Where Kids Can Eat for Free on the North Shore

Times are tough, and as a result, more families are eating in to save money. But let’s face it: Preparing meals for kids — three times a day, seven days a week — well, that’s tough, too. Luckily, many North Shore restaurants offer programs that allow your children to eat for free so you can take a break from the kitchen and still save some dough.

Here is the lowdown on some local eateries that offer free kid’s meals, including the times the specials are valid and the terms of each program:

Champps Americana, Lincolnshire and Skokie

The offer: Purchase an adult entree and your little champ will receive a free meal that includes a create-your-own sundae bar. And, with TVs at every turn, you might actually get to watch your favorite team score at this family friendly sports bar.

Age limit: Kids 12 years old and younger.

When: Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m.

 

Flatlander’s Restaurant and Brewery

The offer: Up to two eat free off the kid’s menu with the purchase of an adult entree and beverage, which might as well be one of the brewery’s signature ales.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

 

When: Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

 

Stir Crazy

 

The offer: With every adult entree purchased, kids eat free off an extensive children’s menu that includes stir fry for your little fry.

Age limit: Kids 10 and under.

When: Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 9:30 p.m.

 

Go Roma, Lincolnshire and Northbrook

 

The offer: Purchase an adult meal at this Italian eatery and your child’s free meal will include a cookie.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

 

When: Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

 

Sage Grille

 

The offer: Got a big brood? All your children can have a free meal off the kid’s menu with a paying adult at this upscale American bistro.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

When: Sunday, 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

 

 

Trax Tavern & Grill

 

The offer: Kids eat free with every adult meal purchase of $9.95 or more; a rooftop patio will add ambiance and fresh air during warmer months.

Age limit: Kids 10 and under.

 

When: Monday and Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.

 

Max & Erma’s

The offer: Buy an adult entree and your child will get a free meal off the kid’s menu, which has a build-your-own sundae bar and at least two drinks that include gummy worms.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

 

When: Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

 

Merle’s BBQ

 

The offer: Got triplets? Up to three eat for free with the purchase of one adult meal, and this kid’s menu offers ribs.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

 

When: Tuesday, 4:30 to 10 p.m.

 

 

Celtic Knot

The offer: Take your children to Evanston Public Library, then hop across the street to the Celtic Knot Public House, an Irish pub/restaurant where kids eat free with a paid adult.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

When: Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

 

Jason’s Deli

The offer: Purchase an adult entree and up to two kids eat free off the Jason’s Just-Right Kid’s Menu, which includes many organic items.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

When: Monday, 4 to 10 p.m.

 

 

Baja Fresh, Deerfield and Niles

The offer: Got a taste for Mexican food? Purchase an adult meal and your child can eat off the kid’s menu for free.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

When: Sunday and Monday, 4 to 9 p.m.

 

Denny’s, Highland Park, Vernon Hills, Gurnee and Arlington Heights

The offer: Two kids eat for free from the children’s menu when you buy an adult entree.

Age limit: Kids 10 and under.

 

When: Tuesday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

 

Steak ‘N Shake, Glenview, Gurnee and Evanston

The offer: This chain offers a free kid’s meal with each $8 order all weekend long.

Age limit: Kids 12 and under.

When: All day Saturday and Sunday. They don’t close!

 

Boston Market, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Glenview, Gurnee, Skokie and Park Ridge

The offer: An adult needs to spend only $6 to get two free kid’s meals. Purchase a family meal for $19.95 and receive up to four kid’s meals for free.

Age limit: Kids 14 and under.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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