Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana

If you're like most, you're doing your best to watch your money these days. If that means cutting extra expenses, it seems that going out to eat is the first to get the boot. Feeding even a small family out can really add up to big bucks, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana that offer kids meals that are nutritious, cheap and sometimes even free. You can't get any better than that.

Fazoli's: Located at 315 College Mall Road, this is the place to go for fast Italian with a sit-down taste. It's also extremely cheap for kids, and its laid-back atmosphere makes it very family-friendly. You can get a kids meal for a mere $.99 every Tuesday from 5pm-8pm. This includes a kids drink, as well as unlimited breadsticks. If you can't make it on Tuesday, not to worry...the other six days of the week also offer very affordable meals for kids. All are under $3.00 with a drink and unlimited breadsticks. Most adult items on the menu are under $6.00, so even a family of five could potentially eat for under $20.00.

Texas Roadhouse: If you like boot-scootin' (or even just a great steak), this is the place for you. Every Monday evening is kids' night, featuring a sundae bar, mashed potato- eating contest, and balloons. It seems like there's something new every time we go, from face painting to a magic show. And, if you eat before 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, you can choose from numerous entrees for just $7.99, including steaks, chicken and great salads. The kids menu, for ages 12 and under, includes hotdogs, mac and cheese, and steak, most for under five bucks. Be sure to call ahead to put your name on the list. It's not a reservation, but it cuts down on your wait time. It sometimes takes awhile to get your food, but the fresh rolls keep coming so at least you won't starve. Located at 110 S. Franklin Road, the hours are Mon.-Thurs. 4pm-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 11am-10pm.

Golden Corral: Located 116 S. Franklin Rd., they offer buffet style dining with a family-oriented atmosphere. There is no wait time, kids can get seconds, and they can pick and choose what they want. The buffet is well stocked with items that are popular with kids, like mac and cheese, spaghetti, and pizza. It also offers numerous vegetable and meat varieties, including grilled-to-order sirloin steaks, casseroles, and chicken. On Tuesday, kids ages 12 and under eat for just $1.99 after 4pm. Other days, kids ages 4-8 eat for $4.99 and ages 9-12 for $5.99, both including a drink. An adult buffet is $9.99, plus another $1.99 for a drink.

Steak-n-Shake: This 1950's diner-style restaurant offers a chrome full service counter, a fun atmosphere, and thick milkshakes to wet your whistle. The weekend is the time to go with kids, since Saturday and Sunday you can get two free kids meals with every one adult order. This is for kids ages 12 and under and is offered for dine-in only. Their all-American menu, which includes juicy cheeseburgers with the works and shoestring fries, is all made to order. It may take awhile to get your food, so if you're starving pick somewhere that gives you bread while you wait. They're open 24 hours and have numerous locations around town.

These are only a few of the many restaurants in Bloomington, Indiana that are easy on the wallet. So go ahead. Pick one, have dinner out, and don't feel guilty doing it.