Family Dining in Dallas is Affordable with Cheap and Free Kid's Meals

Texas summers are scorching hot and dining out is an excellent way to keep your home cooler. These dining options cost a little more than the usual fast food restaurants, but the service and selection are well worth the price. Skip the drive through lane and enjoy a casual meal together without breaking the bank.

Steak 'n Shake
This affordable restaurant chain has an old-fashioned diner motif with many locations throughout the Dallas area. The menu includes a good variety of kid-friendly foods, such as chicken tenders, and adult meals for less than $5.

The hand-dipped milk shakes are worth a special trip. Save some calories by ordering water with the meal and asking the waiter to bring a round of small or kid-size shakes for dessert.

Steak 'n Shake also celebrates happy hour with half-price shakes and drinks from 2 to 4 p.m. and 2 to 4 a.m. Dine in customers can receive one free kid's meal with every $8 purchase on Saturdays and Sundays.

Chipotle Mexican Grill
The generous portions and customization options make Chipotle a great value for the whole family. The employees build your unique entrée as you move through the line, making it easy to accommodate everyone's tastes. Adult entrees cost approximately $6 and the kid's meals cost less than $5.

Quesadillas are a great option for kids who have not yet mastered the art of eating a taco without spilling the filling. The build-your-own taco kit is a fun option for slightly older children. They can choose three toppings and two soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells to create their own tacos at the table. The meal includes tortilla chips and juice or organic milk.

The entire restaurant is free of peanuts and tree nuts for those with allergies.

Dickey's Barbecue
Adult meals average $7 to $11 and kid's meals cost approximately $4. On Sundays, Dickey's offers a free kids meal with the purchase an adult entrée. The atmosphere is very casual and no one will notice if your kid's face--or elbow--is slathered with barbecue sauce.

Dickey's meals come with complimentary soft serve ice cream cones.

Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli banned high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors in all its food. The menu includes organic produce, nitrate-free lunch meat, and whole-grain bread options.

Adults can dine for approximately $8 to $10. Kid's meals cost $3 to $4 and include your choice of organic milk or organic apple juice.

Register with your favorite family-friendly restaurants to receive special offers by e-mail. Chili's periodically sends coupons for up to two free kid's meals per adult entrée purchase. IHOP and Cafe Brazil also frequently offer specials for free kids meals.