The Californer - Family Fun Shrinks for Summer with Lil McDonald's

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CHICAGO, June 25, 2025 ~ McDonald's is bringing back the beloved Lil McDonald's Happy Meal this summer, much to the delight of their youngest fans. The fast-food giant announced that the miniature version of their iconic meal will be available nationwide starting July 1.

For years, children have been turning their living rooms into drive-thrus and their backyards into McDonald's kitchens, serving up imaginary meals with a side of imagination. And now, with the return of the Lil McDonald's Happy Meal, they can continue to do so with even more make-believe magic.

Each Lil McDonald's Happy Meal comes with a McDonald's order and one of 21 mini toys inspired by items found in their restaurants. From a tiny register to miniature fries and even an itty-bitty Boo Bucket, these toys are sure to spark endless play and creativity.

Anna Engel, Director of Marketing, Brand, Content & Culture for McDonald's USA, expressed her excitement for the return of the Lil McDonald's Happy Meal. "A McDonald's Happy Meal has always been more than just a meal – it's a joyful tradition that creates lasting memories for both kids and adults alike," she said. "As a parent, there's something magical about watching your child's imagination come to life with these tiny toys. That's what makes Lil McDonald's so special."

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To celebrate the launch of the Lil McDonald's Happy Meal, McDonald's is bringing it to life in a big way in Los Angeles on July 19 and 20. Families can visit Santa Monica Place (Space #112) from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm PT each day for a larger-than-life experience featuring toy-themed play zones, oversized photo ops, and even a Chicken McNuggets-inspired ball pit.

But don't worry if you can't make it to Los Angeles – families can still join in on the fun at home or at their local McDonald's restaurant. By scanning a Happy Meal box, they can unlock the Drive Thru Dash digital game and race to take orders and rack up high scores. The McDonald's App also has a PlayPlace Finder feature to help families find nearby restaurants with play spaces. And for those who want to recreate the Lil McDonald's experience at home, they can download a free digital placemat from HappyMeal.com.

McDonald's USA, LLC serves millions of customers every day with a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients. The company also prides itself on its commitment to local communities, as 95% of their approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners.

For more information on the Lil McDonald's Happy Meal and other McDonald's news, visit www.mcdonalds.com and follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Media Contact:

McDonald's USA

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