Olive Garden Kids Menu
Surprising fact: nearly 70% of family diners say a child-friendly plate can decide where they eat that night. That makes choices like this one more important than you might think.
This short guide helps you pick meals that balance taste, portion, and price. You’ll find customizable pasta bowls, small pizzas, and chicken fingers. Most entrées include a drink and a healthy side such as grapes or steamed broccoli.
Typical pricing sits around $6.99, and most items suit children under 12, though local restaurants may vary. Expect familiar sauces — marinara, Alfredo, or meat sauce — and fun pasta shapes like rotini.
Read on for simple swaps to boost nutrition, quick calorie examples, and tips for ordering in the dining room, for pickup, or delivery. This section gives plain information so you can decide fast and feel confident at the table.
What to Expect from the Olive Garden Kids Menu Right Now
Busy nights call for a kids lineup that’s flexible, affordable, and easy to customize. At olive garden the current menu keeps things simple so you can order fast.
The offerings focus on familiar entrées: choose a pasta with your sauce, crispy chicken fingers, or a mini pizza. Each meal comes with a side and a bundled drink.
- Portions sized for children under 12; great for smaller appetites.
- Pasta shapes: rotini, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Sauce choices often include marinara, meat, Alfredo, or five-cheese marinara.
- Sides: grapes, steamed broccoli, or fries for selective eaters.
- Most kids meals price near $6.99, but local restaurant pricing can vary.
| Item | Typical Choice | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Rotini/Spaghetti/Fettuccine | Side + Drink |
| Chicken | Crispy Fingers | Side + Drink |
| Mini Pizza | Cheese or Pepperoni | Side + Drink |
Knowing these options helps you make quick choices at the table or when ordering takeout. This information keeps meals simple, kids happy, and your bill predictable.
Kids Meals and Prices: Pasta, Pizza, and Chicken Favorites
Deciding between pasta, pizza, or chicken is easier when you compare portion, price, and calories.
Customize pasta with rotini, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Sauce options include marinara, meat sauce, Alfredo sauce, or a richer five cheese marinara. Macaroni cheese and cheese ravioli remain simple, familiar picks that please picky eaters.
The personal mini pizza arrives hot and crisp as a cheese or pepperoni pie. Chicken choices include crispy chicken fingers or grilled chicken served with rotini and a light tomato-forward sauce. Most kids meals cost about $6.99 and are sized for children under 12.
- Match a favorite pasta shape with a mild sauce for an easy win.
- Use sample calories to balance treats and regular meals.
- Ask about small add-ons like a meatball or extra chicken for bigger appetites.
| Item | Typical Price | Approx Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinara pasta (rotini/spaghetti) | $6.99 | ~220 | Simple tomato sauce, side + drink |
| Chicken fingers | $6.99 | ~290 | Crispy, served with side + drink |
| Mini pizza (cheese/pepperoni) | $6.99 | ~350 | Personal size for small hands |
| Macaroni cheese / Cheese ravioli | $6.99 | ~240 | Comfort options kids love |
These choices give you a quick way to pick a balanced kids meal by taste, portions, and budget at olive garden. Use the calorie estimates to guide a healthier swap when needed.
Healthy Sides, Drinks, and Nutrition Info for Families
Picking the right side and drink can turn a simple plate into a well-rounded meal. This helps you balance taste, portion, and nutrition for little eaters.
Balanced side choices
Most kids meals include one side. You can pick grapes or steamed broccoli for a lighter pick. Fries remain an easy treat for picky eaters.
Some locations even offer a small serving of spaghetti with tomato sauce as a side. That works well when a child wants more pasta without a full entrée.
Drink choices
Drinks typically include milk, chocolate milk, apple juice, orange juice, or a soft drink. Smoothies (peach or strawberry) may be listed for an extra charge.
Smart swaps for a healthier plate
- Swap crispy for grilled chicken to cut fat and add protein.
- Add steamed broccoli or choose grapes as a fruit side.
- Pick a tomato-based sauce over creamy options, or pair alfredo sauce with broccoli to balance richness.
- Chicken rotini is a simple way to get protein and pasta in one plate.
Where to get nutrition and allergen information
For full nutrition and allergen information, check the olive garden nutrition page before you dine. Availability and specifics can vary by location, so ask staff if you need up-to-date details about a food item.
| Item | Common Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Side | Grapes | Fruit choice, low prep |
| Side | Steamed broccoli | Low calorie, veggie boost |
| Drink | Milk / Chocolate milk | Wholesome, calcium-rich |
| Drink | Apple / Orange juice | Sweet, may have extra sugar |
How to Choose the Right Kids Meal by Taste, Portions, and Budget
A smart order begins with noodle shape, then adds sauce and a side to suit appetite. Use simple steps to match flavor, size, and cost for a happy table.
Match sauces and shapes
Start with texture. Pick rotini for fun twists. Choose spaghetti if your child likes slurping. Fettuccine fits creamy bites and wider forks.
