I don’t know about you, but I love going out to dinner with my family! Not only do I have the night off cooking, but I also avoid doing the dishes!

Dining out with your family can be a fun and frugal experience when you know how to look for special deals and discounts. Here are some tips to help you not break the bank when dining out.

First of all, plan ahead! Don’t get in the car and ask everyone where they want to eat. Planning ahead allows you to take a look at the restaurant’s menu online beforehand to see what kind of prices they offer.

Second, see if the restaurants you frequent offer any kind of online printable deals. Many times, restaurants will offer coupons for a FREE appetizer or dessert, or maybe buy one get one free! Simply sign up for emails from your favorite restaurants, and very quickly your inbox will be filled with money-saving offers! Some of my favorite restaurants that frequently send out coupons and money-saving deals include: Smokey Bones, TGIFriday’s, Chili’s, Bob Evans, and Bahama Breeze.

Check local magazines like this one for money-saving coupons. And don’t throw those coupons you receive in your mailbox! Actually, there may be some great deals to save money on those ads.

Facebook is a wonderful place for promotional offers. “Like” your favorite restaurant and you might be offered anything from a free dessert to buy one get one free entrees. Outback Steakhouse recently gave away free steak dinner coupons for their new Wood Fired line!

Take advantage of the Kids Eat Free promotional offers that are available. This alone can be a huge savings on your bill, especially if you have multiple children!

Sign up for birthday clubs at your favorite restaurant. You could get a free meal or dessert on your birthday! You may be surprised at how many restaurants offer birthday clubs, and they really are worth signing up for.

Share a meal with your spouse or child when dining out. Entree portion sizes offered at many restaurants are usually enough for 2 people. If bread and salad are included, it becomes a satisfying meal.

Finally, instead of ordering soft drinks or tea with your meal, how about ordering water the old-fashioned way? Sodas can really add to the price of what he thought was going to be a frugal meal.

The next time you’re out for dinner with the family, why not follow some of these frugal tips?