Kids Meal Prices at Popular Fast Food and Restaurant Chains (2026)
Quick answer
- Most fast food kids meals cost about $4.50 to $7.
- McDonald’s Hamburger Happy Meal is about $4.99 and Burger King’s Hamburger King Jr. Meal about $4.79.
- Sit-down chains charge more, about $5.50 to $11 per kids meal.
- Denny’s Jr. Grand Slam at about $4.99 to $5.99 is one of the cheapest sit-down kids meals.
Kids meals are a simple way to feed a child without paying for an adult portion. Prices vary a lot between chains, though, and sit-down restaurants can cost twice as much as a drive-thru. Here is what kids meals cost at popular chains right now.
Fast food kids meal prices
| Restaurant | Kids meal | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Hamburger Happy Meal | About $4.99 |
| McDonald’s | 4 pc McNuggets Happy Meal | About $5.29 |
| Burger King | Hamburger King Jr. Meal | About $4.79 |
| Burger King | 4 pc Nuggets King Jr. Meal | About $4.99 |
| Sonic | Jr. Burger Wacky Pack | About $4.57 to $5.57 |
| Firehouse Subs | Kids Combo | From about $4.99 |
| Zaxby’s | Kiddie Fingerz Meal | About $5.39 to $6.39 |
| Panda Express | Panda Cub Meal | About $5.50 to $6.50 |
| Chipotle | Kids Chicken Burrito or Tacos | About $5.95 |
| Subway | Kids Pak | About $5.99 |
| Raising Cane’s | Kids Combo | About $6.69 to $6.99 |
| Dave’s Hot Chicken | Kids Meal | About $6.99 |
| Wingstop | Kids Boneless Wings or Tenders | About $6.99 |
| Culver’s | Single ButterBurger Kids Meal | About $7.19 to $9.09 |
Sit-down restaurant kids meal prices
| Restaurant | Kids meal | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Denny’s | Jr. Grand Slam | About $4.99 to $5.99 |
| Texas Roadhouse | Kids Chicken Tenders or Mac | About $5.49 to $6.99 |
| Applebee’s | Kids meals | From about $5.99 |
| Chili’s | Kids Mac, Quesadilla, Burger or Crispers | About $5.99 to $7.99 |
| Olive Garden | Kids meals | About $7.49 |
| Cracker Barrel | Mini Pancakes or Lil’ Barrel Cheeseburgers | About $7.99 |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Kids Pasta, Tenders or Grilled Chicken | About $7.50 to $8.50 |
| Outback | Joey Menu | About $7.99 to $10.99 |
Ways to save on kids meals
- Look for kids eat free nights. Outback, for example, has run free kids meals on Mondays with an adult entree at participating locations.
- Share a family bundle instead of buying separate kids meals for older children.
- Skip the toy or drink upgrade and order a la carte if your child only wants nuggets.
- Use app deals, which sometimes include kids meal discounts.
If you also care about nutrition, see our guide to healthier kids meal choices.
Is a kids meal the best value?
Kids meals are good value when a child eats the full meal, since they include a side and a drink. For toddlers or light eaters, it can be cheaper to share an adult order or buy a single item, like a $1.99 hamburger or 4 pc nuggets. For older kids with big appetites, an adult value bundle like the McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal can give more food for about the same price.
What is usually included
- A small main, such as a hamburger, nuggets or a mini sandwich.
- A small side, such as fries, apple slices or fruit.
- A kids drink, often milk, juice, water or a small soda.
- At some chains, a toy or small dessert.
Calories range widely, from about 400 to 650 for most fast food kids meals. Our healthier kids meals guide lists the better choices.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Happy Meal?
A McDonald’s Hamburger Happy Meal costs about $4.99 and a 4 pc McNuggets Happy Meal about $5.29, depending on location.
What is the cheapest kids meal?
Burger King’s Hamburger King Jr. Meal at about $4.79 and Sonic’s Jr. Burger Wacky Pack from about $4.57 are among the cheapest.
What age can order a kids meal?
Most chains say kids meals are for children 12 and under, though few check. Some sit-down chains set the limit at 10.
Do kids eat free at any restaurant?
Some chains run kids eat free nights at participating locations, usually with the purchase of an adult entree. Check your local restaurant.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
