The restaurants below offer free kids' meals, as noted, with the purchase of an adult meal (unless otherwise noted). Also, while all deals are current as of publication, they are subject to change at any time, so it is highly recommended that you confirm with the restaurant before you go. 

Where Kids Eat Free on Monday

1. Rock & Brews — El Segundo, Redondo Beach, & Buena Park

Kick off the week with a free kids' meal on Mondays and some rock and roll. Kids ages 12 and under get one free kids' meal per adult entree. Little rockstars will love the atmosphere and the fact that Rock & Brews was founded by members of the band KISS. 

Dig into free kids' meals. 

Where Kids Eat Free on Tuesday

2. Burgerlounge — Various Locations 

 One of my favorite burger chains offers free kids' meals every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entree. Also, the kid's meal comes with ice cream, so you can be the mom of the week without spending a dime. 

3. Coco's — Various Locations 

This offer is available for dine-in only on Tuesdays, and specifically for children 10 and under. Kids can enjoy a free meal with purchase of an adult entree. Ask your server for details at the restaurant. 

4. Bun Street — West Covina 

Bun Street offers specialty burgers and tots that will make your mouth water, while your kids can enjoy homemade mac n' cheese, toasted PB&J, or sliders at no cost if you pop in on a Tuesday. 

5. Ruby's Diner — Various Locations including Newport Beach and Corona del Mar

Treat your family to a delightful throwback diner experience with red vinyl booths and jukeboxes. On Tuesdays after 4pm, kids 12 and under get a free kids' meal when purchasing one adult entree. 

Where Kids Eat Free on Wednesday

6. IKEA — Burbank, Carson, Covina, & Costa Mesa 

Kids can indulge in those famous Swedish meatballs (or other delicious fare) at IKEA for free on Wednesdays. Two kids' meals are free per adult entree. 

7. Acapulco — Long Beach, Glendale, Costa Mesa & Downey 

While you won't completely get free kids' fare at Acapulco, the kid's meals on Wednesday are only $1. Make sure to call ahead to confirm that your location is participating in the deal, as franchises can tend to change up their specials. 

8. Smashburger — DTLA

Make Wednesdays a family affair at Smashburger, where kids eat free. With the purchase of an adult meal (entrée, side, & drink), kids 12 & under can enjoy a complimentary kids' meal, available in-store at participating locations.

9. Pinstripes — Topanga 

Pintripes is about as fun for the family as you can get, with bocce ball, bowling, and a fantastic bistro. On Wednesdays, kids can eat for free with the purchase of an adult entree, and can play bowling and bocce for only $10. 

RELATED: Los Angeles Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

 
Comfort food and ice cream? Yes, please! Photo courtesy of Mama's on 39

Where Kids Eat Free on Thursdsay

10. Mama's on 39 – Huntington Beach

This kid-friendly local favorite is about half a mile from the beach and believes in hefty portions of comfort food. And bacon: it believes in bacon. Mama's offers free meals for kids aged 12 and under on Thursdays, all day and night. All free kids' meals require the purchase of an adult entree. 

11. Gladstone's – Long Beach

How about a free kids' meal with scenic water views in Long Beach? Mention the post on Gladstone's website for kids to receive a complimentary children's meal with the purchase of an adult entree on Thursdays. It includes a beverage, a main course, and a delightful vanilla ice cream sundae. 

Where Kids Eat Free on Weekends

12. Kebab Shop — Various Locations 

Want to dine out on the weekends? The Kebab Shop offers free meals for kids on Saturdays and Sundays. Guess what we're grabbing for Sunday lunch this week? 

13. Joselito's — Montrose 

Mom and Dad will want to try a Purple Dinosaur at this beloved Mexican restaurant on Honolulu Ave. in Montrose, and the kids can enjoy their food for free on Sunday nights. The rule is one free kid's meal from the children's menu per adult order of $8 or more. Free kids' meals are only for kiddos ages 10 and under, and the deal does not include drinks or desserts. 

RELATED: Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles at Family-Friendly Restaurants

 
Cheers to free BBQ kids' fare! Photo courtesy of Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Multiple Day Deals Where Kids Eat Free 

14. Dickey's Barbecue Pit – Various Locations

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers one free kids' meal for those 12 and under on Sundays, all day, with a $12 or more purchase per adult. The offer is dine-in only. Dickey's has over 60 locations in California, including Westlake Village, Woodland Hills, Pasadena, Whittier, Downey, Canyon Country, Long Beach, and Redondo Beach. 

15. Luna Grill — Various Locations

If a healthy Mediterranean meal hits the spot for your family, stop into a Luna Grill any school night (Monday to Thursday) from 4pm until closing for a free kid's meal with each purchased adult meal for kids ages 10 and under. That's a lot of organic hummus at more than 20 Southland locations. 

16. Haidilao — Century City

Kids meals are free at Haidilao, and they come with a toy. Also, kids will love the "dancing noodle" show, a signature feature of every dining experience at Haidilao, as well as the robot servers. 

17. Denny's — Various Locations 

Most Denny's franchises offer a kids-free deal at least one day a week. Make sure to call your local spot and ask for specific details, as not all franchises participate, and there may be menu restrictions. 

18. Chubby Cattle — Monterey Park 

At this unique Japanese steakhouse, kids between 39" and 51" eat for 50% off, while children under 39" can consume for free. 

19. Mendocino Farms — Various Locations 

Mendocino Farms Kids Eat Free deals vary by store. The Valencia location provides a free kids meal (no purchase necessary) with a coupon that can be acquired at a local Santa Clarita Library. Call your local restaurant to ask about any specific deals that they offer (one of our followers tipped off a deal at their Mendocino Farms on Thursdays!) 

20. Capriotti's — Valencia & Northridge 

Sign up for Capriotti's Rewards Program, and receive a free kids grilled cheese with any sandwich order. Guests are limited to 5 grilled cheese sandwiches per day, making this a very easy way to feed the kids while enjoying a delicious sub for yourself. 

21. Fogo de Chao — Various Locations

The tiniest diners, ages six and under, can enjoy their meal for free at Fogo de Chao if mom and dad order the Churrasco experience. Kids ages seven to 12 can get their meal for half price. 

22. Chili's — Various Locations 

Sign up for My Chili's Rewards to get emails and texts with Kids Eat Free coupons. Kids Eat Free deals require the purchase of an adult entree, and follow the specific parameters of the deal being offered via the rewards program. Make sure to read the fine print so you can cash in the deal correctly. 

Top photo via Bigstock. All others courtesy of the restaurant

Originally published August 17, 2011