Where kids can eat for free in Melbourne

Looking for somewhere to take the kids in trendy Yarraville? The Victoria Hotel is the answer to your prayers.

The Vic has a dedicated kids room separate from the main bistro and bar where families can eat while kids can play, draw on the giant chalk board or get competitive with the arcade games.

On Sundays between 12pm and 4pm it has live kids entertainment and then on Mondays and Tuesdays kids get a free meal with every purchase of a full price adult main meal.

The under 12s can choose from dishes like mini steak and beef sliders, with sides and a kid-friendly dessert. There’s plenty of pub classics for the adults too, so head to the inner west for a super family-friendly night out that won’t break the bank.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Mini steak with mash, gravy and a frog in the pond ($15)

Well known as the place to go for cakes and pastries, dessert isn’t the only reason to head to Brunetti Classico in Carlton – you can get a free kids meal midweek too.

Between Monday and Thursday, from 5.30pm to 7pm, with the purchase of any adult main, kids under 12 can choose a Margherita pasta or mafaldine with Napoli or Bolognese sauce for free.

There’s plenty to tempt adults too, so before you get into the gelato and dolce, take a pick from the main menu which features a wide range of antipasto, pasta, pizza and piadine.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Cotoletta, chicken schnitzel with chips (Kids menu, $13)

The Sporting Globe is popular not just for being a great place to catch a footy game over a classic parma, but the kids eat free promotion on Mondays and Tuesdays makes it a family-friendly destination too.

If your lil’ ones are under nine, for every main meal that’s purchased you’ll get your pick of a kids meal from a variety of options like fish ‘n’ chips, mac ‘n’ cheese, and of course, hand-crumbed chicken breast parmas. The meal doesn’t stop there, and it comes with free ice cream (or if they don’t want dessert, they can trade it for a mini footy, and we’d say that’s a steal!).

So catch a game on the big screen, down a beer, and keep your kids well-fed and happy at this airy locale with more-than-decent bar food.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Major mac ‘n’ cheese (Kids menu, $9.90)

With several locations scattered across the city, TGI Fridays features a special kids menu perfect for little stomachs, at a price point that makes it perfect for parents to stomach too.

From Monday to Thursday, kids get a free meal with every full-price adult main meal purchased.

There are lots of great options including chicken fajita plates, macaroni pasta, and calamari strips with sides.

A great place for catch ups, family outings, birthdays, and everything in between, the mood here is celebratory and high in spirits.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Stripes chicken fingers (Kids menu, $11.90)