Applebee's Kids Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Planning a family dinner at the "neighborhood grill" often starts with one question: what can the kids eat? The Applebee’s kids menu is specifically designed for children ages 12 and under, offering a customizable "pick-your-own" meal format that balances classic comfort foods like Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese with healthier options like steamed broccoli and grilled chicken. For 2026, ordering a complete meal remains incredibly easy and affordable.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the current Applebee’s kids menu, including estimated prices, calorie counts, and nutritional highlights. We also cover essential details for parents, such as the age limit for kids' meals, how to find "Kids Eat Free" promotions, and the best ways to customize a meal for picky eaters or those with food allergies. Whether you are dining in or ordering Carside To-Go, this breakdown will help you budget your meal and make the best choices for your family.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Applebee's Kids Menu Prices
The Applebee’s kids menu is structured as a complete meal bundle. For one flat price, the child receives one entree, one side, and one beverage. Prices below are estimates based on standard regional menus and can vary by location.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft® Mac & Cheese | Entree | Est. $5.99 | 300 - 320 Cal | Picky eaters | A top-selling vegetarian favorite. |
| Chicken Tenders (2 pc) | Entree | Est. $6.99 | 340 Cal | Protein | Served with honey mustard or ranch. |
| Kids' Cheeseburger | Entree | Est. $7.49 | 440 - 520 Cal | Hearty appetites | American cheese on a toasted bun. |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Entree | Est. $7.29 | 280 Cal | Health-conscious | The healthiest protein option. |
| Corn Dog | Entree | Est. $5.99 | 230 - 250 Cal | Budget dining | Classic honey-crunch breading. |
| Chicken Quesadilla | Entree | Est. $6.49 | 450 Cal | Sharing | Melted cheese and grilled chicken. |
| Pepperoni Pizza | Entree | Est. $6.49 | 550 Cal | Older kids | 6-inch personal size. |
| Taco (Beef or Chicken) | Entree | Est. $6.29 | 210 - 250 Cal | Lighter meals | Soft flour tortilla with cheese. |
| Steamed Broccoli | Side | Included | 40 - 60 Cal | Adding veggies | Best healthy swap for fries. |
| Sliced Apples / Applesauce | Side | Included | 50 Cal | Toddlers | Unsweetened Mott’s® apple sauce. |
| French Fries | Side | Included | 220 - 260 Cal | Classic pairing | Traditional crispy seasoned fries. |
| Milk / Chocolate Milk | Drink | Included | 100 - 180 Cal | Calcium boost | Nutritious choice included in bundle. |
Popular Menu Items
When building an Applebee's kids menu meal, families tend to stick to familiar, comforting classics. Here are the items that are ordered most frequently.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese | Brand-name recognition guarantees picky eaters get the exact cheesy flavor they expect. | Usually the lowest price tier (est. $5.99) | 300 - 320 Cal |
| Chicken Tenders | Extra crispy breading and a good source of protein. Pairs well with their signature honey mustard. | Est. $6.99 | 480 - 520 Cal (for 3 pc) |
| Kids' Cheeseburger | Hearty enough for older children (ages 10-12) who want a "grown-up" meal but in a smaller portion. | Est. $7.49 | 440 - 470 Cal |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Chicken Tenders Bundle
Combining the crispy chicken tenders with sliced apples and milk provides a balanced mix of familiar comfort food and better-for-you sides.
Kraft® Mac & Cheese
It is one of the lowest-priced entrees on the menu, and because it is very filling, it offers excellent "fill-factor" for the budget.
Grilled Chicken Breast
Ordering the chicken grilled instead of breaded drops the calories significantly. Pair it with steamed broccoli to sneak in a vegetable.
Kids' Cheeseburger
This is a satisfying option that bridges the gap between the kids' menu and the adult menu for children approaching the 12-year-old cutoff.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Dining out with the whole family can get expensive. The Applebee's kids menu is built on a high-value bundle, but there are still ways to maximize your dollar. (If you want to compare value meals across casual chains, you might also look at LongHorn Steakhouse or Goofy Kitchen, though Applebee's often wins on budget convenience).
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Eat Free Tuesdays | Many locations offer one free kids' meal with the purchase of a full-priced adult entree. | This is franchise-specific and not a nationwide guarantee. | Call your local restaurant to confirm the specific day they run family promotions. |
| Corn Dog or Mac & Cheese | These are typically the lowest-priced tier items on the menu (around $5.99). | Lower protein content compared to chicken dishes. | Pair with a free milk to add nutritional value and satiety to a cheaper entree. |
| Free Side Swaps | There is no upcharge for swapping fries for a healthier side like apples or broccoli. | Premium sides (like mozzarella sticks, if offered locally) will cost extra. | Always ask to sub the side; it adds nutritional value without changing the check. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Most Applebee's kids' meals fall between 400 and 800 total calories once you combine the entree, side, and drink. The restaurant provides an official nutrition guide that makes it easy to track intake.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | At 150-190 calories, it offers the best lean protein to calorie ratio on the menu. | High protein, low calorie | High (Official Nutrition PDF) |
| Pepperoni Pizza Bundle | When combined with fries and a soda, this meal can quickly exceed 900 calories. | Splurge days only | High (Official Nutrition PDF) |
| Sodium Warning | Mac & Cheese and Chicken Tenders are naturally high in sodium. | Dietary monitoring | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Applebee's provides a comprehensive allergen guide online. Keep in mind that kitchens use shared prep areas, so cross-contact is always a risk. Notify your server immediately if your child has a severe allergy. (If you have severe dietary restrictions and are dining in upscale casual settings, restaurants like Daily Grill may offer different scratch-kitchen flexibility, but Applebee's standardizes its allergen info well).
