As the parent, you will need to register the birthday kids—and oftentimes yourself, too, before adding your children as family members. Sign up now, and the coupons and emails will start rolling in while you are busy planning their big birthday party!
Birthday Freebies: Free Food on Your Kid's Birthday
1.Cold Stone Creamery
Multiple locations nationwide
When you join Cold Stone Creamery'seClub, you get a BOGO (buy one creation, get one creation free) free birthday coupon. Coupon valid 7 days before your birthday and 7 days after your birthday. Must be 18 years old or older to sign up.
2.Denny's
Multiple locations nationwide
Denny's Rewards members get "a delicious birthday gift." Free drinks and kids eat free rewards also apply throughout the year
3. Landry's Brand restaurants
Multiple locations nationwide include the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., McCormick & Schmicks, andBrick House Tavern & Tap
First, join Landry's Select Club on thewebsite. Although it's a $25 one-time per lifetime fee to join, as soon as you join you get a $25 reward—so, it's a wash. By joining theclub, you then get annual emails with a free $25 birthday meal coupon that you can use at therestaurants. That's a sweet deal.
How about a gourmet burger, for free, on your birthday? Photo courtesy of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.
4.Red Robin
Multiple locations nationwide
Add your kidsages 17 and under to your Red Robin Royalty account to receive afree gourmet burger on their birthday. You get one on yours, too!
Everyone loves free ice cream! Photo courtesy of Baskin Robbins
6.Baskin Robbins
Multiple locations nationwide
An adult must register and then add additional family members. But this one's not just for kids—all listed family members (up to 5) receive free ice cream coupons on their birthdays.
6.Corner Bakery
Multiple locations nationwide
Join the eClub and get a free pastry during your birthday month—whether that means cookies, cake, bars, or something else. You must be over 18 to register, but you can slip that cookie to your kid.
7. Jimmy John's
Multiple locations nationwide
Jimmy John's Rewards members get a free undisclosed reward on their birthday each year. I signed up and got a free sandwich last year!
Birthday pretzels are free on your birthday. Photo courtesy of Auntie Anne's
8.Auntie Anne's
Multiple locations nationwide
Does your kid have a smartphone? They can get a free pretzel during their birthday month by signing up with the Pretzel Perks rewards program.
9.Baja Fresh
Multiple locations nationwide
Kids 13 and up can sign up for Club Baja, and in addition to coupons throughout the year, they'll get a special treat birthday treat.
10.Boston Market
Multiple locations nationwide
Kids and adults get a free birthday dessert when they use the Boston Market app on their birthday. Choose a triple chocolate cookie or a chocolate brownie.
Try the cupcake pancakes on your birthday! Photo courtesy of International House of Pancakes
11. IHOP
Multiple locations nationwide
What kid (or adult) doesn't love free pancakes? Kids 13 and up can register for the rewards program and get free pancakes on their birthday.
12. Olive Garden
Multiple locations nationwide
Kids 13 and up can sign up on the Olive Gardenwebsite for its eClub and get a free dessert.
13. Pizza Hut
Multiple locations nationwide
It's not free pizza, but it's free birthday treats nonetheless. Kids 13 and up can sign up for the rewards program on the website and get a coupon for free cinnamon sticks on their birthday.
14.Benihana
Multiple locations nationwide
Enroll kids 12 and under in the KabukiKluband they'll get a complimentary mug with the purchase of a kid's meal the month of their birthday. Once they're over 12, the birthday gift is a free meal (for adults, too!).
Head to the ATM near you for this birthday freebie. Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes, Facebook
15.Sprinkles Cupcakes
Stores and cupcake ATMsin Arizona, California, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Utah
Sign up for the Sprinkles perks program and visit at least 1 time to get your free birthday cupcake reward.
16.Applebee's
Multiple locations nationwide
The restaurant offers afreebiefor the birthday kid. Because the chain operates as a franchise, the freebie varies from location to location. Expect to nab a free appetizer, entree, or (most likely) dessert. Club Applebee's members get a free dessert with $15 purchase
17.Au Bon Pain
Multiple locations nationwide
Join this ubiquitous chain'se-clubto net a free pastry (for the kiddo) and coffee (for you) just for signing up. You'll also get a free cookie on your birthday.
18.Hard Rock Cafe
Multiple locations nationwide
Visit one of the local Hard Rock Cafes and score afree birthday dessert if you're a member of its rewards program.
19.BurgerFi
Multiple locations across the East Coast, Midwest, and Southeast
BurgerFi Rewardsmembers receive exclusive offers and promotions, including double point days, birthday rewards (usually a free milkshake), and more.
