Olive Garden has long been a favorite for family dining, and if you’re a parent or guardian looking for an affordable, delicious meal for your little ones, the Olive Garden Kids Menu is an unbeatable choice. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, searching for healthy meal options, or curious about how the kids’ menu compares to the adult selections, this guide has got you covered.
Olive Garden Kids Menu Overview
When it comes to dining out with children, parents are often caught between finding nutritious, appealing meals and keeping the overall cost low. Olive Garden has managed to hit the perfect balance with its dedicated kids menu. Offering a taste of Italian cuisine in smaller, affordable portions, the Olive Garden Kids Menu caters not only to different taste preferences but also to specific dietary requirements.
Many parents appreciate that the menu is designed to offer a complete meal—with an entree, side (like steamed broccoli, grapes, or a small salad), and even a drink, typically a 1% low-fat milk option. With items priced around $6.99 on average, it’s a fantastic value proposition that makes family dining easier and more enjoyable.
Olive Garden Kids Menu with Prices
Kids Alfredo Sauce with Choice of Pasta – $6.99
For young diners who enjoy creamy, comforting flavors, this dish features Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo sauce—made fresh daily with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, cream, and milk—served over their choice of pasta. It’s a rich and satisfying option that brings classic Italian indulgence to the kids’ table.
Kids Pizza – $6.99
A kid-sized classic, this personal pizza offers a crispy crust topped with savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for little ones craving a traditional and tasty favorite.
Kids Chicken Fingers – $6.99
For those who prefer a crunchy bite, these golden-fried chicken fingers are tender and flavorful. Served with a choice of dipping sauce, they provide a familiar and satisfying meal option.
Kids Macaroni & Cheese – $6.99
This creamy macaroni and cheese dish combines tender pasta with a rich cheese sauce, creating a comforting and kid-approved meal that’s both simple and delicious.
Kids Meat Sauce with Choice of Pasta – $6.99
For young meat lovers, this option features hearty meat sauce served over their choice of pasta. It’s a robust and flavorful dish that satisfies with every bite.
Kids Tomato Sauce with Choice of Pasta – $6.99
A classic choice, this dish pairs Olive Garden’s traditional tomato sauce with the child’s preferred pasta. It’s a simple yet flavorful option that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Kids Five Cheese Marinara with Choice of Pasta – $6.99
For those who enjoy a cheesy twist, this dish combines a rich five-cheese marinara sauce with the pasta of choice. It’s a flavorful and indulgent option that delights young palates.
Kids Cheese Ravioli – $6.99
Featuring tender pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese, these ravioli are served with a savory marinara sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that kids love.
Kids Grilled Chicken with Rotini Pasta & Marinara – $6.99
For a balanced meal, this option includes grilled chicken breast served alongside rotini pasta topped with marinara sauce. It’s a wholesome and flavorful choice for young diners.
Kids Rotini with Marinara – $6.99
For a balanced meal, this option includes grilled chicken breast served alongside rotini pasta topped with marinara sauce. It’s a wholesome and flavorful choice for young diners.
Kids Rotini with Meat Sauce – $6.99
Combining rotini pasta with hearty meat sauce, this dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for kids seeking a meaty pasta option.
Nutritional and Allergen Information
| Menu Items | Calories | Allergen |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Entrées | ||
| Cheese Ravioli | 340 cal | Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Gluten |
| Cheese Pizza | 400 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten |
| Chicken Fingers | 300 cal | Wheat, Gluten |
| Macaroni & Cheese | 360 cal | Dairy, Wheat, Gluten |
| Sides | ||
| Parmesan Garlic Broccoli | 150 cal | Dairy |
| French Fries | 290 cal | |
| Grapes | 40 cal | |
| Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce | 180 cal | Wheat, Gluten |
| Drinks | ||
| Chocolate Milk, 1% | 180 cal | |
| Milk, 1% | 100 cal | |
| Raspberry Lemonade | 110 cal | |
| Smoothie, Peach | 240 cal | |
| Smoothie, Strawberry | 220 cal | |
| Coke | 90 cal | |
| Diet Coke | 0 cal | |
| Minute Maid | 120 cal | |
| Coke Zero Sugar | 0 cal | |
| Dr. Pepper | 100 cal |
Gluten-Sensitive and Special Dietary Options
Olive Garden understands that families have different dietary needs. In addition to the standard kids meals, there are options designed for gluten-sensitive diners and vegetarian children. Gluten-sensitive options like the Kids Rotini with Marinara or Meat Sauce offer the same great taste using gluten-free pasta, ensuring no one is left behind. Vegetarian-friendly items, such as the Kids Macaroni & Cheese or Kids Cheese Ravioli, are also available, making it easier for families with diverse dietary preferences to dine together.
