{"id":8569,"date":"2025-05-30T20:35:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T20:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/?p=8569"},"modified":"2025-06-05T12:44:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T12:44:27","slug":"best-kids-meals-that-win-on-taste-and-price-3-has-a-clever-twist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/30\/best-kids-meals-that-win-on-taste-and-price-3-has-a-clever-twist\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Kids Meals That Win on Taste and Price\u2014#3 Has a Clever Twist!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering what the best kids\u2019 meals are for your money? Check out what our budget-conscious team recommends!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

When time is tight and appetites are growing, fast food<\/a> can be a convenient solution, but which kids\u2019 meals actually offer good value? We\u2019ve compared popular options to highlight the best picks that balance price, portion size, and kid-friendly appeal.<\/p>\n

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Here are our top picks for the best kids meals:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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  1. McDonald\u2019s<\/a> \u2013 <\/strong>best for picky eaters<\/em><\/li>\n
  2. Wendy\u2019s<\/a> \u2013 <\/b>best for tight budgets<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Chick-Fil-A<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 best for busy parents<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Chipotle<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 best tasting<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Subway<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 most nutritious<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Culver\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 best value<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
  7. LongHorn Steakhouse<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 best restaurant kids meal<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
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    1. McDonalds Happy Meals are always a safe bet for picky eaters.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"a<\/p>\n

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    Happy Meal<\/a> $5.99 \u2013 $8.19<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Choose between kids hamburger, 4 or 6-piece chicken nuggets. Includes French fries or apple slices and a choice of milk, apple juice, or a fountain drink.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    If the kid-approved classics, chicken nuggets, and fries (or apple slices) aren\u2019t enough, the iconic smiling Happy Meal box will surely encourage kiddos to take a bite!<\/p>\n

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    Bookmark this page to save on adult meals too!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    2. On a tight budget? You need to know about the best Wendy\u2019s kids meal deal!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"hand<\/p>\n

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    Wendy\u2019s Kids Meal<\/a> $4.79 \u2013 $4.89 (possibly $1.99 after 4 PM)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Choose between 4-piece spicy or plain nuggets, kids hamburger or cheeseburger. Includes natural cut fries or apple slices, a drink and a toy.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Did you know that some Wendy\u2019s locations offer $1.99 kids meals after 4 PM? However, even if your location doesn\u2019t, the classic kids meal is UNDER $5 and even includes top-tier toys like previously-offered, Play-Doh, Crayola, and more!<\/p>\n

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    3. For parents in a rush, Chick-fil-A\u2019s drive-thru and kids meal makes it a fast food MVP.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"nuggets<\/p>\n

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    Chick-Fil-A Kids Meal<\/a> $6.89 \u2013 $7.39<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Choose between kids 5-piece crispy or grilled nuggets or 2-piece strips, with fruit cup, mac & cheese, fries, potato wedges, or applesauce, plus a drink!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    If you\u2019ve ever been through CFA\u2019s drive-thru, then you can appreciate their freakishly fast service! This means busy parents can get the kids fed and onto sports practice in no time with happy bellies!<\/p>\n

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    Try Hip Sidekick, Kelli\u2019s, AWESOME hack:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m a big fan of Chick-Fil-A\u2019s kids meal\u2026 for myself. \ud83d\ude48 I order the 2 chicken strips meal that comes with fries, and instead of the toy, I request a cup of ice cream. Then, I ask for an empty large drink cup (if I don\u2019t have my own reusable) and add the ice cream to my kid-sized Dr. Pepper (without ice) for a float.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Want FREE Chick-Fil-A? Here\u2019s how to get it!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    4. Chipotle serves up the best-tasting kids meal with fresh flavors even grown-ups envy.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

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    Kids Build-Your-Own Meal<\/a> $5.70<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Kids Quesadilla<\/a> $5<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    The build your own includes choice of meat, guacamole or queso, and two toppings with a pair of crispy corn or soft flour Tortillas. Includes fruit or kids\u2019 chips and organic juice or milk.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Surely we\u2019re not the only ones who have opted for a Chipotle kids meal for ourselves? \ud83e\udd2d You get flavorful food, and for the price, you can\u2019t beat it!<\/p>\n

