Raleigh, N.C. — For many families, tightening budgets mean that taking the whole family out to eat isn't an option anymore.

Some restaurants are changing that with specials that let children eat for less than a dollar – or even for free.

See restaurants that offer children's specials, and share your own places.

Nine-year-old Mitch Buynitzky learned how much a dollar could buy when his parents took him to Bear Rock Cafe, 7400 Six Forks Road, for a 99-cent kids meals special.

"For cleaning my room, I get $2," Mitch said. With that allowance, he and his brother Nick could get dinner.

"What can we get that's in an affordable range so we can not break the bank just to go out to dinner a couple times a week?" said the boys' father, Joe Buynitzky.

"We pretty much only eat out when it's free or reduced kids meals," said parent Kellie Davis, who also brought her children to Bear Rock Cafe.

Managers said they want families to come to the restaurant. On Sunday, children also eat for free.

"Our particular branch is owned by all women, and we have kids. We're all family-oriented, and we're all on a budget just like everyone else," restaurant manager Heather Lorenzini said.

Dickie's Barbecue Pit in Cary also offers a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal.

As at most restaurants, Dickie's offers the free meal on selected days. There, the special runs on Sunday.

"If you can get them in here and get them to try the food, then chances are they're going to come back," Dickie's general manager Matthew Berry said.

Parents said the deals certainly help – and their children agreed.

"It's just an easier way to have a dinner," Mitch said.