01 Oct 2025

Kids Free October – A Guide to Family Fun in San Diego

By Days Inn Hotel Circle

If you’re looking for a reason to visit San Diego this fall, here’s one the whole family will love — Kids Free October! All month long, the city turns into a playground of fun with exciting deals made just for kids. From world-famous attractions and fascinating museums to delicious bites and unforgettable adventures, it’s the perfect time to explore everything San Diego has to offer.

With our central location at Days Inn Hotel Circle in Mission Valley, you’ll be right in the heart of the action — close to all of the major events, beaches, downtown, and all the can’t-miss spots participating in this citywide celebration.

Get ready for a month packed with discovery, sunshine, and smiles. Here are a few of the top attractions, restaurants, and experiences where kids get to join the fun — for free!

San Diego Tours and Animal Adventures

Free Kids Whale Watching Tours (4.6 Miles to Hotel)

a sailboat with an orca breaching in the foreground

Whale watching season runs from October–April so it’s the perfect time to take advantage of Kids Free October specials for tours in San Diego. To help you save, San Diego Whale Watch is offering one free child ticket with each adult ticket purchased.

Kids Go Free to San Diego Zoo (5.3 Miles to Hotel)

The San Diego Zoo has a variety of fall activities just in time for Kids Free October. From thrilling animal shows and seasonal exhibits to Halloween events like HalGLOWeen, there are so many opportunities for family fun at the San Diego Zoo where kids get in free during October.

Kids Fly Free Helicopter Tour (6.1 Miles to Hotel)

Have the adventure of a lifetime with a helicopter ride in San Diego. Take a 30-minute “Beaches & Bays” flight from Mission Valley for an exciting day you and the kids won’t soon forget from Corporate Helicopters of San Diego! Spend some time flying high above San Diego with amazing views of our stunning coastline.

Birch Aquarium (12.2 Miles to Hotel)

Kids get free admission to discover the wonders of the ocean at the Birch Aquarium. From the hidden world of sea creatures to learning about important research at Scripps Pier, this is a fun way to spend the day immersed in the vibrant ecosystems of the Pacific.

San Diego Amusement Parks

SeaWorld San Diego (4.2 Miles to Hotel)

Fall is the time to head over to SeaWorld San Diego for the best fall seasonal shows and Halloween happenings. Kids 11 and under get free admission with a paying adult, so put on your best costume and make plans to attend the SeaWorld Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream during Kids Free October in San Diego.

LEGOLAND California (31.9 Miles to Hotel)

Lego lovers will want to take advantage of Kids Free October in San Diego with a free child’s admission with an adult ticket purchase at LEGOLAND. Highlights of the October celebration include the Brick-or-Treat weekends throughout the month where LEGOLAND transforms into a fun-filled Halloween escape with tons of candy, a prehistoric pumpkin patch, not-so-scary shows, and goofy monster LEGO characters! This event is included with tickets.

San Diego Museums, Parks, and Gardens

Balboa Park Museums (4.4 Miles to Hotel)

Did you know there are over 18 museums at the popular Balboa Park in San Diego? These include several museums that offer free kid admission and family-friendly exhibits for the month of October. From the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the San Diego Automotive Museum to the San Diego Modern Railroad Museum and the San Diego History Center, Kids Free Day is in full force at Balboa Park.

Fleet Science Center (4.9 Miles to Hotel)

Voted San Diego's Best Museum of 2025. The Fleet Science Center offers more than 100 interactive exhibits, an IMAX® Giant Dome Theater, and the StudioX makerspace. Free admission for Kids Free October makes Fleet Science Center an excellent budget-friendly choice during your stay.

Belmont Park (5.8 Miles to Hotel)

Kids get a free wristband to ride all the exciting rides at Belmont Park in San Diego. Kids Free October means family fun for less at this popular seaside park in SoCal. Plenty of fun to be had at Belmont Park's Beachside Fall Festival, happening every weekend in September and October. From iconic amusement park rides to live music, and even some Halloween excitement and Trick-or-Treating on Sundays in October.

San Diego Botanic Garden (25.0 Miles to Hotel)

Enjoy some time in the warm Callifornia sunshine this fall while exploring 37 acres of lush gardens, rare plants, and themed landscapes at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Families can enjoy free admission for kids to this popular garden and can explore everything from tropical rainforests and bamboo groves to desert gardens and California native habitats. Kids will enjoy the interactive Hamilton Children's Garden and Incredible Edibles Garden, where nature and play come together.

Kids Eat Free During October at These San Diego Restaurants

Kids Dine Free (Miles to Hotel Varies) In addition to these amazing fall and Halloween happenings for Kids Free October in San Diego, some of our favorite local dining spots are also participating in the event to help save you some money.

Casa Guadalajara in Old Town
The Crab Hut in North Park
Marina Kitchen Downtown
The Waffle Spot Mission Valley

…and more!

Save Money on the Best Attractions in San Diego with Kids Free October

San Diego is a kid’s paradise in October, which makes it the perfect time to take a family vacation. With these family-friendly deals for Kids Free October, not only will your family enjoy the most exciting activities and eat at the best restaurants in San Diego, but you will stay within your budget and still have fun!

Book your stay at the Days Inn Hotel Circle today and prepare for the best fall family getaway to San Diego this October.

