Last summer, the slow economy spurred restaurants to try to pull in cash-strapped families with offers of free meals for kids. Maybe it’s a good sign for the economy that for the summer of 2010, fewer national or regional chains appear to be offering similar deals. But we still found 10 popular restaurants offering families a meal out without emptying their wallet.

Note: These specials vary from restaurant to restaurant and are subject to change at any time. The sample deals are real listings, but may not apply to the specific restaurants in your area. (Sometimes, the deal in your area might even be better.)

Applebee’s
Sample deal: On Mondays, get one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Captain D’s
Sample deal: On Thursdays, get two free kid’s meals with any adult entree purchase, dine in only.

Chevys
Sample deal: On Tuesdays, get one free kid’s meal with one adult entrée, dine-in only.

Denny’s
Sample deal: Up to two kids 10 and younger eat free with each adult purchase of $2.50 or more, from 4pm to 10pm on select nights.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Sample deal: On Sundays, one child eats free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Lone Star Steak House
Sample deal: On Tuesdays, up to two kids eat free with the purchase of one adult entrée.

Luby’s
Sample deal: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée, typically on a weekday evening after 4:30pm. Check lubys.com for a list of when each restaurant features the promotion.

Marie Callender’s
Sample deal: Get one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Perkins
Sample deal: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 10pm, get one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.