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