Red Lobster Kids Menu: Entrees, Sides and Calories
Quick answer: The Red Lobster kids’ menu has four entrees priced at $8.99 to $9.79, each served with a side and a drink choice. Calories run from 250 for the Grilled Shrimp Skewer — the lightest item on the entire Red Lobster menu — up to 690 for the Chicken Tenders. It is the most consistently priced section of the restaurant, and portions are genuinely child-sized rather than shrunken adult plates.
Red Lobster Kids Menu With Prices
| Item | Price | Calories | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Grilled Shrimp Skewer | $8.99 | 250 | Grilled shrimp on a skewer; the lightest item on the whole menu |
| Kids Popcorn Shrimp | $8.99 | 430 | Small breaded fried shrimp, the usual kid favorite |
| Kids Golden-Fried Fish | $9.79 | 530 | Battered white fish, fish-and-chips style |
| Kids Chicken Tenders | $8.99 | 690 | Breaded chicken strips for non-seafood eaters |
Prices vary by location. Meals typically include a side and a drink.
Ordering for the whole table? Adult entrees, sides and desserts are listed on our Red Lobster menu with prices.
What Comes With a Kids’ Meal?
- The entree — one of the four above.
- A side — usually a choice including fries, broccoli, rice or fruit where available.
- A drink — typically juice, milk or a soft drink.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits — served to the table with dine-in meals as standard.
Exact side and drink options vary by location, so it is worth asking what is available rather than assuming from a national menu.
Calories: What Parents Should Know
There is a wider spread here than most people expect for a children’s menu — the heaviest item carries nearly three times the calories of the lightest.
| Item | Calories | Compared To |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Grilled Shrimp Skewer | 250 | The lightest item anywhere on the menu |
| Kids Popcorn Shrimp | 430 | Same as a 7 oz adult sirloin steak |
| Kids Golden-Fried Fish | 530 | More than a whole steamed Maine lobster (440) |
| Kids Chicken Tenders | 690 | More than the adult Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi (650) |
Two observations worth having. The Grilled Shrimp Skewer at 250 calories is the lightest single item anywhere on the Red Lobster menu, which makes it a sensible order for an adult wanting something small as well as for a child. And the Chicken Tenders at 690 calories carry more than several adult seafood entrees — worth knowing if your child defaults to tenders every time.
Remember the biscuits too. They arrive free and refilled at roughly 160 calories each, which adds up quickly alongside a children’s portion. Full detail in our nutrition guide.
Allergens and Seafood
This is a seafood restaurant, and that matters more for children than for adults. Shellfish is present throughout the kitchen, fryers are shared, and cross-contact is a genuine consideration.
- Shellfish allergy: the Chicken Tenders are the only non-seafood entree, but they are cooked in a kitchen handling shrimp. Speak to a manager rather than relying on the menu.
- Gluten: the breaded items and the biscuits all contain wheat. The Grilled Shrimp Skewer is the option to discuss if you are avoiding gluten.
- First-time seafood: popcorn shrimp is the usual gentle introduction — mild, small and familiar in texture.
Is There an Age Limit?
Kids’ menu eligibility is normally limited by age, and the exact cutoff varies by location — commonly around 12. Policies are set locally, so if you want a smaller portion as an adult, the lunch menu is the reliable route rather than the kids’ menu.
Value: Feeding a Family
| Approach | Cost for 2 adults + 2 children |
|---|---|
| Two adult entrees + two kids’ meals | Roughly $75 – $105 with drinks |
| Family bundle (serves 4) + drinks | Roughly $60 – $100 |
| Early Dine-In entrees + two kids’ meals | Roughly $50 – $70, weekdays 3–6 PM |
The cheapest family route is arriving in the weekday 3:00 to 6:00 PM window, when adults can order from the Early Dine-In menu under $15 while children order normally. Our daily deals guide covers the rest.
Tips for Taking Children
- Go early. Weekday mid-afternoon is the quietest service with the shortest wait.
- Order biscuits deliberately. They arrive fast and fill small appetites before the meal does.
- Avoid the shell-cracking dishes for younger children — crab clusters and whole lobster need adult help.
- The skewer is the balanced pick at 250 calories and grilled rather than fried.
- Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year. Book ahead or pick another day.
Related Guides
- Lunch menu with prices and hours
- Nutrition, calories and allergens
- Daily deals and specials under $15
- Hours and holiday schedule
- Full menu with prices and calories
- All Red Lobster guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Red Lobster kids menu?
Three of the four entrees are $8.99 and the Golden-Fried Fish is $9.79. Meals typically include a side and a drink.
What is on the Red Lobster kids menu?
Grilled Shrimp Skewer, Popcorn Shrimp, Golden-Fried Fish and Chicken Tenders.
Does a kids’ meal include a drink?
Yes, typically a choice of juice, milk or a soft drink, along with a side.
What is the age limit for the kids menu?
It varies by location, commonly around 12. Policies are set locally, so ask at your restaurant.
Which kids’ item has the fewest calories?
The Grilled Shrimp Skewer at 250 calories — the lightest item on the entire Red Lobster menu.
Which kids’ item has the most calories?
Chicken Tenders at 690 calories, which is more than several adult seafood entrees.
Is there a non-seafood option for children?
Yes, the Chicken Tenders. Note they are prepared in a kitchen that handles shellfish throughout.
Do children get free biscuits?
Cheddar Bay Biscuits are served to the table with dine-in meals as standard, at roughly 160 calories each.
Can adults order from the kids menu?
Usually not, since eligibility is age-limited. For a smaller adult portion, the lunch menu or the Early Dine-In menu are the routes.
What is the best first seafood for a child?
Popcorn shrimp is the usual gentle introduction — small, mild and familiar in texture. The grilled skewer is the lighter alternative.
Is the kids menu available all day?
Yes, at most locations, during normal opening hours.
What is the cheapest way to feed a family at Red Lobster?
Arrive on a weekday between 3:00 and 6:00 PM so adults can order Early Dine-In entrees under $15, or order a family bundle that serves four for $47.99 to $56.99.
Red Lobster Menu Deals is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Red Lobster. Menu items, prices, sides, drink options and age policies vary by location and are subject to change without notice. If your child has a food allergy, speak to a manager at the restaurant.