Kids Eat Free!
We've updated the list! Momtalk.com tries to keep the listings as current as possible, but before visiting any of the following local restaurants, we recommend calling ahead to verify that a kid promotion is still in effect.
Have a 9-year old who eats like a horse? A toddler who only eats red food? Need a break? All of the above? These Twin Cities locales feed kids for free. Check the day and/or age restrictions and chow down.
Daily
White Castle
All locations
www.whitecastle.com
Kids eat free 4-8pm; Dine-in only, one free kid's meal per adult meal purchased, adult meal must be a minimum of $3.00.
Sundays:
Wildfire
8251 Flying Cloud Dr # 3020
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 914-9100
Kids 12 and under* can enjoy a complimentary meal from our kid's menu.
* Two complimentary kids meal with every adult meal
The Sunshine Factory
7600 42nd Ave N.
New Hope, MN 55427
763-535-7000
www.esunshinefactory.com
Kids 10 and under eat free after 4pm
Vescio's
4001 Co. Rd. 25
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-920-0733
www.vescioscucina.com
Kids 12 and under eat free all day
Baja Sol Tortilla Grill
Citywide
www.baja-sol.com
Kids eat free Sunday evenings and printable coupons offering discounts on purchases available on their website.
Bar Abilene
Address:
S Fremont Ave & Lagoon Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-2525
www.barabilene.com
Kids 12 and under eat free 10am-2pm
Mondays:
Q.Cumbers
7465 France Avenue South
Edina, MN 55435
www.qcumbers.com
Kids 3-12 eat for $.99 after 4pm
TGI Fridays
7730 Normandale Blvd. Bloomington, MN
www.fridays.com
4-9pm
Tuesdays:
Denny's
All locations
www.dennys.com
Kids eat free from 4pm-10pm
Baker's Square
All locations
www.bakerssquare.com
Kids eat free
Champps
2401 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-698-5050
www.champps.com
From 5:30pm-10pm each kid under 12 eats free with a purchase of an adult meal
Champps
8010 Glen Lane
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-942-3331
www.champps.com
From 4pm-10pm 2 kids eat free with 1 adult entree purchase
Champps
790 W 66th Street
Richfield, MN 55423
612-861-3333
www.champps.com
From 4pm-10pm 2 kids eat free with 1 adult entree purchase
Champps
8418 Tamarack Village
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-735-5050
www.champps.com
For Every Adult Meal, 2 Kids Eat Free 6-9pm
Perkins (some locations citywide)
www.perkinsrestaurants.com
4-10 PM
... Continue reading Kids Eat Free!.
When Should Kids Date--How Old is Old Enough?
by Deb McCleod
The day your child comes to you and asks if he can ask a girl out is the day when you realize he's not a baby anymore.
But is he old enough to date? When should he date? What happens if your girl accepts a date without asking you? What is dating these days anyway?
Don't panic, mom. There are answers to your dating questions. First, much has changed since we were in the dating world. As we hear so often, kids these days grow up much faster than we did. But that doesn't mean that we have to allow exposure to things we can control. We might not be able to control what kids hear on the playground at lunch, but we can control some of the experiences they have. That means, yes, you can control this aspect of your child's life, too.
It's important to realize that there are many factors that play into whether a child is ready to date. Sometimes the decision is made for him or her, as you might have religious or other beliefs that dictate the appropriateness of when a child should start dating. But assuming that you have no specific beliefs one way or another that will influence your decisions, how can you know when the time is right?
First, it's important to remember that many children these days refer to a date when in fact they aren't talking about a one-on-one date. Often, children 'date' in groups and that might bring you more comfort than picturing your child on a solo date with another child.
Second, there are no hard and fast rules, only guidelines. Ask yourself these questions:
♣ Is your child responsible?
♣ Does your child think for him or herself? Able to make decisions not based on what other children are doing, but on what's right for him or her?
♣ Does your child understand the concept of sex and understand that it's OK to say "no"?
♣ Is your child amenable to having a chaperone? This is one way to let your child date earlier than you might otherwise feel comfortable. You simply accompany him or her on the date, but do so in an inconspicuous way. For instance, take them to the multi-plex but sit apart from them or see a different movie altogether. But then you're there to collect and drive them home. You might also allow your child only to have "dates" at home-- watch movies, enjoy a snack, and listen to music. You can easily keep an eye out that way.
The general rule about dating for most parents seems to be that kids can date around age 14. Many kids will feel as if they have had dates before that if they, say, head to the movies in a group of other kids and one boy or girl they particularly like, but dates alone often begin at 14 to 15. Some parents believe that their kids shouldn't date until they are old enough to drive.
