How to Save Money When Dining out With Kids

All parents have one of those days that leaves them feeling unmotivated and lacking the energy necessary to cook, serve and clean up a meal. It's those nights that lead parents to pile the kids in the car and head to a restaurant. While this is certainly convenient, it isn't always easy on the pocketbook. Kids' meals are less expensive than adult meals, but with drinks and your meals, the bill can certainly add up to a staggering total. Don't give up eating out, though, because there are ways to trim the total and make a meal out more feasible for your bottom line.

Instructions

    • 1

      Call your favorite restaurants and ask about their kids-eat-free deals. Many family chain restaurants offer free kids meals one night per week. If your visit to the restaurant coincides with that day, you'll save money by not having to pay for the food your children eat. As an added bonus, you can take home any leftovers and your children can eat them for lunch the next day.

    • 2

      Use coupons. Many restaurants offer online coupons that you can print out and use to save a few dollars. The newspaper often has coupons for restaurants in their coupon inserts, as well. Join restaurant loyalty programs, too. These can get you certain deals, such as a free meal on your birthday or free appetizers, which can also save you some cash.

    • 3

      Share meals. If your children are small and don't finish an entire kids meal, order just one to split between two children. Apply the same idea to you and your partner. Choose a large meal that you could share between the two of you. Splitting meals can cut your total bill in half.

    • 4

      Order water. You can cut several dollars off your total eating out bill if everyone sticks to drinking water instead of a beverage such as a soda or juice.

    • 5

      Time your visit to the restaurant, if you can. If you go to a restaurant that offers half-price appetizers during certain hours, you can save a good deal of cash if you and your partner order an appetizer as your meal.

    • 6

      Opt for fast food. Fast-food restaurants are a good choice if your children are starving and are likely to have a meltdown before the food arrives, but they are usually cheaper than sit down restaurants, too. You can save even more money by asking everyone in your family to choose their meal from the value menu. You won't need to tip either, which can save you a few extra dollars.

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