15 Chain Restaurants with Kids Menus That Don't Suck

Whether you’re on the road and looking for a place to pull over, or if you’re going to your favorite neighborhood restaurant for a family meal, it’s always good to know that there are healthy(ish) menu choices. Believe me, I’m the first one to break down and let my kids get the chicken tenders with fries and extra ketchup, but it’s important to at least be aware of the yummy and very healthy vegetable medley at PF Chang’s, and that the kids sirloin steak at Applebee’s is only 140 calories.

I scoped out the biggest chain restaurants across the country and found out what the healthiest—and kid approved!—menu options are. Hey, your kid might still refuse a grilled chicken breast, but at least you know it’s out there, and it’s a heck of a lot healthier than a sodium and fat-filled bowl of mac and cheese. Check them out in the slideshow.

More Kid-Approved, Healthy Eats:

Mother and daughter ordering in restaurant

15 Chain Restaurants with Kids' Menus That Don't Suck

Cheesecake Factory

The kids grilled salmon or grilled chicken served with potatoes and a vegetable are probably the two safest options at The Cheesecake Factory. Whatever you do, steer clear of the pasta with Alfredo sauce which is a shocking 1,810 calories.

Check out the menu here.
Applebee's

For 140 calories, the kids 4oz sirloin steak is a great high-protein option, and comes served with a side of steamed broccoli or baby carrots with ranch dressing.

Check out the menu here.
Texas Roadhouse

Strips of fresh boneless grilled chicken breast are only 150 calories. This high protein entree comes served with a choice of side, but I’d recommend the green beans for 70 calories.

Check out the menu here.
Olive Garden

Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce is a great choice picky eaters. Though you can choose any kind of pasta, opting for spaghetti is only 240. Add chicken and steamed broccoli for another 160 calories and create a complete meal.

Check out the menu here.
Panera Bread

The kids All Natural Turkey Chili, is a healthy, filling option at only 210 calories (however, 730mg sodium), and is made with a hearty blend of antibiotic-free dark meat and tender beans, slow cooked with veggies and spices.

Check out the menu here.
PF Chang's

Probably the healthiest option out there, Baby Buddha’s Feast (snap peas, carrots and broccoli) is only 60 calories and comes steamed with rice or quinoa. But, who am I kidding -- my kids are going to want the sweet and sour chicken, which isn't bad at 300 calories and 400mg sodium.

Check out the menu here.
Cosi

The kids turkey sandwich with either baby carrots or fruit is a great healthy option at only 150 calories. But if you're kids are anything like mine and love pizza, the cheese flatbread pizza isn't bad at 250 calories.

Check out the menu here.
Cracker Barrel

At 370 calories, the Kid’s Chicken n’ Dumplings entree isn't low-cal, but is a lean, high protein alternative to the usual mac n’ cheese or fried chicken fingers options.

Check out the menu here.
TGIFriday's

TGIFriday's All-Natural Chicken Sandwich comes to 320 calories, and can be served with a side of carrots & ranch (150), fruit cup (60), mandarin oranges (60), or salad (40).

Check out the menu here.
Hard Rock Cafe

At The Hard Rock Cafe, the healthiest option for kids is the Kid's Salad Chillin’ With Chicken, which is only 330 cal, 500mg sodium. This salad comes with mixed greens and diced chicken, monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, and is served with carrot sticks.

Check out the menu here.
Friendly's

Friendly's Turkey Sandwich on Goldfish Bread comes with apple slices, and clocks in at only 260 calories. There are 670mg of sodium, but it has a decent 17g of protein.

Check out the menu here.
Outback Steakhouse

Try the 5oz sirloin medallians which are only 212 calories (and a whopping 30g of protein). There's a big range of side items, too, but we recommend the asparagus (60cal).

Check out the menu here.
Red Lobster

The broiled fish is a great protein choice at 200 calories. However, if your kids think fish is yucky, they might enjoy the garlic grilled shrimp which is low-cal at 110 (but a whopping 600mg sodium). All entrees come with orange wedges or broccoli.

Check out the menu here.
Chili's

Chili’s — Pepper Pals Grilled Chicken Platter,

The kids menu grilled chicken is a great lean protein option at only 160 calories (without sides). It comes with a variety of side choice from broccoli to celery sticks, corn on the cob, house salad, or pineapple.

Check out the menu here.
Ruby Tuesday

Kids love cheese pizza, and although not exactly low cal at 470 calories, it’s one of lowest sodium (790), and least caloric options on the kids menu. Top with a side of fresh grilled zucchini for an additional 40 calories.

Check out the menu here.