Restaurants that offer a free kids meal are business smart. They usually offer crayons and an activity sheet to keep young children occupied, which gives parents a chance to order a drink or an appetizer. The meals usually come with a dessert, which keeps kids busy at the table longer and gives parents a chance to order more food for themselves. And parents, who feel good about the few dollars they save on junior's meal, are inclined to order more for themselves.
Boston Market specializes in chicken but also has turkey, meatloaf and an abundance of sides; you can make a meal out of a few generous side orders. The restaurant (there are multiple locations around the state) offers a free kids' meal for ages 10 and younger. Kids also get cornbread and a drink; milk is one of the beverage choices.
bostonmarket.com
Denny's lets up to two kids eat free (ages 10 and under) with the purchase of an adult entree. The kids menu is limited to spaghetti or a cheeseburger. There are several in the state.
dennys.com
T.G.I.Fridays has an extensive kids menu, with six choices, including ribs, pizza, pasta and chicken. You can get healthy sides, from oranges to carrot sticks to salad, but the drink choices, of soda or water, do not include milk.
tgifridays.com
