Restaurants where kids can eat on the cheap

It’s no secret that kids are expensive — and keeping them full is one of the biggest costs parents face.

So how about a break every once in a while? If you want to take your family out without busting the budget, here are some restaurants where kids eat free, or close to it!

Important note: Offers may vary by location, so make sure to check with your local establishment for the details. Firehouse Subs Firehouse offers a wide variety of hot subs, cold subs, calorie-conscious subs, salads and more. Plus, on top of supporting first responders, the sub shop offers kids a free drink and Rice Krispy Treat.

Applebee’s

Each Applebee’s franchise determines the details of its kid-friendly discounts and offers — with some offering free kids meals with the purchase of an entree by an adult, while others offer kids menu items for under $1.99. Check your local Applebee’s for details.

Denny’s

Enjoy breakfast for dinner or a variety of other meals at Denny’s, and if you want to get the best bang for your buck, head there on a Tuesday between 4 and 10 p.m., when your kids eat free. Ruby Tuesday

Well, this one makes sense… Every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to close, Ruby Tuesday offers free kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree.

IHOP

Not only has IHOP brought back its all-you-can-eat pancakes deal, but it also offers kids-eat-free deals every day from 4 to 9 p.m. The offer is available at different times at participating locations, so check with your local IHOP ahead of time. Fuddruckers

On Mondays from 4 to 9 p.m., kids 12 and under eat for just 99 cents.

Steak ‘n Shake

If you’re looking for a deal on the weekend, Steak ‘n Shake offers a free kids meal with every $9 purchase on Saturdays and Sundays. O’Charley’s

The popular sitdown chain offers one free kids meal (for those 10 and younger) with the purchase of an adult entree all day every day. Dickie’s Barbecue Pit The famous BBQ restaurant lets kids eat free on Sundays with a $10 purchase from an adult. The offer is only good for dine-in only and children must be age 12 and under.

Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen

Not free, but nearly: At Captain D’s if you buy a regular-priced dinner, children can eat for 99 cents.