🍽️ Feed the crew for less
Kids eat free in SoCal
Curated by Punita Patel
Denny's
Every dayDiner · Most SoCal locations
Up to 2 free kids meals per adult entrée ($6+), dine-in, 4–10pm
Officially a 7-day 4–10pm offer for kids 10 & under, but Denny's is franchised, so hours and participation vary and drinks may cost extra. Confirm with your local restaurant first.
Golden Corral
Every day (ages 3 & under)Buffet · Most SoCal locations
Kids 3 & under eat free with a paying adult; discounted buffet for older kids
Only the under-3 free deal is standard every day; some locations run separate Kids Night or weekend-breakfast promos that vary. Dine-in; confirm current specials.
Coco's Bakery
TuesdaysAmerican diner · Most SoCal locations
Up to 2 free kids meals per adult entrée, 11am–close
California-based chain; Tuesday kids-eat-free is widely advertised (some spots add a free slice of pie other days). Varies by location — confirm before you go.
Marie Callender's
TuesdaysAmerican / comfort · Most SoCal locations
1 free kids meal (12 & under) per adult entrée; kids also get a free slice of pie
Mostly California locations; some also offer it Saturdays. Terms vary by franchise, so call the specific restaurant to verify.
Ruby's Diner
TuesdaysDiner / American · Most SoCal locations
1 free kids meal (12 & under) per adult entrée, 4pm–close (Family Night)
Long-running Tuesday Family Night at California Ruby's Diner locations. Valid at participating locations only — confirm with your local diner.
Black Bear Diner
TuesdaysDiner / American · Select locations
Free kids meal with an adult entrée (evenings)
Tuesday is the common kids-eat-free night, but locations are franchised and participation varies. Confirm with your local Black Bear Diner.
Ruby Tuesday
Tue & FriAmerican / grill · Select locations (Buena Park, Long Beach, Simi Valley)
Free kids meal (12 & under) per full-priced adult entrée; dine-in
Tuesdays after 5pm and all day Friday; only a few SoCal locations remain. Not valid with other daily deals — confirm before going.
IHOP
Select nights (often Mon–Thu)Breakfast / diner · Select locations
1 free kids meal per full-priced adult entrée, dine-in, typically 4–10pm
No permanent nationwide policy — it runs as a promotion at participating franchised locations for kids 12 & under. Always call ahead to confirm the deal and nights.
Fuddruckers
Varies (often Mon &/or Tue)Burgers · Select locations
Kids meal free or $0.99 with an adult meal, typically evenings
No standing nationwide policy; kids-eat-free/cheap nights are set per franchise. Only a handful of CA locations, so call your nearest one to confirm.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Wednesdays (Family Night)American · Most SoCal locations
Free build-your-own sundae with any kids entrée (a free-dessert deal, not a free meal)
This is a free-dessert-with-kids-meal deal, not a free entrée, for guests 12 & under. Terms can vary by location — confirm before going.
Deals change — if you spot one that's ended or a new one we're missing, let us know and we'll update the list.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do kids eat free in Southern California?
Several family chains with SoCal locations run kids-eat-free (or kids-eat-cheap) deals: Denny's (daily, 4–10pm), Coco's, Marie Callender's and Ruby's Diner (Tuesdays), Black Bear Diner (Tuesdays), Ruby Tuesday (Tue & Fri), IHOP (select nights), and Lazy Dog (a free sundae on Wednesday Family Night). Golden Corral lets kids 3 & under eat free every day. Because these are franchised, always confirm with your specific local restaurant first — this guide lists the typical night and terms so you know what to ask for.
What night is 'kids eat free' at most SoCal restaurants?
Tuesday is by far the most common kids-eat-free night — Coco's, Marie Callender's, Ruby's Diner and Black Bear Diner all typically run it on Tuesdays. Denny's is the exception, offering it every day from 4–10pm. Wednesday is Lazy Dog's Family Night (a free sundae with a kids meal).
Are these kids-eat-free deals guaranteed?
No — and that's the honest truth. Almost every one of these chains is franchised, which means individual locations set their own participation, nights, hours and age limits, and deals change without much notice. Treat this as a 'call ahead and ask' list, not a guarantee. Most deals also require a paid adult entrée and are dine-in only.
How can I find cheap family meals in SoCal beyond kids-eat-free?
Look for 'kids eat cheap' ($0.99 kids meals), early-bird specials, and happy-hour menus, and check our Eat Local directory of independent family-friendly restaurants sorted by distance. Farmers markets are also a great low-cost family meal — grab-and-go food plus produce.