Did those words just make you sit up a little straighter in your chair? Does the thought of going out to eat (and hence, NOT cooking tonight) make you sing a little song inside, only to have it silenced by the thought of how much it costs to take your family to dinner at a restaurant? Well, go ahead and sing a happy tune, my friends, because this post is all about feeding your kids on the cheap.
I enjoy cooking. I really do. Most of the time. But if it’s been a long day, and/or the fridge is a little on the empty side because I haven’t made the weekly run to Trader Joe’s, it’s time to go out to dinner. And frankly, our kids like us a whole lot better on those nights because they LOVE to go out to eat. Hand them a color-me placemat, a little box of crayons and a bottomless lemonade and we’re golden. Of course, when kids’ meals run around $5-$7 each, that adds up pretty fast. And so, the hunt for free food begins.
First stop: my friend Google, where I’ve found a couple of helpful websites that list which restaurants have free kids nights and are even kind enough to organize them by day of the week. Try kidseatfor.com, mykidseatfree.com, and azkidseatfree.com. Be aware that offers change often and that there are sometimes rules to the deals, like the kids’ meals are free with the purchase of an adult meal. One of our local favorites is NYPD Pizza, where kids eat free on Wednesdays and the kids’ meal includes a sundae. Mom and Dad are heroes!
I also keep a bulletin board that is covered in coupons. 15% off at Yogurtology is worth sifting through the junk mail.
Another way to save at restaurants is to use restaurant.com, where you can buy gift cards/certificates to restaurants at a discount. The discount is usually at least 50%, but there is a minimum purchase required, the weekends may be excluded, and then you’re locked in to going to that restaurant. But if you know you love a particular restaurant, buying a $25 gift card for $10 is a great deal, even if you have to buy 5 of them. Give one to a girlfriend or new mom who needs dinner out in the worst way–she’ll be eternally grateful.
You can also buy restaurant gift cards at a discount at Costco. Right now they have Fox Restaurant cards at a discount of about 20%. Of course, if we’re going to North, the kids aren’t coming.
How about you? Where have you found the best deals for eating out? Best service that puts up with squirrelly kids? Post your comments!
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Stephanie Carpenter is a wife and mom to three kids ages 5-10. She is blessed to stay at home and be a “full-time” mom but dabbles in all sorts of creative projects on the side. She is a trained graphic designer, fiercely loyal friend, and fashion enthusiast…on a budget. Please talk with her about the latest ready-to-wear collections from fashion week, or vegetable gardening in the Valley. In her bio photo she is looking at the best thing in her life: her husband.
