Fun and Educational Fall Activities for Kids in San Diego

There’s no denying that summer in San Diego can be a spectacular season, especially for kids. But the end of summer has its own unique charms. Autumn brings milder temperatures, longer evenings, and a whole host of activities unique to the season.

To that end, we’ve collected some fun fall activities the whole family can enjoy. Read on to discover what autumn in San Diego has to offer. 

Something For Everyone 

2020 may be an unusual year, but Kids Free San Diego is here to help families make the most of it. This amazing family-friendly event is a city-wide celebration of all things family. Countless kid-friendly attractions are offering freebies to kids and families the entire month of October, including free admission to museums, tours, free meals, and even free admission to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Check the official San Diego Tourism Authority website for the latest and greatest offers. 

Chow Down at Bunz

Everyone loves a good cheeseburger. That’s why our own gourmet farm-to-table burger emporium Bunz at Days Inn is participating in Kids Free SD. Kids eat free all October long (one each per paid adult). Kids and their grownups alike will love building their own burgers with fresh, local ingredients like organic veggies and premium beef. And don’t forget to finish up with a delicious shake, concrete, or other delicious dessert. Yum for Days! 

Under the Sea 

Great news — SeaWorld San Diego is once again welcoming visitors. State COVID-19 regulations mean that access to some areas of the park will remain limited, but many of the park’s shows and exhibits are available. Additionally, SeaWorld is participating in the aforementioned Kids Free San Diego, offering free or discounted attractions all month long (including Halloween Spooktacular events).

A Cultural Adventure

The Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park was first established as a symbol of friendship with San Diego’s sister city of Yokohama, Japan. It stands as a monument to the beauty of harmony between cultures a world apart. It’s also one of the best places to see the brilliant variety of fall’s changing colors, since the garden includes many species not native to Southern California. Of special note is the park’s observation of Shichi-Go-San — the traditional Japanese youth festival — set to take place from November 5-8. 

Stroll By the Seaside

Seaport Village is one of San Diego’s most treasured locales. The area is home to more than 50 charming shops, lots of outdoor entertainment, and a collection of fun, family-friendly restaurants. Pack a lunch, bring a kite, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the beautifully cool sea breezes as you stroll along the cobblestone walkways. Kids also love the antique carousel, which dates back to 1895 and is still in operation.  

Travel Through Time

Known as the “Birthplace of California,” San Diego’s Old Town is one of America’s most historic neighborhoods. Dotted with unique shops, historic attractions, and interesting eateries, Old Town truly has something for everyone. October is a particularly great time to visit, since many kids love spooky attractions like the “haunted” Whaley House, as well as El Campo State Cemetery. For the less daring, Old Town is also home to countless free and fascinating museums. 

Tour the Tracks

Engineers of all ages love checking out the miniature railway exhibits at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Just one of the many attractions available in and near Balboa Park, the SDMRM features more than 27,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing the intricacies of miniature train displays. Their online exhibits even include an illustrated history of kid-favorite Thomas the Tank Engine

Plan Your Family Getaway

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