Half term is approaching which means the kids are home! For those looking for ways to spend some quality time together without leaving the house, check out our list of best indoor activities. Try making homemade playdough, plant an indoor herb garden, or get your kids into the kitchen with our children-friendly cooking recipes or easy baking recipes to channel their inner MasterChef!
While some families might opt to head out on a short trip to a nearby city, costs can add up quickly during the break. Eating out is always a great way to treat your loved ones this half-term but we know budgets can be tight. For those on the hunt for a good deal, check out this list of restaurants, cafés, and high street favourites across the UK that are offering kids-eat-free meals. We’ve also thrown in a few £1 or less spots for good measure.
Where to find kids-eat-for-free deals?
1. Where: Zizzi
When: 20 October to 2 November
Perfect for pizza and pasta lovers, Zizzi is treating Zillionaires’ Club members (just download the app) to free Bambini meals for children under 12 when an adult orders a main. They can also try the new candy floss sundae – just show your club code when paying.
2. Where: YO! Sushi
When: Ongoing
Add a bit of excitement to lunchtime at YO! Sushi. For every £10 spent by an adult, one child can tuck into a free bento box from the kids’ menu: think beef teriyaki, chicken ramen, or prawn katsu. The offer is available Monday to Friday during local school holidays for dine-in only.
3. Where: Angus Steakhouse
When: Ongoing
Little ones (aged eight and under) can dine free from midday until 5pm when accompanied by an adult ordering a main course. The children’s menu features comforting classics such as mac & cheese, fish & chips, chicken tenders, and spaghetti & meatballs to keep even picky eaters happy.
4. Where: Las Iguanas (select locations)
When: 16-20 February
Bring the kids along for a mini holiday fiesta this half-term at Las Iguanas. Little diners can enjoy a main, dessert and drink for free when an adult orders a main meal. Their Latin-inspired menu items range from juicy burgers and cheesy quesadillas to their Bahian curry for more adventurous eaters.
5. Where: Beefeater and Brewers Fayre
When: School holidays
Start your day the right way with a hearty all-you-can-eat breakfast, available from 6:30am-10:30am on weekdays and 7-11am on weekends. For every adult breakfast purchased at £10.99, up to two kids under 16 eat for free. Menu items include a freshly cooked full English, a wide spread of continental favourites, and unlimited tea, coffee, and juice.
6. Where: Gordon Ramsay Restaurants (select locations)
When: Ongoing
Treat the family to a meal to a special meal out. Children 10 and under receive a free main from the Ramsay Kids menu when an adult orders two courses from the à la carte menu, including a main. The offer is available daily at some restaurants, and weekdays only at others so check before booking.
7. Where: Franco Manca (select locations)
When: Ongoing
In the mood for some fresh, Neapolitan sourdough pizza? From Monday to Thursday, children under 12 can enjoy a free pizza when accompanied by an adult ordering a full-priced main. The deal is valid for dine-in only at select branches so it’s worth checking ahead before heading out.
8. Where: Bill’s
When: 16-20 February
At Bill’s, up to two children eat free all day with the purchase of any adult main, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Young diners will also take home a limited-edition colouring book, making it a fun and affordable family outing.
9. Where: Pizza Hut
When: Ongoing
For a family pizza night, enter code KEF for one free kids buffet per £9.99 spent at Pizza Hut Restaurants. After 3pm, the same code gets you a free kids meal deal. The offer is valid for dine-in only, all day, every day.
10. Where: Dunelm Pausa Cafes
When: Ongoing
A trip to Dunelm can end with a treat for the kids, who eat free when an adult spends at least £4. The deal includes a main, drink, and two snacks, making it a convenient pit stop for families out shopping.
11. Where: Bella Italia (select locations)
When: Ongoing
From Sunday to Thursday throughout half term, children can enjoy three courses and a drink on the house when an adult orders a main. The menu caters for ages two to 11, with Italian favourites sure to please.
12. Where: ASK Italian
When: 8-22 February (except 14 February 5pm onwards)
Download the ASK Perks rewards app to unlock a code for free kids’ meals this half term. Up to two children can eat free with each adult main purchased. The menu is designed for those around 10 and under, with playful dishes like the Happy Face Pizza.
13. Where: Preto
When: Ongoing
Enjoy a Brazilian feast at Preto (restaurants in London and Colchester), where every child 10 and under eats free on weekdays from 4pm and all weekend with a full-paying adult choosing the Rodizio grill menu option (£32.95). Download a voucher from their website and show it to staff. Proof of age may be required.
14. Where: The Real Greek
When: Ongoing
Every Sunday, children under 12 can enjoy a free meal at The Real Greek with each adult spending £15 or more. The offer includes a main, drink, and ice cream or sorbet, so little ones can get a taste of the Mediterranean.
15. Where: Future Inns
When: Ongoing
At Future Inns’ Cardiff Bay Thomas Restaurant and Bar, under-fives eat free with any adult meal. The offer covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great option for families staying in or visiting Cardiff.
16. Where: OK Diners
When: Ongoing
Step back in time at this 1950s-style roadside diner. Children under 10 can eat free from the kids’ menu all day, every day, with any adult main. The offer is available at all branches except those on the A1.
17. Where: Morrisons
When: Ongoing
At any of Morrisons’ nearly 400 cafés nationwide, under-16s can enjoy a free meal when an adult spends £5 or more on a meal. The offer is available all day, every day, with kid-friendly choices like chicken dippers, fish fingers, and mini cheese pizzas. The offer also extends to the Kids Pick n Mix meal deal from the fridge.
18. Where: Purezza
When: Ongoing
This vegan-friendly pizzeria offers complimentary mini pizzas for children under 10 when dining with a full-paying adult. Choose from cheese, tomato, or pepperoni, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Where can children eat for £1?
19. Where: Dobbies
When: Ongoing
After exploring the garden centre, refuel in the restaurant with a kids’ breakfast when an adult orders a traditional or full breakfast, or a hot meal or pick ’n’ mix lunch box with any adult main, all for just £1. Each meal includes a free child’s drink. Sunday roasts incur a £1 supplement.
20. Where: Sizzling Pubs
When: Ongoing
For every adult meal purchased, children can choose a main from the kids’ menu for just £1. The offer runs Monday to Friday from 3pm, with an earlier start at noon during school holidays.
21. Where: IKEA
When: Ongoing
IKEA’s Swedish restaurant is offering select kids’ dishes for just 95p, including penne pasta with tomato sauce, meatballs and mash, a refillable soft drink, and a piece of fruit. Combine a meal with one of their free family activities or workshops for a budget-friendly day out.
For more kid-friendly holiday inspiration:
20 of the best indoor activities for kids
Easy recipes kids can make themselves
Top 10 half-term recipes for kids
Rainy day cooking projects for kids
25 top activities for kids’ sleepovers