K is for Kids FREE in October! All you need to know for 2022
UPDATED: 9/30/2022
October is an extra special time to be a kid in San Diego because all month long select museums, restaurants and hotels let kiddos in for FREE! Of course there are some stipulations...like it's usually 1-2 kids per paid adult and for certain ages. Read below for all you need to know about who, what, when, where and how to redeem these offers.
Contents:
WHO IS KIDS FREE OCTOBER GOOD FOR?
Kids FREE in October is valid for any child ages 12 and under. And no they don't have to be a San Diego resident. Kids visiting on vacation can get in on this offer too; which makes October an especially good month for families to visit San Diego! Each location may have their own restricted ages beyond this. Refer to each location below for their requirements.
Sorry, the Balboa Park Explorer Pass, the Go San Diego Pass, memberships or annual passes don't qualify for adult paid admission.
WHAT IS KIDS FREE OCTOBER?
The month when the San Diego Museum Council partners with the San Diego Tourism Authority to offer FREE admission for kids to select museums, aquariums, gardens, zoos, restaurants, hotels and more!
WHEN IS KIDS FREE OCTOBER?
Every year from October 1st - 31st
WHERE IS KIDS FREE OCTOBER OFFERED?
Over 100 different places all around San Diego County accept the Kids FREE in October deals. From the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, several museums at Balboa Park from planes, trains, automobiles, dinosaurs, art & science; to aquariums, children's museums, cultural & historical sites, restaurants, hotels and many more.
All the details for each location are listed below.
HOW DO I REDEEM THE KIDS FREE OCTOBER DEALS?
This process seems to change over the years, but for this year 2022 it looks like you will have download a separate coupon for each location you'd like to visit. At least for those places from the San Diego Museum Council's website: click the location you'd like to visit, enter your email & zip code and then the coupon will appear on the next screen (not in an email). This all seems a bit cumbersome and a waste of paper in my humble opinion.
BUT, don't worry, because I did all the work for you and I've got the direct coupon links you'll need below. You will have to click on each coupon link to show at admission.
I'm not certain if you will need to print these out or if showing them from your phone will suffice; I"ll update here when I find out.
Other places are offering Kids Free Deals aside from the Museum Council. See below for all the deals!
PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS & OFFERS FOR KIDS FREE IN OCTOBER
These are grouped by category & location below.
Those marked with (*) are our personal favorites for kids. (Those not marked as our favorites might just mean that we haven't been there yet to explore it and it could be really fun. They're all on our list to visit at some point. ;)
Some of the hotel restaurants have kids eat free deals and some require you to be a guest, while others allow the public to come into their restaurants for the offer. Some of these hotels also have a kids stay free deal, but most of them only offer a free meal.
Check with each place directly before you go in case the information has changed.
Each place may have a different way of redeeming or accepting this October deal. It seems like most of them require you to print the coupon out and present it in-person. Some allow a mobile phone showing of the coupon, and others have a discount code listed so be sure you know how to redeem this offer before you go!
Hours, costs and other info was last updated Sept. 2022
Contents:
THEME PARKS & ZOOS
*SAN DIEGO ZOO (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: "Entrance for ages 11 & under is Free - no ticket required. October Kids Free entrance for youths includes the Guided Bus tour, Kangaroo Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. A 4D theater add-on is $6 per child ages 3+ at the theater." (I think you can bring up to 10 kids per one paid adult, but I haven't been able to verify that from the zoo yet.) More Info Here
Hours: daily, hours vary
Cost (online pricing follows, add $2 at gate): $65 1-Day Pass Any Day; $63 1-Day Pass Value Days avail select dates
2920 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park
619-231-1515
*SAN DIEGO SAFARI PARK (Escondido)
🎟 Deal: "Entrance for ages 11 & under is Free - no ticket required. October Kids Free entrance for youths includes the African Tram." (I think you can bring up to 10 kids per one paid adult, but I haven't been able to verify that from the zoo yet.) More Info Here
Hours: daily, hours vary
Cost (online pricing follows, add $2 at gate): $65 1-Day Pass Any Day; $63 1-Day Pass Value Days avail select dates
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido
619-231-1515
*SEAWORLD (Mission Bay)
🎟 Deal: One child age 3-9 is free with one full price paid adult admission ($99.99). Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily, hours vary
Cost: $64.99 online for one-day ticket; $109.99 for a 2023 Fun Card and get the rest of 2022 free; Free for kids 2 & under
Note: SeaWorld Spooktacular is happening all October with trick-or-treating, dance parties, scavenger hunts and more...this is weekends only Sept. 17 - Oct. 31.