The decision on when your child should date doesn't come quickly or easily for most parents. It is usually arrived at after a good deal of examination over the child's emotional and physical maturity and your own standards of appropriateness. It's also not a one-size-fits all proposition. If you have several children, you might decide as they come of age that they are ready to date at different ages.
... Continue reading When Should Kids Date--How Old is Old Enough?.
Have a Mother-Daughter Spa Day
by Nicole LaMarco
Catch up with your daughter and spend some quality time with a spa day. You have two options with having a mother and daughter spa day. One, you could spend a day at a local spa, or you could have your own spa day at home.
How to Have a Spa Day with Your Daughter Locally
If you want to have a spa day with your daughter at a local spa you will need to call around to local spas and ask about a mother and daughter spa day package. Most spas now have these packages. Ask about refreshments and meals, considering you will be there for the day. Ask to have all of the details of what is included in a mother and daughter spa day in writing. Once you choose a spa schedule your appointment at least two weeks in advance.
How to Have a Spa Day with Your Daughter at Home
Now, if you want to get a little more creative and involved with your spa day you can have one at home. This will take more time, but is definitely more fun. Plan your spa day when you have the time and your daughter will be available. Start the day off by going to a local pharmacy or discount store and searching for spa items.
15 Items for a Home Spa Day:
1. Manicure Set
2. Pedicure Set
3. Deep Hair Conditioner
4. Facial Masks
5. Robes
6. Aromatherapy Candles
7. Movie for you both
8. Slippers
9. Comfortable Pajamas
10. Foot Spas
11. Snacks and Meals
12. Bottled Water
13. Eye Gel Masks
14. Moisturizer
15. Nail Polish
You don't have to get everything on the list. You might only have time for a half spa day with your daughter, and that is fine. Choose the items that you and your daughter will enjoy. Plan ahead and make your meals the day before. Take your daughter with you when you go shopping so she can have some input on the items to buy, unless it will be a surprise spa day!
Spa Day Schedule
Morning: Eat a light breakfast and take showers. Use deep conditioner in the shower. Put on comfortable pajamas, robes and slippers.
Mid-Morning: Give each other manicures and pedicures and talk. talk. talk.
Noon: Eat lunch.
Early Afternoon: Time for face masks, eye gel masks, and a foot soak in the foot spas. Put on some relaxing music and talk some more. Remove masks and have a light snack.
Late Afternoon: Put on the movie (comedy recommended) and enjoy.
Evening: Have dinner together and talk openly.
The best part about having a home spa day is that you get to do it any way you want to. However, if you don't have the time to shop and plan, then go for the spa day locally. It will be a great bonding experience and give you both time to catch up and talk. You can even make mother and daughter spa day a regular thing!
Editor's note:
Many spas in the Twin Cities will create a special spa day package for your mother-daughter day or customize services for the two of you. Check out some of these Minneapolis-St.Paul spas.
Aveda New Reflections (2 Twin Cities Spa Locations)
Plymouth Town Center,
3530 Vicksburg Lane
,Plymouth, MN 55447
763-559-3185
Maple Grove Fountains at Arbor Lakes
11620 Fountains Drive
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-559-3185
www.newreflectionspa.com
New Reflections Salon offers full spa services available at the Plymouth and Maple Grove locations. Create a custom mother-daughter day spa package to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect.
Accolades Salon | Spa
2065 Randolph Ave,
St Paul, MN 55105
65
968-8154
www.accoladessalonspa.com
Prepare to be pampered at Accolades Salon | Spa in St. Paul. Let the friendly and professional staff at Accolades help you design a mother-daughter spa package complete with facial, massage, manicure, pedicure and more. Both of you deserve a day of luxury at this premiere spa.
Jewel Spa
600 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 150
, Minneapolis, MN 55403
www.jewelspa.com
Located next to the grave 601 hotel in Minneapolis, Jewel Spa offers spa services in a calming environment, complete with 5 star treatment.
Enchantment Retreat Day Spa
582 Prairie Center Drive
Suite 230B,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-942-0600
www.enchantmentretreatdayspa.com
Customize a mother-daughter spa day at the Enchantment Retreat Day Spa in Eden Prairie. Enjoy a wide range of relaxing spa services, all while sharing special moments laughing and visiting with one another.
reVamp! Salonspa
2910 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-341-0404
www.revampsalonspa.com
Named one of the Twin Cities premiere salons and spas, the friendly staff at reVamp! Salonspa invite you to build your own spa package to make your mother-daughter spa day perfect.
