INDIANAPOLIS — Halloween expenses can add up fast. Between costumes, candy and parties, your wallet can get spooked.
But feeding your family is made a little easier by restaurant freebies and other affordable ideas.
Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free, shared her favorites Sunday on 13Sunrise with WTHR's Gina Glaros.
ALDI frozen pizza
This year, you can find both ghost and jack-o-lantern frozen pizzas at the discount grocer. And in the seasonal aisle, look for Halloween-themed pasta and other pumpkin favorites.
IHOP scary face pancakes
On Oct. 29, IHOP brings back its free Scary Face Pancake promotion for kids 12 and under between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Wendy’s Boo Books
A Boo Book costs only $1 and has 5 coupons for a free Frosty Jr. These coupons are valid through the end of the year and the proceeds raised by their sales support kids in foster care. So you can hand them out to trick-or-treaters instead of candy.
McDonald’s Tricks and Treats Booklets
Some McDonald’s restaurants offer a similar promotion with a Tricks or Treats coupon booklet of 12 coupons good for free items. Your local McDonald’s might not be participating, so check first.
Halloween pizza
Papa John’s, Papa Murphy’s, and other pizza joints are offering a special pumpkin-shaped pizza again this year. Check your favorite pizza place’s website or app for coupons and special offerings.
Family meal deals
Many restaurants never stopped family meal offerings after the shutdown. Plus places like Cracker Barrel, Metro Dinner, and Bob Evans are already rolling out holiday offerings for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just make sure you order in advance on a busy day. Here are some special family meal deals from popular restaurants:
From free events at churches and malls to free food, you can celebrate the season without overextending your budget.
Watch Cherie's full 13Sunrise segment in the video player.