🗓️ 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
- San Diego Zoo & Safari Park: Children 11 and under receive free admission with a paying adult. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/kids-free
- SeaWorld San Diego: One free child admission with each paying adult. https://seaworld.com/san-diego/special-offers/kids-free/
- LEGOLAND California Resort: Free child admission on select dates/packages. https://www.legoland.com/california/deals/lakgf/
- USS Midway Museum: Two children under 12 free per adult. https://www.midway.org/visit/special-offers
- Belmont Park: Free kids ride wristband (under 12) with adult wristband purchase. https://www.belmontpark.com/beachside-fall-fest
🎨 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 / Site | Free / Discount Option | Notes / 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 adult | Over 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 Us | Free admission on the 4th Tuesday of the month for residents | Must show proof of residency. Museum of Us |
| San Diego Air & Space Museum | Free 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 |
Exploring San Diego 