Sanctuary SalonSpa (4 Twin Cities Locations)
995 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-949-1313
1201 Harmon Pl.
Ste 105
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-333-3788
16506B West 78th Street
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-253-4500
5615 Manitou Road
Tonka Bay, MN 55331
952-474-4412
Tranquility awaits you at Sanctuary SalonSpa. All types of spa services are available and most treatments can be set up for two people in the same room at the same time. Perfect for mothers and daughters to spend time together at the spa.
Juut Salonspa
1125 Wayzata Blvd E
Wayzata, MN 55391
952-404-9955
www.juut.com
Pamper yourselves and strengthen the mother-daughter bond at Juut Salonspa. A multitude of spa services can be found at Juut, making a spa day together a wonderful time to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Spalon Montage
8375 Seasons Pkwy
Woodbury, MN 55125
3909 West 49 1/2 St at 50th and France
Edina, MN 55424
600 Market St Suite 270
Chanhassen, MN 55317
952-915-2900 (all locations)
www.spalonmontage.com
As you walk into Spalon Montage, you first experience a calming atmosphere with soft music. This sets the stage for a wonderful and relaxing mother-daughter spa day that neither of you will soon forget.
... Continue reading Have a Mother-Daughter Spa Day.
Parents in Love: How to Model a Loving Marriage for Your Children
by Jean Tracy, MSS
Marriage and parenting require modeling listening skills. When your partner speaks, do you listen, interrupt, or walk away? What do your children see? Look inside to find out what one successful couple did.
Ed and Marilyn, married over 25 years, meet my husband, Jim, and me at a fancy restaurant every year for a holiday dinner. Our conversations flow easily as we play catch-up. We discuss the events of the past year, our children, and movies each other must see.
At our last dinner I asked, "What is the bond that keeps you together?" Ed looked down, took a bite of herbed chicken and said, "We worked in a hospital running therapy groups before we fell in love. We already knew the importance of communication."
Marilyn reminded Ed about something he told her before they married. Ed had confided that whenever his mother brought up problems, his father left the room. Marilyn told Ed, "If you ever do that to me, "I'll go further and stay longer." Ed knew exactly what she meant.
Marilyn smiled, "Ed has never walked away."
Ed added, "We solve our problems together."
Listening well takes love, patience and respect. Below are 3 listening tips to show respect, increase patience, and show love for each other.
1st Marriage Listening Tip: See Things from Your Partner's Perspective.
You don't need to argue. You don't need to agree either. You do need to know your spouse's viewpoint by listening well. This takes patience because you'll be putting a stop to thinking about other things while your partner is talking.
Your gift: Your partner will appreciate you and feel respected. Your children will realize not everyone has the same viewpoint.
2nd Marriage Listening Tip: Repeat What Your Spouse Says In Your Own Words -- You'll need to develop a listening ear. To do this you'll have to focus on your partner's words. You might have to struggle to pay attention.
The next step is to repeat what your partner just said. If you get it wrong, ask your mate to repeat it and try again.
Your gift: You won't be walking away. Your partner will know you care. Your children will witness your listening skill.
3rd Marriage Listening Tip: Ask Your Partner Questions to Show Interest
Asking your partner questions doesn't mean cross-examining. It does mean showing genuine interest in your partner's thoughts. Giving your spouse the attention that good questions offer, will increase the bond between you. Why? Everyone wants attention. Everyone wants to be heard.
Your gift: With your questions you'll make your partner feel important. Don't be surprised if your children begin to model this skill from your example.
Conclusion for Modeling a Loving Marriage and Becoming Parents in Love: The above story about Ed and Marilyn is an excerpt from my eBook, Parents in Love -- 121 Dating Ideas. Ed and Marilyn learned how not to communicate from Ed's father. They modeled how to listen for themselves and their children. Ed and Marilyn are still deeply in love. Your efforts to listen will give your partner, you, and your children priceless gifts that bond you together.
Remember to see things from your partner's viewpoint. Repeat what your spouse says in your own words. Ask your partner questions to show your interest. If you do you'll be respected, your children will learn to communicate, and your spouse will feel close to you. Listening well is a great way to give, model, and receive love.
Have some thoughts about marriage, sex and romance? Discuss it in our forums
Jean Tracy, MSS shares stories, tips, and the secret formula all lovers need in her eBook, Parents in Love. With 121 low to no-cost dating ideas and 89 dating coupons, you can laugh, play, and cherish each other forever. Find out more at Parents in Love and become parents in love today.
... Continue reading Parents in Love: How to Model a Loving Marriage for Your Children.
