Looking for a family-friendly restaurant where your kids won’t be stuck with the usual boring nuggets and fries? Olive Garden has you covered. The Olive Garden Kids Menu is thoughtfully crafted with real Italian flavors that children actually enjoy—without overwhelming portions or sky-high prices. It’s not just about feeding your little ones; it’s about giving them something tasty, warm, and satisfying.

In 2025, the menu has been updated with even more kid-approved favorites, making it easier than ever for families to dine out without compromise. Whether your child loves cheesy pasta, creamy Alfredo, or a simple slice of pizza, there’s a flavorful option waiting on the kids menu. Plus, each meal is paired with a side and a drink, offering real value with every order.
What’s on the Olive Garden Kids Menu?
Whether your child loves pasta, pizza, or something protein-packed, the Olive Garden Kids Menu has something for every appetite. The meals are filling, flavorful, and served in just-right portions for kids.
Pasta Choices for Kids – Build Your Own

Kids can create their own pasta bowl by choosing their favorite pasta type and sauce. It’s a fun, interactive option that also allows picky eaters to get exactly what they want.
Options include:
- Pasta Types: Spaghetti, Fettuccine, or Shells
- Sauces: Alfredo, Marinara, or Meat Sauce
Kids Pizza and Mac & Cheese Options

Two classic comfort foods that most kids love. Olive Garden offers these in kid-friendly portions that don’t skimp on taste.
Popular picks:
- Cheese Pizza
- Macaroni & Cheese (Creamy and rich)
Grilled Chicken, Meat Sauce & Protein Picks

For kids who need more than carbs, Olive Garden offers well-balanced meals with protein sources like chicken and meat sauce.
Top protein options:
- Grilled Chicken with Pasta
- Meat Sauce with Spaghetti
Vegetarian Dishes on the Kids Menu (V)
Vegetarian families will appreciate the options here. Olive Garden ensures that even meat-free kids get delicious Italian meals.
Vegetarian options:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Marinara Pasta with Shells
Kids-Sized Sides, Drinks, and Sweet Treats
No kids meal is complete without something on the side and a sweet ending. Olive Garden delivers with drinks, sides, and desserts just for kids.
Available add-ons:
- Sides: Grapes, Steamed Broccoli
- Drinks: 1% Milk, Apple Juice, Raspberry Lemonade
- Desserts: Kids Sundae (Chocolate or Strawberry Sauce)
Olive Garden Kids Menu Prices – Full Breakdown
Let’s dive into what each item will cost you. Olive Garden makes it easy to treat your little ones without breaking the bank.
Entrées – Price by Item
Kids Menu Item | Price (2025) |
Kids Build Your Own Pasta | $6.99 |
Kids Macaroni & Cheese | $6.99 |
Kids Cheese Pizza | $6.99 |
Kids Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | $7.49 |
Kids Grilled Chicken with Pasta | $7.99 |
Kids Fettuccine Alfredo (V) | $6.99 |
Kids Beverages & Desserts – What They Cost

Item | Price (2025) |
Kids Raspberry Lemonade | $1.99 |
1% Low-Fat Milk | $1.69 |
Apple Juice | $1.79 |
Kids Sundae | $1.99 |
What Makes the Kids Menu Budget-Friendly?
- Inclusive Pricing: Most meals come with a choice of drink and side.
- Portion Control: Ideal sizes that reduce food waste.
- Customization: Kids can build their meal their way, making it more likely they’ll eat it.
What Age Group Can Order From the Olive Garden Kids Menu?
Olive Garden’s Kids Menu isn’t strictly policed, but it’s primarily designed for younger children.
Is There a Hard Age Limit?
Officially, the menu is for guests under 12 years old, but staff often use discretion, especially if you’re ordering for a small eater or someone with dietary needs.
Can Teens or Adults Order From the Kids Menu?
Technically, no — it’s not meant for adult diners. However, exceptions are sometimes made for light eaters, those with medical needs, or in situations where no other option fits.
Portion Sizes – Enough for Bigger Appetites?
Most items on the kids menu are portioned for ages 4 to 11. For teens or adults with light appetites, these might be a snack more than a full meal. If your child has a bigger appetite, the pasta entrees with chicken or meat sauce are your best bet.
Is Olive Garden Really Kid-Friendly? Honest Review
Dining out with kids isn’t always smooth—but Olive Garden genuinely makes an effort to welcome families. From the seating to the staff’s attitude, here’s what you can expect.
Seating, High Chairs & Booster Options

