Kids eat free (or really cheap): find out where in Midland

The big picture: Feeding a family can add up quickly, and eating out often feels out of reach with rising restaurant prices. Fortunately, several Midland restaurants have decided to make dining out a little easier on the wallet. Here’s a list of local spots where kids eat free (or really cheap). All offers apply at Midland locations.

• IHOP: Kids eat free every day at IHOP between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Families receive one free kids’ meal with each adult entrée purchased. The deal applies to children 12 and under and covers most kids’ menu items.

• Dickey’s: On Sunday nights, kids eat free at Dickey’s. After 4 p.m., any purchase of $12 or more gets you a free kids’ meal, no adult entrée required. The deal also works online. Add $12 worth of favorites and a kids’ meal, then enter promo code KIDSB2S at checkout. The offer applies to kids 12 and under.

• Outback Steakhouse: On Mondays, kids eat free at Outback Steakhouse. The kids’ eat-free deal is available all day with the purchase of an adult entrée for each free kids’ meal. This restaurant also includes an online addition, use promo code: JOEYFREE at checkout for a free Joey Meal. This deal applies to children ages 10 and under.

• Blue Sky: On Tuesdays, two kids eat for only $1.99 at Blue Sky with an adult entrée purchase. While not completely free, $1.99 still offers real savings on a dual kids meal at Blue Sky, which typically costs $5.99 per meal. This deal applies to kids 12 and under.

• Denny’s: On Thursday nights, kids eat free at Denny’s. This deal is valid from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Families can enjoy up to two free kids’ meals with one adult entrée purchase. This deal applies to kids ages 10 and under.

• Cici’s Pizza: While not completely free, Cici’s offers a buffet experience that’s hard to beat. Kids under 3 eat for $1.99, and those ages 4–10 pay just $5.99 for unlimited pizza, sides, salad, and dessert. Adults can also enjoy the buffet for $5.99 through December 2025. Typically $9.99 per person, and with no adult purchase required.

• Rosa’s Cafe: Taco Tuesday might not come with a kids’ discount, but it’s still a budget-friendly option for parents. A three-taco plate runs $6.59, and Rosa’s variety of Tex-Mex dishes ensures even picky eaters find something to love.

• Café at the Gardens: With all that saving on family meals, you can treat yourself to a night out. While Café at the Gardens doesn’t offer kids’ discounts, it’s a perfect date-night spot. On Thursday evenings from spring through early fall, live musicians perform among the lush greenery, creating a relaxing, romantic atmosphere to unwind and dine.

If the situation is more severe than discounts, this list, compiled by the City of Midland, provides resources to help families find local food and assistance programs in your community.