In San Diego through October, free admission for kids at popular attractions, theme parks, many museums, plus kids eat free at hotels and local restaurants. Savings for the whole family!
Highlights below, here’s the full list: San Diego Kids Go Free
San Diego Zoo
World famous zoo, two giant pandas, koala colony, California condors, Galapagos tortoises, hippos, Komodo dragon, polar bears, sloths, children’s zoo, wildlife presentations, aerial tram.
“All the Lego you could want” in one place, hands-on activities, water play, rides, and shows, for kids of all ages.
SeaWorld San Diego
Beluga whales, bat rays, penguins, orcas, sea turtles, dolphin and sea lion presentations, plus thrilling rides for teens.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is unique – giraffes munching leaves in the trees and African rhinos running free, lion and elephant families, California condors, Sumatran tigers, plus Africa tram, conservation carousel, play areas.
San Diego Air and Space Museum
History of aviation from hot air balloons to Spirit of St. Louise, WWI and WWII planes, jets, Blackbird spy plane, Apollo space capsules, flight simulators, 3D/4D theater.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Fossil Mysteries, dinosaurs and sea creatures in Diego region from 75 million years ago, unique habitats of southern California, Paleontology Center, Living Lab, toddler play area.
San Diego Automotive Museum
A century of cars, from 1914 Model T Ford to Italian high performance cars, Fifties cars, sports cars, one-of-a-kind motorcycles, exhibits change with cars from the museum permanent collection.
USS Midway Museum
World War II aircraft carrier with WWII jet fighters, attack aircraft, helicopters on the flight deck, command center, below deck, engine room, flight simulators.
San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden
Garden with koi pond, waterfalls and bubbling springs, Zen rock garden, cafe with noodles, sandwiches and cold drinks.
Aquarium has California marine life, giant Pacific octopus, sharks and rays, seahorses, sea dragons, plus colony of blue penguins, outdoor touch tide pools, play activities for toddlers.
Where to stay?
With discounts throughout October, plan a weekend in San Diego!
San Diego is very spread out – for a weekend, you don’t want to spend chunk of your day driving around.
For a weekend, allow whole day for big attractions such as San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Legoland, or SeaWorld.
Sample itinerary. San Diego Zoo one day, second day, pick a museum in Balboa Park or for little ones miniature train, carousel, rent surreys.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park has so many things to do, can easily spend two days.
Choose where you want to stay based on your choice of a primary activity.
Travel for lists of best family hotels make it easy to find hotels convenient to most popular attractions.
Downtown San Diego – San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park museums
Carlsbad – Legoland California
Escondido – San Diego Safari Park.
La Jolla – Birch Aquarium and beach activities
Old Town San Diego – Dia de los Muertos
Throughout October, Fiesta de Reyes has colorful skeleton figurines (Catrinas), altars, music and dance live entertainment, special menus at the restaurant.
Here’s the schedule.
Stop into El Mercadito for churros with chocolate or caramel snack.
Travel for Kids
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