The 2026 Guide to Kids Eat Free Maine: Dining Out on a Budget

From local family diners to popular chains, here is your complete guide to finding free meals for kids across Maine.

This is the definitive guide to “Kids Eat Free” promotions in Maine, updated for 2026. We have verified the days of the week, age limits, and purchase requirements for restaurants statewide. While these deals are an incredible way to save money, they almost always come with strict rules: usually dine-in only, one free child per paying adult, and drinks are rarely included. Use this guide to plan your family night out and stay within your budget.

Table of Contents

List of Kids Eat Free Maine Restaurants

99 Restaurants

Days of the Week: Depends on Red Sox Schedule

Details: Have an account with the 99 Restaurants app. Free kids meal is valid the day after the Red Sox win for child age 10 and under. Kids meal must be ordered off the kids menu. Child must be present to receive free kids meal. Kids beverage, tax and gratuity are not included. Purchase one adult entrée and receive one free kids meal. Limit two free kids meals per party. Not valid with any other 99 REWARDS, offers, discounts, or coupons including Happy Hours. See full details here.

Locations:
650 Center St, Auburn, ME 04210
281 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME 04330
Points Shopping Ctr, 444 Alfred St #5, Biddeford, ME 04005
34 Topsham Fair Mall Rd, Topsham, ME 04086

Margaritas

Days of the Week: Wednesday

Details: 1 Free Kids Entrée for every Adult Entrée purchased. This offer is valid with the purchase of one fully priced entrée. Children must be 12 years of age or younger. See full details here.

Locations:
180 Center St, Auburn, ME 04210
390 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
147 Bath Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
242 St John St, Portland, ME 04102

Portland Pie

Days of the Week: Mondays and Tuesdays

Details: Free Kid’s 7″ cheese or pepperoni pizza and a drink. 2 kids per family; children must be ages 10 and under. See full details here.

Locations:
91 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
92 Main St, Brunswick, ME 04011
40 Main St, Biddeford, ME 04005
240 US-1, Falmouth, ME 04105
51 York St, Portland, ME 04101
400 Expedition Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074
173 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901
869 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092
789 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062

Map of Kids Eat Free Locations in Maine

How to Master the “Kids Eat Free” Deal 🍔

Dining out with a family in Maine can get expensive fast. “Kids Eat Free” nights are a fantastic way to keep the bill manageable, but they can be confusing if you don’t know the ground rules. Restaurants use these deals to get families in the door on slow nights (usually Mondays or Tuesdays), so they are designed with specific limitations.

To avoid an awkward surprise when the check comes, here is what you need to know before you go:

  • The Golden Ratio (1:1): The standard rule is “One Free Kids Meal per One Adult Entrée.” If you are one adult taking three children out to dinner, you will likely only get one free meal.
  • Dine-In Only: In the post-2020 world, this is the strictest rule. “Kids Eat Free” almost never applies to takeout, delivery, or DoorDash orders. You must sit at a table to get the deal.
  • The “Red Sox” Rule: In New England (including Maine), the 99 Restaurants chain has a legendary “Kids Eat Free” deal that activates only the day after the Boston Red Sox win a game. It’s a quirky local tradition that savvy Maine parents track religiously during baseball season. The past few years, the Red Sox have averaged about 80 wins each season, which runs roughly from April to October.
  • Age Limits: “Kid” usually means 12 and under (sometimes 10 and under). If there are any unique circumstances, we recommend kindly asking the server before ordering, to see if the child will count.
  • Drinks Not Included: Often, the “free” meal is just the food. You may still be charged $2–$3 for that milk or soda.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Kids Eat Free in Maine

Does “Kids Eat Free” include drinks and dessert?
Usually, no. Most promotions cover the entrée only (e.g., the grilled cheese or chicken tenders). Beverages, specialty smoothies, and desserts are typically billed separately. However, some all-inclusive kids’ menus might include a small drink or a cookie— make sure to check the menu fine print and ask your server. Portland Pie locations do include a drink with their free kids pizza deal.
Can I get the Kids Eat Free deal on takeout orders?
Almost never. These promotions are “loss leaders” designed to fill empty tables and sell adult beverages and appetizers. Restaurants generally block these discounts on online ordering platforms and takeout orders. You should assume the deal is Dine-In Only unless the restaurant explicitly advertises otherwise.
What is the age limit for kids’ meals in Maine?
The standard industry age cutoff is 12 years old. Some stricter venues cap it at 10, while more generous family restaurants might allow up to 13.
  • Pro Tip: If you have a hungry 11-year-old who eats like an adult, the small portion size of a free kids’ meal might not be enough to fill them up, regardless of the price.
Are these deals valid on weekends?
Rarely. Most “Kids Eat Free” promotions in Maine run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays—the slowest nights for the restaurant industry. It is very uncommon to find free meals on Friday or Saturday nights, though if the Red Sox win on a Friday or Saturday then the special kids eat free deal at 99 Restaurants would activate for a weekend day.
Do I need a coupon?
For local diners, usually no—you just ask for it. However, for large national chains (like 99 Restaurants or Denny’s), the deal is often tied to their Rewards App. You may need to show a code on your phone to the server. It is always worth downloading the restaurant’s app before you leave the house.