To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox sign up for our newsletters, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our New Jersey Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

Note: Deals are current as of publication in January 2024; please confirm before dining out to avoid sticker shock. Complimentary meals come with the purchase of an adult meal unless otherwise noted. And, as one restaurant reminded us, please consider the normal price of a children's meal when tipping your server.

Local Eateries Where Kids Eat Free in New Jersey

Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar – Sayreville, Mountainside

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 love the entertainment, parents love the free meals. On Monday and Tuesday nights, kids 10 and under eat free with an adult meal. The dinner menu contains a full selection of Hibachi dishes and sushi, while the kids' menu features bento boxes and hibachi options. The offer is good for dine-in only.

RELATED: Themed Restaurants and Family-Friendly Interactive Dining Experiences in NJ

Nino's offers free eats for the kiddos on Mondays.

Nino's Coal Fired Grill – Toms River, Brick

Head down the shore for tasty pizza and other Italian favorites. Kids 10 and under eat free on Mondays with a regularly-priced adult entree.

Jalapeños Mexican Grille – Glen Rock

Delicious Mexican food is on tap at this Bergen County restaurant. Bring the kids on Sunday afternoons and evenings for free meals that include tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and burgers.

Rosalita's Roadside Cantina – Englishtown

Wednesday night is fiesta night at Rosalita's—kids 12 and under eat free from the kids' menu and can enjoy costumed characters. Adults can dine on fresh burritos, tacos, salads, and sizzling fajitas while the kids fill up on quesadillas, tacos, and burgers. Gluten-free options are available.

RELATED: Birthday Freebies for Kids: 60 Places to Nab Free Stuff

Leave your jammies on and have a casual breakfast at The Pop Shop.

The Pop Shop – Collingswood, Medford

Free meals and breakfast in PJs? We're in. Roll out of bed on Saturday mornings and head over to The Pop Shop for free breakfast from 8-10am.

The Station Bar & Grill – Garwood

It's not often that a restaurant offers free kids' meals on a Saturday, but The Station gives you something to look forward to on the weekend. The adult menu features a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, and other American favorites, and kids can choose from chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and other staples.

Willie McBride’s Irish Pub & Restaurant – Branchburg

Bring the family to this lively, traditional Irish pub on Sundays, and the kids' meals are free. The extensive menu features entrees like shepherd’s pie and fish 'n chips, while kids can select reliable favorites like burgers and pizza. Live Irish music and big-screen televisions add to the fun, family atmosphere.

RELATED: Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Liberty Science Center

Treat the kids to breakfast for dinner at IHOP. Photo by the author

Chain Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in New Jersey

IHOP – Multiple Locations

Pancakes for dinner! The smiley-face ones are my kids’ top pick. Many IHOPs throughout New Jersey offer free kids' meals every night, depending on location. Both kids and adults can opt for breakfast dishes, like pancakes and eggs, or diner-style burgers and sandwiches.

Denny’s – Multiple Locations

Tuesday night is a kids-eat-free night at most Denny’s locations (4-10 pm). Load up on comfort food or breakfast for dinner, and the kids can dine on mac and cheese, French toast, spaghetti, and other kid staples.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Multiple Locations

Kids' meals at Perkins include a lot of food! Choose a breakfast or dinner entree, such as a burger or pancakes, plus a side, drink, and dessert. Most locations have a designated kids-eat-free night.

IKEA – Elizabeth

Spend your money on shopping, not on the food! Kids eat free on all Federal holidays. One adult entree needs to be purchased per up to two kids free entrees.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants. 

This article is regularly updated.