Olive Garden offers a dedicated kids menu with five options, all priced under $8. Each kids meal includes a choice of side (typically fruit, broccoli, or french fries) and a drink (milk, juice, or soft drink). And of course, kids get the same unlimited breadsticks that adults enjoy — which is often the highlight of the meal for younger children.
The kids menu is designed for children 10 and under, and every item is a kid-friendly version of Olive Garden’s regular offerings. Portions are appropriately sized for smaller appetites, and the flavors are milder than the adult versions. If your child is a more adventurous eater, they can also order off the regular menu — many families order a full-size Chicken Alfredo or Lasagna Classico and split it between two kids.
Classic macaroni and cheese — always a hit with younger kids. The cheese sauce is creamy and mild, made with a blend of American and cheddar cheeses. It’s the safest pick for picky eaters and the most popular kids menu item overall. The portion is generous enough that many kids won’t finish it, making it a good value at $7.49.
Tender grilled chicken breast strips. At just 310 calories, this is the healthiest option on the kids menu by a wide margin. The chicken is simply seasoned and grilled — no breading, no frying. It’s the best choice for parents who want their kids to eat something nutritious, and it pairs well with the broccoli side. The slightly higher price ($7.99 vs. $7.49) reflects the protein quality.
A kid-sized portion of spaghetti topped with Olive Garden’s seasoned meat sauce — the same sauce used on the adult Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. It’s a classic choice and a great introduction to Italian-American food for kids. The meat sauce has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that most children enjoy. Fair warning: spaghetti and kids’ clothes don’t always mix well, so bring a bib or change of clothes for toddlers.
A personal-sized cheese pizza with a crispy crust, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. It’s the fallback for kids who don’t want pasta — and at virtually every table with children, someone’s ordering pizza. Olive Garden’s pizza isn’t their specialty the way pasta is, but for a kids’ option it’s perfectly solid and satisfying. The personal size means there’s no waste.
A smaller portion of Olive Garden’s signature Alfredo pasta — the same creamy, buttery sauce made fresh daily, served over fettuccine. This is the best option for kids who are ready to try “grown-up” Italian food. The Alfredo sauce is rich but not overpoweringly strong, making it accessible for younger palates. At $7.49, it’s also the cheapest way to experience Olive Garden’s most famous sauce.
Olive Garden periodically offers a “Kids Eat Free” deal where one kids meal is free with the purchase of an adult entree. These promotions typically run during summer months and back-to-school season. When available, it makes Olive Garden one of the most affordable family dining options around. Keep an eye on the Olive Garden website, app, or sign up for the eClub to be notified when the promotion launches. You can also combine this with the Darden Rewards program for maximum savings.
All Olive Garden locations are family-friendly and offer the kids menu for dine-in and takeout. Use our location finder to find the nearest restaurant on the map. For adult menu options and prices, see our complete 2026 menu guide.