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Happy little girl eating an ice cream cone
Golfcuk/istockphoto

Dinner with kids can be struggle, whether it’s having the time to prepare a healthy meal at home or getting them to actually eat anything. Many restaurants in the Baltimore area offer a break, allowing kids to eat free or cheaply on certain days or all week long. Check out our list of the top spots to grab a bite in Baltimore with kids in tow. Be sure to check with the restaurant first to verify the promotion, and also be mindful of age, time, and menu restrictions. If you’re looking for options beyond the Baltimore area, see our nationwide list of 50 places where kids eat free.

CARSON’S CREEKSIDE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Cliff K./yelp.com
1110 Beech Dr.Middle River, 21220

(410) 238-0080

When: Every dayAges: 5 and underDetails: Kids 5 and under always eat free at Carson’s Creekside with a paying adult. They can choose anything from the kids’ menu, and meals include a beverage.

FOGO DE CHÃO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Fogo De Chão
Evelina S./yelp.com
600 E. Pratt St.Baltimore, 21202

(410) 528-9292

When: Every dayAges: 6 and under (7-12 half price)Details: Children 6 and under can enjoy the full churrasco (all-you-can-eat meat and salad bar) for free every day, while children ages 7 to 12 are half price.

IHOP, NOTTINGHAM AND TOWSON

Little boy eating pancakes at IHOP
IHOP/facebook.com
7925 Belair RoadNottingham, 21236

(410) 661-3183

6820 Loch Raven Blvd.Towson, 21286(410) 769-8400

When: Every day 4-8 p.m.Ages: 12 and underDetails: Children can choose from a variety of kids’ menu items including pancakes, grilled cheese, and more. The meal is free with purchase of an adult entree.

FRIENDLY’S

Friendly’s/yelp.com

Many locations in the Baltimore area.

When: Monday to Wednesday 4 p.m. to closeAges: Not specifiedDetails: All kids’ meals are half price with the purchase of any adult entree at participating Friendly’s locations in the Baltimore area. Each kids’ meal comes with an entree, beverage, and ice cream. That’s sure to make the kids happy.

SILVER SPRING MINING CO. RESTAURANT

Silver Spring Mining Co.
Silver Spring Mining Co. Hunt Valley/facebook.com

Many locations in the Baltimore area.

When: Monday to WednesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: At all Silver Spring Mining Co. locations, kids eat for half price on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Kids’ menu options include baby back ribs, chicken tenders, cheese pizza, and more. All meals come with a drink and choice of side.

BASTA PASTA, PERRY HALL

Basta Pasta
Karen C./yelp.com
9629 Belair RoadNottingham, 21236

(410) 513-7971

When: MondayAges: Not specifiedDetails: Take the family out for pasta, pizza, and seafood at Basta Pasta. While kids eat free, parents can simultaneously take advantage of half off wines all night on Mondays.

LOTSA STONE FIRED PIZZA

Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza
Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza (Towson, MD)/facebook.com
319 York RoadTowson, 21204

(410) 705-4400

When: MondayAges: 12 and underDetails: Every Monday, you can get one free kids’ meal with purchase of an adult entree valued at $5.29 or more at Lotsa. Like most kids-eat-free deals, this promotion is offered in-store only, so treat the kids to a pizza night out.

IKEA

Ikea in Baltimore
Quin A./yelp.com

8352 Honeygo Blvd.Nottingham, 21236(888) 888-4532

When: TuesdayAges: 12 and underDetails: Get two free kids’ meals at Ikea with purchase of one adult entree. Go with the classic Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a true Ikea experience.

VERDE PIZZA

Margherita pizza from Verde
Verde/facebook.com

641 S. Montford Ave.Baltimore, 21224(410) 522-1000

When: WednesdayAges: 10 and underDetails: What’s better than pizza? Free pizza. On Wednesdays, kids 10 and under can get a free Margherita pizza at Verde.

CHARLES VILLAGE PUB & PATIO

Charles Village Pub Towson
Charles Village Pub Towson/facebook.com

19 W. Pennsylvania Ave.Towson, 21204(410) 821-8155

When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Ages: Not specifiedDetails: It’s hard to find a spot with a kids-eat-free deal on the weekends, but at Charles Village Pub, kids eat free during the day with a paying adult. (A noteworthy special for adults: brunch with bottomless Bloody Marys, mimosas, and select draft beer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

THE STILL PUB & RESTAURANT

The Still
An Poitin Stil – The Still Timonium/facebook.com

2323 York Rd.Lutherville-Timonium, 21093(410) 560-7900

When: Sunday 4-10 p.m.Ages: 12 and underDetails: The purchase of one adult entree earns one free kids’ meal at The Still. Kids can choose from grilled cheese, mini shepherd’s pie, cheeseburgers, and more. Each meal comes with a side and a drink.

Meet the Writer

Anna Christakos is a web producer and writer in Austin, TX. Dubbed The Frugaler” by her husband