In general kids are allowed the appetizer it is just that most of the kid's meals have them built in. But we were able to change them around even if the kids chose a pre-set meal. I mean, most venues offer two or three set items...kids pizza with cinnamon apples and carrot stiks, let's say...we were able at all of our meals to change the cinnamon apples for ice cream or what ever else is offered on the kids menu and to chicken soup from ther carrots or what ever else was on the kids menu.
BUT, some of the places, I think mostly signature places, have kid's menus that have all portions of the meal seperated out...so the kids can choose all of their own components. And we thought those places usually had the better options, obviously!