I'm (Not) in the Mood for Love
by Deb McLeod
The kids are screaming, the soup's boiled over and the Girl Scouts are arriving in 10 minutes. Your husband sends you a suggestive email which hints that he wants to get frisky tonight.
This creates a typical dilemma for you - you think it might be fun but you just can't get in the mood after all you've done throughout the day. You can't switch gears.
Studies have shown that moms generally don't lack interest in sex. What they often lack is the filter that lets them forget all the stresses of the day and switch gears into being a wife, a lover, a sex kitten.
Men typically have that filter, but moms, well, we carry a lot on our shoulders on a daily basis and it's harder for us to forget the stresses of the day and become that sexual tiger at night.
But it's not impossible, moms - how to get in the mood even when tired can be done in five easy steps. Following are our five best tips for how to get in the mood even when you think it can't be done.
1. Learn to compartmentalize.
Men do this naturally. They know to shut off the pressures of the day and switch gears to things they want to do, which in this case is get intimate. Not so much for moms. How to get in the mood when your mind is full of other obligations is a quite a quandary.
To be successful at switching gears and making love at the end of the day, even when tired, you must learn how to put things in compartments. Learn to put aside other things so you can focus on the here and now. Shut it out. You're doing this right now and you can focus on that other thing later.
2. Keep your bedroom clean and serene.
This is important. If you walk into your bedroom at the end of a long day and it's cluttered, the last thing you'll feel like doing is making love there (or spending time cleaning it so you can make love).
Although many moms forget to spend time making their own bedroom look nice when there are kids' bedrooms and living rooms to decorate, it's worth the effort. Think about creating a serene environment and then spend 5 minutes each morning making the bed and 5 minutes each night taking care of clutter. It will pay off in "in the mood" dividends. How to get in the mood can be as simple as doing a chore.
3. Create a division.
When the day is over (no matter if that's 8:00 or 10:00 or even later), create a division between you and the day. That is, do something that shuts out what has gone on and creates a new mood and new expectations for the night ahead. For many women this comes in the form of a warm bath, while others might prefer a nice glass of wine while watching reality TV.
Whatever will help you to forget the stresses of the day, relax and move onto other (slightly naughty) thoughts even when tired will help you get in the mood as well.
4. Fantasize.
Not, it's not unusual and there's nothing wrong with it. What gets your engines working, what gets you in the mood? Use some visualization to get yourself in the mood. You might be surprised to find you can turn it off once you really are in the mood. Then the actual mood can take over, but sometimes for moms to get their groove on, a little creative thought is necessary.
5. Have fun!
Finally, remember that this is not rocket science. It's supposed to be fun. We know that for moms, how to get in the mood can take many forms. Think about what works for you, remember that it should be fun, and forget being a mom for a minute.
For you, having fun might be adding some toys to the bedroom. For someone else, it might be having HBO adult programming on the TV. There are no rules, no right and wrong, only fun.
We know that it's not easy, but a relaxed mom is a good mom (and the corollary--if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy). Study after study show that sex can be a great relaxant, so do yourself a favor and have more of it.
Have some thoughts about marriage, sex and romance? Discuss it in our forums
... Continue reading I'm (Not) in the Mood for Love.
Day Trip: Downtown Minneapolis
By Stephany Wiestling
Downtown? With kids? Absolutely! Spending the day in the city can be a cultural ego boost for anyone, even kids. If you can, plan your trip around a live stage show or a ball game. Going to a theater or stadium can be a lifelong memory in itself. Seeing a few other sights just adds more value to it. Here are some of our favorites.
-Library. The new Hennepin County Library has an interactive children's area on the ground floor and a very cool area just for teens upstairs.
-Water Park. Yes, there is a water park downtown. In the Depot, a Marriott Residence Inn, the indoor water park is pricey, but fun.
-Light rail. My little guy loves trains. Sometimes we take the light rail from downtown to the Mall of America or the Minnehaha Falls.
-Macy's candy counter. Kids always seem to remember Macy's candy counter.
-Mississippi River. Minneapolis is a river town. The Stone Arch Bridge is a pedestrian bridge crossing the mighty Mississippi. On the other side, and a few blocks north, you'll find the city's oldest restaurant (Pracna on Main) on the city's oldest street (St. Anthony Main). Stop in for kid-friendly food with breathtaking views of the downtown skyline.
-Mill City Museum. Visit the Mill City Museum for a bit of history and fun. In the summer, they have live outdoor music every Thursday night.
There is no shortage of things for kids to do downtown Minneapolis. So spend the day in the city. You might be surprised at what the kids get out of it.