500 Sea World Dr., Mission Bay
619-222-4732
*BELMONT PARK (Mission Beach)
🎟 Deal: Get one Free Jr. Combo wristband for kids 12 & under (who are also under 48" tall) with the purchase of one Combo wristband for someone who is 48" and taller. Direct Link use code: KIDSFREE when you buy online or mention the Kids Free Deal in-person
Hours: daily, hours vary
Cost: $60 for Combo wristband for those who are over 48" tall; $55 for Jr. Combo wristband for those who are under 48" tall
3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
858-488-1549
*LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
🎟 Deal: Free 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket with Full Paid Adult Ticket. OR, an overnight stay at a Legoland Hotel and get Free 2-Day Child Tickets with purchase of 2-Day Adult Tickets. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily, hours vary
Cost: starts at $124.99 for a 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket
One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad
888-690-5346
BALBOA PARK
*FLEET SCIENCE CENTER (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: One child 12 & under is free with one full price paid adult admission. This only applies to the exhibit galleries, does not include films. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-5
Cost: $24.95 adults; $22.95 seniors 65+; $19.95 kids 3-12 (includes one documentary film)
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-238-1233
*SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full price paid adult admission. To Redeem: Print or show on your phone. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Mon-Tue & Thur-Sun 10-5 (closed Wed)
Cost: $22 adults; $18 seniors 62+, military, students; $12 youth 3-17; Free kids 2 & under
1788 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-232-3821
*SAN DIEGO MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Tue-Sun 11-4 (closed Mon)
Cost: $13.50 adults; $9 seniors 65+, military, students; $6 ages 4-11; Free kids 3 & under
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-696-0199
*JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full price paid adult admission. Not available for special ticketed events. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-6, last admission at 5
Cost: $14 general admission; $12 seniors 65+, military, students; Free for kids ages 6 and under
2215 Pan American Rd. E., Balboa Park
619-232-272
*SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two children 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-4:30
Cost: $23 ages 12+; $19 seniors 65+, retired military, students; $13 youth 3-11; Free kids 2 & under
Tip: This is right next door to the San Diego Auto Museum noted below.
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
619-234-8291
*SAN DIEGO AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two children 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. To Redeem: Print or Show this coupon from your phone. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Tue-Sun 10-5 (closed Mon)
*October Hours: closed Oct. 3-10 for a special event
Cost: $14.50 adults 18+; $10 seniors 65+, military, students; $8.50 kids 5-17; Free kids 4 & under
Tip: This is right next door to the San Diego Air & Space Museum noted above.
2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
619-231-2886
MUSEUM OF US (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: This coupon doesn't specify ages or how many kids are free. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Sun 10-5 (closed Mon-Tue)
Cost: $19.95 adult; $16.95 seniors, military, students and kids 6-17; Free for ages 5 & under
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
619-239-2001
MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Always free for youth 17 & under. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Sat-Wed 10-5; Thur-Fri 10-8
Cost: $14 adults 18+; $10 seniors, military, students; Free for youth 17 & under and EBT cards
1439 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-239-0003
TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Wun 10-5 (closed Mon-Tue)
Cost: Free, donations welcome
1500 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-239-5548
MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two children 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Not for special ticketed events or exhibits. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Fri-Sun 11-4
Cost: Pay what you wish
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-238-7559
SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Two children 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Not for special ticketed events or exhibits. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Mon-Tue & Thur-Sun 10-5 (closed Wed)
Cost: $20 adults 18+; $15 seniors 65+; $10 military; $8 college student; Free ages 17 & under
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-232-7931
COMIC-CON MUSEUM (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: One child ages 6-12 is free with one full price adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
619-546-9073
CENTRO CULTURAL DE LA RAZA (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Some classes and workshops cost extra. Special events or performances are not included. Direct Coupon Link
2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park
619-559-6389
MARSTON HOUSE & GARDENS (Balboa Park)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Some classes and workshops cost extra. Special events or performances are not included. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4 (closed Mon-Fri)
3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park
619-232-2721
WHERE TO EAT:
These are typically one free child's meal per paid adult meal. Check directly with each venue for the deal.
