The kids are back in school, and after running them around to their various activities, a break — including from cooking — is in order. Luckily, that break doesn’t have to break the bank. Kids-eat-free specials abound.

Kids can eat free somewhere in the east metro every day of the week, and in one case, a local restaurant even throws in a magician for the evening’s festivities.

Of course, we don’t always hear of everything, so feel free to send your favorite kids-eat-free special to eat@pioneerpress.com, and we will update our list.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Andiamo Italian Ristorante in Eagan (1629 Lena Court, Eagan, 651-289-2000; andiamomn.com): Kids 10 and under eat free with the purchase of a full-price entree.

The Tavern on Main (8001 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes; 651-783-7106): From 4 to 9 p.m., one free kids meal per paid adult entree for kids 12 and under.

TUESDAY

Big Louie’s Bar & Grill (locations include 790 W. County Road D, New Brighton; 651-636-2901): Children 10 and under eat free off the kids menu with the purchase of one adult entree — one free kids meal per adult meal. In addition to the east metro, Big Louie’s Bar & Grill’s Crystal location has the same kids-eat-free deal.

Blue Heron Grill (14725 Victor Hugo Blvd., Hugo; 651-756-1894): From 5:30 to 8 p.m., kids 12 and under eat free per each paid adult entree. If that isn’t enough to woo you, the restaurant hosts a magician for the evening’s entertainment.

Green Mill, several Twin Cities locations including Blaine, Eagan, Hastings, Roseville, Shoreview, St. Paul and Woodbury: Hours vary, but generally the deal starts at 4 p.m. or after. Deals can vary depending on location, but generally, kids 12 and under eat free off the kids menu per each paid adult entree. In addition to Tuesdays, the Blaine location also has a kids-eat-free special from 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays, according to the website.

Tavern on Grand in St. Paul (656 Grand Ave.; 651-228-9030): Kids 10 and under eat free off the kids menu per one adult entree purchase. Dinner only.

WEDNESDAY

Finnish Bistro in St. Paul (2264 Como Ave.; 651-645-9181). Kids 10 and under eat free with paid adult entree.

THURSDAY

Jersey’s Bar and Grill (6449 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Heights; 651-455-4561): Kids 10 and under eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

SATURDAY

The Original Gabe’s By the Park (991 N. Lexington Parkway, St. Paul; 651-646-3066): Children 10 and under get a free kid’s meal with one adult paid meal. Saturdays and Sundays.

OTHER SPECIALS