Family dinner outings can add up quickly, but several restaurants across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia offer free options for children on select days. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school meal, a weekend brunch or a family dinner, these local spots make it easiest to enjoy a meal together without worrying about the cost. Make sure to check each restaurant’s current promotion before you visit, as offers may change.
Key takeaways on where kids eat free in the DMV
- The bigger picture: Promotions are available throughout the week with the most common occurring on Sunday and Monday.
- The details: Most promotions are offered for kids 12 and under, but be sure to check with the restaurant before visiting as details may change.
- The more you know: Options range from quick casual spots to full-service sit-down restaurants.
Restaurants in DC where kids eat free
Surfside
Bring the family to Surfside on Mondays after 5 p.m., when kids ages 12 and under eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal. The kids menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fish sticks, chicken tenders and salmon. Each meal is served with fruit and a choice of lemonade or apple juice.
What people are saying: “I ended up getting a kids meal–steak quesadillas, rice, fruit, and a drink–and honestly, it was perfect. Just the right portion to refuel without slowing me down, and everything was fresh and satisfying,” said one customer.
- Address: 4200 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, DC
- Best ages: 12 and under
- Cost expectation: Adult entrees range from $15.95 to $29.95
- Planning tip: Reservations are recommended for dine-in service.
- Deal day: Monday
Matchbox
Every Tuesday, Matchbox offers one free kids cheese pizza with the purchase of an adult entrée.
What people are saying: “This is a great family friendly option in Penn Quarter. We were looking for someplace that everyone in the family could find something to eat and this fit the bill. My son is obsessed with pepperoni pizza and their kids pizza is 10 inches which is a great size,” said a Yelp reviewer.
- Address: 521 8th St. SE. Washington, DC; 750 E St. NW, Washington, DC
- Best ages: 10 and under
- Cost expectation: $50 for a family meal
- Planning tip: Reservations are recommended during peak dinner hours.
- Deal day: Tuesday
Ambar
Children under 7 eat free at Ambar, while kids ages 7-12 receive 50% off their meal. The restaurant’s authentic Balkan menu offers a variety of options that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy.
What people are saying: “Great place to get some delicious food. My husband and I went here on vacation with our children and we loved it! The food is unique and delicious and the variety is great! We found enough food options for our kids to eat too,” said one customer.
- Address: 523 8th St. SE, Washington, DC
- Best ages: Under 7 free; 7 to 12 half price
- Cost expectation: Unlimited lunch starts at $33, brunch at $38 and dinner at $50 per person
- Planning tip: Reservations last for two hours and require full table participation.
- Deal day: Every day
Restaurants in Maryland where kids eat free
Tino’s Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
Every Wednesday, kids eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée of $15.95 or more at Tino’s. The family-run business dedicated children’s menu features pizza, pasta, ravioli, chicken fingers and more.
What people are saying: “Tino’s is fantastic and we eat there or get takeout from there at least once a week. The service cannot be beat, every single one of their servers is attentive and kind. The food is wonderful and our kids love it too. Our son is a super picky eater and he loves it there,” said one reviewer.
- Address: 8775 Centre Park Drive, Columbia
- Best ages: 12 and under
- Cost expectation: Adult entrées range from $12.95-$30.95
- Planning tip: Make a reservation if dining after 6 p.m.
- Deal day: Wednesday
Pinstripes
The second Saturday of the month means family time at Pinstripes where kids 12 and under eat free after 3 p.m. Note: This offer runs January through November.
What people are saying: “It was a pleasant event, food was very delicious. We had an amazing waiter. Kid friendly, fast service enjoyed a great evening with my family, certainly revisiting soon,” said one Yelp reviewer.
- Address: 11920 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda
- Best ages: 12 and under
- Cost expectation: Sandwiches range from $18-$21, entrées $21-$32 and pizzas and flatbreads $16-$24
- Planning tip: Weekends can be busy because of bowling and private events.
- Deal day: The second Saturday of the month
Restaurants in Virginia where kids eat free
Founding Farmers
During the weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, children ages 3 and under eat free, while kids ages 4-12 receive a discounted rate. Brunch runs every weekend from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and can be buffet style or seated.
What people are saying: “Founding Farmers always has a great selection of food choices! Vanessa was an excellent waitress. She was very helpful with my party of 5 which included three kids. She gave us great options for kids and was very attentive,” said a recent customer.
- Address: 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons; 1904 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston
- Best ages: 3 and under
- Cost expectation: $34.99 per adult; $15.50 for children ages 4-12
- Planning tip: Reservations are required for brunch.
- Deal day: Weekends
Inca Social
On Monday, kids ages 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Children’s dishes include chicken tenders and fries, cheese pasta and salchipapas.
What people are saying: “Great food! The kids’ chicken tender were cut like chicharron and so delicious. Arris con mariscos was like a paella. Fresh and crispy yucca. Lively and friendly ambiance. We loved this restaurant,” said one Yelp reviewer.
- Address: 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 2670 Avenir Place, Vienna
- Best ages: 12 and under
- Cost expectation: Appetizers range from $8.50-$12 and entrées from $14-$29
- Planning tip: The Vienna location offers two hours of free street parking.
- Deal day: Monday
Hard Times Cafe
On Sundays from 5-8 p.m. kids receive one free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. The dedicated kids’ menu includes favorites like dino nuggets, hot dogs, chili mac, and cheeseburgers.
What people are saying: “The food is excellent, superb service, very chill ambiance! And then if u like beer, sports and pool u got a monster pool hall in the back! I love this place, we bring our two kids here a lot, very family friendly in the main dining room.The chili recipe goes back to the 1890’s,” said one customer.
- Address: 1404 King St., Alexandria
- Best ages: 10 and under
- Cost expectation: Chili starts at $6.99 and burgers start at $8.29
- Planning tip: Street parking is available in front of the restaurant.
- Deal Day: Sunday
Lost Dog Café
Kids ages 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal every Sunday. Menu items include grilled cheese, pasta, ravioli, pita pizza and hot dogs.
What people are saying: “I love their pizza and sandwiches…Very kid friendly, always delicious and great delivery service,” said one reviewer.
- Address: 1690A Anderson Road, McLean
- Best ages: 12 and under
- Cost expectation: Sandwiches start at $12.75, pizza starts at $13.95 and pasta starts at $14.95
- Planning tip: Visit early on Sundays to avoid the lunch rush.
- Deal day: Sunday
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Copperwood Tavern
On Mondays from 6-9 p.m., diners can get one free kids’ menu item per adult entrée. Menu options include grilled cheese, burgers, macaroni and cheese, buttered noodles and grilled chicken.
What people are saying: “The food was great, everything we ordered was good, and the service was friendly and efficient. No complaints at all! It’s a solid go-to in Shirlington for good food and a comfortable atmosphere. Parking in the area can get a little tricky at times, but overall it’s a great experience every visit,” said one Yelp reviewer.
- Address: 4021 Campbell Ave., Arlington
- Best ages: 12 and under
- Cost expectation: Adult entrées range from $26-$52
- Planning tip: The promotion is available for dine-in guests only.
- Deal day: Monday
Cayla Gardner is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and a contributor to Washington Parent who covers local events, attractions and lifestyle topics. With a background in public relations and communications, she is passionate about creating engaging, useful content that helps readers discover the best their communities have to offer.
