Culver's Kids Meals — Options, Prices & What's Included
Culver's Kids' Meals are one of the better deals on the menu — and not just for kids. Every meal includes an entrée, a side, a drink, and a scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard, all for under $6. There's no age restriction either, so adults looking for a lighter or cheaper option can order one too. Here's the complete breakdown.
What's Included in Every Kids' Meal
Every Culver's Kids' Meal comes with four components, regardless of which entrée you pick:
1. Entrée — your choice of six options (see below).
2. Side — Crinkle Cut Fries (default), applesauce, or steamed broccoli.
3. Drink — milk, chocolate milk, juice, or a small fountain drink.
4. Frozen Custard — one scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate.
That's an entrée, side, drink, and dessert for $5.29–$5.49. No toy — Culver's replaced the toy with a scoop of their fresh custard, which is a significantly better trade. The custard alone would cost $2.79 if you bought it separately, so you're essentially getting the entrée, side, and drink for about $2.50–$2.70 on top of that.
All Kids' Meal Options
Complete Kids' Meal Price & Calorie Table
| Kids' Meal Entrée | Price | Cal (Total Meal) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single ButterBurger | $5.49 | ~640 | Mini burger lovers, kids who want "adult food" |
| Grilled Cheese | $5.29 | ~600 | Picky eaters, comfort food fans |
| Corn Dog | $5.29 | ~610 | Classic kid favorite, easy to eat |
| Chicken Tenders (2 pc) | $5.49 | ~560 | Protein-focused, dippable fun |
| Buffalo Chicken Tenders (2 pc) | $5.49 | ~540 | Slightly adventurous kids, mild heat |
| Mac & Cheese | $5.49 | ~580 | Ultimate picky-eater option |
Total meal calories include default Crinkle Cut Fries + small drink + one scoop custard. Actual values vary by side and drink choice.
Picking the Right Entrée by Age & Personality
Every kid is different. Here's a quick guide based on what actually works in practice:
Side & Drink Options
The default side is Crinkle Cut Fries, but you can swap for two healthier alternatives at no extra charge:
| Side Choice | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Crinkle Cut Fries (default) | ~370 | Classic — kids expect them |
| Applesauce | ~90 | Younger kids, lighter option |
| Steamed Broccoli | ~40 | Health-focused parents |
| Drink Choice | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (White) | ~130 | Younger kids, calcium boost |
| Chocolate Milk | ~250 | Treat day |
| Apple Juice | ~120 | Younger kids, fruit-based |
| Small Fountain Drink | ~150 | Older kids who want soda |
| Water | 0 | Lightest option |
Adults Ordering Kids' Meals — Why It Works
There's no age restriction on Culver's Kids' Meals, and nobody at the counter will look at you funny. For adults with smaller appetites, late-night snacking, or budget-conscious ordering, a Kids' Meal is genuinely smart. Here's the math:
A Kids' ButterBurger Meal with fries, a drink, and custard costs $5.49. A standard ButterBurger Value Basket (no custard) costs $9.49. That's $4 less, and you're still getting a burger, fries, drink, plus custard that the basket doesn't include. The trade-off is a slightly smaller burger portion, but if you're not starving, it's enough food.
The Chicken Tenders Kids' Meal is especially good for light-eaters — two hand-battered tenders, fries, a drink, and custard for $5.49. A comparable adult tenders basket runs $9.49+ without custard.
👧 5 Kids' Meal Ordering Tips
- Swap fries for applesauce for younger kids (ages 3–5). They're less messy, lower calorie, and most little ones prefer them anyway.
- The custard scoop is included — don't forget to claim it. Some first-time visitors don't realize it's part of the meal and walk away without it. Always ask for the custard.
- Mac & Cheese is the nuclear option for picky eaters. If your kid rejects everything, mac & cheese is the failsafe that has never lost a battle against a stubborn five-year-old.
- Adults: the Kids' ButterBurger Meal is the best-kept secret. Full burger + fries + drink + custard for $5.49. It's the cheapest way to get a complete Culver's experience with dessert included.
- Pair a Kids' Meal with a side of Cheese Curds to share. Order a regular Cheese Curds ($4.49) for the table — everyone dips, everyone's happy, and the total family spend stays reasonable.
Kids' Meals vs Value Baskets — Side by Side
| Feature | Kids' Meal | Value Basket |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $5.29–$5.49 | $9.49–$13.99 |
| Includes Custard? | ✅ Yes (1 scoop) | ❌ No |
| Entrée Size | Smaller portion | Full-size portion |
| Side Options | Fries, applesauce, broccoli | Fries (sub available) |
| Drink Size | Small | Medium |
| Calorie Range | ~540–640 | ~780–1,240 |
| Age Restriction | None | None |
| Best For | Kids, light eaters, budget | Full appetites |