Whether you’re walking in with a toddler or a school-age child, Olive Garden offers a variety of seating solutions. Every location I’ve visited has:
- High chairs for babies and toddlers
- Booster seats for older kids
- Spacious booths and family-friendly tables
- Room to park strollers near your table
They don’t make you feel awkward if you need a little extra space or special seating arrangements.
Speed of Service for Families with Children
Kids don’t like waiting—and Olive Garden seems to know that. Servers often prioritize families with young children by:
- Taking kids’ orders first
- Offering crayons and kids’ menus with games
- Checking in frequently to refill drinks or breadsticks
Most meals come out in 15–20 minutes, especially the kids’ entrées.
How Staff Handles Picky Eaters
Picky eaters are part of the parenting experience. At Olive Garden, staff are surprisingly understanding and helpful:
- They’ll swap out sauces or sides
- Allow simple customizations like “plain pasta with butter”
- Offer recommendations for kid-favorites
If your child doesn’t like something, many locations will even offer a small replacement without extra charge.
Olive Garden Kids Menu Nutrition – What Parents Should Know
Olive Garden may be known for rich, hearty meals—but they’ve made an effort to offer healthier options for kids too. Parents concerned about calories, allergens, or special diets will find helpful info.
Calorie Counts & Healthier Options

Most kids’ meals at Olive Garden are under 600 calories when ordered without extras. Here’s a quick table with calorie counts for popular menu items:
Kids Menu Item | Estimated Calories |
Kids Mac & Cheese | 360 |
Grilled Chicken with Broccoli | 290 |
Cheese Pizza | 440 |
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce | 380 |
Alfredo with Choice of Pasta | 420–500 |
Fruit Juice Box | 80–90 |
You can request whole-grain pasta or substitute vegetables instead of fries or breadsticks for a healthier meal.
Allergen Info: Gluten, Dairy & Nuts
Parents managing food allergies will appreciate Olive Garden’s transparency. The staff can provide:
- A printed allergen menu
- Ingredient lists for each kids’ item
- Verbal confirmation from the kitchen staff
Common allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts are marked, and servers are trained to help navigate options safely.
Can Meals Be Customized for Dietary Needs?
Absolutely. Olive Garden is surprisingly flexible with special requests. You can ask for:
- No cheese
- Sauce on the side
- Gluten-free rotini for pasta dishes
- Extra veggies instead of starches
They’ll do their best to accommodate even more specific needs if you ask politely.
Can You Order the Olive Garden Kids Menu for Takeout?

Yes, you can. Olive Garden offers the full kids menu for both takeout and delivery—making it a convenient option for busy families.
Is the Kids Menu Available for Online Ordering?
Yes. You can access the complete kids menu through:
- The Olive Garden website
- The mobile app
- Third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats
It’s easy to select the kids’ entrée, choose sides or drinks, and add dessert if you’d like.
How the Kids Meals Are Packed for To-Go
Meals are neatly packaged in microwave-safe containers. Here’s what you typically get:
- Separate compartment for entrée and side
- Sauce and toppings on the side (if requested)
- Kid-sized drink with a sealed lid or juice box
- Utensils and napkins included
Packaging is spill-proof and clearly labeled, which makes sorting everything easy at home.
Tips for Reheating Kids Meals at Home
If your child doesn’t finish their food at the restaurant or you’re picking up dinner to-go, here’s how to warm it up:
Microwave Reheating Tips:
- Pasta: Add a splash of water and cover loosely. Heat 30–60 seconds at a time.
- Pizza: Reheat in a toaster oven for 5 minutes at 375°F for a crispy crust.
- Chicken Fingers: Use an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy, not soggy.
- Mac & Cheese: Stir with a little milk to revive the creaminess.
These meals reheat well, especially if you store them in the original Olive Garden packaging
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New 2025 Updates to the Olive Garden Kids Menu

