Kids Free San Diego 2026: Guide to October Savings & Planning for Families

I love it when someone emails me for San Diego family vacation advice, and I get to tell them their travel dates fall during Kids Free San Diego. From October 1–31, 2025, kids can eat, stay, and play for free at over 100 museums, attractions, tours, hotels, and restaurants across the county.

Why It Matters: As a long-time resident and a member of the San Diego Tourism Authority—the official organization behind this event—I’ve been supporting the event since it started 14 years ago. I. know how meaningful Kids Free San Diego is to our community. Sure, it’s about bringing visitors to our local attractions but it’s also about making them accessible and more affordable for residents.

Some families we work with actually shift their vacations to October to take advantage of the savings. Local parents use the deals to try something new. Both pull ideas from my ultimate guide to the best things to do in San Diego with kids.

I attended the intimate invite-only kickoff with our mayor and other tourism leaders and left feeling very proud to be a San Diegan and also with more insider tips for how to maximize the deals that I’ll share with you below.

See also: My Guide to Fall in San Diego and San Diego in October: Weather & Events

What You Should Do Now (Your October Strategy)

The odds are high that the attractions on your wish list are part of Kids Free San Diego. With some planning, families can save hundreds—sometimes over $1,000.

Here’s your October game plan:

• Download museum coupons – Each museum has its own coupon. Sign up through the Museum Council to receive access. Bookmark the email and keep it handy.
• Grab discounted attraction tickets with Kids Free included – Guess what? Our discounted tickets qualify for Kids Free San Diego!
  • San Diego Zoo (use promo code lajollamom for $8 off)
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park (use promo code lajollamom for $8 off)
  • USS Midway Museum
  • LEGOLAND California
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • and many more
• Compare value before you buy passes – Individual Kids Free tickets are usually the best deal. But if you’re already planning multiple attractions, Go City’s Essentials pass or the new Go City free kids’ pass could be a fit.
• Plan your itinerary strategically – Decide if you’ll need upgrades (for example, LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat nights) or add-ons.
• Check hotel packages – Some family-friendly hotels bundle Kids Free perks with discounted rates. Browse Kids Free Vacation packages.

My Picks for the Best Kids Free Deals in 2025

Each year, certain Kids Free San Diego offers stand out for their value and popularity.

• Most Popular: San Diego Zoo (up to 4 kids free per paid adult) and LEGOLAND California (1 child 12 and under free per adult ticket).
• Best Hotel Value: Bahia Resort Hotel — kids stay, eat, and play free, plus up to 25% off.
• Best Activity: Triton Catamaran Charters — kids sail free on San Diego Bay.
• Best Hidden Gem: Kings Inn — kids eat free at its retro Waffle Spot and Amigo Spot restaurants.
• Best New Attraction: Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, opening October 4.

How to Redeem Kids Free San Diego Deals

Before you grab tickets, here’s what to watch for so you don’t miss out on savings.

Use SanDiego.org as the Fine Print Source of Truth

If you’re not sure how to redeam a Kids Free deal, the place to check is our Tourism Authority. Every participating restaurant, hotel, or attraction has to upload their info to our member portal (and get approved and posted). This is the ultimate resource, not what people share on Instagram or Tiktok. When in doubt, check the Kids Free page.

Check Age Limits and Ticket Caps

Each deal has its own rules. Some cover kids up to age 9, others up to 12. Most limit the number of free kids per paying adult, and some block out high-demand dates. Always confirm the details so you’re not caught off guard.

Follow the Right Redemption Method

Not all offers apply the same way. Some are automatic with a paid adult ticket, others require advance purchase through a special link, and many museums need a printed or digital coupon. If you skip the correct process, you’ll lose the deal.

Watch for Sightseeing Pass Exceptions

Sightseeing passes like Go City and CityPASS usually don’t count as a “paid adult admission” for Kids Free museum entries. That means your child won’t get in free if you’re only using a pass.

Exception: Go City San Diego’s Essentials Pass includes a free kids’ pass if you buy within the next few weeks. It only makes sense if your itinerary already includes those specific attractions. For most families, individual Kids Free tickets remain the better value.

