October is the 14th annual “Kids Free” month in San Diego with more than 100 family deals, and if you have youngsters, you’ll want to know about this. The special runs from Oct. 1 to 31, 2025.
The freebies include some of the biggest (and priciest) attractions in the city, including both the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park and the Safari Park in Escondido for free, with a paid adult. It also includes SeaWorld and Legoland. Some 60 museums are also included in the offer. Learn more at SanDiego.org/KidsFree
You can download kids free museum coupons here: sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/kids-free-museum-pass/
Here’s a partial list of some of the top attractions where kids can get in free:
- San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park: Kids age 11 and younger get in free with an adult with a valid form of admission. Up to 6 kids can come free. Adults can buy a ticket or use their valid membership or pass. sandiegozoo.org/kids-free
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido: Kids age 11 and younger get in free with an adult with a valid form of admission. Up to 6 kids can come free. Adults can buy a ticket or use their valid membership or pass. sdzsafaripark.org/kidsfree
- Legoland California, Carlsbad: Get a free child hopper ticket with an adult one. Choose Legoland plus the Sea Life Aquarium, or add the Legoland Water Park too. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-legolandr-california/364
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla, with the Living Seas Gallery and its Giant Pacific Octopus, coral reefs, tidepool plaza and more. One child 12 or under gets free general admission with paid adult admission. Tickets must be purchased online before arrival. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-visit-free-at-birch-aquarium-in-october/413
- USS Midway Museum, San Diego: This famous retired aircraft carrier offers 29 restored aircraft on the flight deck, some 60 exhibits and a self-guided audio tour narrated by former Midway sailors. Two kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-the-uss-midway-museum/499
- Navy Seal Museum, San Diego: This brand new museum near the Midway tells the story of these elite warriors. Two kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult admission. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-the-navy-seal-museum-san-diego/566
- SeaWorld San Diego: One kid 12 or under free with a paid adult includes the regular attractions including animal encounters and the new Rescue Jr. area, plus the Spooktacular trick-or-treating event.
- sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-seaworld-san-diego/345
- Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park: More than 100 interactive exhibits and more. One child 12 and under free with paid adult admission, plus online coupon. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-the-fleet-science-center/351
- Maritime Museum of San Diego: Go on board tall ships and learn about our Pacific maritime history. One kid free 12 and under per adult admission. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-the-maritime-museum-of-san-diego/366
- San Diego Whale Watch, Mission Bay: Kids 12 and under cruise free. One free child per full price adult ticket. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-cruise-free-at-san-diego-whale-watch/217
- Belmont Park, San Diego: Kids 12 and under get one free wristband with the purchase of an adult wristband. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-go-free-to-legolandr-california/364
- Old Town Trolley Tour, San Diego: A two-hour narrated city tour that covers some 25 miles and 100 points of interest. People can hop on and off. One free child per paid adult. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/kids-ride-free-on-the-old-town-trolley-tour/211
- Corporate Helicopters “Beaches and Bays” tour: It flies 30 minutes over the San Diego coastline including Solana Beach, Del Mar, Sunset Cliffs, and La Jolla Cove. sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/deals-offers/free-helicopter-tour-for-kids-in-october/165
Note that this is only a partial list — look online for the full account. And, when you’re ready to eat and hit the sheets, note that numerous hotels and restaurants are also offering deals, including free food for kids, bike and kayak rentals, parking and more.
Learn more at sandiego.org/c/kids-free.
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