Restaurants looking to make extra money during this tight economy should not rule out marketing heavily to families and kids. According to Restaurants and Institutions Mag, a Chicago-based research firm NPD Group recently reported that the average guest party with children is more than twice as large as grownups-only parties, pushing check averages up nearly $8.

Deals, discounts and value meals are more important than ever for encouraging families to go out to eat. R&I’s 2009 New American Diner Study found that among respondents who feel restaurants should be more family-friendly, 58% would like to see them offer more discounts and value-based options. A number of operators, including Spartanburg, S.C.-based Denny’s, invite kids to eat free on certain days when parents purchase an entrée.

Thinking about marketing to this segment, what would be the most beneficial to your brand? In-restuaurant marketing? Special discounts?