Patch Parents: Where To Find The Best Back-To-School Dining Deals And Freebies

Although the end of summer can be a bummer, a number of restaurants are trying to soften the blow with back-to-school dining deals.

Back-to-school season can bring added expenses and stress, so these budget-friendly offers not only satisfy cravings but also wallets.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is helping families start their mornings off right with a special back-to-school promotion. From Aug. 6 to Sept. 2, new and existing rewards members can get a baker's dozen and schmear box for $10 at the bagel chain. The box includes 13 bagels and two cream cheese schmear tubs.

"We know the back-to-school season can be hectic and expensive as families return to their routines," said Kate Savelli, brand director of Einstein Bros. Bagels. "But even so, every parent wants to send their kids off with a breakfast they can feel good about and one they know their kids will love."

From back-to-school deals to year-round freebies, here's a look at other family-friendly food promotions that restaurants are offering as kids return to school.

Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon

Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon customers can score free treats this back-to-school season. Grab a $30 gift card and get a MiniBon and Original Pretzel for free. The offer is available with qualifying gift card or e-gift card purchase from the Auntie Anne's and/or Cinnabon online gift card ordering webpage under one transaction and under one order number through Sept. 1. The reward codes are valid for redemption through Sept. 30.

Burger Lounge

Kids eat free every Tuesday at Burger Lounge. Get one free Kid's Lounge Meal with the purchase of any entrée. The deal is available for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Use the online promo code KIDS.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon is also offering a sweet treat for families this back-to-school season. Families with children under 12 can get a free five-count CinnaSweeties with the purchase of any baked good. The offer is valid in-store only on Sundays at participating locations.

Coco's Bakery

Kids also eat free every Tuesday at Coco's Bakery. Get a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. The dine-in-only offer is valid all day on Tuesdays.

Denny's

Denny's offers another family-friendly Tuesday deal. Get a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée from 4-10 p.m. every Tuesday at the diner-style restaurant chain. Participating locations may vary, so diners should check with their local Denny's.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering a fresh-baked deal to fuel school mornings with ease. From Aug. 6 to Sept. 2, rewards members can get a baker's dozen and schmear box for $10. The box includes 13 bagels and two cream cheese schmear tubs. The one-time offer is available to new and existing Einstein Bros. Bagels rewards members and can only be used online or through the app.

Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill has grilled up another freebie. Rewards members can get a free kid's meal for every adult entrée purchase. The promotion drops every Sunday from Aug. 3 through Aug. 31. Rewards members can redeem the offer at any point during the week in store and online.

P.F. Chang's

Kids under 12 can also get a free scoop of ice cream with any food purchase at P.F. Chang's.

Red Robin

Kid's meals are half off every Wednesday at Red Robin. The deal includes a kid's entrée, side and drink. The offer includes unlimited free refills of bottomless sides and drinks when dining in Red Robin. Use the online promo code KIDSMEAL50.

Smashburger

Kids eat free every Wednesday at Smashburger. Customers can get a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult meal. The dine-in only deal runs through the end of the year.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.