No restaurants were found
DOWNTOWN/EMBARCADERO
*THE NEW CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (Downtown location only)
🎟 Deal: One child 12 & under is free with one full price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Mon & Wed-Sun 9-12 & 1-4 (closed Tue)
Oct. Hours: closed Oct. 4-7 for a special event
Cost: $15 for all ages 1+ (adults & children); $10 seniors 65+, military; $2 Museums for All (EBT/SNAP/WIC cards)
Advanced timed reservations required.
200 W Island Ave., Downtown
619-233-8792
*USS MIDWAY MUSEUM (Downtown/Embarcadero)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-5, last admission at 4
Cost: $26 ages 13+; $18 youth 6-12; $18 veterans; Free kids 5 & under; Free active duty military, law enforcement, fire fighter or reservists (employee only, not valid for family)
910 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero
619-544-9600
*MARITIME MUSEUM (Downtown/Embarcadero)
🎟 Deal: One child 12 & under is free with one full price paid adult admission. Limit one per person. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-5, last ticket sold at 4
Cost: $20 adult 18+; $15 seniors 62+, military & students; $10 child ages 3-12; Free ages 2 & under
1492 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero
619-234-9153
*FLAGSHIP CRUISES (Downtown/Embarcadero)
🎟 Deal: Two kids ages 12 & under cruise free per full fare adult ticket. Choose from a 1 hour North or South route or a 2 hour Full Bay cruise. Direct Link
Cruise Times: 6 sailings per day
Cost for 1 Hour Tour North or South: $32 ages 13+; $27.20 military; $24 ages 4-12; Free for 3 & under
Cost for 2 Hour Full Bay Tour: $37 ages 13+; $27.75 ages 4-12; Free for 3 & under
990 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero
619-234-4111
*CITY CRUISES/HORNBLOWER (Downtown/Embarcadero)
🎟 Deal: Two kids ages 12 & under cruise free per full fare adult ticket. Choose from a 1 or 2 hour Bay cruise. Direct Link use code: KIDSFREE2022
Cruise Times: 6 sailings per day
Cost: starting at $33
970 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero
619-686-8715
*WHEEL FUN RENTALS (Downtown/Embarcadero)
🎟 Deal: Two kids ride free with a paid adult on either Surrey or Deuce Coupe bikes, two wheel bikes, kids trailer with an adult bike rental. Offer: mention Kids Free Deal when you book
Manchester Grand Hyatt: 1 Market Pl., Downtown/Seaport Village
Marriott Marquis Marina: 333 W Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero
Wyndham San Diego Bayside: 1335 N Harbor Dr., Downtown/Embarcadero
619-342-7244 / 805-650-7770 (same number for all three)
GASLAMP MUSEUM AT THE DAVIS-HORTON HOUSE (Downtown)
🎟 Deal: One child 12 & under is free with one full price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Sat 10-5
Cost: $8 general admission for self-guided tours
Note: Masks are required for all visitors
410 Island Ave., downtown
619-233-4692
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (Downtown)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Thur-Sun 10-4 (closed Mon-Wed)
Cost: $10 adults; $8 San Diego/Tijuana residents; Free for military, kids 17 & under, SNAP/EBT cards
1100 Kettner Blvd., Downtown
858-454-3541
SAN DIEGO CHINESE HISTORICAL MUSEUM (Downtown)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Classes & workshops are extra. Does not include special events or performances. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Fri-Sun 12-4 (closed Mon-Thur)
Cost: not listed; 2nd Sunday is free of charge
404 3rd Ave., Downtown
619-338-9888
WHERE TO EAT:
These are typically one free child's meal per paid adult meal. Check directly with each venue for the deal.
