This October, a family of four can save up to $1,000 by taking advantage of Kids Free deals from attractions to hotels to restaurants.The 13th annual "Kids Free San Diego" provides parents an opportunity to stretch their smile and wallet with a variety of unique deals for kids, ranging from complimentary admission at local attractions to free meals at restaurants to welcome amenities and experiences at area hotels and much more.
With world-class family attractions, endless activities on land and water, a rich arts and culture scene, and delicious cuisine, San Diego is consistently rated one of the top family destinations in the United States. In October, after the summer crowds diminish and the warm weather lingers, families can enjoy numerous fun-filled activities at reduced prices.
"October is the best time to be a kid in San Diego, and parents love it, too," said Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. "As families look for ways to make the most of their hard-earned dollars, San Diego Kids Free is a great way to create lasting memories without breaking the bank."
Below are highlights of the 13th annual "Kids Free San Diego" month for an affordable family getaway.
Home to world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and beachfront amusement park, Belmont Park, San Diego is offering families big savings this October with admission deals at its popular theme parks.
- The San Diego Zoo continues tradition by offering free admission to kids 11 years old and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. This is the perfect opportunity for families to visit the Zoo's newest exhibit, Panda Ridge, and its world-famous residents Xin Bao and Yun Chaun, two giant pandas who now call the zoo home. The same offer is also valid at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary and home to more than 300 species. Families can get up close and personal with lions lounging in the grasslands, antelope and giraffes mingling, rhinos wallowing in waterholes, and storks and cranes on the march.
- There's so much more to sea as SeaWorld San Diego celebrates its 60th Anniversary! This October, get one free child ticket with purchase of one full price adult ticket now through October 31. For some extra excitement, SeaWorld Spooktacular is back and bigger than ever on select days starting now through November 2. Enjoy decorated trails, colorful characters, a Halloween dance party and more for fully immersive family fun.
- Belmont Park is offering a free wristband for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult wristband and the use of a promo code. Belmont Park has a variety of options to celebrate the fall season. Visitors can BOO-gie over for FREE Trick-or-Treating every Sunday in October or groove at the park's Beachside Fall Festival, taking place every weekend in September and October.
Hotels throughout San Diego, ranging from budget options to luxury escapes, are also offering free meals, special experiences and welcome gifts for kids this October.
- Kids stay, eat & play at the Catamaran Resort and Spa! During the month of October, families visiting the resort can enjoy 25% off their stay. Located in Mission Bay, the Catamaran is close to all the San Diego family favorites and offers exciting amenities for all ages. While at the Catamaran, dine at Oceana Coastal Kitchen for a free kid's meal and savor California-inspired cuisine amidst Mission Bay views. Families can also experience an exciting paddleboard or kayak adventure with a complimentary rental from Catamaran's on-site partner Action Sport Rentals.
- Families can play big and save bigger at the historic Grande Colonial Resort in La Jolla. For families traveling with children under the age of 12, they can save up to $45 per night of their stay with a waived nightly hospitality service charge. This is the perfect chance to explore the La Jolla Village on a budget!
- The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown is celebrating Kids Free with special offers all month long. Families can book a family package that includes free kids meals at Bronze Bird, a 25% discount on a second room, and Fall fun on the San Diego Bay with a Flagship 1-hour harbor tour and kayak or SUP rental as a part of their destination amenities.
After spending a fun day around the city, parents can enjoy a taste of San Diego's diverse culinary scene while kids eat free at participating family-friendly restaurants.
- All Crab Hut locations are offering free kids meals to kids 12 and under with a minimum adult purchase of $25. Whether guests visit the Downtown, Convoy, or Mira Mesa locations, this deal will provide the whole family with a delicious seafood meal.
- After exploring the historical sites of Old Town San Diego, parents can unwind with a margarita and some traditional Mexican food at Casa Guadalajara, while up to three kids receive a free meal from the kids menu per one paid adult entrée.
- The Fish Market is giving families the opportunity to enjoy delicious seafood and other plates on a budget. Stop by the San Diego Bayfront or Del Mar locations to receive a free kids meal with each purchase of an adult meal for children 10 and under. Say FISHFREE to your server to take advantage of this promotion!
Kids have endless options to learn while having fun at a plethora of museums offering free admission to all kids, ages 12 and under, in October. Below are just a few of San Diego's many kid-friendly museums to discover.
- Families can save on kids admission when diving into the world of sharks, seahorses, and Little Blue Penguins at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla! As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium's hands-on exhibits explore the latest in oceanographic discovery, while introducing guests to a variety of amazing creatures
- Through the month of October, families can receive special discounts when visiting the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. Up to two children aged 12 and under can get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket when a coupon is presented.
- Kids can enjoy free admission to the Comic-Con Museum! This is a chance for families to explore the museum's newest exhibits including Myth of Superheroes, Betty Boop, Border Blitz, and Collaboration(s)! a Journey with John Jennings. Kids Free San Diego coupon is valid Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 1-31, 2024 only. Purchase up to two general admission adult tickets and receive up to two children (ages 6-12) tickets for free. Offer may not be combined with any other offer or discount.
During October, kids can take it to the land or sea and explore San Diego through a variety of unique tours and fun activities for free.
- Free fishing fun is available to kids ages 12 and under at Lake Jennings. Mention "San Diego Tourism Authority: Kids Fish Free" at the Lake Jennings Bait & Tackle Shop or Campground Kiosk and each young angler will receive a free one-day fishing permit.
- Families can explore Mission Bay from a kayak with Ocean Connectors. Kids under 12 can observe coastal wildlife for free while learning about conservation and marine biology from local experts.
- See San Diego from a new angle. Through the month of October, kids can fly free at Corporate Helicopters on their 30-minute 'Beaches & Bays' Helicopter Tour!
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A complete listing of "Kids Free San Diego" participants and their special offers is available at SanDiego.org/KidsFree. All offers are valid Oct. 1–31, 2024, and age limits and other restrictions vary by venue and activity. Visitors should check for complete offer details and terms at SanDiego.org/KidsFree before visiting any attraction.
For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.
