

Everyday Promotions

1. Chili’s
   • My Chili’s Rewards members can receive free kids meal rewards offers that can be redeemed in-restaurant or online.
2. Rusty Bucket
   • Offers free dining for children participating in the Bucketeer Bookworm program.
     • The Bucketeer Bookworm Reading Program is designed to encourage kids to read. Enrolling is child’s play: just visit your neighborhood Bucket and ask for your Bucketeer Bookworm Bookmark Tracker. When they finish five books, they earn a complimentary kid’s meal.
   • View Menu Here
   • Multiple Locations. Find closest location to you here.
3. Dickey’s Hilliard
   • Until the end of January 2024, enjoy a free kids meal with orders over $12 at participating locations.
   • View Menu Here
   • 3915 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, OH 43026
4. Roots Natural Kitchen (Campus)
   • Child must be under 12 and present with the purchase of an adult bowl.
   • View Menu Here
   • 10 East 15TH Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201

Bonus: If you’re a fan of Texas de Brazil and want to take your kids, children 2 years and under are complimentary, 3-5 years are $5.00, and 6-12 years are half price when purchased with a full-price meal.

Keeping things practical, as I mentioned at the beginning, it’s essential to double-check before going because things can change. With that being said, I will be keeping an eye on things and as they change, I will update it!