I have fond memories of taking my kids to our local IHOP and getting them a free “Funny Face Pancake Combo”. Not sure what I loved more, the free meal or watching them lick the whipped cream “face” off the top of their pancake. In either case, the “kids eat free deal at IHOP” was a handy staple in our home for years. If you have one or more children, you have the potential to easily save $5+ dollars off your order. While there are some requirements you have to meet to get the free kid’s meal, for the most part, it’s easy to hit. And who doesn’t love a free meal? Read on to learn more about how you can save big at IHOP and make both you and your kids happy.

What’s the History of this IHOP Promotion?

The IHOP kids eat free deal has been around for years.

Specifically, the deal has been around for at least 10-plus years.

Today, the kid’s eat-free deal still provides major savings, especially for families with multiple children.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

Yes.

Only kids 12 years and under can eat for free at IHOP.

Sorry teenagers…

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What Time of the Day Do Kids Eat Free?

4 p.m. to 10 p.m EVERY day of the week.

Kids eat free for dinner time as long as you order at least one adult entrée.

It’s important to note that some locations may not offer the kid’s free meal deal (as the deal varies on a location-by-location basis).

Therefore, be sure to ask your waiter/waitress before ordering to confirm they offer the deal at their location.

Can Kids Order Any Meal on the Menu?

No.

Kids can only select their free meal from a choice of seven options.

What Type of Meals Do Kids Get for Free?

Kids can choose from up to seven different menu items to use as part of their free kid’s meal, including:

– Silver Five

– Jr. Chicken & Waffles

– Jr. Cheeseburger

– Jr. Cupcake Pancake Combo

– Jr. Chicken Strips Combo

– Funny Face Pancake Combo

– Macaroni & Cheese

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Is a Purchase Required?

Yes.

To get 1 free kid’s meal, you must buy at least 1 adult entrée.

This applies if you have multiple children too.

In other words, 1 adult entrée doesn’t cover an unlimited number of free kid’s meals.

Is There a Dollar Amount You Have to Spend?

No.

There’s no specific dollar amount you have to spend in order to qualify for the free kid’s meal deal.

As long as you buy 1 adult entrée, you can qualify for 1 free kid’s meal, regardless of the price of the adult entrée price.

I Have More Than 1 Kid, Can They All Eat for Free?

Yes.

But only if you buy the same number of adult entrée meals.

In other words, 1 adult meal equals 1 free kids meal.

Therefore, if you have 3 kids, for them all to eat for free you’ll need to buy at least 3 adult entrees.

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Can I Score a Free Meal with Take-Out or Delivery Orders?

No.

Unfortunately, the free kid’s meal deal is not eligible for take-out or delivery service orders.

The IHOP’s free kid’s meal deal ONLY applies in-store.

How About With Online Orders?

No.

Same with the take-out and delivery service orders, you cannot use this deal on online orders either.

The kids eat free deal only applies to select locations dining in person.

Can I Use Other Discounts on Top of the Free Kid’s Meal?

No.

While you cannot use any additional coupons or discounts on top of your order total with the free kid’s meal deal (as the deal already gives you a steal alone), you can use gift cards.

So, if have some money left on that IHOP gift card you’ve been meaning to use up, now’s the time to use it.

Ask the Reader: Do your kids love IHOP as much as mine? How often do you take advantage of their free kids meal?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart