Fall is a great time to visit San Diego. In October and November, the weather is ideal usually in the 70’s with the sun shining and a decrease in the summer crowds making for a great time to visit.
October is an especially great time to be a kid in San Diego as all month long select museums, aquariums, gardens, zoos, restaurants, hotels and more around San Diego let kiddos in for FREE! And this isn’t just for San Diego residents. This is a perfect time for a family vacation to San Diego as visitors can get in on this offer as well. Read on for more info!
Over 100 different locations all around San Diego County accept the Kids FREE in October deals. From the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, several museums at Balboa Park to aquariums, children’s museums, cultural & historical sites, restaurants, hotels and many more. See below for direct links to some of our favorite sites that offer free deals in San Diego.
San Diego Zoo – 2920 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park
Located adjacent to downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is 100 acres in size and is home to more than 4,000 animals from around the world.
October 1–31, 2023, entrance for ages 11 and younger is free—no ticket required. October Kids Free entrance for youths includes the Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram (subject to availability). A 4D Theater add-on is available for $6 per child (ages 3 and older) upon arrival, at any Zoo ticket window (subject to availability). During our October Kids Free event, each ticketed supervising adult may bring up to 5 youths (ages 11 and younger) free. Click here for the offer.
SeaWorld – 500 Sea World Dr., Mission Bay
Get your kids’ costumes ready, because kids go FREE (1 per paid adult) to SeaWorld Spooktacular through October 31, 2023!
Enjoy their decorated trail and meet all sorts of colorful characters. From a Halloween dance party to a pumpkin scavenger hunt, and more, this is fun for the whole family. SeaWorld Spooktacular runs on Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 17 through Oct. 31. Click here for the offer.
Belmont Park – 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
Belmont Park has so much to offer, but their Fall fun is back this season and better than ever! Get into the festive spirit with FREE Trick-or-Treating every Sunday in October, live acoustic performances and festive beer on tap every Friday night, specialty treats from your favorite stops, seasonal events at Plunge Pool, iconic rides and attractions and MORE!
For the month of October, get one free junior combo wristband for kids 12 & under (who are also under 48″ tall) with the purchase of one combo wristband for someone who is 48″ and taller. Use code KIDSFREE when you buy online or mention it in person. Click here for the offer.
Legoland California – One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad
With more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions for families with children ages 2-12, there is so much to explore at Legoland! Get a free 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket with Full Paid Adult Ticket. OR, an overnight stay at a Legoland Hotel and get Free 2-Day Child Tickets with purchase of 2-Day Adult Tickets. Click here for the offer.
Balboa Park – 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
Balboa Park is home to a host of museums and cultural institutions that provide an enriching and captivating look at the human experience. Click here for more info on what museums are free for kids in October including the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Downtown / Embarcadero – San Diego
There is so much to take in when you visit downtown San Diego. There are a number of options for the kiddos along with the USS Midway Museum, the New Children’s Museum, the Maritime Museum, and Flagship Cruises to name a few.
Kids Eat Free
You can find that these restaurants offer one free child’s meal per paid adult meal. Be sure to call to check directly with each venue for the deal.
- Maryjane’s Diner at the Hard Rock Hotel Gaslamp – Kids eat free with purchase of 1 adult meal.
- Lumi – Kids eat free with purchase of 1 adult meal Sunday through Thursday.
- Courtyard San Diego Old Town – Click here to redeem.
- Huntress (Downtown San Diego) – Kids eat free with purchase of 1 adult meal Sunday through Thursday.
- Fogo De Chao – Kids under 6 are free and 7-12 are half off.
- Samburgers in Little Italy – Kid’s Eat Free free kid’s meal requires purchase of “adult” meal. Limit one free meal per order. Must present this offering at time of purchase.
- Casa de Guadalajara – Voted “Most Kid Friendly Restaurant” in San Diego by readers of San Diego Magazine. For the month of October, kids eat free from the Kid’s Menu at this landmark Old Town restaurant. Kid’s Menu Only – max value $11.95 per free kid’s meal. Each free kid’s meals requires the purchase of an adult entree. Limit of three free kids meals per coupon, which requires the purchase of three adult entrees. May not be combined with other offers. Kids must be 12 or under. Valid 7 days per week. Please print this offer or present it on your phone to the waitstaff to redeem.
Old Town San Diego – 4002 Wallace St San Diego
Old Town offers lush gardens and plazas, specialty stores for treasures from around the world, authentic cuisine and nightlife, strolling mariachis and baile folklórico along with rich history at museums, historic sites, and cultural events.
Free options for kids at Old Town includes Junipero Serra Museum, Whaley House Tours (great for a Halloween activity), and Old Town Trolley Tours.
Casa Guadalajara in Old Town offers one free child’s meal per paid adult meal. Be sure to call to check directly with the venue for the deal.
Coronado – San Diego
Situated just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado offers gentle surf, sparkling wide-sand beaches, a charming main street and great hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado, this island paradise is perfect for a family vacation or romantic getaway.
Check out Wheel Fun Rentals, Bike & Kayak Tours, Gondola Company, and Coronado Historical Association.
La Jolla San Diego
From the crashing waves to the award-winning culinary creations, La Jolla shines with sights and attractions in a picturesque village where everything is immersed in a casual, relaxed luxury.
Take a day and check out Bike & Kayak Tours, (use code KIDSFREE22), and the La Jolla Historical Society.
Birch Aquarium has a Kids Free offer and tickets must be reserved online in advance. When reserving your tickets at aquarium.ucsd.edu, add tickets (including the child tickets) and use the coupon code at the Shopping Cart to receive up to two (2) free child tickets per each paid qualifying* adult admission. Child tickets must be added to the Shopping Cart prior to checkout to validate the Kids Free offer.
Kids eat free at Embassy Suites La Jolla – Receive 10% off standard hotel rates, includes complimentary Dinner at “Indulge” for up to 2 children! To redeem please print this offer and present it to the front desk associate at time of check-in.
North County San Diego
North County San Diego is anchored by historic Highway 101 and unquestionably has a laid-back, SoCal vibe. Here you’ll find plenty of dining options, shopping opportunities and outdoor adventures.
Be sure to check out the following free options for kids. San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, Institute of Contemporary Art in Encinitas, Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, Wheel Fun Rentals at the Oceanside Pier, Oceanside Whale Watching Adventures, California Surf Museum in Oceanside, and the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside.
That was just a taste of all of the free options for kids around San Diego in October. Be sure to check out ALL of the options here. Have fun!
