Category: Aviation

San Diego’s Kids Free October promotion

🗓️ Special Free / Discount Days & Programs in October

San Diego’s Kids Free October promotion offers free admission for children 12 and under at over 70 attractions throughout the county during the month of October 2025. This initiative, organized by the San Diego Tourism Authority, aims to provide families with affordable opportunities to explore the region’s diverse cultural and recreational offerings.

🐾 Major Attractions

🎨 Balboa Park Museums

Many museums in Balboa Park participate in the promotion:

  • San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat): Up to two kids (12 & under) per adult. 
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum: Kids free with adult.
  • San Diego Museum of Art: Free general admission on the 2nd Thursday (“Access for All Day”).
  • Museum of Us: Free admission on the 4th Tuesday of the month for residents. 
  • Comic-Con Museum: Free admission on select days.
  • Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum: Free admission on select days. 
  • Timken Museum of Art: Always free admission. 

🧪 Science & Discovery

  • Fleet Science Center: One free child per adult.
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Free admission on select days.
  • Children’s Museum of Discovery (Escondido): Free admission on select days. t

🌿 Gardens & Nature

  • San Diego Botanic Garden: Free admission on select days. 
  • Water Conservation Garden: Free admission on select days. 
  • Japanese Friendship Garden: Free admission on select days. 

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Sites

  • Cabrillo National Monument: Free admission on select days. 
  • Mission San Luis Rey: Free admission on select days. 
  • California Surf Museum: Free admission on select days. 
  • Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum: Free admission on select days. 
  • Children’s Museum of Discovery (Escondido): Free admission on select days. 

Please note that many of these attractions require advance registration or a coupon to redeem the free admission. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements for each location before planning your visit.

These are “free days” or admission discounts that apply on specific days or under certain programs.

Museum / SiteFree / Discount OptionNotes / Conditions
San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, USS Midway, New Children’s Museum, etc.Kids Free October – free admission for children 12 & under with a paid adultOver 60+ museums, attractions participate countywide for the month. San Diego+4San Diego Museum Council+4San Diego+4
Residents Free Days (Balboa Park museums, etc.)Rotating free admission days for San Diego City/County residents (with ID)Many Balboa Park museums participate in this program. San Diego Magazine+5Balboa Park+5Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups+5
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)Free on Residents Free Days(first Tuesday of each month)Films and special exhibits may cost extra. The Nat
The Museum of UsFree admission on the 4th Tuesday of the month for residentsMust show proof of residency. Museum of Us
San Diego Air & Space MuseumFree to San Diego County residents on 2nd Tuesday(Special exhibitions, theater, simulators might still require separate pay) San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)Free general admission on the 2nd Thursday (“Access for All Day”)Also free for county residents on the 3rd Tuesday. San Diego Museum of Art+2San Diego Museum of Art+2

Thunder in the Desert: Blue Angels Winter Training in El Centro

Winter Training at El Centro, CA

Thunder in the Desert: Blue Angels Winter Training in El Centro

Every winter, the quiet desert town of El Centro, California, transforms into a hub of high-octane excitement as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take to the skies for their winter training sessions. This annual event, held at Naval Air Facility El Centro, offers aviation enthusiasts and the public a unique opportunity to witness the precision and power of these iconic pilots.

For those unfamiliar, El Centro serves as the Blue Angels’ winter home, where they hone their skills and perfect their breathtaking aerial maneuvers before the official air show season begins. The clear, dry desert air and wide-open spaces provide ideal conditions for training.

What to Expect During Winter Training:

  • Daily Practices: From January to March, the Blue Angels typically conduct daily practice sessions, weather permitting. These sessions showcase the team’s signature formations, including the diamond, delta, and opposing solos. The morning session starts at 8am and the afternoon session starts at 1pm. Times subject to change without notice.
  • Awe-Inspiring Maneuvers: Witness the sheer precision and skill of the pilots as they execute complex maneuvers with incredible synchronization. The roar of the F/A-18 Super Hornets is an experience in itself!
  • Free Admission: While the exact schedule and viewing areas can vary, the practices are generally open to the public, offering a fantastic and free opportunity to see the Blue Angels in action.
  • A Unique Atmosphere: El Centro’s friendly, small-town vibe adds to the experience. You’ll find locals and visitors alike gathering to watch the practices, creating a sense of community and shared excitement.

Why It’s Worth the Trip:

Seeing the Blue Angels in their training environment offers a different perspective than a typical air show. You get to witness the raw skill and dedication that goes into their performances. The relative informality and the desert backdrop make it a unique and memorable experience.

If you’re a fan of aviation, or simply looking for a thrilling winter outing, a trip to El Centro during the Blue Angels’ training season is a must-do. Remember to check the official Blue Angels and NAF El Centro websites for the latest schedules and viewing information before you go. And bring your earplugs!