Carnitas' Snack Shack Downtown
Samburgers Little Italy Food Hall
Hotel Indigo Gaslamp
Carte Hotel Little Italy
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel San Diego Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Hotel Karlan San Diego A DoubleTree by Hilton
Maryjane's Diner at the Hard Rock Hotel Gaslamp
Omni San Diego
The US Grant
Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
UPTOWN/OLD TOWN/MISSION VALLEY
J.A. COOLEY MUSEUM (University Heights)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 16 & under get in free with one full price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 11-4
Cost: $10 adults; $2 children
4233 Park Blvd., University Heights
619-296-3112
JUNIPERO SERRA MUSEUM (Old Town)
🎟 Deal: Admission is always free to everyone. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4 or by appt for groups
Cost: $10 adults; $2 children
2727 Presidio Dr., Old Town
619-232-6203
WHALEY HOUSE TOURS (Old Town)
🎟 Deal: One child is free per paid adult admission. (I didn't see a coupon code or a special link. You might have to call and verbally ask for this discount by phone or in-person.)
Hours: tours vary
Cost: starts at $13.50
2476 San Diego Ave., Old Town
619-273-5824
*OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS (Old Town)
🎟 Deal: One child rides free with one paid adult fare. (I didn't see a coupon code or a special link. You might have to call and verbally ask for this discount by phone.) More Info Here
Hours: varies
Cost: starts at $43.70
4010 Twiggs St., Old Town
619-298-8687
WHERE TO EAT:
These are typically one free child's meal per paid adult meal. Check directly with each venue for the deal.
Amigo & Waffle Spot at the King's Inn Mission Valley
Casa Guadalajara in Old Town
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town
Double Tree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Mission Valley Stadium
Residence Inn San Diego Mission Valley
San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
Quality Suites Mission Valley SeaWorld Area
Town and Country Mission Valley
COASTAL (from South-North)
*TIJUANA ESTUARY VISITOR'S CENTER (Imperial Beach)
🎟 Deal: Free for everyone. Direct Coupon Link
Visitor Center Hours: Wed-Sun 10-5
Estuary Hours: dawn-dusk?
Cost: Free
301 Caspian Way, Coronado (Imperial Beach)
619-575-3613
*LIVING COAST DISCOVERY CENTER (Chula Vista/Southbay)
🎟 Deal: One youth 12 & under is free with one full-price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Sun 10-5 (closed Mon-Tue)
Cost: $18 ages 13+; $13 kids 3-12; Free for kids 2 & under
1000 Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista
619-409-5900
SAN DIEGO AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF FINE ART (Chula Vista/Southbay)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Direct Coupon Link
555 Saturn Blvd., Chula Vista
619-253-8499
*WHEEL FUN RENTALS (Coronado)
🎟 Deal: Two kids ride free with a paid adult on either Surrey or Deuce Coupe bikes, two wheel bikes, kids trailer with an adult bike rental. Offer: mention Kids Free Deal when you book
1019 C Ave., Coronado
619-342-7244 / 805-650-7770
*BIKE & KAYAK TOURS (Coronado)
🎟 Deal: One child rides for free with a full paid adult priced bike rental or kayak tour. Offer: mention Kids Free Deal when you book
1201 1st St., Coronado
858-454-1010
*GONDOLA COMPANY (Coronado)
🎟 Deal: Four kids ages 12 & under are free with one full paid adult cost. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Sun (closed Mon & Tue)
Cost: starts at $119
503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado
619-429-6317
CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION (Coronado)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Direct Coupon Link
1100 Orange Ave., Coronado
619-435-7242
NEW AMERICANS MUSEUM & VISIONS MUSEUM OF TEXTILE ART (Liberty Station/Pt. Loma)
🎟 Deal: Kids are always free here. Direct Coupon Link (New Americans); Direct Coupon Link (Visions)
2825 Dewey Rd., Liberty Station/Pt. Loma
619-756-7707
H&M LANDING FISHING (Pt. Loma)
🎟 Deal: All kids ages 15 & under can fish for free on any premier sportfishing open party half day trip when accompanied by a paid adult. Direct Link and Use Code: SDkidsFish
2803 Emerson St., Pt. Loma
619-222-1144
SAN DIEGO SPEED BOAT ADVENTURES (Pt. Loma)
🎟 Deal: One child rides free with two paying adults on a two hour self-guided boat driving tour. Reserve a triple passenger boat. Use Code: KIDSRIDEFREE
Cost: starts at $89.45
1450 Harbor Island, Pt. Loma
619-294-5852
CAMPLAND ON THE BAY (Mission Bay)
🎟 Deal: Kids camp for free with a camp site reservation and will get a free kayak/pedal boat rental, free kids activities and free soda with kids meals. Coupon Code: KIDS (or mention the Kids Free Deal when you call to book + San Diego residents get 20% of your stay)
2211 Pacific Beach Dr., Mission Bay
858-581-4200
*BIKE & KAYAK TOURS (La Jolla)
🎟 Deal: One child rides for free with a full paid adult priced bike rental or kayak tour. Offer: mention Kids Free Deal when you book
2158 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla
858-454-1010
*BIRCH AQUARIUM (La Jolla)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Use Check Out Code: KIDSFREE22
Hours: daily 9-5, last entry at 4
Cost: $24.95 adult; $22.95 seniors 60+, college students; $19.95 kids ages 3-17; discounts for military, UCSD students/staff
Advanced timed reservation are required. Masks are highly recommended.
