It’s well-known that young children can be selective eaters. The challenge for parents and grandparents is to find establishments that cater to toddler habits and provide meals tailored to their often unadventurous tastes. Ideally, you want to end up at a place where kids can eat for free, saving both time and the hassle of dealing with uneaten meals.
Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar
What better way to delight your young Cardinals fan than with a trip to Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar? Nestled in Ballpark Village, this casual dining spot offers year-round service and hosts Family Night every Wednesday during the MLB offseason. On Family Night, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, and they can even meet Fredbird on select nights leading up to the season opener.
A St. Louis staple since 1974, The Pasta House serves up beloved Italian meals within a family-friendly setting, offering favorites like manicotti, chicken parmigiano, and roast beef. Even sweeter, kids under 12 can dine for free on Sundays, making it a fantastic choice to kick off the week.
Top family-friendly restaurants in St. Louis
Enjoy dining and play at Dogwood Social House, an engaging arcade bar and entertainment venue featuring bowling, darts, axe-throwing, and a full menu of casual dining favorites. Plus, on Wednesdays, kids can eat free with the purchase of a $10 game card.
Located in Belleville, Illinois, Eckert’s Country Restaurant is a perennial favorite known for its hearty menu. Whether you’re there to apple pick, attend a seasonal event, or simply to dine, visit on Thursdays when kids can eat free with an adult entree purchase.
Chesterfield’s popular venue, Main Event, keeps families returning with its Kids Eat Free event every Tuesday. You just need to order a menu item priced at $11.99 or more to enjoy a night filled with laser tag, virtual reality, mini-golf, and more.
For over 40 years, Syberg’s has been delighting both locals and visitors with iconic bar snacks like its renowned wings, St. Louis-style pizza, and seafood. Enjoy Family Night every Thursday from 5–8 p.m. with their special Kids Eat Free offer. With several locations throughout the metro area, you won’t have trouble finding one to make it home before bedtime.
Famous for its affordable modern furniture, diverse decor, and plenty of practical accessories, this Swedish superstore is popular for a reason. Not only is the experience enjoyable for kids—thanks to its maze-like layout filled with life-size displays— but IKEA’s cafeteria offers two kids’ meals for free on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entree.
Bonus: Steve’s Hot Dogs
Steve’s knows how to do hot dogs right. With locally sourced buns and regional ingredients, this menu is a must for hot dog lovers, as well as fans of brats, smashburgers, chili, fries, and more. And the cherry on top? Every Monday, kids can dine for just $2.99. While not entirely free, it’s tough to beat a meal for $2.99 in 2025.
