Quick Answer
The Applebee's kids menu in 2026 is built for children 12 and under and covers five core entrees: Chicken Tenders, Kids Cheeseburger or Hamburger, Macaroni and Cheese, a Corn Dog, and Kids Grilled Chicken. Each comes with a choice of side (fries, applesauce, steamed broccoli, or mashed potatoes) for $5.99 to $7.99 depending on location.
Many franchises run a midweek Kids Eat Free night (often Tuesdays or Wednesdays) where each kids meal is free or $1.99 with an adult entree purchase. Grilled Chicken with steamed broccoli is the safest pick for kids with common allergies, but always confirm with your server.
Why Applebee's Works for Family Dinner
Taking kids out to eat has a low margin for error. You need a casual room that does not punish a spilled drink, a menu that recognizes both the picky eater and the parent trying to slip in a vegetable, and a server who has seen it all before. Applebee's was built around that exact use case. The dining room is loud enough that no one notices a toddler narrating their fries, the booths are deep enough for car seats, and the staff are trained for family service.
The kids menu reflects that focus. It is short, recognizable, and priced to make a family of four feasible on a weeknight without sticker shock.
The Five Core Kids Entrees
The kids menu has been remarkably stable for years. These five entrees have been on it through every adult menu refresh.
Chicken Tenders
The undisputed champion of any kids menu in casual dining. Smaller, kid sized versions of the adult crispy breaded tenders, served with a choice of dipping sauce (Honey Mustard and Ranch are the most ordered). Reliable, golden, and almost guaranteed to be eaten.
Kids Cheeseburger or Hamburger
A plain beef patty on a toasted bun. You can specify cheese (typically American) or hold any condiment a particular kid does not like. The patty is smaller than the adult cheeseburger so kids actually finish it.
Macaroni and Cheese
Straightforward, creamy, classic kid mac and cheese. This is not the adult Four Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders. This is the version a four year old will recognize immediately.
Corn Dog
A hot dog in a sweet golden cornmeal batter, fried until crisp. Easy to hold, easy to eat, and one of the few kids menu items that does not require a fork.
Kids Grilled Chicken
The healthiest entree on the kids menu. A lightly seasoned grilled chicken breast, no breading or sauce. Pairs best with steamed broccoli or applesauce and works for parents who want to balance the meal a bit.
Choosing the Right Side
Every kids entree comes with one side. The side you pick is the biggest lever for the overall nutrition of the meal.
| Side | Profile | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | Classic treat, higher in sodium | Kids Cheeseburger |
| Applesauce | Sweet, low calorie, easy to eat | Corn Dog |
| Steamed Broccoli | High fiber, vitamins, lightest pick | Kids Grilled Chicken |
| Mashed Potatoes | Comforting, mild flavor | Chicken Tenders |
Kids Beverages
Most kids meals include a beverage in the bundle or charge a small upcharge of $1 to $2. The standard options are 1 percent or 2 percent milk (regular or chocolate), 100 percent apple juice, fountain soda, or water. For families trying to skip sugar, water and milk are the easy default. The bottomless flavored lemonades and iced teas on the adult menu (mango, strawberry, blackberry) are sometimes available in kid sized portions too.
How Much Does a Kids Meal Actually Cost?
Kids menu pricing is one of the better deals at Applebee's. A standard kids meal (entree, side, and beverage in some bundles) runs $5.99 to $7.99 depending on the location and the entree. For comparison, a fast food kids meal at most national chains lands at $5 to $7 with no sit down service, no crayons, and no booth.
The real deal is the Kids Eat Free or Kids Eat for $1.99 promotion that many franchises run on slower weeknights. The structure is usually one free kids meal per adult entree purchased, capped at a couple of kids per table. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the most common Kids Eat Free nights, but always confirm with your specific location since this varies.
Keeping Kids Entertained at the Table
A great kids menu does more than feed children. The Applebee's kids menu is printed on an activity sheet that doubles as a coloring page, maze, and word search. Crayons are free for the asking, and most servers bring them out automatically when they spot a child at the table. That ten to twenty minute window between sitting down and the food arriving is when most family meltdowns happen, and the activity sheet is a simple but effective tool for keeping the peace.
Allergy Friendly Picks
Applebee's has one of the better interactive allergen tools among national chains. You can filter every menu item, including kids meals, by the nine major allergens (egg, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat) on the official website or the app. For most common allergies, the safest kids meal pick is the Grilled Chicken with steamed broccoli and a glass of milk or water. Tell your server about any severe allergy when you order so the kitchen can take cross contact precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults order from the kids menu?
Officially the kids menu is for children 12 and under, but some servers will accommodate an adult who wants a smaller portion. The more reliable adult alternative is a side salad plus a half priced appetizer during Happy Hour.
Are there gluten free options for kids?
The Kids Grilled Chicken with steamed broccoli or applesauce is the closest you will get. The Chicken Tenders, Corn Dog, and Mac and Cheese all contain gluten. Confirm with your server, since preparation surfaces can vary.
How often is Kids Eat Free available?
Most participating locations run Kids Eat Free or $1.99 kids meals on one or two weeknights, often Tuesday or Wednesday. The deal is set by the franchise, so call ahead to confirm.
Is dessert included with the kids meal?
Dessert is not part of the standard kids meal but is available as a small upcharge. The Brownie Bite is the most popular kid sized dessert.
The Takeaway
The Applebee's kids menu in 2026 covers all the bases: five reliable entrees, four side options, kid friendly drinks, and a coloring activity sheet at $5.99 to $7.99 per meal. Add a midweek Kids Eat Free deal where your franchise offers it, and family dinner out costs less than cooking the same meal at home. Ask for crayons, pick the side that fits your kid, and enjoy a meal where nobody has to do the dishes.
