The days when kids eat for just $2.99 at Golden Corral are long gone. But between you and me, lunch at this all-day-buffet restaurant is still a lot cheaper than going to a sit down restaurant. And the food isn’t bad, either.
In fact, you get LOTS of different options that even the pickiest eater would enjoy their meal.
So if you’re wondering how much is Golden Corral for children, this article will provide you the answers in detail.
The following table is for Golden Corral children’s prices:
| ITEM | COST |
Children | |
Breakfast & Lunch – Includes Beverage | |
| 3 & Under – Limit 2 Free Meals per Adult Purchase | $0.00 |
| Ages 4-8 | $8.99* |
| Ages 9-12 | $9.99* |
Dinner – Includes Beverage | |
| 3 & Under – Limit 2 Free Meals per Adult Purchase | $0.00 |
| Ages 4-8 | $10.49 |
| Ages 9-12 | $11.49 |
That’s because the buffet prices can vary depending on the age of your child, the day of the week, the time of day you’re planning to go, and whether your child is dining in or you’re ordering food to go.
Golden Corral’s Standard Pricing for Children
Golden Corral offers a straightforward pricing structure for kids. Here’s a breakdown for your reference:
Ages 3 and Under: $0
So that basically means if you have kids 3 and under, they can dine for free. By the way, according to Golden Corral, there’s a limit of 2 free meals per paying adult so keep this in mind.
Breakfast (Ages 4-8): $8.99
For children aged 4 to 8, breakfast at Golden Corral is priced at $8.99. This includes access to the full breakfast buffet so your kids can enjoy a variety of breakfast favorites without you worrying about your bill.
Breakfast (Ages 9-12): $9.99
Older children, aged 9 to 12, can enjoy breakfast at Golden Corral for $9.99. Obviously, older kids have larger appetites and different preferences than the younger ones hence the $1 price difference.
Lunch (Ages 4-8): $8.99
The lunch buffet at Golden Corral is also priced at $8.99 for children aged 4 to 8. Kids can fill their plates without you worrying about the cost.
Lunch (Ages 9-12): $9.99
Older children pay a dollar more, just like with the breakfast option.
Dinner (Ages 4-8): $10.49
Dinner at Golden Corral is priced at $10.49 for children aged 4 to 8. The price for dinner buffet is higher than the lunch buffet, same as with the adult rates. With an extensive dinner buffet featuring a variety of premium meats (steak, prime rib, etc.) and more dessert options, kids can enjoy a memorable dining experience without breaking the bank.
Dinner (Ages 9-12): $11.49
Golden Corral’s dinner rate for kids 9 to 12 years old is $11.49. Again, this is because kids at this age range tend to have bigger appetites and different preferences in food.
To-Go Options
In addition to dine-in options, Golden Corral also offers convenient to-go options for families on the move. How this works is you will fill a to go container with all your favorite items then you go to the cashier and pay by the pound.
- Breakfast To-Go: $8.99/lb.
- Lunch To-Go (Mondays to Fridays): $6.99/lb.
- Dinner To-Go (Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday): $8.99/lb.
Golden Corral Kid’s Menu
If you didn’t already know, there are approximately 150 food choices at the Golden Corral endless buffet. So while not all of them may appear to young kids, I’m confident your child will find at least a few dishes that they will enjoy.
Just to give you an idea of what kids will find at the buffet, there are favorites like Mac & Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken Legs, and Mini Steakburgers. There are also different kinds of pizza, pasta and of course meatloaf.
Of course the Sizzlin’ Fajitas also take center stage – hand-carved sirloin, marinated flame grilled chicken breast, or shrimp seasoned with fajita plus sides like pico de gallo and guacamole.
The treats don’t end there. Their dessert buffet showcases cotton candy, muffins, pies and they also have their Famous Chocolate Fountain. Some locations even have the triple fountain, complete with white chocolate, chocolate and caramel flowing endlessly.
How to Save Money Dining at Golden Corral with Kids
When it comes to family dining, Golden Corral knows how to make each dollar count. Here are several ways this buffet restaurant chain ensures that dining with children is not just a meal but a memorable experience:
Kids Eat Free (or Almost Free)
For families with children, getting a good deal is crucial. Golden Corral understands this and offers special promotions like “Kids Eat Free Day” on certain days in some areas. While policies may vary, typically, one adult purchase entitles one or even two kids to enjoy their meals at no extra cost.
Go There for the Lunch Buffet
Lunchtime can be the perfect opportunity to dine affordable at Golden Corral. With lunch buffet prices often $3-4 cheaper than dinner, families can enjoy similar offerings at a more budget-friendly rate. While dinner may offer special items like crab legs or themed dinners, weighing your options can help you decide if the extra cost is worth it.
Consider Your Beverage Choices
Beverages can add up quickly in cost. This includes beverages in the children’s buffet prices, but not for the adults at golden Corral. You may want to opt for water instead to save money.
Take Your Time
Dining at Golden Corral is not a rush job. Make the most of your meal by going on a weekday with no other commitments. Arrive early, stay late, and enjoy each other’s company while sampling a variety of dishes. By strategically timing your visit, you can even combine lunch and dinner into one meal to maximize your dining dollars.
Prioritize Food Safety
Choose foods that are popular, regularly replenished, and appear fresh. If anything seems off, it’s better to avoid it and inform a manager. Raw seafood and salads with mayonnaise should be approached with caution as well. That way you can avoid a trip to the emergency room – which can be costly!
What Customers with Kids Have to Say About Golden Corral
Here are some of the reviews we’ve found online written by customers who brought their family along for a nice meal at Golden Corral:
Ibvareena
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Best option with kids
This is honestly the best option for families that are visiting the theme parks. The place opens at 7:30 and will begin serving brunch at 9:30. Nice selection of breakfast staples ( scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, cereal, etc ) and drink is included in price. We only visited at breakfast time so can’t vouch for the dinner selection. Kids 3 and under eat for free and the breakfast price for an adult is just under 10$. First day we went service was horrible..they gave us drinks and that was it but the other times the service was very good. Would definitely recommend this because the prices in the theme parks and nearby restaurants can get outrageous.
sweetteam38
North Carolina
Kids Nights
My Family went Tuesday Night for kids night. We had about 9 kids with us. It was a fun night hanging out with them and the Adults. The food was good. Our waitress was nice too. The children price was reasonable. Will be going back. Thank you!
ecc0130
Kids Eat Free
It’s an older place needs some updates! However can’t complain I was treated well my nephew eat for free the staff is very nice and welcoming! The food was warm. Tasted ok . Would I go back? Yes I would.
Golden Corral Price for Children: In a Nutshell
Golden Corral is an affordable dining option for families. Those who are dining with children aged 3 and under won’t have to pay for their kids’ meals and older kids can dine just under $10.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly restaurant that makes sure you leave with a full stomach and not have to worry about your tab, then Golden Corral is definitely the place for you!