Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar (Parlin, NJ)
Dinner with a side of knife-juggling and food tossing- don’t try this at home! Eating at Arirang is an event. While the kids will love the entertainment, parents will love the free meals. On Monday and Tuesday nights, kids under 10 eat free with an adult meal of $17 or more. The dinner menu contains a full selection of Hibachi dishes and sushi, while the kid’s menu features bento boxes and hibachi options. 732-525-3551.

Stage House Tavern (Somerset, NJ)
Chow down on American and barbeque cuisine on Wednesdays when kids under 12 eat free after 4pm. Adult entrees include ribs, pizzas and sandwiches while burgers, pizza and grilled cheese are found on the children’s menu. On a nice night, enjoy patio seating. 732-873-3990.

Buffalo Wild Wings (Watchung, NJ)
If your family loves wings, drop by Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesday night for free kids meals. The sports-bar type menu includes a wide assortment of boneless and traditional wings, plus other comfort-type grub. Kids can select from wings, burgers, nuggets and corn dogs. Please note that the free kid promotion is not offered at all locations. 908-222-9464.

Brother Jimmy’s BBQ (New Brunswick, NJ)
Kids eat free any night of the week at this energetic sports bar/pub. For every $15 adult meal purchased, kids 12 and under can choose from hotdogs, burgers and barbeque sandwiches. Brother Jimmy’s serves up barbeque favorites and Southern specialties, like ribs, chicken and pulled pork. For a unique side, munch on a frickle (fried pickle). 732-249-7427.

Willie McBride’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Branchburg,NJ)
Bring the family to this lively, traditional Irish pub on Sunday nights, and the kids meals are free. The extensive menu features entrees like shepherd’s pie and fish ‘n chips while kids can select reliable burgers and pizza. Live Irish music and big-screen televisions add to the fun, family atmosphere. 908-722-1113.

Denny’s (multiple NJ locations)
Tuesday night is kids-eat-free night at most Denny’s locations. Load up on comfort food or breakfast for dinner, and the kids can dine on mac and cheese, French toast, spaghetti or other kid staples. In an attempt to push nutrition, Denny’s incorporates fruit or veggies into the kids’ meals.
IHOP (multiple NJ locations)
Pancakes for dinner! The smiley face ones are my kids’ top pick. Many IHOPs throughout Central New Jersey offer free kids meals on various nights of the week, depending on location. Both kids and adults can opt for breakfast dishes, like pancakes and eggs, or diner-type burgers and sandwiches. Call your local branch for free meal details.