Theme Park & Major Attraction October Deals

You will save substantially in October at our theme parks and amusement parks. Most qualifying attraction tickets go on sale on October 1, but some are available now.

Kids Go Free to San Diego Zoo

I have a lot of advice for buying San Diego Zoo tickets, but your best bet for San Diego Zoo tickets in October is to grab a discounted 1-Day ticket using my promo code and your kids get in free.

• The Offer: Up to four children ages 11 and under get free admission with one paid adult.  
• How to Redeem: This deal is automatic at the entrance with a valid adult ticket or pass. No coupon is required.  Our tickets are valid admission (use promo code lajollamom for an extra $8 off 1-Day tickets)
• Valid: October 1-31, 2025
• La Jolla Mom’s Insider Tip: Your free kids’ admission in October includes the Zoo’s seasonal “HalGLOWeen” event, a fantastic evening celebration with entertainment and festive lights. To beat the crowds, arrive right when the park opens and take the Skyfari Aerial Tram to the back of the zoo, then work your way forward.  

Kids Go Free to San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Located about 40 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the Safari Park offers a completely different experience, with vast, open-field enclosures where animals roam together.  

• The Offer: Up to four children ages 11 and under get free admission with one paid adult.  
• How to Redeem: This deal is automatic at the entrance with a valid adult ticket or pass. No coupon is required.  Our tickets are valid admission (use promo code lajollamom for an extra $8 off 1-Day tickets)
• Valid: October 1-31, 2025
• La Jolla Mom’s Insider Tip: The Africa Tram tour is included with admission and is the best way to see the expansive savanna habitats. Lines can get long in the afternoon, so try to take the tram tour in the morning for the best views and shortest wait.  Read my full guide to San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Kids Go Free to SeaWorld San Diego (through December 31!)

SeaWorld combines marine life exhibits with exciting roller coasters and the Rescue Jr. area for younger kids, making it a great park for families with kids in multiple age groups.

• The Offer: One child (ages 3-9) gets free admission with one full-price paid adult ticket.
• How to Redeem: This offer is available now. And guess what? Through my ticket site, the full price paid adult ticket is discounted.
• Valid: Now through December 31, 2025
• La Jolla Mom’s Insider Tip: The Kids Free deal includes admission to the SeaWorld Spooktacular, a family-friendly Halloween event with decorated trails and a dance party. Check the park’s schedule, as this event usually runs on select days. Read my full guide to SeaWorld San Diego.

Kids Go Free to LEGOLAND California (through December 25!)

A favorite for families with younger children, LEGOLAND features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, plus the popular Brick-or-Treat Monster Party in the fall.  

• The Offer: One child (ages 2-12) gets free admission with the purchase of one full-price adult Hopper Ticket.  
• How to Redeem: Purchase through LEGOLAND California’s online store.
• Valid: Now through December 25, 2025.
• La Jolla Mom’s Insider Tip: The “full-price” adult ticket requirement is key. While this is an excellent deal, you can’t stack it with other discounts on the adult ticket. I’ve been a few times in the last week, read my Brick-or-Treat survival guide.

Kids Ride and Play Free at Belmont Park

This classic beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach is free to enter, but the Kids Free deal offers big savings on the rides.  

• The Offer: One child (12 and under) receives a free wristband with the purchase of an adult wristband.  
• How to Redeem: Use promo code KIDSFREE on the official Belmont Park website.  
• La Jolla Mom’s Insider Tip: Don’t miss the free trick-or-treating that takes place every Sunday in October. They do have a lot of fun fall events thanks to the Beachside Fall Fest event. Here’s what we like to do at Belmont Park.

Hotel & Resort Deals Where Kids Stay or Eat Free

Many kid-friendly San Diego hotels are offering children the opportunity to eat for free, among other fun perks. The following hotels have confirmed their participation in Kids Free San Diego 2025, with more to come.

Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa

Catamaran Resort Hotel offers the most activities of any Mission Bay hotel (and try to book one of the rooms in the photo above).

