Two years ago I wrangled up the Iowa City area restaurants that offer a kids’ day/night where kids eat free or cheaper. Since then, some restaurants have closed and others have stopped offering free/cheap kids’ meals. My family and I still eat out quite a bit, and since I, too, referenced the list frequently, I figured it was time to update it!
Please note: specials are subject to change at anytime. Please double check with individual restaurants to be sure specials are valid.
Kids Eat Free (or cheap) in Iowa City
Monday
Old Chicago
When: Mondays 4 p.m.- close
What: 1 FREE kids’ meal with purchase of an adult meal
Texas Roadhouse
When: Mondays 5-7 p.m.
What: Ice cream sundae bar and arts & crafts
Bonus: Offers call-ahead seating
Village Inn (Iowa City & Coralville locations)
When: Mondays and Tuesdays
What: Kids 10 and under eat FREE with adult entree
Zio Johno’s (North Liberty location)
When: Mondays
What: Kids eat FREE
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Tuesday
Applebee’s
When: Tuesdays
What: ½ price kids’ meals
Chili’s
When: Tuesdays
What: Kids eat FREE
Hy-Vee Market Grille (all locations)
When: Tuesdays
What: Kids eat FREE
Perkins
When: Tuesdays 4-10 p.m.
What: Kids eat FREE
Pizza Hut
When: Tuesdays 5-8 p.m.
What: 1 FREE kids’ buffet per adult buffet
Pizza Ranch (Iowa City and North Liberty locations)
When: Tuesdays 5:00-8:00
What: 1 FREE kids’ meal with adult entree
Village Inn (Iowa City & Coralville locations)
When: Mondays and Tuesdays
What: Kids 10 and under eat FREE with adult entree
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Wednesday
Frida Kahlo (Solon)
When: Wednesdays
What: Kids eat FREE
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Thursday
Casa Azul
When: Thursdays
What: Kids eat FREE with purchase of adult meal
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Friday
Coral Ridge Family Fun Night
When: Last Friday of every month 5-8 p.m.
What:
- Charley’s Philly Steaks – FREE kids’ meal with adult combo
- Chik-fil-A – FREE activity with purchase of kids meal
- Panda Express – FREE kids’ meal with adult combo
- Sarku Japan – FREE kids’ meal with adult combo
- Villa Pizza – FREE kids’ meal with adult combo
- Mellow Mushroom
- 2 kids 10 and under eat FREE with 1 adult entrée
- 3 kids 10 and under eat FREE with 2 adult entrees OR large specialty pizza
Bonus:
- FREE admission to ice arena
- FREE admission to Iowa Children’s Museum
- FREE carousel rides
Note: you may have to ask for free kids’ meals at the participating restaurants
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Saturday
Steak N Shake
When: Saturday and Sunday, all day
What: Kids eat FREE with an $8 purchase, drink not included
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Sunday
Flannigan’s
When: Sundays
What: Kids eat FREE (you can also get a free plate of fresh fruit for the littles, just ask if your server doesn’t automatically bring it)
Bonuses: Free popcorn and great adult entrée specials
Steak N Shake
When: Saturday and Sunday, all day
What: Kids eat FREE with an $8 purchase, drink not included
Hu-Hot
When: All day, every day
What: Kids 3 and under eat FREE
Did we miss your favorite restaurant? Tell us in the comments below where you like to go for free or cheaper kids’ meals!
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Buffalo Wild Wings in Coralville does $1.99 kids meals on Wednesdays too!
Mellow Mushroom is Tuesdays, not Friday.
Z’Mariks Noodle Café – kids eat free on Saturdays.