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's eClub, you get a buy one creation, get one creation free birthday coupon. Coupon valid 7 days before your birthday and 7 days after your birthday.

2. Denny's

Multiple locations nationwide
Denny's Rewards members get "a delicious birthday gift" when they sign up to be a member. 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, and Brick House Tavern & Tap
First, join Landry's Select Club on the website. 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 the club, you then get annual emails with a free $25 birthday meal that you can use at the restaurants. 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 kids ages 17 and under to your Red Robin Royalty account to receive a free gourmet burger on their birthday. You get one on yours, too!

5. Ruby's

Locations in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Nevada
When you sign up your kids for the Ruby's Kids' Club, they get a free shake on their birthday. If your kid's birthday falls on a Tuesday, some locations offer free kids' meals on Tuesdays, so you can score twice!

 
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—family members receive free ice cream coupons on their birthdays.

7. Corner Bakery

Multiple locations nationwide
Join the eClub and get a free pastry your birthday month—whether that means cookies, cake, bars, or something else. You must be over 18 to register, but we're pretty sure you can slip that cookie to your kid. 

8. Arby's

Multiple locations nationwide
Anyone over the age of 13 can sign up for the email list and get a coupon for a free shake sent on their birthday week.

Birthday pretzels are free on your birthday. Photo courtesy of Auntie Anne's

9. Auntie Anne's

Multiple locations nationwide
Does your kid have a smartphone? They can get a free pretzel their birthday month by signing up with the Pretzel Perks rewards program. 

10. 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.

11. Boston Market

Multiple locations nationwide
Kids and adults get a free birthday dessert (when purchasing a meal) after signing up for the VIP Club.

 
Try the cupcake pancakes on your birthday! Photo courtesy of International House of Pancakes

12. 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.

13. Dunkin' Donuts

Multiple locations nationwide
It's time to eat the donuts. Kids 13 and up can get a free beverage on their birthday for registering with the rewards program.

14. Olive Garden

Multiple locations nationwide
Kids 13 and up can sign up on the website and get a free dessert.

15. Jersey Mike's 

Multiple locations nationwide
Subs away! Kids can sign up (if they have an email address) on the website and get a sub and a drink on their birthday. 

16. Pizza Hut

Multiple locations nationwide
It's not free pizza, but it's free. Kids 13 and up can sign up for the rewards program on the website and get a coupon for free cinnamon sticks or breadsticks on their birthday. 

17. Benihana

Multiple locations nationwide
Enroll kids 12 and under in the Kabuki Klub and 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

18. Sprinkles Cupcakes

Stores and cupcake ATMs in Arizona, California, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Texas
Sign up for the Sprinkles perks program and visit at least 1 time to get your free birthday cupcake. Visit a lot and earn more perks; up to 13 cupcakes on your birthday for the top tier of rewards!

19. Applebee's

Multiple locations nationwide
The restaurant offers a freebie for 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.

20. Au Bon Pain

Multiple locations nationwide
Join this ubiquitous chain's e-club to net a free pastry (for the kiddo) and coffee (for you). Other perks include a complimentary travel mug as well as deals throughout the year.

21. Hard Rock Cafe

Multiple locations nationwide
Visit one of the local Hard Rock Cafes and score a free birthday treat if you're a member of its rewards program. 

22. BurgerFi

Multiple locations across the East Coast, Midwest, and Southeast
BurgerFi Rewards members receive exclusive offers and promotions, including double point days, birthday rewards (usually a free milkshake), and more.

23. California Pizza Kitchen

Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for this West Coast chain's CPK Rewards loyalty program, and you'll get a free dessert coupon during your child's (or your!) birthday month.

24. Jamba Juice

Multiple locations nationwide
Join Jamba's rewards program to receive a free small smoothie on your birthday.

25. Red Lobster

Multiple locations nationwide
Parents can join a rewards program that lets you earn freebies for every dollar you spend, plus free birthday surprises. (Here's an extra treat: this copycat recipe of the Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits is delicious! Make them for birthdays or any day. We promise your kids will adore them.)

26. Dairy Queen

Multiple locations nationwide
We know 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.

27. 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.

