Eating out on the cheap (or free!) with kids this summer

I admit it - I like to eat out. The combination of being in a different environment and not having to cook and clean up is very appealing. The kids love it too! But, let's face it - it adds up! But there are affordable options, especially in the summer time.

Did you know that many school districts open up the cafeteria in the summer time and feed kids under the age of 18 for FREE? They do! And adults can purchase a meal for about $3 - so 4 hot meals for $3? Pretty darn good deal! Sometimes, I'll just bring a sandwich, so it's completely free. Today was macaroni and cheese day, so I had to eat too. I don't care what anyone says - school macaroni and cheese is the best!

For treats, keep an eye open while going through the Sunday paper coupons for freebies. Just this last week's alone there were 2 Taco Bell coupons for FREE limeade sparklers and FREE "margarita" frutistas (not to worry - they are non alcoholic!) AND there were Krispy Kreme coupons for a free lemon creme doughnut - no purchase necessary for any of these things!!

So, today, we swung by Taco Bell for our limeade sparklers - the kids were excited b/c we NEVER go to Taco Bell (Bueno all the way!) so it was something new. We ordered our drinks, handed over our coupons....and waited...and waited. Well, apparently the guy forgot about us! I cleared my throat and he got really embarassed. He not only apologized but gave us a big bag of cinnamon twists ON THE HOUSE! WOOHOO - score!

Another option is looking for "Kids eat free" deals at restaurants. The ones I know of off the top of my head are IHOP (this deal comes and goes though - so call your store first), and El Chico (.99 kids meals all day Thursday) I am going to research a list on kids eat free deals for my next blog update - so stay tuned!