Keep flavors mild with butter or a tomato sauce. Alfredo or five-cheese work for richer tastes but use a light pour to balance the plate.
Stretch your dollar
Bundled kids meals usually include an entrée, side, and drink for about $6.99. That value helps meals feed a family without surprise costs.
If you need more protein, ask about a small upgrade like a meatball, chicken, or shrimp for a modest extra charge.
- Let your child pick the pasta shape. You guide the sauce choice.
- Pair cheese favorites with a fruit or veggie to add balance.
- Use portions and side choices to avoid ordering a second entrée.
| Item | Typical Add-on | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Meatball | Extra protein |
| Rotini | Tomato sauce | Fun texture, mild flavor |
| Mac & cheese | Steamed side | Comfort plus veggies |
For quick reference, check a current menu link like kids meal ideas before you order at an olive garden location.
Olive Garden Kids Menu Buyer’s Tips for Today’s Family Dining
Before you order, use a few simple checks to get the best value and a plate your child will actually eat.
Confirm your local menu and price. Most kids meals run near $6.99, but the restaurant can set local prices. Note the age rule: this kids section serves children under 12 with smaller portions.
When ordering online, watch for a limited-time take-home offer after you add a kids meal. It may include five-cheese ziti, spaghetti with meat sauce, or fettuccine alfredo for about $6 extra.
For a balanced plate, pair pasta with marinara and a side like grapes or steamed broccoli. Pick milk or water as a simple drink. Grilled chicken or chicken rotini are solid protein picks that stay light while pleasing most children.
FAQ
What is featured on the kids menu at Olive Garden?
The children’s selection focuses on familiar comfort items. Expect small portions of pasta (rotini, spaghetti, or fettuccine) with a choice of marinara, meat sauce, Alfredo, or a five-cheese option. There are also macaroni and cheese, cheese ravioli, a mini personal pizza, crispy chicken fingers, and grilled chicken served with rotini.
Can I customize the pasta shape and sauce for my child?
Yes. You can usually choose between rotini, spaghetti, or fettuccine and pick marinara, meat sauce, Alfredo, or five-cheese. Ask your server about substitutions or combining sauces for picky eaters.
Are there non-pasta choices for kids?
Absolutely. Besides pasta, children can enjoy a personal cheese or pepperoni pizza, macaroni and cheese, cheese ravioli, crispy chicken fingers, or grilled chicken paired with rotini.
What are typical prices and age limits for the kids meals?
Most kids meals are priced around .99, and the offer is generally aimed at children under 12. Prices can vary by location, so check local pricing before you go.
How many calories are in common kids items?
Sample calorie estimates help guide choices: marinara pasta about 220 kcal, chicken fingers roughly 290 kcal, and a mini pizza near 350 kcal. Exact counts depend on portion and preparation.
What side options come with a kids meal?
Balanced side choices include fresh grapes, steamed broccoli, or fries. Servers can recommend sides that suit your child’s appetite and dietary needs.
What drinks are available for children?
Drink selections typically include milk, chocolate milk, apple juice, orange juice, and soft drinks. You can request smaller servings or an extra cup for water.
How can I make a kids meal healthier?
Simple swaps improve nutrition: choose grilled chicken instead of fried, pair pasta with steamed broccoli, and opt for tomato-based sauce rather than Alfredo. Portion control and a fruit side also help.
Where can I find allergy and nutrition information before dining?
Ask the restaurant for current nutrition guides and allergen charts. Staff can share ingredient details, and corporate sites often post downloadable nutrition PDFs for review.
How do I pick the best kids meal by taste and portion size?
Match shape to preference—rotini is fun and holds sauce, spaghetti is classic, and fettuccine is heartier. Consider your child’s appetite: macaroni and cheese for mild tastes, grilled chicken for protein, and pizza for an easy share. Upgrades like a meatball or extra chicken can be added where available to stretch the meal.
Any tips for saving money on family meals?
Look for value deals and shared plates. Kids meals at around .99 offer good value. Order one adult entrée with a side to share, or add a small upgrade rather than multiple full entrées. Check local promotions and weekday specials.
Are portions kid-sized or large enough for older children?
Portions are designed for younger appetites. For older kids or teens, consider ordering an adult entree or adding sides like extra pasta, grilled chicken, or an additional mini pizza to ensure they aren’t still hungry.
Can dietary requests like no cheese or gluten-free be accommodated?
Many locations can handle simple requests such as no cheese or sauce modifications. For gluten-free needs, ask in advance—some restaurants offer gluten-sensitive options but cross-contact can occur, so confirm safety with staff.
Is it possible to split a kids meal between siblings?
Yes. Portions are small and often easy to split between two young children. Let the server know if you want meals plated separately or with shared sides to make dining smoother.
Where can I get the most up-to-date pricing and offerings?
Menu items and prices fluctuate by location. Call the restaurant directly or visit its official website for real-time prices, current offerings, and seasonal changes before you visit.