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Friendly | Grilled Chicken (no bun) and Steamed Broccoli. | Avoid the French fries due to shared fryers with breaded items. |
| Vegetarian | Kraft® Mac & Cheese, Cheese Quesadilla, or Cheese Pizza. | Multiple reliable options exist for vegetarian children. |
| Dairy Allergies | Avoid mac & cheese, burgers, and quesadillas. | The Grilled Chicken and Sliced Apples are the safest dairy-free bets. |
Special Menu Sections: Drinks & Customizations
Kids Drinks
The kids meal price includes a beverage, but customizations can change your bill.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included Drinks | Milk, Chocolate Milk, Fruit Juices, or Soft Drinks. | Included in base price (100-180 Cal). | Budget consistency |
| Upgraded Drinks | Shirley Temples, Kid Shakes, flavored lemonades. | Often carry a $1.49 – $2.49 upcharge. | Special occasions |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This breakdown is especially useful for:
- Parents checking prices to budget a family dinner before visiting the restaurant.
- Health-conscious families comparing calories or looking for vegetable and lean protein swaps.
- Families looking for deals like the famous "Kids Eat Free" night.
- People ordering Carside To-Go who want to build a quick, affordable meal for their children.
- Parents with allergen concerns who need to know where gluten and dairy hide on the kids menu.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make your Applebee's visit smoother and more affordable with these practical strategies.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices and "Kids Eat Free" days are controlled by local franchises and vary by city.
- Leverage the To-Go loophole. While dine-in limits the kids menu to ages 12 and under, most locations allow anyone to order kids' meals for To-Go or delivery.
- Watch out for drink upcharges. A standard juice or milk is free with the meal, but a server offering a "Shirley Temple" or a milkshake usually means an extra charge on the bill.
- Use the free side swap. You can always exchange fries for steamed broccoli or applesauce at no extra cost to balance out the meal.
- Ask for an activity kit. Most Applebee's locations provide crayons and placemats, but servers sometimes forget during a rush-don't hesitate to ask!
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery apps often inflate the price of a kids' meal by $1 to $2 compared to ordering directly through the Applebee's Carside To-Go app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Applebee's have a kids menu?
Yes, Applebee's offers a dedicated kids menu for children, featuring a choice of entree, side, and drink bundled together for one price.
What is the age limit for the Applebee's kids menu?
The official policy limits the kids menu to children 12 years old and younger.
How much is a kids meal at Applebee's?
Prices typically range from $5.99 to $8.99 depending on your location and the specific entree chosen.
Does Applebee's still do "Kids Eat Free" on Tuesdays?
Many locations still offer this deal (usually one free kids meal per adult entree purchased), but it is not nationwide. You must check with your local franchise.
Are drinks included with Applebee's kids meals?
Yes, a standard beverage (such as milk, juice, or a soft drink) is included in the base bundle price of a kids' meal. Specialty drinks cost extra.
Is the Mac and Cheese at Applebee's real Kraft?
Yes, Applebee's proudly serves brand-name Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese on their kids menu.
Can adults order off the kids menu at Applebee's?
For dine-in, most locations enforce the 12-and-under age limit. However, for online To-Go or Delivery orders, there is usually no age restriction enforced.
What are the healthy options on the Applebee's kids menu?
The healthiest choices include the Grilled Chicken Sandwich (or plain grilled chicken breast), Steamed Broccoli, and Mott’s® Applesauce.
Does Applebee's have a gluten-free kids menu?
They do not have a separate gluten-free menu, but you can customize items-like ordering grilled chicken without the bun and choosing broccoli instead of fries-to make the meal gluten-friendly.
Can I get a refill on kids' drinks?
Refills are generally free for soft drinks, but milk and juice may be limited to a single serving depending on the franchise's specific policy.
Conclusion
The Applebee’s kids menu remains a top choice for families in 2026 because of its predictable "bundle" value and kid-friendly favorites. By choosing items like the affordable Kraft® Mac & Cheese or the Grilled Chicken with broccoli, parents can easily manage both their budget and their child's nutrition. For the best experience, always use the official Applebee’s app to verify local pricing and check if your neighborhood location offers "Kids Eat Free" deals.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
