Clean plates, happy faces, healthy wallets: where kids can eat for free, or nearly free, this October half-term

The October half-term is fast approaching. Your kids might be counting down the days until a week off school, but if you're a parent, you'll know what that really means, a week of keeping them entertained, finding things to do and, of course, feeding them!

And when you're already juggling the cost of days out, Halloween activities and everything else that comes with the school holidays, the last thing you need is another expensive restaurant bill.

But the good news is, you don't have to spend a fortune to keep little tummies full. Here's where you can take the kids to eat for free or next to nothing this October half-term.

Restaurants where kids eat for free or £1

If you're planning to eat out during the school holidays, these restaurant deals could help you save a few pounds without missing out on a family treat.

Bella Italia

Kids can enjoy three courses and a drink for free with every adult main meal purchased at Bella Italia. The offer is available every day from 10 October to 1 November, 2026 across the UK.

Banana Tree

If you fancy something a little different, then head to Banana Tree, where kids can enjoy a free meal, including a main, drink and dessert, with every adult main purchased from 17 October to 1 November.

Outside the half-term promotion, children can also eat free every Sunday under the restaurant's regular offer.

Toby Carvery

If your family loves a traditional roast, then Toby Carvery could be the place to take them. From 10 October to 1 November, kids can enjoy a carvery, breakfast or kids' meal for just £1 when you buy an adult main meal or breakfast through the Carvery Club app.

Café Rouge

This one isn’t even limited to half-term! You can get a free kids' meal every day between midday and 4pm when you purchase an adult main meal at Café Rouge. It's a handy option if you're looking for a lunchtime treat.

Frankie & Benny's

If your children are aged 12 or under, look out for Frankie & Benny’s half-term offer, which lets kids eat free with every adult main meal purchased. That’s a main, two sides and a dessert.

Chiquito

Got little fans of Mexican food? Kids can eat for free with every adult main meal purchased during half-term at Chiquito.

Gordon Ramsay restaurants

Treat the family to a meal out without paying extra for the kids' main courses at Gordon Ramsey restaurants. Children aged ten and under can get a free main from the Ramsay Kids' menu when an accompanying adult orders two courses from the à la carte menu.

Las Iguanas

You can get a free kids' main, two sides and a dessert with every adult main purchased when you download the Las Iguanas app. It's a great excuse to enjoy some Latin American-inspired food for less.

Premier Inn

Start the day with a big breakfast at Premier Inn. When an adult orders a full breakfast or a meal deal, up to two children under 16 can eat breakfast for free.

Preto

If you fancy some Brazilian barbecue this half-term, one child aged ten or under can eat free with a full-paying adult at Preto. The offer is available from 4pm on weekdays and throughout the weekend.

Purezza

Got a little pizza lover in the family? Children under ten can enjoy a free pizza with every full-paying adult at participating Purezza restaurants in Brighton, Camden and Manchester.

Sizzling pubs

You can feed the kids for just £1 all day every Monday to Friday when you buy an adult main meal at Sizzling Pubs.

If you're trying to keep costs down, it's a simple way to enjoy a family pub meal for less.

The Real Greek

Every Sunday, you can get a free kids' meal, including a drink and ice cream, when you spend £15 on adult food at the Real Greek. The offer is for dine-in customers and excludes the lunch menu, so check the conditions before you go.

YO! Sushi

If your kids love sushi, this deal could be a winner. Children aged 12 and under can get a free bento box for every £10 an adult spends when dining in at Yo! The offer is available all day, Monday to Friday, during the school holidays.

Zizzi

Fancy pizza or pasta? Order an adult main meal and your little one can enjoy a free three-course meal at Zizzi. You'll need to join the Zillionaires' Club to get your offer code.

Cafés and supermarkets where kids eat for free or £1

You don't always need to book a restaurant to save money on feeding the family. High-street cafés and supermarkets can be just as handy, particularly when you're out shopping or looking for an easy lunch.

Dunelm Pausa café

If you're popping into Dunelm, why not make a stop at the café? Kids can eat free with every £5 spent, with the deal including a main, a drink and two snacks. Check your local café for availability.

Morrisons café

You can get a free hot kids' meal or pick 'n' mix deal when an accompanying adult spends the qualifying amount on a main meal. The offer is available at Morrisons cafés nationwide, seven days a week. Check the current spending threshold and local terms before visiting.

Tesco café

If you've got a Clubcard, you could save on lunch, too. Eligible customers can get a free kids' hot meal, breakfast or pick 'n' mix deal when purchasing an adult item and dining in with a child at a Tesco cafe. The offer includes weekends too!

Asda café

Looking for a low-cost lunch while doing the weekly shop? Asda offers children's hot meals for £1, with no minimum adult spend. Check your local café to confirm whether the offer is running during half-term.

Sainsbury's café

Sainsbury's also offers £1 children's hot meals or lunch bags when an adult buys a qualifying main meal

IKEA restaurant

If you're planning a shopping trip, IKEA can be a useful stop for a budget-friendly family meal, with children's meals available at low prices. Check your local store's menu for current prices and offers.

How to make the most of kids-eat-free deals

Before you head out, it's worth checking the small print. While these offers can save you a lot, they don't all work in the same way.

Here's what you need to look out for:

• Download the app: some restaurants, including Las Iguanas and Toby Carvery, require you to use their app to claim a deal.
• Buy an adult meal: many offers only apply when you purchase a full-price adult main or spend a minimum amount.
• Check the days and times: some deals run every day, while others are only available on certain weekdays, at lunchtime or during school holidays.
• Check your children's ages: offers often have age limits, so make sure your little ones qualify.
• Look out for exclusions: some deals exclude certain menus, takeaway orders or particular locations.
• Confirm the dates: not every regular kids-eat-free deal is guaranteed to run throughout October half-term, and participating restaurants may change their terms.

It's always worth checking the restaurant's official website or app before setting off, so you don't end up disappointing the kids when you arrive.