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
858-534-3474
LA JOLLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (La Jolla)
🎟 Deal: Admission is free to everyone at the Wisteria Cottage Gallery. Direct Coupon Link
780 Prospect St., La Jolla
858-459-5335
*SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN (Encinitas)
🎟 Deal: One youth under 18 is free with one full-price paid adult admission. To Redeem: Print or show from your phone. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 9-5 (closed Tues)
Cost: $18 adult; $12 seniors 60+, military, students; $10 kids 3-17; Free kids under 3
Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-in admission is not guaranteed per capacity.
300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
760-436-3036
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART (ICA NORTH) (Encinitas)
🎟 Deal: Exhibitions are always free at ICA Central for everyone through their Pay-As-You Wish program. Direct Coupon Link
1550 S El Camino Real, Encinitas
760-436-6611
*MUSEUM OF MAKING MUSIC (Carlsbad)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Tue-Sun 10-5 (closed Mon)
Cost: $15 general admission; $10 seniors 60+, military, students; Free ages 3 & under
5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad
760-438-5996
*WHEEL FUN RENTALS (Oceanside Pier)
🎟 Deal: Two kids ride free with a paid adult on either Surrey or Deuce Coupe bikes, two wheel bikes, kids trailer with an adult bike rental. Offer: mention Kids Free Deal when you book
300 The Strand N., Oceanside
760-828-0166 / 805-650-7770
OCEANSIDE WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES (Oceanside)
🎟 Deal: ONE child 12 & under can ride for free with TWO full-price paid adult admissions. More Info Here
Hours: tours vary
Cost: savings of $44 per child
256 Harbor Dr. S., Oceanside
888-507-1130
CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM (Oceanside)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Children must be accompanied by adult during visit. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-4
Cost: $7 adults; $5 seniors 62+, military, students; Free ages 11 & under
312 Pier View Way, Oceanside
760-721-6876
*MISSION SAN LUIS REY (Oceanside)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: daily 10-4
Cost: $8 adults; $5 seniors 65+; $5 youth ages 6-18; Free kids 5 & under; Free military
4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside
760-757-3651
WHERE TO EAT:
These are typically one free child's meal per paid adult meal. Check directly with each venue for the deal.
Jose's Courtroom La Jolla
Loew's Coronado Bay Resort
Bahia Resort Hotel
Blue Wave Bar & Grill at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
The Quarterdeck Restaurant at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina
Firefly Eatery at The Dana on Mission Bay
Catamaran Resort Hotel
Embassy Suites La Jolla
Empress Hotel of La Jolla
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Glorietta Bay Inn
Torreyana Grille at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Resort and Spa
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Kona Kai Resort and Spa
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn
Paradise Point Resort and Spa *BONUS: kids get a card with a $50 “island allowance” to spend on ice cream, the gift shop, or rentals
Humphrey's La Jolla Grill at the Sheraton La Jolla
INLAND (from South-East-North)
BONITA MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER (Bonita)
🎟 Deal: Free for everyone. Direct Coupon Link n/a
Hours: Wed-Sat 10-4
Cost: Donation based, pay as you wish
4355 Bonita Rd., Bonita
619-267-5141
LA MESA DEPOT MUSEUM (La Mesa)
🎟 Deal: Everyone is always free here. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: train display open 24hrs/day 7 days/week. Tours: Tue & Thur 12-3, Sat 1-4
Cost: Free, donations welcome
4695 Nebo Dr., La Mesa
619-465-7776
SAN DIEGO POLICE MUSEUM (College)
🎟 Deal: Always free for youth 18 & under. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Fri 12-4, Sat 10-2
Cost: $3/adult; Free youth 18 & under; Donations welcome
4710 College Ave., San Diego, 92115
619-726-6151
LEMON GROVE HISTORICAL PARSONAGE MUSEUM (Lemon Grove)
🎟 Deal: Kids 18 & under are always free here. Direct Coupon Link
3185 Olive St., Lemon Grove
619-460-4353
*WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN (El Cajon)
🎟 Deal: "Kids 17 and under get free admission with one full price paid adult admission." (This doesn't specify how many kids you can bring in.) Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Tue & Wed 9-4, Thur 9-6, Fri-Sun 9-4 (closed Mon)
Cost: $8 adults; $5 seniors 55+, military, students; $4 youth 3-17; Free ages 2 & under
Tip: This is right next door to the Heritage of the Americas museum noted below.
