Birthdays are one of those things that seem to constantly be on our kids’ minds. And planning for next year’s big event starts months before the actual day. If this is the case in your fam, you know it’s important to celebrate the big day with a bang, maybe even celebrate for an entire week. Luckily, all this celebration doesn’t have to put a huge dent in your wallet thanks to some awesome freebies you can score around town. Read on for the sweet celebratory details.
photo: Tatiana Amico
Eats
Duke’s Chowder House
If your day-of-birth celebrator is a seafood fan, Duke’s Chowder House is an awesome place to keep on your radar. By signing up for Duke’s VIP Club your little tyke will receive a coupon for a free birthday lunch or dinner. The coupon will be sent through email and your one-year-older little one will be able to choose from five different entrees.
They’ve got Seattle and the surrounding areas covered with locations on Alki Beach, Green Lake, Kent Station, Lake Union, Southcenter and Tacoma. Check their website for addresses and hours.
Online: dukeschowderhouse.com
photo: Jessica Spengler via flickr
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Pasta seems to be a meal that everyone can get on board with, so luckily the folks at Old Spaghetti Factory are here to make the special day, well, special. Sign up for the Birthday Club to score a free kids’ meal on the big day. They also know how excruciating the wait can be until the next birthday, so your little one will also receive a free treat in celebration of their half-birthday. Score!
The Old Spaghetti Factory has locations in Lynnwood, Seattle, Tukwila and Tacoma. Check their website for addresses and hours.
Online: osf.com
photo: Laurent Bugnion via flickr
IHOP
Pancakes are a serious comfort food, good any time of the day. We can’t think of a better way to start or even end the big day then with a short stack covered in whipped cream and sweet berries. Sign your little celebrator up for the Pancake Revolution and not only will he or she receive a free meal on their birthday, but also free meals just for signing up and on the one year anniversary of becoming a pancake revolution member. Pancakes all around!
950 E. Madison St.
Seattle, Wa 98122
Hours: Open 24 hours/day
10002 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98133
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6 a.m.-12 a.m.
14747 N.E. 20th St.
Bellevue, Wa 98007
Hours: Open 24 hours/day
Online: ihop.com
Benihana
Why just have dinner when it can be accompanied by a show? At Bennihana, you’ll get just that. You might even have an entire meal where you don’t need a phone to keep your kiddos entertained while you scarf down your food. Sign up for the Kabuki Kid’s Club and your mini-me will receive a special postcard for a souvenir mug of their choosing upon purchase of a Kabuki Kids Meal.
1200 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98101
Online: benihana.com
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri.,11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat., 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Lunch menu is available Mon.-Fri. only.
photo: Bombtwinz Bombtwinz via fickr
Krispy Kreme
One of the best parts about getting a donut at Krispy Kreme is watching how the donut is actually made. The second best part is probably the cool hats they give away. And now, the third best part can be receiving a free donut and fountain drink on your birthday by joining the E-Club. This sweet treat is sure to put a smile on any kiddo’s face. Check online for the location nearest you.
Online: krispykreme.com
photo: Jagrap via flickr
Shopping
Toys R Us
What kid doesn’t dream of wandering the aisles of a giant toy store, scouring the shelves for the perfect birthday gift? Toys R Us has your birthday boy or girl covered and will make them feel like a King or Queen on their big day. Sign up for the Rewards “R” Us program and your little one will receive a birthday card and gift in the mail. In addition, you can also include your phone number when signing up and Geoffrey (everyone’s favorite giraffe) will call to wish your kiddo a happy birthday. And the deal gets even sweeter. Make sure to visit a store on or near the big day for some extra-special attention including a crown, a balloon and a personalized announcement to the entire store.
There are oodles of locations around town including Bellevue, Everett, Lynnwood, Olympia, North Bend, Puyallup, Seattle, Silverdale, Tacoma and Tukwila. Check their website for addresses and hours.
Online: toysrus.com
photo: Sean Dreilinger via flickr
Children’s Place
Need a special birthday shirt? Perhaps a new pair of kicks? Children’s Place is a fun one for kids to score some fashionable items to celebrate in style. Sign up for myPLACE Rewards membership to receive a special treat in yours and your little one’s birthday month. Good to Know: you must sign up at least 4-6 weeks in advance of your birthday in order to receive the free surprise.
With locations from Seattle to Olympia, it’s best to check online for the location nearest you.
Online: childrensplace.com
photo: Monica B. via Yelp
Barnes and Noble
From books to toys and train tables in certain locations, you’re sure to please everyone, your little one and you included. They treat your birthday kiddo right by giving them a free cupcake from the cafe on their special day and you’ll score a 30% discount on any kids book or toy. Simply sign up for the B&N Kids’ Club and let the rewards begin. Psst… Be sure to sign up at least two weeks in advance in order to receive your treats in time.
You’ll have no trouble locating a Barnes and Noble in and around Seattle. Check their website for locations and hours of operation info.
Online: barnesandnoble.com
photo: Britt W. via Yelp
Fun
Chuck E Cheese’s
Pizza, ice cream, games and fun. What more could a kiddo want on his or her birthday? By signing up for the Chuck E-Club you’ll receive discounts, token offers, kids’ activities and other perks every month. Psst… If you want to get ahead of the game ticket-wise, you can play games online to score tickets or print a rewards calendar and receive 10 free tokens upon completion. That big prize at the ticket counter is as good as yours!
Your kid can be a kid at several fabulous locations including Bellevue, Kent, Lynnwood, Silverdale and Tacoma, so check online for the details on the location nearest you.
Online: chuckecheese.com
photo: Lauren W. via Yelp
You can also score some delicious bites by signing up for the e-club at Red Robin (good for a free hamburger) and joining the Taco Time Kids Birthday Club to score a free kid’s meal. For those with a major sweet tooth, be sure to sign up for the Birthday Club at Baskin Robbins and get your free scoop on the big day and the e-club at Cold Stone Creamery to get a buy one creation get one creation coupon. Pssst…. All of these options require you to sign up on their websites ahead of time, so be sure to do that before you head out the door.
What birthday freebies are your kiddo’s favorite? Have your kids scored birthday perks from other establishments? Tell us in the Comments below.
— Allison Rasmussen
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