• The Offer: Kids stay, eat, and play for free, with an exclusive offer of up to 25% off your stay.
• How to Redeem: Book directly with the hotel.
• Link: Get the details online.

Bahia Resort Hotel

I like Bahia Resort Hotel as a more wallet-friendly hotel on Mission Bay that’s also walkable to Mission Beach,

• The Offer: Kids stay, eat, and play for free. Plus, get up to 25% off your stay.
• How to Redeem: Book directly through the hotel’s website for the discount.
• Link: Get the details online.

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Check in to the newly renovated Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina across from San Diego Airport.

• The Offer: Kids 12 and under eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult meal. This is valid for up to 4 children.
• How to Redeem: Mention the offer when dining at participating restaurants (excludes Strada Italian Market). But they do have a Kids Free room booking link you may want to use.
• Book Your Room

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

We have great perks at San Diego Mission Bay Resort through the Noble House Select VIP program that include daily breakfast for two, a $100 hotel credit, and more.

• The Offer: Kids Stay Free and receive a special filled swag bag upon check-in.
• How to Redeem: To redeem, please purchase an adult entrée at the restaurant, and then the kids’ meal will be deducted from your bill.
• Book in VIP: Request rates.

Kings Inn

• The Offer: Kids Eat Free at their two popular restaurants, the Waffle Shop & Amigo Spot.
• How to Redeem: Use Promo Code: KIDSFREE when booking, as the offer is only for hotel guests.
• Get the Details

Town and Country Resort

• The Offer: Special “Kids Free” promotional rates starting at $222.
• How to Redeem: Book using the promotional link for select dates in October (I see some blackout dates)
• Book Your Room

Best Western Zoo/SeaWorld

• The Offer: Special “Kids Free” promotional rates starting at $222.
• How to Redeem: Book using the promotional link for select dates in October (I see some blackout dates)
• Book Your Room

Kids Go Free at More Than 60 San Diego Museums

One of the best parts of Kids Free October is the opportunity to explore over 60 of San Diego’s incredible museums and cultural institutions. This guide will walk you through exactly how it works.

How the Kids Free Museum Coupon Works

To get free admission at most participating museums, you will need to download a special coupon from the San Diego Museum Council for each museum you intent to visit. Here’s what you need to know:

• How to Get It: You must download the coupon directly from the San Diego Museum Council’s official page. You’ll need to submit your email. Once you do, you’ll see all of the downloads.
• The Offer: The coupon allows up to two children (ages 12 and under) free admission with one full-price paid adult.
• Important Restriction: This offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Sightseeing passes like the Go City Pass or Balboa Park Explorer Passes are not considered a valid paid adult admission for this promotion. Special exhibitions may require an additional fee.  

Participating Museums You Should Visit

With free youth admission, this is a fantastic opportunity for local families to check out a new museum. Based on the partners promoted by the San Diego Museum Council, the following San Diego museums are participating in Kids Free October.

• Barona Cultural Center & Museum
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps (you can pop in KIDSFREE25 on their website for one free child ticket per qualifying adult ticket)
• Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
• Brain Observatory
• Cabrillo National Monument
• California Center for the Arts Museum, Escondido
• California Surf Museum
• Centro Cultural de la Raza
• Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center
• Comic-Con Museum (Tip: They don’t participate in the Balboa Park Explorer pass, so this is a great opportunity to visit for less.)
• Coronado Historical Association
• Fleet Science Center
• Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
• Heritage of the Americas Museum
• Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) San Diego
• J.A. Cooley Museum
• Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego
• Junipero Serra Museum
• La Jolla Historical Society
• La Mesa Depot Museum
• Lemon Grove Parsonage Museum
• Living Coast Discovery Center
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum
• Maritime Museum of San Diego
• Marston House Museum
• Mingei International Museum
• Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
• Mission San Luis Rey
• Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
• Museum of Making Music
• Museum of Photographic Arts
• Museum of Us
• Nautical History Gallery & Museum
• New Americans Museum
• The New Children’s Museum (Note: This offer is historically valid on Wednesdays ONLY)  
• Olaf Wieghorst Museum
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts
• San Diego Air & Space Museum
• San Diego Archaeological Center
• San Diego Automotive Museum
• San Diego Botanic Garden
• San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
• San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
• San Diego History Center
• San Diego International Airport Arts Program
• San Diego Model Railroad Museum
• San Diego Museum of Art
• San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT)
• San Diego Police Museum
• Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
• Timken Museum of Art (always free)
• USS Midway Museum
• Visions Museum of Textile Art
• Warner-Carrillo Ranch House
• The Water Conservation Garden
• We the People Museum
• Women’s Museum of California
• WorldBeat Center