20.California Pizza Kitchen
Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for this West Coast chain'sCPK Rewards loyalty program, and you'll get a free dessert coupon during your child's (or your!) birthday month.
21.Jamba Juice
Multiple locations nationwide
Join Jamba'srewards program to receive a free small smoothie on your birthday.
22.Red Lobster
Multiple locations nationwide
Parents can join a rewards programthat lets you earn freebies for every dollar you spend, plus a free appetizer or dessert on your birthday.
Here's an extra treat: this copycat recipe of the Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits is delicious! Make them for birthdays or any day. Your kids will adore them.
23. Dairy Queen
Multiple locations nationwide
Sure it's tradition to have cake on your birthday, but you can also get a free Blizzard for your birthday when you join the Blizzard Fan Club.
24. Edible Arrangements
Multiple locations nationwide
Because fruit doesn't lose its nutritional value when it's dipped in chocolate, you can count this free treat as a healthful part of your kid's birthday. All you need to do is join the rewards program before your birthday month to receive a free six-piece chocolate-dipped fruit box.
25. Einstein's Bagels
Multiple locations nationwide
Get a free bagel and cream cheese with purchase on your birthday (or your kid's birthday) when you sign up to be a member of the Schmear Society.
26. Houlihan's
Multiple locations in the Midwest, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
Sign up for the email club to earn a free entree on your birthday.
27. Noodles & Company
Multiple locations nationwide
Members of Noodles & Company's rewards program get a special reward emailed to them on their birthdays. Members who have just joined get a free dessert, while big spenders can earn their way up to a free entree.
28. Panera Bread
Multiple locations nationwide
Join the My Panera program for a free bakery item on your birthday. (Some of us worked our first job here and maybe can still get the employee discount, just sayin' we are big Panera fans around here!)
29. Buffalo Wild Wings
Multiple locations nationwide
Blazin' Reward members get six free wings during their birthday month. Maybe go mild for the kids.
30. Chipotle
Multiple locations nationwide
Get free chips and guac with a purchase on your birthday for being a Chipotle rewards member.
Isn't pizza the perfect birthday meal? It's even better when it's free. Photo courtesy of Sbarro
31. Sbarro
Multiple locations nationwide
Become a Sbarro Rewards member to receive a free slice of pizza with a $5 purchase on your birthday.
32. Papa John's Pizza
Multiple locations nationwide
Anyone of any age can become a Papa reward member and receive a coupon for a free dessert on their birthday (the coupon is valid for your birthday month).
33. Chili's
Multiple locations nationwide
Anyone with an email address can sign up for My Chili's Rewards for a free dessert on their birthday and free chips and salsa on any visit.
34. Culver's
Multiple locations in the Midwest, Southeast, and Texas
MyCulver's allows customers to sign up multiple birthdays so that every family member can get a free one-scoop sundae on their birthday.
35. Maggiano's
Multiple locations nationwide
There's no year required when you enter your birthday on Maggiano's eClub registration, so even kids can get a birthday surprise. Rewards may vary, but could include a $10 gift card.
36. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
Multiple locations nationwide
No need to join a club or sign up for a rewards program—Jeni's will give anyone a free scoop on their birthday.
Join the eClub and receive a free birthday bundtlet! Photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes
37. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Multiple locations nationwide
Kids ages 13 and older can sign up for the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub to receive a free bundtlet on their birthday.
38. Steak 'n Shake
Multiple locations nationwide
Anyone with an email address can sign up for the Steak 'n Shake Rewards Club, which earns them a free surprise on their birthday. Surprises vary by location as Steak 'n Shake restaurants are franchises.
39. 16 Handles
Multiple locations in New York, New Jersey Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Connecticut, and South Carolina
It would be hard to pass up a birthday treat from a chain named after a John Hughes movie and birthday candles. Get $5 in free frozen yogurt for your birthday when you sign up for rewards.
40.Ben & Jerry's
Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for the Flavor Fanatics rewards program at least a month before your birthday to receive a "cone-gratulatory" scoop on the big day.
41. Carvel
Multiple locations nationwide
Fudgie Fanatics get a free cone on their birthday from this fun chain of ice cream shops.
42. Checkers
Multiple locations nationwide
Join the rewards program at least a month before your birthday and make at least one purchase in the year before your birthday to receive a birthday reward, like a free milkshake.
43. Cheesecake Factory
Multiple locations nationwide
Cheesecake rewards offers members a free slice of cheesecake within two weeks of their birthday. Sign up at least a month before your birthday to ensure you get the reward added to your account.
