IHOP restaurants, which have been bringing people together over a great breakfast, anytime of day for almost 58 years, are now making it easier—and more affordable—for families to spend dinner time together. From April 11 through May 6, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with every purchase of one adult entrée, one child 12 and under will receive an entrée from the IHOP restaurants' "Just for Kids" menu, all of which are 600 calories or less, absolutely free. 

"For more than five decades now, families have made indelible memories from time shared together over a great meal at IHOP. That's not only a tradition we're proud of, it's one we want to help today's families continue," says Kirk Thompson, senior vice president, marketing, International House of Pancakes, LLC. "Our 'Kids Eat Free' promotion makes it convenient, affordable and delicious for families to spend dinnertime connecting and enjoying each other's company. Quality time over a quality meal at an affordable price—another great IHOP tradition."

A recent Columbia University study found that children who often eat dinner with their parents not only report being closer as a family, but that regular family dinners yield benefits such as better self-esteem and higher grade point averages in school. The same study has shown that eating dinner as a family is not only good for the spirit, but that dinner conversations help develop a child's vocabulary more than reading.

IHOP restaurant's "Just for Kids" menu offers a variety of choices, from more traditional dinner items like the kids' Grilled Cheese Sandwich or items like the Jr. Chicken & Waffles. Junior Breakfastarians can also choose IHOP restaurant classic items like omelettes, French toast or classic buttermilk pancakes.

"We're hopeful that families will take advantage of our 'Kids Eat Free' promotion to rediscover the joy of disconnecting from technology and daily stress and rediscover the joy of connecting with each other," adds Thompson.