Kids Eat Free Restaurant Offers

Various family-friendly restaurants in the San Diego area offer dining discounts for children during Kids Free October. You’ll usually need to print the offer on the San Diego Tourism Authority website and bring it to the restaurant (or pull it up on your phone)

• Old Town Tequila Factory: One free meal off the Kids Menu for every full-price adult entree. Print the offer.
• Carnitas Snack Shack (Downtown): One free kids meal per paying adult for up to two kids ages 12 and under. Print the offer or mention it at check-out.
• Tidal at Paradise Point Resort (Mission Bay): Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
• Casa Guadalajara (Old Town): Kids 12 and under eat free from the kids’ menu, limit three, which requires three adult entrees.
• La Jolla Shores Restaurant: Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.
• Hasta Manana Cantina (Downtown): Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

Family-Friendly Tours and Activities Worth Booking

So far, all of these are valid October 1-31, 2025.

Triton Catamaran Charters

• The Offer: Kids Sail Free on all ticketed charters.
• How to Redeem: Book directly through their website. Details here.

Flagship Cruises & Events

• The Offer: One child (12 & under) free on 1-hour and 2-hour harbor tours per paid adult.  
• How to Redeem: TBD
• Insider Tip: The 2-hour tour is worth it as it goes all the way under the Coronado Bridge for incredible photos.

City Cruises

• The Offer: Kids cruise free on the fun Best of the Bay Harbor Tour.
• How to Redeem: Use promo code KIDSCRUISEFREE2025 on their website to book the tour.

Corporate Helicopters

• The Offer: Kids fly free on the 30-minute Beachs & Bays tour.
• How to Redeem: Call 858-505-5650.

Other Tour Operators to Check Out:

• Old Town Trolley
• San Diego Whale Watch
• San Diego Speedboat Adventures
• And many others

Kids Free Deals vs. Sightseeing Passes: Which Is Better?

This is a common question, and the answer matters, especially in October.

While sightseeing passes like the Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass Plus and the San Diego CityPASS can offer solid value during other times of year, they generally don’t pair well with Kids Free San Diego offers.

The “No Stacking” Rule

Per the San Diego Museum Council, sightseeing passes do not count as paid adult admission for the Kids Free museum promotion. So if you use a pass to enter a museum, you can’t automatically bring in a child for free.

However, Go City has a workaround—they’re giving up to four child passes per adult pass for free. You select a few kids’ pass at check-out.

A few exceptions exist. Last year, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park honored any valid form of admission (including sightseeing passes) for Kids Free in October. Most participating museums and attractions do not. Always check the fine print.

Real-World Cost Comparison: Zoo + Midway + LEGOLAND

Real-World Cost Comparison: Zoo + Midway + LEGOLAND

Option 1 — Kids Free Individual Deals

• San Diego Zoo: 2 adults × $68 = $136 (our discounted price — gate price is higher). Kids 11 & under free.
• USS Midway Museum: 2 adults × ~$39 = $78. Kids free with Museum Council coupon.
• LEGOLAND California: Requires 2 full-price adult Hopper tickets (~$149+ each) = $298+. Kids 2–12 free (one per paid adult).
• Total: ≈ $512+ (kids free).

⚠️ Limitation: LEGOLAND requires full-price Hopper tickets for the Kids Free deal. You cannot stack other discounts on those adult tickets.

