Today I’m running a guest blog post from Lisa Campbell, founder of KidsEatFor. It is a community-built, grassroots effort to build the largest collection of kids eat free and discounted kids meals in the world–and it’s got a cool iPhone app, too! Campbell shares 5 great ways to save while eating with kids.

1. Eating at home is the best way to save money. Going to the grocery store can be a multi-purpose outing if you take the kids. You can get their input for dinner, they can help you find certain things, you can also turn it into math time. It shows them they are apart of the family since you can use their help shopping. Make sure you don’t go when you’re hungry!

2. Split servings to save when eating out. Depending on the age and type of eater you have, you may be able to split a meal. Many restaurants today (such as Cheesecake Factory and Claim Jumper) have huge portions which you can split with your little one.

3. Skip the sodas and desserts at restaurants and you’ll spend less. Almost all restaurants charge for soda. Get a glass of water instead. This can be an instant savings of up to $6.00 (for two adults) depending on the restaurant. Look to see if drinks are included with kids meals. If not, these can be up to $2.50 per child. Desserts, unless they are included, are expensive. You can spend up to $6.50 per adult and $3.00 per child. All of this really adds up and it’s some of the highest margin items for the restaurant.

4. Go out to eat on a kids eat free or cheap night. You can find a kids special just about every night of the week. Kids Eat For has a great detailed list of where kids eat free or cheap. You can see kid menus right there as well as restaurant reviews. (You can also check the Freebie Friday listings right here on Suddenly Frugal for any upcoming free menu nights at restaurants.)

5. Use coupons or join your favorite restaurants email club to get a discount. If there is a certain place you love to eat out at, chances are they will send out coupons either in the mail or email them to you if you’re on their email list. Some restaurants offer you a free meal on your birthday, plus a free dessert. Sign the kiddos up at their favorite restaurant, and they should get free meals too. Also, many restaurants offer big savings during report card time–something to keep in mind, too.

Have other ideas for how kids can eat for cheap or free when you go out? Post a comment to share.