Guide to Kids Eat Free in Des Moines

Getting out of the house for a meal can be a treat. Getting a free kids’ meal is an even bigger treat! Which Des Moines restaurants host ‘Kids Eat Free’ nights? And when? And which location? We have compiled a list of local and national restaurants with deals by day.

Many promotions are dine-in only, but several restaurants are also offering great family meal deals for carry-out. So whether you are dining out or getting it to go, there are budget-friendly options.

If we’ve missed one of your favorites, let us know! (Deals are subject to change, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm the deal, day, and location!)

Where Kids Eat Free in Des Moines

Monday

Spaghetti Works, Des Moines – Kids eat free all day Monday. Kids menu only, ages 11 and under.

IHOP, Ankeny – One child eats free with the purchase of each adult meal. (Deal is all-day long!)

The Chicken, Orilla – Kids eat free with any adult entree. 

Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday, Urbandale – Kids eat free from 5 p.m. to close. One free kid entree per adult entree.

Pizza Ranch, all Iowa locations – One child eats free per paying adult. (Mom tip: Sign up for a Ranch Rewards card to earn free dining!)

Sports Page, Ankeny – One free kids meal with each adult meal.

Fazoli’s, 3 locations – Three kids meals for 99¢ each for each adult entree purchased from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, Clive – Kids eat free with adult meal at regular price.

Denny’s, Clive – Kids eat free from 4-10 p.m. Ask your server for details.

Bennigans, Urbandale – Kids eat free with one kids meal with each purchase of an adult meal from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Perkins, all locations – Tuesdays kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal.

The Great Escape, Pleasant Hill – Kids eat free from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. One free kid entree with the purchase of an adult entree.

Wednesday

McDonalds – All metro locations offer reduced-price Happy Meals.

Applebee’s, all metro locations – Half-price kids meals all day.

Buffalo Wild Wings, all metro locations – $1.99 kids meals all day, drinks included.

Bass Pro Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill — Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree

Firehouse Subs – kids combos for 99¢ each for each adult medium sub combo purchased from 4 p.m. to close.
(kid combos include 12oz soft drink and rice krispie treat only)

Handlebar, Dallas Center – Kids eat free with adult meal purchase (dine-in only)

Mullets, Des Moines – Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree, all day.

Pepperjax Grill, Ankeny, Clive – Buy an entree and receive up to two half-off kid’s meals. Limit 1 offer per transaction.

Thursday

We don’t know of any Thursday kids’ specials. If you do, let us know!

Friday

We don’t know of any Friday kids’ specials. If you do, let us know!

Saturday

Z’Mariks Noodle Cafe, Clive – Kids eat free all day on Saturday. One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased.

Sunday

Central Standard, Waukee – Half-price kids meals all day.

The Longest Yard, Valley Junction – Kids eat free on Sunday. One kid’s meal per each paying adult.

Guadalajaras, Ankeny – Kids eat free with adult meal purchase, all day.

Mickey’s, Waukee – Kids eat free with adult meal, including breakfast! (dine-in only), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Range Restaurant, Urbandale – Kids eat free.

Los Charros, Ankeny – One kid eats free for each adult meal purchased, all day.

Special Family Deals of Note

Wahlburgers, multiple locations – Kids eat free every day with the purchase of an adult entree.

Kids eat free from the salad bar every day of the week at Rube’s Steakhouse in Waukee.

All dine-in kid’s meals are $1.99 every day at McAlister’s Deli in Des Moines and West Des Moines. (Beverages not included.)

This post was originally posted in 2018 but has been updated.