Stephany is a travel writer mom who lives in Minneapolis and loves to explore this and other cities with her family. You can find more travel tips at Stephany's website, BestKidFriendlyTravel.com
... Continue reading Day Trip: Downtown Minneapolis.
The Frugal Shopper's Favorite Frugal Tips
By Sandy Shields
The following are my favorite frugal tips that I use on a regular basis. I hope that they will help you as much as they have helped me and my family.
-----------------------
• Keep a positive attitude.
When you succeed at saving money you are helping yourself. Pat yourself on the back for meeting your goals. Remember that just because you have determined to live by a budget, does not mean that you are "cheap".
• Be content with what you have.
Remember that you have so much more than most people in this world. Do not view budgeting as doing without; but as being an intelligent consumer, and consistent manager of your money.
• "Stretch" everything as much as you possibly can.
For example, you can dilute these products with water, or cut them in half and they will work just as well: toothpaste, shampoo, hair conditioner, dish detergent, dishwasher soap, and laundry soap.
• Drink lots of water.
It is better for you, and much easier on your pocketbook. At home, the cheapest of course, is your tap water. However, if you do not like tap water or desire filtered water, you can still save money on bottled water by using these tips: Buy the store brand - do not pay extra for name brands. When your bottles are empty, look for the bottled water machines at your grocery store. In my area, I can fill a gallon for only .25 cents. Compare that to .75 cents (or more) per gallon that you are paying in the store. Stock up on small bottles when they are on sale, and reuse them for lunches. At work and when dining out, always order water. It is usually free. If you take a bag lunch, take along a bottle of water or a thermos.
• Always stockpile sale items whenever your budget allows for it.
This is a huge money saver, and my all-time favorite tip.
Stockpiling means buying enough of the item while it is on sale to last you until the next sale. Spend as much of your budgeted money as you possibly can on sale items. "Loss Leaders" are the low-priced sale items that the grocery stores advertise to get you into their stores. They are hoping that as you stop by for the sale items, that you will do all of your shopping in their store. Don't. Get the sale items and leave. Shop around. Compare prices. No one store ever has the lowest prices on everything.
• Never pay retail prices unless absolutely necessary.
Use coupons, send for rebates, and shop the sales. If you use the previous tip, you will always have on hand the things you need. You will not have to make special trips to purchase items at full price. Don't be caught by surprise - plan ahead. You will feel more secure knowing that you have a full pantry as well.
• Make it yourself. Make what you need instead of buying it. My favorite thing to make is Laundry Soap. Click here for my recipes.
There are many things that I make instead of buying. One is Pickle Relish. Instead of paying $1.29 for a 10 oz. jar of pickle relish at the store, I buy the 46 oz. jar of whole pickles on sale for $1.50-$2.00. Then I chop the pickles in my blender or food processor. I save $3.00-$4.00 by doing this.
I refuse to buy processed cheese slices. I buy store brand bricks of cheese on sale. The typical price is $1.20 for an 8 ounce brick. Then I process the cheese in the blender/food processor and add a little mayonnaise. This makes a great cheese spread that you can put on sandwiches, and it is much cheaper!
• Shop the discounted bread stores.
Did you know that most of the time the bread stores carry fresh breads? You can get baked goods for a much lower price. Most bread stores also offer promotions such as "frequent buyer cards". Our local bread store gives discount cards. For each $5.00 purchase, they will stamp the card one time. When your card has 7 stamps, you turn in the card and receive a free $5.00 credit. These bread stores also carry snacks, spices, and mixes.
• Pay your debts
Pay them off as soon as you possibly can, and do not charge anything else until they are paid for. You may want to cut up your credit cards, but be sure to leave yourself a low interest card so that you can take advantage of great deals online. You also may want to keep it for emergencies. However, when you buy online, make sure that you pay for your purchase as soon as the bill comes. If you let interest add up on your great deal, it is no longer a great deal.
• Don't buy it unless you need it.
Notice I said, NEED it - not WANT it. There is a big difference. Curb your desires, and learn to discipline your spending habits. Trust me, it can be done.
• Before you buy something, ask yourself the following questions:
Is this something I can live without?
Do I already have something that I can use instead?
Can I borrow it from a friend or family member?
How long will I have to work to pay for this?
Do I really need this, or do I only want it?
• Always use the Five R's:
Repair, Restore, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - these alone will save you a bundle.
If you will incorporate these tips into your daily life, you will save money - guaranteed.
Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2005.
... Continue reading The Frugal Shopper's Favorite Frugal Tips.
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