Applebee’s Kids Menu: Prices, Meals, Deals & Healthy Options
I still remember the look on my daughter’s face the first time we stopped at a random restaurant during a road trip. She was tired, hungry, and completely overwhelmed. The server handed her a huge menu packed with unfamiliar foods, and she just sat there quietly flipping pages without choosing anything.
As a parent, that moment is exhausting. After a long day, you are not looking for a dinner debate. You just want a place where your child can find something they actually enjoy eating without stress, complaints, or wasted money.
That is exactly why so many families keep coming back to Applebee’s.
The Applebee’s kids’ menu makes dining out easier for parents and more fun for children. It offers familiar favorites like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, grilled chicken, and cheesy pizza, all in portions made for kids. Even better, the meals are budget-friendly and usually include a side and drink, which helps families to enjoy a complete meal without overspending.
Whether you are planning a family dinner, stopping during a road trip, or simply searching for a restaurant that works for picky eaters, the Applebee’s kids menu gives parents a reliable option that feels simple, affordable, and family-friendly.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Applebee’s kids menu, including meal options, prices, nutrition details, healthier choices, and tips that can help families save more on their next visit. For more details about the menu, you can visit the homepage.
What Is on the Applebee’s Kids Menu?
Kids’ Cheesy Pizza
$9.99 | 670 cal
Kids’ Chicken Tenders
$2.99 | 290 cal
Kids’ Chicken Quesadilla
$9.99 | 360 cal
Kids’ Grilled Chicken Alfredo
$9.99 | 680 cal
Kids’ Chicken Taco
$9.99 | 210 cal
Kids’ Macaroni & Cheese
$9.99 | 310 cal
Kids’ Classic Cheeseburger
$9.99 | 570 cal
Kids’ Grilled Cheese
$9.99 | 580 cal
Kids’ Classic Hamburger
$9.99 | 510 cal
Kids’ Corn Dog
$9.99 | 180 cal
The Applebee’s kids’ menu is designed for children ages 12 and under, offering familiar meals that are simple, satisfying, and easy for kids to enjoy. Instead of complicated dishes, the menu focuses on comfort foods that work well for picky eaters and busy families.
From crispy chicken tenders to cheesy pasta and mini pizzas, the menu includes popular choices that make family dining less stressful. Most meals also come with a side dish and a drink, making them a convenient and affordable option for parents.
Below is a complete breakdown of the Applebee’s kids’ menu.
Kids’ Entrees
The kids’ entrees at Applebee’s are child-friendly flavors and portion sizes. The menu includes a mix of crispy favorites, cheesy comfort foods, and lighter meal options so parents can choose what works best for their child.
Chicken Tenders
One of the most popular meals on the Applebee’s kids menu. These crispy chicken tenders are made with white meat chicken and served with a dipping sauce that kids enjoy.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy macaroni covered in melted cheese. This classic comfort meal is a go-to choice for picky eaters.
Cheeseburger
A cheeseburger with simple toppings and soft bread. Perfect for children who enjoy traditional burger meals.
Grilled Chicken
A healthier choice for parents who want something lighter for their kids. The grilled chicken is high in protein and prepared without heavy frying or crispy coating.
Cheese Quesadilla
Warm tortillas filled with melted cheese and lightly toasted until crispy. Easy to eat and very popular with younger kids.
Spaghetti with Marinara
Soft spaghetti noodles served with a mild tomato marinara sauce. A comforting and easy-to-eat meal for children.
Mini Corn Dogs
Small bite-sized corn dogs that are fun, flavorful, and easy for little hands to handle.
Hot Dog
A classic hot dog served in a soft bun. Simple, familiar, and ideal for children who prefer basic meals.
Grilled Cheese
Golden toasted bread with melted cheese inside. A timeless comfort food that many children love.
Personal Pizza
A mini pizza topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Crispy, cheesy, and always a favorite among kids.
Kids’ Side Options
Every kid’s meal at Applebee’s includes a side dish. Parents can choose between classic comfort sides or healthier alternatives depending on their child’s preferences.
Available side options usually include:
French Fries
Steamed Broccoli
Fresh Fruit
Applesauce
Carrot Sticks
Yogurt
Many Applebee’s locations also allow parents to swap fries for healthier sides like broccoli or fruit without any additional charge.
Kids’ Drink Choices
Each kid’s meal also includes a drink, helping families enjoy a complete meal at a reasonable price.
Common drink options include:
Fountain Soda
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Milk
Chocolate Milk
Milk and juice are often preferred for younger children, while older kids usually choose soft drinks. Since the drink is included with the meal, parents can save money compared to ordering separately.
Applebee’s Kids Eat Free: How It Works
Applebee’s Kids Eat Free promotions offer a free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entree. Some locations run this deal on specific days. Tuesday is the most commonly reported night.
Here is what you need to know:
Not all locations participate. Call your local Applebee’s to confirm.
The deal typically applies to one free kids’ meal per adult entree ordered.
The free meal usually includes the entree, side, and drink, the full package.
Some locations offer free dessert with a kids’ meal as a separate promotion.
This deal can save families $6 to $7 per child. For a family with two kids, that is real money back in your pocket.
Tip: Check the Applebee’s app before you visit. Location-specific deals are often posted there first.