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    Hip Sidekick, Melinda, said it best:<\/strong> \u201c100% without a doubt, Chipotle kids meals! I don\u2019t feel super guilty about my kids eating this food \u2013 I wish they eliminated seed oils but I feel WAY better about Chipotle over other fast food. Plus the value can\u2019t be beat! I myself often order Chipotle kids meals \u2013 it\u2019s plenty of food for the price!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    5. Subway serves up the most nutritious kids meal with fresh, wholesome ingredients.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

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    Subway Kids Meal<\/a> $5.99<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Choose between Black Forest Ham, Oven-Roasted Turkey, or Veggie Delight. Each sandwich is placed on freshly baked multigrain bread with meat, a choice of cheese, and veggies. Includes side of applesauce and low-fat milk or Honest juice. Total calories: 400- 500.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    For parents looking for healthy \u201cfast food\u201d on-the-go, Subway offers hearty wholegrain bread, protein-packed oven-roasted turkey, piled high with as many veggies as the kids would like!<\/p>\n

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    We\u2019re keeping you up to date on the latest Subway coupons<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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    6. Looking for the best value kids meal? Culver\u2019s delivers big portions without the big price.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"kids<\/p>\n

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    Culver\u2019s Kids Meal<\/a> $6.29<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Choose between a kids ButterBurger or ButterBurger with Cheese, 2-Piece Buffalo or Regular Chicken Tenders, Grilled Cheese, or Corn Dog. Plus you can pick one of 12 sides, and get a drink and a scoop of frozen custard!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    If you\u2019re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, Culver\u2019s & their iconic butter burger + scoop of custard will fill you up! You also get a choice of 12 sides \u2013 everything from a fresh side salad to chili, and their delicious cheese curds (for a small upcharge).<\/p>\n

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    Hip Sidekick, Liz, said it best:<\/strong> I think Culver\u2019s has the best kids meal for the price\/amount of food! If you get the burger, it\u2019s literally the same size as the adult burger and you can still add extra toppings to it. Plus, you\u2019ll get a coupon on the kids meal bag that you can redeem for a FREE cup of ice cream! You can choose the flavor of the day or vanilla with one topping. AND you get a prize coupon; when you\u2019ve collected 10, you can redeem them for a toy like a basketball, football, plush, etc. or even choose a free kids meal!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    BONUS!<\/em> This kids meal might surprise you!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"kids<\/p>\n

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    LongHorn Steakhouse\u2019s Under 12 Kids Meal<\/a> $6.99 \u2013 $9.99<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Choose between kids mac & cheese, hamburger, sirloin, chicken tenders, or grilled chicken tenders. Choose from 10 sides (most are free) and a drink! Plus, each meal includes a bread roll!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    At LongHorn Steakhouse, the kids sirloin steak is the same size as the adult version \u2013 the difference is the adult version will cost ya $16.99+! It does not come with a salad, but you do get to choose a side and a bread loaf.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cLongHorn kids meals are legit! The burger is full size and the steak is the same size as a regular adult one, plus you get a side, drink, and bread. I order it for curbside pickup for me<\/del> my kid. The adult version of the same thing is a LOT more. The only difference is it doesn\u2019t come with a salad.\u201d <\/em>\u2013 Hip Sidekick, Angela<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Love Raising Cane\u2019s? Make this copycat sauce recipe<\/a> at home!<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Wondering what the best kids\u2019 meals are for your money? Check out what our budget-conscious team recommends! When time is tight and appetites are growing, fast food can be a convenient solution, but which kids\u2019 meals actually offer good value? We\u2019ve compared popular options to highlight the best picks that balance price, portion size, and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8571,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8569"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8569"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8569\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8570,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8569\/revisions\/8570"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8569"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8569"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8569"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}