Any New Dishes or Removed Items?
In 2025, Olive Garden has refreshed its kids menu by adding some new dishes and removing others. One notable addition is a whole wheat pasta option paired with a mild tomato basil sauce. This gives health-conscious families a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta. Meanwhile, some less popular sides, such as fried zucchini sticks, have been taken off the menu to focus on healthier, more kid-friendly options.
Have Prices Increased in 2025?
Like many restaurants, Olive Garden has experienced slight price increases this year. Most kids’ meals have gone up by just a few cents, generally between 5 and 7 cents. For example, the Build-Your-Own Pasta is now priced at $6.99, a small increase from last year. Drinks and desserts have mostly held steady in price, so overall, Olive Garden remains a budget-friendly option for families.
Is Olive Garden Testing Any Regional Kids Items?
Yes, Olive Garden is experimenting with some regional kids menu items in select areas. In parts of the South, for example, they are offering a grilled chicken wrap with local flavors. Coastal locations are testing seafood pasta dishes for kids. These regional specials are a way to tailor the menu to local tastes and may become more widely available if popular.
How to Save Money on Olive Garden Kids Meals
Kids Eat Free Nights – Are They Offered?
Some Olive Garden locations offer “Kids Eat Free” nights, usually on weekdays like Tuesday or Wednesday. These promotions typically require the purchase of an adult entrée but can be a great way to save on family meals. Because participation varies by location, it’s best to check with your local Olive Garden or their website for the latest offers.
Olive Garden Coupons & Kids Discounts
Olive Garden regularly releases coupons and discounts that families can use toward kids’ meals. These offers might include a percentage off the total bill or savings on family meal deals. You can find these coupons on Olive Garden’s official website, email newsletters, or third-party coupon sites. Using coupons in combination with specials can lower your overall dining cost.
Olive Garden eClub & Rewards – Worth It for Families?
The Olive Garden eClub is free to join and offers members exclusive deals, birthday rewards, and early access to promotions. For families who visit often, joining the rewards program can be a smart move. Every purchase earns points that can be redeemed for discounts, which adds up to meaningful savings over time.
What Do Real Parents Think of the Olive Garden Kids Menu?
Honest Reviews from Moms & Dads
Parents generally give Olive Garden positive reviews for its kids menu and family-friendly environment. Many appreciate the generous portion sizes, friendly staff, and the menu’s flexibility to accommodate picky eaters or dietary needs. Some parents also note that the atmosphere is calm and welcoming, which makes dining out with children less stressful.
Most Popular Menu Items According to Parents

The Build-Your-Own Pasta, Mac & Cheese, and Cheese Pizza are consistently the favorites among kids. Parents say these dishes are reliable crowd-pleasers that suit even fussy eaters. The grilled chicken option is popular with families looking for a healthier choice.
Is It Better Than Fast Casual Restaurants for Kids?
Many parents feel Olive Garden offers a more pleasant dining experience than typical fast casual restaurants. The combination of a warm, inviting atmosphere, attentive table service, and a menu that allows customization makes it stand out. While prices are a bit higher than fast food chains, many feel the extra cost is worth it for the overall experience.
Olive Garden Kids Menu vs Other Family Chains
How It Compares to Applebee’s, Chili’s & Red Lobster

Compared to Applebee’s and Chili’s, which mostly feature American favorites like burgers and chicken tenders, Olive Garden offers more Italian-inspired dishes such as pasta and pizza. Red Lobster’s kids menu focuses heavily on seafood and offers fewer choices overall. Families looking for Italian flavors will find Olive Garden’s menu more appealing.
Which One Offers More Variety for Picky Eaters?
Olive Garden leads in variety for picky eaters thanks to its Build-Your-Own Pasta option and customizable sides. Kids can pick pasta types, sauces, and proteins, and swap sides like fries for fruit or veggies. Applebee’s and Chili’s offer popular classics but less flexibility in meal customization.
Which Kids Menu Is More Affordable in 2025?
In terms of pricing, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, and Chili’s all fall into a similar range, with most kids meals priced between $6 and $8. Olive Garden often includes sides and drinks with the meal price, adding value. Red Lobster tends to be more expensive with fewer options. To save, look for local deals and coupons at any chain.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s Kids Menu in 2025 offers families a balanced mix of classic favorites and new healthier options, all at competitive prices. The menu’s flexibility, combined with a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, makes it a reliable choice for parents. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, Olive Garden continues to deliver meals that please both kids and adults, keeping it among the top family-friendly dining options in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions – Olive Garden Kids Menu
Q1: What age can order from the Olive Garden Kids Menu?
A: It’s designed for children 12 and under, but teens and adults can often order smaller portions from the kids menu as well.
Q2: Does the kids meal include sides and drinks?
A: Yes, most kids meals come with a side and a drink included in the price.
Q3: Can kids meals be customized?
A: Yes, you can swap sauces, remove toppings, or change sides to suit your child’s preferences or dietary needs.
Q4: Are there healthier options on the kids menu?
A: Yes, options like whole wheat pasta, grilled chicken, and fruit sides are available.
Q5: Are there any discounts or promotions for kids meals?
A: Some locations offer “Kids Eat Free” nights, and Olive Garden coupons and rewards can help you save on kids meals.
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