Patch Parents: Where To Score Back-To-School Dining Deals And Freebies

ILLINOIS — Summer may be coming to an end, but family-friendly food deals are heating up at eateries across the state.

Back-to-school season can also bring added expenses and stress, so these budget-friendly offers not only satisfy cravings but also wallets.

From back-to-school deals to year-round freebies, here's a look at some other family-friendly promotions that restaurants are offering as kids return to school.

Burger King

Burger King rewards members can gear up for the new school year with a free King Jr. Meal when they make a purchase of $10 or more at the fast food chain. The deal runs through Aug. 25 at participating locations on the chain's app and bk.com.

Denny's

Denny's offers another family-friendly Tuesday deal. Kids eat free with an adult entrée purchase of $6 or more from 4-10 p.m. every Tuesday at the diner-style restaurant chain. Participating locations may vary, so diners should check with their local Denny's.

IHOP

IHOP's popular all-you-can-eat pancake offer is back in time for back-to-school season. Through Sept. 15, customers can enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes for just $5. Get a full stack of five buttermilk pancakes to start, followed by additional flapjacks served two at a time, on an as-requested basis. Select breakfast combos that include a short stack of all-you-can-eat pancakes are also available. Additional pancakes are served two at a time.

Additionally, IHOP is offering a special back-to-school gift card deal. For a limited time, customers can buy a $30 gift card and get a $5 bonus card.

P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang's has launched Back-To-School Bundles, a three-course family-style meal with a choice of soup or salad, an appetizer and a selection of entrées for each guest. The bundle starts at under $20 per person.

As a special treat, kids under 12 can also get a free scoop of ice cream with any food purchase.

Red Robin

Kid's meals are half off every Wednesday at Red Robin. The deal includes a kid's entrée, side, and drink.

Smashburger

Kids eat free every Wednesday at Smashburger. Customers can get a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult meal. The deal runs through the end of the year.

Wendy's

Wendy's is giving out free kid's meals to kick off the new school year. Customers can get a free kid's meal with the purchase of a premium combo meal through Sept. 2. The offer is only available on the chain's app. There is a limit of one free kid's meal per visit.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email [email protected].