Option 2 — Go City Essentials Pass (with Free Kids Promo)

• Adult Essentials Passes: 2 × ~$154 = $308. Covers LEGOLAND (1-day) + USS Midway.
• Child Essentials Passes: Up to 4 are free with adult purchase during Oct 1–13 promo. Covers LEGOLAND + Midway for both kids.
• San Diego Zoo: 2 adult discounted tickets × $68 = $136. Kids free with Kids Free October.
• Total: ≈ $444.

⚠️ Limitations:

• Essentials = only 1 premium attraction (LEGOLAND). Zoo must be bought separately.
• Does not cover LEGOLAND Hopper upgrades (no Water Park or SEA LIFE access).
• Promo must be purchased Oct 1–13, valid for Oct 1–31 use.
• Brick-or-Treat included only if your ticket is dated for an event day (Saturdays & Sundays + Nov 1).

💡 Katie’s Tip: My ticket site offers discounted Zoo tickets at $68/adult, which makes the math on Kids Free even better. But in this scenario, the Go City Essentials + Free Kids promo edges out Kids Free on price—as long as you don’t need Hopper access at LEGOLAND.

It also often does make sense for grandparents, teens, and extra adults visiting in October to buy sightseeing passes to save money on multiple attractions.

Sample Itineraries Using Your Free Kids Tickets

I’ll add these as I think of them.

A Fun 3-Day Kids Free October Weekend

• Day 1: Mission Bay Fun. Stay at the Bahia Resort. Spend the day using their free kids’ activities and then head out for a “Kids Sail Free” trip on the Triton Catamaran.
• Day 2: Balboa Park Exploration. Head to Balboa Park. We expect most museums will offer free child admission. Spend the morning at the Fleet Science Center and the afternoon at the Natural History Museum. Head back to Mission Beach.
• Day 3: Theme Park Adventure. Head to SeaWorld San Diego for a day of marine life and coasters. (You can grab your qualifying Kids Free tickets from my ticket site to save time at the gate!)

A Day on San Diego’s Downtown Waterfront

San Diego’s Embarcadero is home to two iconic maritime and naval museums that can easily fill a full day. But the order you visit them matters, especially if you want to avoid long lines and overtired kids.

• 10 a.m. – USS Midway Museum (Arrive Right at Opening)
  Start your day at the USS Midway Museum, a massive aircraft carrier filled with restored planes, interactive exhibits, and volunteer docents who bring it all to life. A complete visit usually takes three to four hours, but with kids, two to three is good.
• 1 p.m. – Lunch at Carnitas Snack Shack (they are offering a Kids Free October deal) or Portside Pier at either Miguel’s for Mexican or Brigantine for fish tacos.
• 3 p.m. – Maritime Museum of San Diego
  With the day’s biggest attraction behind you, shift to a more relaxed pace at the Maritime Museum. Most families spend about 60-90 minutes here touring the lineup of historic ships.

Can’t Visit in October? Find Free Family Fun Year-Round

If your travel dates fall outside of the Kids Free promotion, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the city’s best attractions on a budget. Here are a few of the best year-round programs for families:

• Balboa Park Residents Free Tuesdays: If you are a San Diego resident, you can enjoy free general admission to a rotating selection of Balboa Park museums every Tuesday of the month. Each Tuesday features a different group of museums, so be sure to check the official schedule before you go.  
• Museums for All Program: Families who receive food assistance (SNAP benefits) can get free or significantly reduced admission to more than 20 local museums, including the USS Midway Museum. Present your EBT card at the admissions desk to participate.  
• San Diego Public Library’s Discover & Go Program: With a valid library card, you can reserve free family day passes to some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, including The New Children’s Museum, the Museum of Us, and The San Diego Museum of Art. Passes can be reserved online, making it an easy way to plan a fun and free day out.  

These are just a few of the ways to save. For a complete guide, see my main post on Free Things to Do in San Diego with Kids.

2025 Kids Free San Diego FAQ

We talk to people year-round about how amazing October trips to San Diego are for the weather and the opportunity to save money.

Visit the San Diego Tourism Authority for the full list of offers!