44. Potbelly
Multiple locations nationwide
Join Potbelly Perks to get a free cookie on your birthday.
45. Sweetgreen
Multiple locations nationwide
Download the Sweetgreen app to get a free Crispy Rice Treat on your birthday. It's made with honey and dates instead of marshmallows--we're fans!
46. Smashburger
Multiple locations nationwide
Smash Rewards members get a free milkshake on their birthday.
RELATED:Free Admission for Kids at SoCal's Biggest Family Attractions
Free dinner and a show at Medieval Times on your birthday! Photo courtesy of Medieval Times
Birthday Freebies: Activities and Destinations for Your Kid's Birthday
47.Medieval Times
Locations in and around Atlanta; Baltimore;Los Angeles; Chicago;Dallas; Lyndenhurst, NJ; Myrtle Beach, SC; Orlando; Scottsdale, AZ; and Toronto
Ye olde dinner and joust offers a free birthday surpriseto all members of the Queen's Court—which is medieval for "email list."
48. AMC Theaters
Multiple locations nationwide
AMC Stubs members can get a free popcorn during their birthday month with the free membership.
49.Chuck E. Cheese's
Multiple locations nationwide
If you sign up forChuck E. Cheese's reward program, you'll receive an email on your child's birthday with coupons for free tokens or gameplay time, plus other special offers throughout the year. Chuck E. Cheese also has half-birthday surprises.
50.Nick Jr.
Sign your child up for Nick Jr.'s free birthday club, and theirfavorite charactercelebrates them with a pre-recorded call. Choose from a variety of popular characters ranging from the Paw Patrol gang to Shimmer and Shine, Dora, SpongeBob, and more.
51.American Girl Store
Multiple locations in big cities, or redeem reward online
If your child has hit the American Girl craze phase, be sure to sign up for the store'sAG Rewards Program. In addition to earning points on every purchase, your kiddo receives a free gift on their birthday, plus "Birthday Girl" stickers when dining at an on-site Cafe.
52. Redbox
Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for Redbox Perks for a free one-night DVD rental during the month of your birthday (or your child's birthday).
Free Stuff on Your Birthday From Retail Stores
53.Children's Place, Gymboree, and Sugar & Jade
Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for myPlace rewards, add up to four children (14 and under) to your profile, and they'll receive a 20 percent off coupon to spend during their birthday month.
54.Old Navy
Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for Navyist Rewardsfor a free perk on your birthday. Kids receive a surprise—and so will you if you enter your birthday.
55.Carter's
Multiple locations nationwide
Add your kids to your account and get a free birthday gift for them to enjoy. You can add up to 5 kids to your account, and get a gift for each one!
56.Justice
Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for the Club Justice to get a free birthday gift. Parents can add their child's birthday to receive the gift during their birthday month.
57.Sephora
Multiple locations nationwide
Kids who sign up for therewards programget a free sample size gift on their birthday. Perfect for teens and tweens!
58.Ulta
Multiple locations nationwide
Similar to Sephora, thefree rewards program offers a free birthday gift.
59.Kohl's
Multiplelocations nationwide
The Kohl's Rewards program comes with a free birthday gift if you make a purchase prior to your birthday. Thegift comes via email and varies, but can be up to a free $10 Kohl's cash coupon.
60.DSW Shoes
Multiple locations nationwide
Birthday kids get a free $5 coupon to use on their birthday if they've signed up for theDSWVIP rewards program. Okay, so maybe $5 won't buy a pair of sneakers, but DSW also offers accessories, socks, and other lower-cost items.
61. Macy's
Multiple locations nationwide
No need to sign up for the credit card—Macy's Star Rewards Bronze members still earn a birthday reward that varies per member. You must make a purchase in the year prior to your birthday to receive a reward
62. Famous Footwear
Multiple locations nationwide
Anyone with an email address can sign up for Famous Footwear's rewards program to get a $5 off coupon for new kicks in their birthday month.
63.The Body Shop
Multiple locations nationwide
Kids who are old enough to have an email address can sign up for The Body Shop Loyalty Club, which earns them a $10 reward to spend on their birthday.
64. CVS
Multiple locations nationwide
Join the CVS Beauty Club for $3 in ExtraBucks on your birthday (for anyone with an email address). This may seem like more of a gift for a grown-up, but CVS offers Hot Wheels, nail polish, coloring books, and candy, all of which make great birthday treats for kids.
Originally published April 14, 2017
