With the schools holidays in full flow, parents will be kept on their toes thinking up ways to keep the little ones entertained.
A family trip to a restaurant is always a treat for all ages and a lovely way to spend time together but naturally cost can be an issue for most parents, particularly of they've more than one child.
So, to help out we've had a look at what free - or cheap - deals might be available across the North East this summer as a range of restaurants, cafes, pubs and supermarkets tend to have the occasional summer holiday offer.
Here's our first pick of what we've found in and around Newcastle - and look out for more updates in coming weeks.
Toby Carvery
The family favourite is inviting kids to eat for just £1 throughout the school holidays.
The offer applies at Toby Carvery restaurants across the UK, including the ones in and around Newcastle at the likes of Washington, Shiremoor and Kenton Bank.
The terms and conditions are that the deal entitles you to one children’s main meal, carvery or breakfast for £1 from the children’s menu with the purchase of a full-price adult main meal or breakfast.
It will run from Monday to Saturday until Friday, September 6, excluding the Bank Holiday.
And it applies for up to four adults and four children.
To take advantage, you need to download a voucher from the app .
Davanti
The Whitley Bay Italian restaurant invites children to eat for free between Monday and Friday until 6pm.
The offer applies to one child picking from the Bambino menu when an adult pays for his or her meal.
Call 0191 252 8059 or see here .
Fratello
Kids eat free at this Jesmond restaurant which has branches at Scotch Corner and Newcastle Airport.
The promotion runs in all three venues and says that for every main meal purchased, children can create their own pizza for free.
See here
Morrisons
The store says any children can eat for free in its cafes from 3pm when an adult buys a meal for at least £4.50.
Asda
Here kids (under 16s) can eat for £1 between Monday and Friday after 3pm when £4 is spent in the cafe.
See here
Harvester
The North Shields venue says adults who order a main meal over the summer holiday can have a meal for their child for just £1 until September 6.
For the range of what's on offer, and to download the required voucher via its app, see here . It's valid up to four people. See her e,
Za Za Bazarre
The global buffet restaurant in The Gate, Newcastle, invited those aged four and under to eat for free (there's a half-price deal for five to 11-year-olds too).
A fair usage policy applies, with two child prices allowed with every full-paying adult.
See here
And there freebie offers for babies
Las Iguanas
The Italian restaurant in Newcastle offers free baby food. Grown-ups need just ask the waiting staff and their very little ones will receive free organic baby food. They can help reheat baby bottles too.
Ikea
The Gateshead store also offers free baby food with any adult meal purchased (subject to availability).