Healthy Options on the Menu
For parents concerned with balancing indulgence with health, there are several strategic ways to order a more nutritious meal:
Choose Pasta with Tomato-Based Sauces:
Marinara and tomato sauces are lower in fat than creamy Alfredo sauces, while still offering a satisfying flavor profile. Marinara sauce is particularly valued for its rich content of lycopene—a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.
Opt for Grilled Protein Options:
Grilled chicken options, such as in the Kids Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, are leaner compared to breaded or fried alternatives. Grilled options reduce unhealthy fats while preserving flavor and protein content.
Include More Vegetables:
Many Olive Garden kids’ meals come with a side such as broccoli or grapes. These sides not only add nutritional value but also introduce children to a variety of textures and tastes. Consider asking for an extra helping of steamed vegetables if available.
Value, Hacks, and How to Order Smart
Maximizing Value with the Kids Menu Hack
With rising menu prices across the board and increasing cost of dining out, many parents have discovered clever hacks to extend the value of the Olive Garden Kids Menu. Here are some popular tips and tricks:
1. Order the Kids Meal for Value:
At around $6.99, the kids’ meal offers an entree, a side, and a drink—making it a budget-friendly option compared to adult entrees that can cost $16–$20. With the kids meal hack, savvy diners have discovered that even adults can sometimes order off the kids’ menu when ordering takeout or if the location policy allows it.
2. Breadstick Bonuses:
A standout aspect of the Olive Garden experience is the unlimited breadsticks. Kids’ meals come with two breadsticks included, and some servers even allow additional breadsticks for a small surcharge or a smart tip. One tip circulating on social media suggests buying a small dipping sauce from the appetizers section to “unlock” extra breadsticks, sometimes even earning four extra breadsticks for free. Parents have shared these strategies on TikTok and Reddit, praising the hack as a great way to stretch a dinner budget.
3. Mix and Match for Home Dining:
Some customers have also taken advantage of ordering “Take Home Entrées” available at a slightly reduced price (around $6), which require reheating at home. Combining a take-home entrée with a kids meal can provide a nearly full adult-sized dinner at a fraction of the cost—a hack that can help feed the whole family without overspending.
4. Look Out for Promotions:
Olive Garden occasionally runs “Kids Eat Free” promotions during certain days or times. These promotions can be found on the official Olive Garden website or through local restaurant advertising. Keeping an eye out for seasonal or limited-time offers can result in additional savings.
Splitting Meals:
In some locations, servers are friendly enough to allow adult diners to share a kids meal—if the portion satisfies your appetite—while enjoying the discount that comes with the smaller portion. This “let the guest win” mentality has been mentioned on community forums like Reddit, where servers explain that as long as you’re polite and the order is reasonable, they often accommodate requests.
How to Order: In-Store Versus Takeout
Dine-In Experience:
When dining in, the policy typically restricts the kids menu to children 12 and under. If you have older kids with smaller appetites or even an adult companion with dietary restrictions, the best approach is to inquire discreetly with your server. Often, if you explain that you’re ordering for a specific dietary need, many restaurants are willing to make exceptions.
Takeout and Delivery:
For takeout orders, many of the age restrictions can be bypassed (or overlooked) as the ordering process is automated. This makes it a favored option for budget-conscious families looking to enjoy the same food at home without the stigma of ordering “kids’ food.” Numerous viral social media posts have celebrated this strategy, where even adults have ordered from the kids menu for home delivery at the lower price point.
Customization and Substitutions:
Don’t be afraid to ask for small changes. Many Olive Garden locations allow substitutions (for instance, swapping standard pasta for gluten-free pasta in kids’ meals). The flexibility of the menu means that even picky eaters can tailor their meals to fit their tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are included in the Olive Garden Kids Menu?
Most kids’ meals include an entree (such as pasta, pizza, or chicken fingers), a side dish (like broccoli, grapes, or a small Italian salad), and a 1% low-fat milk or another drink. Prices are typically around $6.99.
Can adults order from the kids menu at Olive Garden?
While the kids menu is intended for children under 12, many customers have found that ordering takeout or delivery allows them to bypass age restrictions. In dine-in scenarios, it is best to ask your server, as policies may vary by location.
Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options available?
Yes, Olive Garden offers items made with gluten-free pasta and vegetarian favorites like cheese ravioli and macaroni & cheese. Always check with your local restaurant for the most up-to-date offerings.
How much does a typical kids’ meal cost?
Kids’ meals are generally priced at about $6.99, which makes them a great value when compared to adult entrees that can run $16–$20. Some customized or protein-added options may cost a little more.
Does the kids menu come with breadsticks?
Yes, one of the most attractive parts of the Olive Garden dining experience is the free breadsticks that come with every meal. Some diners have even discovered ways to order additional breadsticks through creative hacks.
What are some ways to maximize the value of the kids menu?
Popular strategies include ordering takeout to bypass age restrictions, combining a kids meal with a take-home entrée for extra food, and using hacks for extra breadsticks or dipping sauces.