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon
619-660-0614
HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS (El Cajon)
🎟 Deal: Kids 17 and under are always free here. Direct Coupon Link
Tip: This is right next door to the Water Conservation Garden noted above.
12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon
619-670-5194
BARONA CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM (Lakeside)
🎟 Deal: "Barona Museum admission is always free! All kids receive a gift for visiting during the month of October! Play a game of "Pshok" with us and win a prize! Children must be accompanied by an adult." Direct Coupon Link
1095 Barona Rd., Lakeside
619-443-7003
LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS (Alpine)
🎟 Deal: One child per paid adult is free with the Member for a Day option. Direct Link
Hours: Wed-Sat, hours vary
Cost (Wed-Fri): $43 adult age 13+; $26 child ages 12 & under
Cost (Sat): $46 adult age 13+; $26 child ages 12 & under
24402 Martin Wy, Alpine
619-659-8078
SKY FALCONRY (Alpine)
🎟 Deal: One child 12 & under per paid adult admission for a basic falconry lesson only (child must be min. 6 years old.). Direct Link use code: KIDSFREE1022 (I do realize this code has a 1022 per their website, but it might be a typo instead of 2022.)
Hours: Saturdays at 10:30 or 1:30
Cost: starts at $40
593 Anderson Truck Trail, Alpine
619-722-0092
LAKE JENNINGS FISHING (Lake Jennings)
🎟 Deal: All kids 12 & under can fish for free. Mention the "Kids Fish Free" deal at the tackle shop and you'll get a free one day fishing permit per kid. More Info Here
Hours: daily 8-5
9535 Harritt Rd., Lakeside
619-443-2510
MADERAS GOLF CLUB (Poway)
🎟 Deal: One youth lesson or tee time with purchase of an adult lesson or tee time.
17750 Old Coach Rd., Poway
858-451-8100
ST. VICENTE GOLF CLUB (Ramona)
🎟 Deal: One youth tee time with purchase of an adult tee time.
24157 San Vicente Rd., Ramona
760-789-8290
*SAN DIEGO CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY MUSEUM (Escondido)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Tue-Sat 9-12 & 1:30-4:30 (closed Sun & Mon)
Cost: $11.50 general admission for all ages 1+; Free for babies under 12 months; $8 military/veterans & families; $1 Museums for All (EBT/WIC/SNAP cards for 4 people in same household)
340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido
760-839-4138
*SAN DIEGO ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER (Escondido)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price ($5+) paid adult admission. Each child will also receive a pottery kit to complete at home. Direct Coupon Link
Hours: Wed-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2 (closed Sun-Tue)
Cost: Donation based, suggested $5
16666 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido
760-291-0370
*PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM (Campo)
🎟 Deal: Kids get in free at the museum with the purchase of a kids Pumpkin Express Excursion Ride ticket. Direct Coupon Link
Hours & Cost: vary
750 Depot St., Campo
619-478-9937
WARNER-CARRILLO RANCH HOUSE (Warner Springs)
🎟 Deal: Two kids 12 & under get in free with one full-price paid adult admission. Not available for special ticketed events. Direct Coupon Link
29181 San Felipe Rd., Warner Springs
619-297-9327
WHERE TO EAT:
These are typically one free child's meal per paid adult meal. Check directly with each venue for the deal.
Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn