Cost effective ways to dine out with children

Image attribution: Paul Glazzard, CC BY-SA 2.0

There are plenty of ways to dine out with kids without breaking the bank. These frugal methods for dining out can make interesting, and sometimes educational outings as well as affordable or free food. Frugal ways to dine out with kids can also be part of a daily activity that brings family or friends together to share experiences, entertainment and food.

• Kids eat free restaurants

For those who still like to go to restaurants when dining out with kids, kids eat free restaurants might be just the thing. According to Frugal Living, there are many kids eat free restaurants for parents and adults to choose from when dining out with kids. Among these restaurants listed by Frugal Living are select franchises of Applebees, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cinzetti's and quite a few others.

• Promotional dinner seminars

Sometimes promotional seminars also offer free dinner. This can be  a useful way to introduce children to the adult world of finance while also getting them a free dinner. For example, the Better Business Bureau of Louisville, Kentucky mentions many investment planners and estate planners offer free lunches or dinners to potential clients. If kids are actually interested in the topic of the seminar, or if they warm up to the idea of the seminar, the meal can be that much better.



• Church dinners

Churches also offer free dinners alongside specific church events per the Salisbury Post. These events might require kids and adults to attend a church service, parish meeting or community sponsored event, but can also be a frugal source of dinner. For those parents looking to introduce their children to life among church goers, a free church dinner might be just the thing. What's more these types of dinners are not necessarily limited to one faith only.

• Hunting pot luck

Another frugal way to dine out with kids is at hunting events such as hunting pot lucks. At these events, newly acquired game and wildlife becomes the main dish after a day of venturing outside amongst ducks, deer, turkey, rabbit or even fish. If hunting is your thing, hunting pot lucks are a way to teach kids about the activity while spending quality time with them and following up with a hearty meal.

• Food holidays and birthdays

If a kid can't get a free meal or discount on his birthday, a national food holiday might be just the thing. Food holidays are promotional holidays that promote a specific type of food at discounts or free. For example, on March 1, 2011, the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) offered free pancakes for National Pancake day.  If pancakes aren't the right type of food, there are plenty other food holidays that might contribute to a frugal outing with the kids.