Healthy Kids Meal Options at Applebee’s
Many parents worry about nutrition when eating out. Applebee’s has genuinely good options for health-conscious families.
Best Healthy Choices
Grilled Chicken with Steamed Broccoli and Fruit: This combination is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is one of the cleanest meals on the kids’ menu.
Grilled Cheese with Fruit: Lower calorie than fried items. A good swap from fries.
Spaghetti with Marinara and Broccoli: Light, mild, and reasonably nutritious.
Kids Menu Calories
Most Applebee’s kids’ meals fall between 180 and 560 calories, depending on the entree and side chosen.
Lower calorie choices:
Grilled Chicken with fruit around 200–280 calories
Spaghetti with marinara moderate amount of calories at around 300–380 calories
Higher calorie choices:
Chicken Tenders with fries can reach 450–560 calories
Cheeseburger with fries in a similar range
Swapping fries for fruit or broccoli can cut 100 to 150 calories from any meal.
Allergen and Gluten-Free Information for Kids
Applebee’s does offer some allergen-friendly choices on the kids’ menu:
Grilled Chicken: Naturally free from gluten when prepared correctly
Fresh Fruit: No common allergens
Steamed Broccoli: Safe for most allergy needs
However, there is a critical warning all parents should know.
Applebee’s uses shared kitchens and shared fryers. This means cross-contamination is possible, even for items that do not contain allergens themselves.
If your child has a gluten allergy, nut allergy, dairy allergy, or any other food sensitivity, always tell your server before ordering. Ask about preparation methods.
Grilled items are generally safer for gluten-sensitive children. Fried items like corn dogs and chicken tenders share fryer oil with other foods.
The Applebee’s website has a full allergen guide. Check it before your visit if your child has serious food allergies.
Is the Applebee’s Kids Menu Good for Picky Eaters?
Yes. This is where Applebee’s genuinely shines for families.
There are no unusual flavors in the kids’ menu. No complicated presentations. Nothing that looks “weird” to a child.
Here is why picky eaters do well at Applebee’s:
Simple ingredients: No hidden sauces or surprise fillings
Familiar names: Every item is something children recognize
Customizable sides: You choose the side, so the child is not forced to eat something they dislike
Mild flavors: The pizza sauce is mild. The spaghetti marinara is not spicy. The grilled chicken is plain.
If your child only eats mac and cheese or plain chicken, Applebee’s has both. No compromise needed.
Applebee’s Kids Menu Age Limit
The Applebee’s kids’ menu is officially designed for children 12 years old and under.
Portion sizes are made for younger appetites. The pricing reflects smaller servings.
In some locations, adults can order from the kids’ menu. But this policy varies by restaurant. Some locations do not allow it.
If you have a teenager with a smaller appetite, ask your server. They may accommodate the request or suggest a lighter adult menu item instead.
Special Kids Deals and Promotions
Applebee’s runs several family-friendly promotions throughout the year.
Kids Night Out
Some Applebee’s locations host Kids Night Out events. These evenings include special activities, themed meals, and a fun atmosphere for children. Check your local location for event schedules.
Seasonal Kids Menu Items
Applebee’s introduces seasonal items for kids around holidays. These might include themed desserts, limited-time entrees, or bundled holiday meal deals. Summer and winter are the most common periods for these specials.
Free Dessert with Kids’ Meal
Certain locations offer a free dessert when you purchase a kids’ meal. This is not a nationwide deal. It depends on the franchise location. Ask when you arrive if this promotion is available.
Applebee’s Kids Menu vs. Competitors
How does Applebee’s stack up against other casual dining chains for families?
Applebee’s sits in a strong position. The price is lower than Chili’s and TGI Fridays. The variety of the menu is better than Denny’s. And the Kids Eat Free deal adds value that competitors rarely match consistently.
| Restaurant | Kids Meal Price | Kids Eat Free |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee’s | $5.99 – $7.99 | Yes (select locations) |
| Chili’s | $6.99 – $8.99 | Limited |
| Denny’s | $4.99 – $6.99 | Yes (select nights) |
| TGI Fridays | $7.99 – $9.99 | Rare |
Conclusion: A Parent’s Honest Take on the Applebee’s Kids Menu
I have taken my kids to Applebee’s more times than I can count. I have sat through the full experience: the excited arrival, the menu debate, the inevitable “can I get chicken tenders?” question.
After years of family dining and writing about restaurant menus professionally, here is my honest opinion:
The Applebee’s kids menu is one of the best in casual dining. Not because it is fancy. Because it works.
It works for the child who only eats plain pasta. It works for the parent who wants grilled chicken and fruit instead of fries. It works for the family that cannot spend $50 on a single dinner out.
My personal recommendation? Start with the Chicken Tenders if your child is trying Applebee’s for the first time. They are crispy, simple, and nearly universally loved by kids. Pair it with fruit instead of fries for a balanced plate.
For younger toddlers, Mac and Cheese or Grilled Cheese is a good choice.
If your local Applebee’s offers the Kids Eat Free Tuesday promotion, it’s a great way to save on family meals each week. It is one of the best value offers in family dining right now.
Applebee’s understands what parents need. A predictable, affordable, kid-approved meal with no drama. That is exactly what the kids’ menu delivers every time.