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Editor’s Note: This post originally published Sept 29th, 2015 and has updated information for 2022
Kids Free in San Diego for October
October is a perfect time to visit San Diego! The lazy days of summer have past but SoCal weather is still quite warm. Summer crowds have thinned with children returning back to school. These fun and free things for kids of all ages offered in the San Diego area mean it’s a perfect reason to schedule a family vacation.
The free restaurant dining and free tickets to amusement parks alone would be awesome. But there’s also free museum visits, free whale watching and free transportation – enough here for a month of fun! The entire month of October is already an excellent time to visit San Diego, with continued warm weather and ideal beach conditions.
Keep reading to find out where you’ll be able to visit in San Diego for October with the kids for free. Check out all the details on these special offers and where to find those special admission tickets.
Travel to San Diego in 2022
Family fun can be yours this fall with these amazing getaways that will save hundreds. World-class family attractions have partnered with the San Diego tourism authority for the annual kids free in San Diego event.
Once you have your trip locked in, be sure to read up on current safe travel protocols. Photos shown in this article were taken in previous years and may not reflect current events.
There are a few important things to be aware of before visiting any of these attractions. Some activities at the locations may have changed or been eliminated. Other places may have limited access, operating only outdoor events.
Health and safety measures have been heightened at all theme parks, hotels and area attractions. Facial mask compliance, limited capacity and maintaining social distance vary at each destination.
Southern California Discount Travel
My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted theme park tickets and SoCal-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.
When you’re ready to book your Southern California vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package of two or more days.
What to Know About the October Free Promotion
All October free deals and offers are valid Oct. 1–31, 2022
The kids free San Diego offer is popular. That means weekend visits to these top family destinations will be busier than usual. If you’re able to take kids out of school, you’ll be blessed with lighter crowds on weekdays versus weekends.
Read the details on what the free child ticket entails. The offers usually take effect with a paying adult.
Many of these special activities require the purchase of a full-paid adult ticket.
Free kid’s meal is generally offered with the purchase of a paid adult entrée.
How to Get Your Free Month Tickets
In order to receive the free pass, purchase general admission adult tickets for the following attractions at Get Away Today. One child’s ticket per paid adult admission will be included with the free offer!
To view these special free ticket offers, change the calendar to a travel date in October.
Click each of the locations below to find out where to buy your tickets.
- LEGOLAND California
- SeaWorld San Diego
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Safari Park
- USS Midway
- Flagship Cruises
- Old Town Trolley Tours
What’s FREE for Kids in San Diego?
We are talking big deal savings here! These family-friendly events last all month long. Click the links to read my personal articles with tips about each attraction.
Free Amusement Park admission
- From polar bears to komodo dragons, see all the amazing animals at the World-famous San Diego Zoo.
- LEGOLAND California San Diego in Carlsbad is a combination amusement park and inspiring LEGO marvels made by master builders. The theme park rides are best for ages up to 12.
- Get close to marine animals Sea World San Diego. Free admission includes participation in the weekend Halloween Spooktacular event. To enjoy the trick or treat candy trail as separate SeaWorld reusable candy bag is required (additional cost of $3.99 each).
- The sprawling San Diego Zoo Safari Park gives guests a look at animals in wild settings via the Africa tram.
Kid’s Free Outdoor Water Adventures
- Free fishing for kids at H&M Landing
- Hornblower Cruises & Flagship Cruises
- Speedboat Adventures, kids ride free on two hour tour
- San Diego Whale Watch
- The Gondola Company
- Free ride with adults at San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
Free Kid’s Admission to San Diego Museums
- Balboa Park attractions, including the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, Model Railroad Museum, Museum of Art, Natural History Museum and and Fleet Science Museums
- Museum of Making Music
- Birch Aquarium
- The New Children’s Museum
See San Diego Historical Sites with Free Admission for Kids
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Maritime Museum, including the Star of India
- Kids ride free on Old Town Trolley Tours
- Whaley House day tour
- Downtown San Diego itinerary attractions, including the USS Midway
Kids Eat Free at These Restaurants and San Diego Hotels
- Free kids dining for resort guests at the Catamaran Resort
- Casa Guadalajara
- Samburgers Little Italy
- Bahia Resort Hotel offers free kids meals for resort guests
- Mary Jane’s Diner at the Hard Rock Hotel
Looking for MORE Entertainment in San Diego for October?
These special events take place in San Diego throughout the fall season. Stretch out your San Diego trip with these extra fun things to do in San Diego during the month of October.
LEGOLAND California Resort offers the return of their annual Brick-or-Treat Halloween Party Nights. This nighttime event requires a special ticket.
Carlsbad San Diego is a the perfect seaside community for families with tons of outdoor activities, kid-friendly dining and beach fun.
Spend all your time enjoying the gorgeous San Diego weather with these top Things to Do Outside in San Diego with Kids.
What Else is Free in San Diego Year-Round?
Looking for additional freebies? Make unforgettable family memories in SoCal on a budget with these additional free deal in the San Diego area.
Admission and parking at Balboa Park is free. Visitors can enjoy the many walking trails, gardens and grassy lawns. Every Tuesday, Balboa Park museums offer complimentary admission to residents and military members. The first Tuesday of the month is usually the most popular. Free admission on this day includes the Fleet Science Museums, Valid identification is required for admission.
San Diego beaches are free to enjoy all year around. Local parking lots are free to park a vehicle for the day. SoCal beaches are ideal in October, with perfect water temperatures and lower crowds. Especially good to visit on weekdays.
Seaport Village offers up meandering bayside paths and beautiful harbor views. Set aside a few bucks for ice cream!
Enjoy live music throughout the summer in most San Diego community parks
While the games and rides in Belmont Park cost extra, admission into this oceanside amusement park is complimentary.
Want more free things to do in San Diego? Read this TravelingMom post with 50 SoCal freebies.
Stack Up the Fun at LEGOland California!
Monday 10th of September 2018
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