Want the scoop on Kids Free San Diego? This is the ultimate guide to San Diego County and their free kids options in October!
October is the perfect time to visit San Diego. The weather is usually lovely, and it’s less crowded. Usually the visitors tend to be more local to Southern California and to stay for just a few days. When we first moved here, we wanted to explore all the fun things america’s finest city offers for families, and October helped us a TON. Why? Because San Diego, the san diego tourism authority and san diego museum council do something special the entire month of october …..Kids Free San Diego!
For the entire month there are TONS of deals when you buy adult admission for the best San Diego family locations. From theme parks to zoos to restaurants to parks……there are almost 100 options for Kids Free San Diego activities this year.
I wanted to share some of my favorites, in case you are local or coming to visit San Diego in October.
A few things to keep in mind while planning your whole family outings for the month:
- arrive early and plan ahead: you won’t be the only ones taking advantage of the free tickets available, weekends at these popular destinations tend to be busier with locals or people from close by taking a weekend family vacation to enjoy the special offers available
- check the specifics for each location included in kids free san diego (the website for each location has specifics and you can see the full list of activities and options HERE )
Kids Free San Diego: October Deals
These are some of my personal favorite offerings during the Kids Free San Diego month and some of the best deals you’ll find on family activities anytime during the year
San Diego Zoo: We LOVE the San Diego Zoo (they recently opened a few new exhibits so even if you’ve been, it’s worth a new visit). The weather is normally lovely during the fall, it’s a nice walk around area, and just big enough for a FULL family day. There is usually live music in the afternoons, there are always new animals to see…and it’s one of the best zoos in the united states ….how could you not visit?
The deal? From October 1 through 31, 2023 every child under age 11 gets free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Specifically, each adult can bring up to FIVE children with them. Trust me, this one is POPULAR!
Click here for discounted San Diego Zoo Tickets (buy the adult tickets, the children don’t need a ticket to enter as long as they are with a paying adult
San Diego Safari Park: The san diego zoo safari park is a truly unique experience, and a place we visit often. Lydia actually went to camp at the Safari Park a few times, and we’ve also had the fun and super unique experience of sleeping overnight at the Safari Park for their Roar and Snore Campout (can’t recommend this enough, it was so much fun). The Safari Park has a different layout than the San Diego Zoo, and perfect for younger kids. It’s EASILY walkable and has some really unique habitats (be sure to check out Walkabout Australia)! Fair warning (because this is confusing to any non-locals) : the Safari Park is in NORTHERN san diego county . It is not downtown near the Zoo!
The Kids free october deal at the Safari Park? From October 1 through 31, 2023 every child under age 11 gets free admission when accompanied by a paying adult (same as the zoo). Also, each adult can bring up to FIVE children with them.
Click here for discounted San Diego Safari Park Tickets (buy the adult tickets, the children don’t need a ticket to enter as long as they are with a paying adult)
Legoland: Legoland is iconic and one of the best places to spend a cool October day. Lydia absolutely loves it from the rides to the Lego Movie World area to the apple fries (a must try). They also do really fun Halloween decorations! Kids Free San Diego is a GREAT time to visit, because you can’t beat this deal for legoland california (this also includes the Water Park and Aquarium). Trust me, it will sell out, so grab tickets in advance!
A few tips for Legoland specifically: get there at opening and enjoy the most popular rides. If you want to extend your day the Legoland Hotel is a great place to grab dinner. They have a pretty great buffet and it’s a super fun environment!
This Legoland deal specifically gives ONE free kids tickets per paying adult.
Click here for Discounted Legoland Tickets
Seaworld: seaworld san diego in October is especially fun, so a great time for taking advantage of Kids Free San Diego and this awesome deal. In addition to the regular exhibits and rides, Seaworld has a ton of Halloween fun, food and activities. There are trick-or-treating candy trails, special fall-flavored food & beverages and really great decorations!
This deal specifically gives ONE free child admission per paying adult.
Click here for Seaworld Tickets
USS Midway Museum: This is at the top of our Kids Free San Diego bucket list. The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, and now it’s a REALLY cool museum with a permanent home here in San Diego. I visited long ago, but Robbie and Lydia have never been!
This year’s deal allows up to one children 12 & under to get in FREE with one full-price paid adult.
Click here for USS Midway Museum Ticket
Fleet Science Center: Another San Diego museum favorite of ours (yes, Lydia did a summer camp here too)…..the Fleet Science Center is a perfect family afternoon of activities. They have really fun interactive exhibits and a great play area for younger kids!
Fleet Science Center is located in Balboa Park, with a few other museums and the San Diego Zoo. This is a great option combined with a picnic lunch and some outdoor time. Fair warning, parking in Balboa Park can be NUTTY on the weekends. I’d suggest early arrival times and…..bring your patience.
This deal allows one child (12 & under) to get FREE admission to the exhibit galleries with one full-price paid adult.
Click here for Fleet Science Center Tickets
New This Year
San Diego comic-con museum : The San Diego Comic-Con museum is a TOTAL blast and one of our favorite San Diego Museums. They have a hands on makerspace and SUPER interactive exhibits. If you’ve got an anime or a cartoon loving kiddo (or adult) in your family…..I can’t recommend it enough!
The deal for 2023 gives one free child ticket (ages 6-12) with the purchase of any adult admission.
More Kids Free San Diego Options
The Natural History Museum: The San Diego Natural History Museum was a new visit for us recently. It’s beautifully laid out, and perfect for strolling from floor to floor for a relaxing family afternoon (don’t miss the gem displays on each level, Lydia loved them). They also have a cafe in the basement and a lovely outdoor space in the back!
The New Children’s Museum: The New Children’s Museum in Downtown San Diego is on our list to visit this October. It’s aimed at younger children (think under age 10) and is filled with interactive and art based exhibits. I’ve heard AMAZING things and can’t wait to check it out!
This deal is pretty specific: it offers one free child admission with the purchase of one full-priced adult admission weekdays from 2 – 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. I wanted to note, this deal is NOT available on weekends! To redeem this deal, click HERE and print the coupon….then bring it along with you!
Great for Younger Kids
Birch Aquarium: We love love love the Birch Aquarium. It’s small enough for younger kids, has an amazing view, and one of the best touch tidepool areas I’ve ever seen! In fact, Lydia says she wants to volunteer there when she is in high school. It’s a perfect afternoon activity (and there is a great permanent food truck out front for an outdoor dining option). They have a REALLY cool mini blue penguin exhibit and some new outdoor play zones.
This deal offers two free child admissions with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket. To purchase online, use code KIDSFREE23.
San Diego Air and Space Museum: Visiting Balboa Park? Then be sure to put the San Diego Air and Space Museum on your agenda. It’s filled with historic aircraft and spacecraft and so much fun to see! There is also a LOVELY lawn in front and….bonus? It’s got a MASSIVE parking lot right next to it (this is a serious Balboa Park win)!
The Kids Free San Diego offer allows up to two children 12 & under to get in FREE with one full-price paid adult admission.
Kids Free San Diego
There are also a TON of deals on hotels, food spots and more. You can see a COMPLETE guide to Kids Free San Diego HERE.
Are you planning to take advantage of the Kids Free San Diego deals in October? If so, where are you going first?