01 Oct 2025

Enjoy the Season in SoCal with San Diego Fall Festivals & Spooky Halloween Happenings

By Days Inn Hotel Circle

If exciting fall events or spooky Halloween happenings are on your agenda for the next few months, then the Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle is the place to be for your seasonal adventure! From frolicking in the pumpkin patches and enjoying fall festivals in our seaside community to exploring haunted trails and trick-or-treating at local amusement parks, our city and centrally located hotel are here to make sure your fall excursions and adventures are top-notch!

Plan your fall escape to sunny San Diego, and be sure to add these popular fall festivals and Halloween happenings to your list of fun things to do in SoCal.

Festivals & Seasonal Events in San Diego Near Days Inn Hotel Circle

Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach (5.0 Miles to Hotel)

Make sure to add Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach to your agenda, with exciting events and activities for the whole family, including Bavarian traditions like craft beer, delicious German food, and live entertainment. Located just a short 10-minute drive from our hotel, this Oktoberfest celebration is one of the most popular fall festivals in San Diego.

La Mesa Oktoberfest (10.0 Miles to Hotel)

La Mesa Oktoberfest is a 52-year old fall tradition in San Diego and offers Bavarian-style festivities for an amazing experience. This 3-day seasonal celebration is a great German celebration that offers a unique cultural experience that includes a biergarten, activities for children, dancing, food, and more!

Liberty Station Fall Happenings (4.2 Miles to Hotel)

Conveniently located near your guest room at our hotel, Liberty Station is a popular entertainment hub that offers arts, dining opportunities, and exciting fall celebrations with events like Dia de los Muertos, outdoor movie nights, and unique artisan markets. There is something for everyone at this fall and Halloween celebration at Liberty Station in San Diego.

San Diego Fleet Week (5.0 Miles to Hotel)

Fleet Week is a San Diego tradition that celebrates our strong naval presence with ship tours, flyovers, waterfront activities, and more. Guests will enjoy a variety of family activities along the Embarcadero this fall. Fleet Week is the perfect time to visit this popular landmark and is a great way to honor San Diego’s military history. Here at the Days Inn Hotel Circle, we thank you for your service and are happy to offer discounted rates year-round!

Gaslamp Quarter / Downtown San Diego (5.4 Miles to Hotel)

an archway over a street that says Gaslamp Quarter

Home to some of the best Halloween parties in San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter offers many popular entertainment options for the fall holiday. Halloween celebrations in downtown San Diego at Gaslamp Quarter include adult-friendly parties, festive bar crawls with themed craft cocktails, scary movies, and festive rooftop parties. Wear your best costume and have some Halloween fun in the city!

Belmont Park Fall Festival (5.6 Miles to Hotel)

Located nearby our hotel in Mission Beach, Belmont Park offers fall fun with pumpkin patches, seasonal treats, and festive-themed rides the whole family will enjoy. The popular Belmont Park Fall Festival is a great way to celebrate Halloween in San Diego, no matter what age!

Hauntingly Fun Halloween Events in San Diego

SeaWorld Spooktacular (5.0 Miles to Hotel)

SeaWorld Spooktacular is one of San Diego’s favorite Halloween traditions, bringing festive fun for the whole family! Kids can follow candy-filled trick-or-treat trails, enjoy Halloween-themed shows, and meet some not-so-spooky sea creatures along the way. Located just minutes from Days Inn Hotel Circle, this annual event is the perfect way to celebrate the season with plenty of treats, smiles, and seaside magic.

San Diego Zoo’s HalGLOWeen (5.3 Miles to Hotel)

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo transforms the park into a dazzling after-dark celebration filled with vibrant lights, live entertainment, and festive fall fun for all ages. Enjoy glowing displays, talented performers, and Halloween surprises around every corner. Come dressed in your favorite costume and experience one of San Diego’s most magical nighttime Halloween events!

LEGOLAND San Diego Brick-or-Treat (31.0 Miles to Hotel)

If you’re looking for a special way to spend Halloween in San Diego, LEGOLAND is the perfect choice. Enjoy the leisurely drive from our hotel to the popular theme park where Lego lovers of all ages can take part in LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat Halloween celebration. This popular fall event in San Diego features weekend candy stations, dance parties, and character meet-and-greets.

Mission Valley Neighborhood Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin Patches (Miles to Hotel Varies) Nothing says fall like a visit to a pumpkin patch in San Diego! From hayrides and family-friendly activities to arts and crafts and seasonal treats, these local spots are a favorite for kids and adults alike. Here are some of the most popular pumpkin patches in the area:

Mission Valley Pumpkin Station (1.3 Miles from Hotel)
Goff Family Pumpkin (3.7 Miles to Hotel)
Carlsbad Strawberry Company (30.5 Miles from Hotel)
Bates Nut Farm (38.0 Miles from Hotel)

Local Seasonal Highlights Near Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle

Go to a Local Farmers Market (Miles to Hotel Varies 4 to 10 miles)

Fall in San Diego is the perfect time to explore the city’s vibrant farmers markets! Stroll among colorful autumn produce, seasonal treats, and handcrafted goods from local artisans while soaking up the crisp, sunny weather. For a true taste of the season, check out the Little Italy Mercato or the Ocean Beach Farmers Market, both conveniently near Days Inn Hotel Circle and full of festive fall flavors and finds.

The Best Hotel in San Diego for Fall Festivals and Halloween Happenings

If you’re looking for a great place for a fall getaway or hauntingly fun Halloween escape, our dog-friendly Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle is the perfect choice. With our near-perfect Mission Valley location, cozy amenities, and a friendly, attentive team, you'll feel right at home in America's Finest City! Make your reservation today and view our Special Offers and Packages to book the perfect deal today.