Plan that outing: 16 ways to enjoy ‘Kids Free San Diego’ in October 2023

More than 50 local museums and attractions will offer free admission for kids age 12 and under from Sunday, Oct. 1- Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.

SD USS Midway Kids Free San Diego

Embark on a visit to the USS Midway in October with the kids.

Photo via San Diego Museum Council

We already know San Diego is kid-friendly, but every October, America’s Finest City is a true parentdise for curious kiddos and families.

The San Diego Museum Council and San Diego Tourism Authority partner to host Kids Free San Diego, a program that offers free admission to 50+ local museums and attractions to kids age 12 and under with a paid adult admission, Oct. 1-Oct. 31.

Here are 15 freebies you don’t want to miss — just download a Kids Free coupon for each attraction before visiting, and present it at the ticket counter.

A view of the San Diego Air and Space Museum with an airplane flying above in Balboa Park

The aviation and space exploration hub known as the San Diego Air & Space Museum is just so fly.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

  • Birch Aquarium | Two free child tickets per paid adult admission
  • San Diego Zoo | One paid adult can bring up to five kids age 11 and under free
  • SeaWorld San Diego | One free admission for kids ages 3-9 per paid adult
  • San Diego Botanic Garden | Free admission for children 18 and under with a paid adult
  • Japanese Friendship Garden | Two kids get in free with one paid adult
  • USS Midway Museum | Two kids get in free with one paid adult
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego | One free child admission with one paid adult
  • Museum of Making Music | Two kids get in free with one paid adult
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum | Two kids get in free with one paid adult
SD Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park offers fun trails for kids, plus koi ponds.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Several local hotels are offering Kids Free deals for guests, including:

  • Bahia Resort Hotel | Free kid’s meal at Dockside 1953 and a free paddleboard rental
  • San Diego Mission Bay Resort | Free kid’s meal per adult meal purchased
  • Ocean Park Inn | Free welcome goodie bag for kids and 15% off a stay of 3+ nights

Restaurants participating in Kids Free 2023 include:

  • Dodo Bird Donuts | Kids under 12 get a free treat
  • Huntress | Kids eat free, Sunday-Thursday
  • Johnny WAHOO! Golf Bar | Kids eat free

Bonus: San Diego Wave FC is offering a free kids ticket with a paid adult to the team’s final match of the regular season at Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m.

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