Eating out at family restaurants in Orlando can get expensive fast, especially if you’re anywhere near the theme parks or tourist corridors. As a local parent, I’ve learned the hard way that “family-friendly” doesn’t always mean budget-friendly. But if you know where to look, there are still plenty of cheap places to eat in Orlando where kids are happy and the bill doesn’t sting.

Every spot on this list offers kid-approved meals under $10, and is a place locals actually recommend. You’ll find classic comfort food, international flavors, quick bites, and a few “weird but fun” picks your kids will remember.

Good local food at even better prices. 

Free things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth—what? Yup, you heard that right!

When I moved to North Texas in 2013, I was blown away by the number of attractions, activities, tours, and events in DFW that cost absolutely nothing. Being a mom on a budget with two young kids meant I was constantly looking for ways to keep them engaged without putting stress on my wallet; I can say to this day, I haven't ever been disappointed when I look for affordable fun for my family in DFW. So save your cash for summer camps, theme parks, and Cowboys games, and take advantage of all the free things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth with kids.

The metroplex definitely lives up to that whole “everything is bigger in Texas” thing; even if you’ve lived here your entire life, we’re betting there are some boxes you haven’t checked when it comes to family fun in Dallas-Fort Worth. So scroll through this list, make your plans, and have a blast, ya’ll!

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Where Can Families Eat Well for Cheap in Los Angeles? 

I always say that my favorite restaurant is the one I've never been to, but as a mom of four, eating out can get really expensive, really fast. Even a trip to Chick-fil-A can run around $65 if we let our growing boys go all-in with a Chicken Sandwich meal. Many families opt to eat at home when their kids start to get older, and the dinner bill increases, but my husband and I are dedicated adventure diners. So, when we do get out to try a new spot, and the kiddos are with us, cheap eats are our jam! 

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite affordable restaurants for kids in Los Angeles. These hidden gems are tried and true; spots that my kids love, and our bank account loves even more. You'll encounter some local favorites and some awesome, offbeat finds (one of these restaurants is actually run by robots). Read on for some of the best budget eats in Los Angeles. 

Where Can Families Eat Well for Cheap in DC?

Eating out as a family can get pricey fast—especially in a city like Washington, DC. So when I told people I was compiling a list of spots in the DC area where you can get a meal for under $10, many people insisted it would be impossible.

But some of my fellow local parents know otherwise. They came through with hidden gems and local favorites where everyone can eat well without breaking the bank. Along with some of my own family's favorite restaurants, I came up with a baker's dozen (like my food reference?) cheap places to eat in DC. Every spot listed has kid-approved cheap eats under $10 (and not just off the kids menu!) and has been tried and tested. The list includes both well-known local favorites and offbeat finds.

Want to save even more money? Check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids. Find more affordable restaurants for kids and families—as well as some splurgeworthy ones—in our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.

The best things in life are free, especially with kids. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up dozens of the best free things to do with kids throughout Westchester. My family and I have had a great time at many of these, and there are free activities suited to different seasons and different ages. 

From outdoor adventures and museum access to STEM fun and seasonal excursions, and from Mount Vernon to the Catskills, there are plenty of activities to please every interest. Be sure to bookmark this for year-round reference—your family will never be bored (or broke) again!

Keep tabs on our Westchester and Hudson Valley Family Activity Calendar, which is always loaded with free (and low-cost) activities for all ages, and check out our Local Guide to Free Fun Things To Do.

Eating out with the family is always a fun adventure, but it can get pricey very quickly, so we've rounded up a list of affordable restaurants that won't break the bank.

Many of these hidden gems are local favorites, parent-tested, and promise to be family-friendly fun for all. The menus have kid-approved options that come in under $10 for a delicious meal on a budget. 

My family's favorite cheap-but-great meal spots include places like Pizza Village in Montauk and Williston Townhouse Diner, both of which do an amazing job of catering to young eaters. Read on for other hand-picked spots, which include Mexican food, bagels, burgers, and some hidden gems you'll only find on Long Island. For more affordable, fun activities, check out our Guide to Free Things to Do on Long Island with Kids. 

Some of our favorite places in NJ, from free zoos to museums, are fabulously free. And we're not just talking about one or two places. There are tons of free things to do in New Jersey with kids, which just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great day.

Read on for 100 free family activities and events in NJ that we've hand-picked and tested out with our family. 

Looking for even more options? Be sure to check out our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids, too. Note that some venues are run by volunteers, so donations are appreciated.