With May half term and the late May bank holiday coinciding, it’s the perfect excuse for a fun-filled family week. Whether you’re traveling abroad, planning days out or simply looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune, we’ve got you covered. You could also consider cooking with your kids in the kitchen with our easy half-term recipes for kids, or try fun indoor activities for rainy afternoons.
We know that keeping everyone fed during half term can quickly become a big expense, especially if you’re juggling multiple day trips and play dates. Thankfully, plenty of restaurants, cafés and family-friendly chains across the UK are running ‘kids eat free’ (or for £1) offers this May half term, making it a little easier to enjoy meals out without overspending.
‘Kids eat free’ deals
When: 25-29 May
For a family meal that feels a little more grown-up, Côte Brasserie is running two ‘kids eat free’ offers this May half term. Families can claim either two free children’s courses with every full-price adult main, or one free kids’ breakfast with every adult hot or brasserie breakfast. Both offers are available exclusively through its app.
2. Frankie & Benny’s (select locations)
When: 25-31 May
Frankie & Benny’s has been serving up tasty New York-style Italian food since 1995, and this half term, it’s bringing back its popular school holiday deal. From Monday to Sunday, kids get a main, two sides, a drink and dessert for free with every paying adult.
3. TGI Friday’s
When: 11-31 May
For new and existing Stripes Rewards members, children up to age 12 can enjoy a free kids’ main with the purchase of a full price adult main during the May half term (only one redemption per member). Menu options include the chicken burger, Friday’s hot dog or crispy chicken tenders. Those who claim a ‘kids eat free’ deal can also scan their receipt in the app to receive a chance to win a family indoor skydiving experience and overnight stay in a four-star hotel to celebration the release of Charlie the Wonderdog, in cinemas 22 May.
4. Zizzi (select locations)
When: 24-31 May
For Italian food lovers, Zizzi is a good option. And this May half term, little diners can enjoy a free three-course ‘bambini’ meal when an adult orders a main. Think: cheesy pizzas, fresh pastas and a selection of sweet treats to finish. You’ll need to sign up to the Zillionaires’ Club via the app before visiting.
5. Bill’s
When: 25-29 May
At Bill’s, up to two children under 10 can eat free all day with the purchase of any adult main, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kids can order off the children’s menu, which includes favourites like burgers, vegan meatball pasta and fried chicken.
6. ASK Italian
When: 22-31 May
If your children love pizza and pasta, ASK Italian is worth adding to your half-term plans. Download the ASK Perks rewards app to unlock free kids’ meals when an adult orders a main.
7. Preto (in England and Wales)
When: ongoing
For little diners with big appetites, head to Preto for a Brazilian-style rodizio feast. Kids under 10 eat free with a paying adult, and the endless grilled meats and sides make it a fun, interactive food experience. The offer is valid all weekend, and weekdays from 4pm. Download a voucher from the website before you go – proof of age may be required.
8. Franco Manca (select locations)
When: ongoing
Known for its sourdough pizzas and simple, high-quality toppings, Franco Manca is always a solid option for an easy family meal. Children under 12 can enjoy a free pizza when accompanied by an adult ordering a full-priced main, making it ideal for a laidback lunch or post-outing dinner.
9. Las Iguanas (select locations)
When: ongoing
Bright, colourful and family-friendly, Las Iguanas is running its popular ‘kids eat free’ offer via its app. Niños under 12 can enjoy a main, two sides and a dessert for free when an adult orders a main meal – valid Sunday to Thursday. Expect crowd-pleasers like cheesy quesadillas, mild Bahian curry and churros for dessert.
10. Bella Italia (select locations)
When: ongoing
Bella Italia remains a reliable favourite for family-friendly Italian food. During May half term, children can enjoy three courses and a drink for free from Sunday to Thursday when an adult purchases a main, making it a great-value choice for a proper sit-down meal.
11. The Real Greek
When: ongoing
Every Sunday, children under 12 can enjoy a free meal at The Real Greek when an adult spends £15 or more. The offer includes a main, drink and dessert (ice cream or sorbet), giving little ones the chance to try Mediterranean-inspired dishes during the school break.
12. Gordon Ramsay restaurants (select locations)
When: ongoing
Looking for a meal with some star power? Select Gordon Ramsay restaurants offer kids a free main from the children’s menu when adults order two courses from the à la carte menu, including a main. It’s a chance to elevate a family meal without the usual price tag.
13. YO! Sushi
When: ongoing
Turn lunch into an experience at YO! Sushi, where dishes whizz past on a conveyor belt. During the May half term, kids can enjoy a free bento box (with options like prawn katsu and chicken teriyaki) when adults spend £10 or more, making it a fun and affordable stop during a day out.
14. Angus Steakhouse
When: ongoing
Conveniently located for city days and sightseeing, Angus Steakhouse is a handy family pit stop. Children aged eight and under can eat free from noon to 5pm with a paying adult, choosing from favourites like chicken tenders and cheeseburgers.
15. Beefeater and Brewers Fayre
When: ongoing
Ideal for early starts and busy half-term mornings, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre offer up to two free kids’ breakfasts for those under 16 with every paying adult breakfast (£10.99). Load up on a full English and continental favourites before heading out for the day.
16. Purezza
When: ongoing
Widely recognised as UK’s first vegan pizzeria, Purezza offers a relaxed dining option where children under 10 can enjoy a free mini pizza with every adult meal. The family-friendly restaurants also provide high chairs and accessible areas for prams and buggies.
When: ongoing
Need to replace your bedding or pick up new curtains? Make a stop at Dunelm’s Pausa café, where children can receive a free meal deal, including a main, drink and two snacks, when an adult spends at least £4.
18. OK Diner
When: ongoing
On the go and in need of a bite? With its retro American diner feel, OK Diner brings some novelty to family mealtimes. Kids under 10 eat free with a paying adult ordering a main, making it a budget-friendly stop during long drives or half-term road trips.
19. Morrisons
When: ongoing
At Morrisons cafés nationwide, children under 16 can enjoy a free meal when an adult spends £5 or more. The offer runs all day, every day, with child-friendly favourites including fish fingers, chicken dippers and mini cheese pizzas available. It also includes the kids’ pick ’n’ mix meal deal from the fridge.
Where can children eat for £1?
20. Hungry Horse (select locations)
When: 25-29 May
For this May half term, kids can tuck into a full meal deal at select Hungry Horse pubs nationwide (which includes a main, drink and pud) for just £1 for every adult main meal ordered. Families also have the option to upgrade to a large kids’ meal for just £1.50, which includes options like build-your-own tacos.
21. IKEA
When: ongoing
A trip to IKEA is always an adventure for little ones, and its restaurant keeps things budget-friendly with kids’ meals from 95p. Options include penne pasta with tomato sauce and the iconic meatballs with mash. Combine a meal with one of its free family activities or workshops for a cheap and cheerful day out.
22. Dobbies (select locations)
When: ongoing
Make a day out of a trip to the garden centre this May half term. At Dobbies restaurants, children can enjoy a hot meal or pick ’n’ mix lunch box for just £1 when an adult purchases a qualifying meal. Each kids’ meal also includes a free drink.
23. Sizzling Pubs
When: ongoing
A handy option for low-cost family meals, Sizzling Pubs runs its popular ‘kids eat for £1’ deal every Monday from 12pm. Children can choose from crowd-pleasers like pizza and fish fingers when an adult orders a main, making it an easy win for budget-friendly lunches or dinners out.
For more kid-friendly activities:
25 top activities for kids’ sleepovers
