Tag: kids

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

New South Bay Park Grand Opening

Discover Your New Favorite Park: Features Galore!

This isn’t just a patch of grass; Sweetwater Park is thoughtfully designed to blend recreation with the unique natural beauty of our bayfront environment. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Play Naturally: Kids (and the young at heart) will love the nature-themed playgrounds. These aren’t your average swings and slides; they incorporate educational elements about local wildlife, making playtime both fun and informative.
  • Walk, Bike, Explore: Lace-up your sneakers or grab your bike! The park boasts 2.5 miles of new pathways, some paved and some with softer surfaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a family bike ride. Plus, it connects seamlessly with the existing Sweetwater Bicycle and Pedestrian Path.
  • Connect with Nature: True to its location next to the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the park features sand dunes, meadows, mounded grasslands, and specialty gardens filled with native plants. It’s a fantastic spot for bird watching, enjoying stunning bay views from scenic overlooks, or simply finding a quiet moment. Keep an eye out for the Kumeyaay signage integrated throughout the park, honoring the area’s original inhabitants.
  • Art on the Bayfront: Look for the striking “Rigors of Flight” public art sculpture by Roberto Salas. This impressive 25-foot-tall piece, resembling a wishbone, pays tribute to the abundant birdlife of the region.
  • Relax and Gather: Plenty of seating areas and picnic spots are strategically placed for you to relax, enjoy a snack, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

More Than Just a Park

Part of a Grand Vision (The Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan): Sweetwater Park wasn’t just a standalone idea. It’s a key piece of the massive 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment project. This ambitious plan, a joint effort between the Port of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista, has been in the works for decades. The goal has always been to transform our underutilized industrial waterfront into a vibrant destination with resorts (like the adjacent Gaylord Pacific), convention space, housing, retail, and crucially, significant new public parks and improved access to the bay.

Why You Need to Visit ASAP!

  • It’s BRAND NEW! Be among the first to explore this fantastic addition to Chula Vista.
  • Something for Everyone: Whether you want active play, peaceful nature walks, or a spot for a picnic with a view, this park has it.
  • Beautiful Setting: The focus on native plants and natural design makes it a truly lovely place to spend time, with great views of the bay.
  • It’s FREE! Access to this amazing community resource costs absolutely nothing.
  • It’s Ours! This is a wonderful new asset for all Chula Vista residents to enjoy.

Planning Your Visit

Ready to check it out? Here’s the essential info:

  • Location: You’ll find it on the Chula Vista Bayfront, just north of the Gaylord Pacific Resort. The Port lists the address as 845 E St, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (near the Gunpowder Point Drive area).
  • Hours: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
  • Parking: Good news! There’s ample public parking available (around 219 spaces).
  • Cost: Free!

Go Explore Sweetwater Park!

Have you visited Sweetwater Park yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below!