Your Guide to Kids Free San Diego This October
If you’re hoping to squeeze in one last family vacation before the holidays but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, we have good news: There’s a huge array of family-friendly things to do in San Diego this October that come completely free of charge as part of “Kids Free San Diego.” And lucky for guests of Sunrise Inn San Diego, many of these activities are easy to reach from our Point Loma hotel. If your curiosity is piqued, read on for a few highlights of this month long promotion designed especially for the little ones in your clan.
What is Kids Free San Diego?
Just as the name suggests, this promotion features dozens of free activities and experiences for kids. In some cases, it’s free admission to a museum. In other cases, it’s free food or activities. More than 75 local attractions are participating in Kids Free San Diego, so you certainly won’t run out of ways to take advantage of the promotion, no matter how long you’re staying!
While we’ve highlighted a few free activities in San Diego below, a full list of participating businesses and institutions is listed here. If one catches your eye, be sure you’re familiar with the terms. In some cases, offers are limited to two children under a certain age accompanied by a paying adult. Others allow free admission for just one kid, or require two paying adults. Be sure you know before you go!
Free Museums
During October, museums will no doubt top the list of the most popular free attractions in San Diego for travelers with kids. Outside of the Kids Free promotion, normal admission can range from $10 to $20, meaning you can save quite a bundle. And some of San Diego’s most renowned institutions are on the list of participating museums.
Let your kids roam and explore at the massive USS Midway Museum, housed in a historic aircraft carrier. They’ll love all there is to do and see there, including flight simulators, climb-in aircraft, ejection seats and cockpits, and guided tours of the bridge. Many of the museums in Balboa Park are also offering free admission to kids, including the SD Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, Fleet Science Center, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, among others.
Free Theme Parks
The San Diego Zoo is a bucket-list activity any time of year, but during October, it’s especially appealing, given the free admission. Just note this one’s for up to five kids 11 and under. Legoland, too, joins the theme parks letting little ones in free.
Get your little ones in their best costumes—kids go free to SeaWorld Spooktacular (with one paid adult). The event includes a decorated trail, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, and a Halloween dance party.
At Belmont Park, the small amusement park at Mission Beach, kids ride free on the Giant Dipper, the Beach Blaster, and the Tilt-A-Whirl.
Free Activities
Located just a 6-minute walk from Sunrise Inn San Diego, H&M Landing is a popular sportfishing charter in Point Loma Village. As part of Kids Free, they’ll be offering free fishing to anglers 15 years and younger on any Premier Sportfishing Open Party half-day trip when accompanied by a paid adult.
And head to beautiful Coronado to a free ride for up to four kids under 12 with The Gondola Company, which will have your family exploring the Coronado Cays Italian-style.
Free Historical and Heritage Experiences
Sprawling Mission San Luis Rey is a great spot for curious kids. Located in Oceanside, this popular historical attraction is offering free admission for two kids under 12 (with one full-price paid adult). Free admission is also offered at history museums around the county, such as the La Mesa Depot, Coronado Historical Association & Museum, and the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House.
Free Cruises
Cruising San Diego’s beautiful waters is a must when you’re in town, and luckily, there are deals throughout October that can get your whole family out on the water. From whale watching with Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruises to a 2-hour speedboat cruise with San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, you’ll have a blast seeing the sites. Try a harbor cruise from Flagship Cruises and Events to view San Diego’s beautiful skyline as you cruise.
Free Dining
Who doesn’t enjoy free dining? During October, kids eat for free at Maryjane’s Diner, Windows Café and Lounge, Samburgers Little Italy, and Blue Wave Bar & Grill (with restrictions), among others.
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Sunrise Inn San Diego’s central location and affordable price make it perfect for taking advantage of all the free activities in San Diego this October. Our clean, spacious rooms are convenient for traveling with your whole family. And as a bonus, parking and WiFi at our Sunset Cliffs hotel are complimentary!