28. Einstein's Bagels

Multiple locations nationwide
Get a free egg sandwich with purchase on your birthday (or your kid's birthday) when you sign up to be a member of the Schmear Society.

29. 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.

30. Noodles & Company

Multiple locations nationwide
Members of Noodles & Co.'s rewards program get a special reward emailed to them on their birthdays. 

31. 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!)

32. Buffalo Wild Wings

Multiple locations nationwide
Blazin' Reward members get free wings during their birthday month—we suggest getting something milder for the kids.

33. Chipotle

Multiple locations nationwide
Get a free surprise 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

34. Sbarro

Multiple locations nationwide
When you become a member of the Slice Society, you can head out to your local mall food court for an XL Cheese slice on your birthday.

35. 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 two weeks after the birthday date).

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. TCBY

Multiple locations nationwide
TCBY Insiders with Silver Spoon status get a free treat on their birthday. It's free to sign up for the loyalty club.

 
Join the eClub and receive a free birthday bundtlet! Photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes

41. 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.

42. 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 may vary by location as Steak 'n Shake restaurants are franchises.

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

43. 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 is offered free to all members of the Queen's Court—which is medieval for "email list."

 
Freebies with your movie anytime during your birthday month. Photo courtesy of AMC Theaters

44. AMC Theaters

Multiple locations nationwide
Ready to go to the movies again? AMC Stubs members can get a free popcorn and drink during their birthday month.

45. Chuck E. Cheese's

Multiple locations nationwide 
If you sign up for Chuck E. Cheese's reward program, you'll receive an email on your child's birthday with coupons for free tokens or game play time, plus other special offers throughout the year.

46. Nick Jr.

Sign your child up for Nick Jr.'s free birthday club, and their favorite character celebrates 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.

Who knows what this year's free gift is at American Girl. Photo courtesy of American Girl, Inc.

47. American Girl Store

Multiple locations in big cities, or redeem reward online
If your daughter has hit the American Girl craze phase, be sure to sign up for the store's AG Rewards Program. In addition to earning points on every purchase, your daughter receives a free gift on her birthday, plus "Birthday Girl" stickers for her and her doll when dining in the on-site Cafe.

48. 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

49. Barnes and Noble

Multiple locations nationwide
Register your child for Barnes and Noble's Kids Club to receive a free cupcake coupon the week of his or her birthday. This one is for kids 12 and under only and can only be redeemed at locations with in-store cafes.

50. 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 on their birthday. Also, get a discount for your next Party City purchase around your kids' birthdays.

51. Old Navy

Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up to receive emails from Old Navy and add your kids (10 and under) to the birthday club. Kids receive a surprise—and so will you if you enter your birthday.

52. Carter's

Multiple locations nationwide
Add your kids to your account and get a free birthday gift for them to enjoy. 

53. Justice

Multiple locations nationwide
Sign up for the rewards program to get a free birthday gift.

54. Sephora

Multiple locations nationwide
Kids who sign up for the rewards program get a free sample size gift on their birthday. Obviously, this is perfect for teens and tweens, but Sephora also offers skin and sunscreen products for all ages.

55. Ulta

Multiple locations nationwide
Similar to Sephora, the free rewards program offers a free "feel pretty" birthday gift.

56. Kohl's

Multiple locations nationwide
The Kohl's "Yes2You" free rewards program comes with a free birthday gift. The gift comes via email and varies, but can be up to a free $10 Kohl's cash coupon.

57. DSW Shoes

Multiple locations nationwide
Birthday kids get a free $5 coupon to use on their birthday if they've signed up for the DSW VIP rewards program. Okay, so maybe $5 won't buy a pair of sneakers, but DSW also offers accessories, socks, and other lower-cost items. 

58. 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. 

56. Famous Footwear

Multiple locations nationwide
Does your kid still need new shoes more often than every birthday? Anyone with an email address can sign up for Famous Footwear's rewards program to get a $5 off coupon for new kicks.

59. 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.

60. 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 we can't be the only ones who bought Hot Wheels, hair elastics, and nail polish for our kids while waiting out the 15 minutes at the pharmacy after a COVID vaccine.

Originally published April 14, 2017