UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2024. There’s more than just Halloween to make you scream and shout this October. Your whole family will want to celebrate the spooktacular season on the sunny coast since Kids Free in San Diego is back for 2023! Plus, we have “kids go free” offers listed for year-round adventures too! Keep reading for every theme park and attraction that your little ones will be able to enjoy for free this October.

San Diego beaches are free and open to the public, although you may have to pay for parking. Some of our favorite family-friendly beaches include:

• La Jolla Cove
• Mission Bay
• Mission Beach
• Coronado Beach
• Cardiff State Beach
• Tide Beach Park

Theme Park Free Admission

• San Diego Zoo - free admission for kids under 3
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park - free admission for kids under 3
• Old Town Trolley - free admission for kids under 4
• SeaWorld San Diego - free admission for kids under 3
• Legoland - free admission for babies under age 2
• Sesame Place - free admission for kids under 3

Free admission to San Diego Museums and Parks, some of our top picks include:

• Balboa Park to explore the grounds
• Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park
• Alcazar Garden at Balboa Park
• Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center (18 and under free admission)
• Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park
• Old Town San Diego Historic Park
• San Diego History Center at Balboa Park

While fall may technically start in September, we feel like October is the best embodiment of the season. Changing leaves, chilly nights and pumpkins all aglow let us know that fall – and Halloween – are really here.

Fall may be a favorite season to many, but the colder weather and shorter days tend to have us longing for a sunny beach. Which is why our team at Get Away Today loves San Diego so much. It offers both a reprieve from the colder weather and so many fun things for a family to do.

The beautiful coast and warm weather aren’t the only things that make San Diego the perfect fall vacation spot. What makes San Diego the best place to visit in October is their Kids Free promotion! Yes, you read that right: Kids Free in San Diego.

The Kids Free in San Diego promotion originally began seven years ago when the San Diego Museum Council wanted to celebrate the county by offering kids free admission. The celebration has grown each year and now almost all of our favorite San Diego theme parks and attractions join in on the Kids Free fun! To help you plan the most fun – and least expensive – trip, we’ve gathered a list of everyone offering Kids Free in San Diego this October.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! You’ll see all that and more when you visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo this fall. The top-ranked zoo is one of the largest, housing over 3,500 animals and 650 species. Your entire family will be amazed as they glimpse a look into the wild, from watching elephants splash around to hearing a lion’s roar.

The only thing that tops getting to see such majestic animals up close is getting to do it for free! The San Diego Zoo Kids Free tickets are available to purchase now, for travel October 1st to 31st.

Click here to get your San Diego Zoo Kids Free in October tickets. Remember to make sure your travel dates are in October on our ticket page so the free deal is activated.

Does your family love tigers, lemur monkeys and other savanna creatures? Then the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a must-see on your next trip. The expansive park mimics a real-life savanna like no other, even offering safaris and ziplining through the desert sanctuary. You can even watch cheetahs race across the land, competing to be the fastest cat in the park. Don’t worry, we’ve never seen a cheetah cheat this one!

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a lot of great add-ons, like their VIP Safari and Roar & Snore Safari. There’s even an option to see behind-the-scenes of the habitats and care provided. These can be such fun splurges and are much easier on the wallet when you take advantage of the Kids Free in San Diego promotion during October! That means all of your little ones, up to 11 years old, can get in free with a paying adult October 1st to October 31st.

Purchase your Kids Free San Diego Zoo Safari Park in advance here. Remember to make sure your travel dates are in October on our ticket page so the free deal is activated.

Get Away Today Bonus Savings: If you’re looking to visit both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo, the Kids Free in San Diego saves you even more. On top of getting free admission for your kids during October, you’ll also save $12 per adult ticket. Whether you choose to visit each park once or spend both visits in the same park, purchasing the 2-Visit Pass during Kids Free in San Diego will save you the most.

It would be hard to visit San Diego without taking time to appreciate the breathtaking coastline. The county is known for being home to more than 30 beaches, each offering beautiful views and the chance to frolic in the warm ocean water.

If you’re looking to visit more than one beach in a day, your family will love the Old Town Trolley’s La Jolla & Mission Beach Tour. With four stops and the ability to hop on and off as you please, it's the perfect way to spend a day in San Diego.

The Old Town Trolley offers more than just beach tours, too. Another popular one is the San Diego Tour. This 2-hour tour will take you through eight iconic stops while sharing the history and stories behind them. Or, choose the San Diego SEALS Tour to explore both the land and water of San Diego. You'll get an up-close look at the Sea Lions in the San Diego Bay and learn more about the rich military history of the city on this tour. No matter which tour you choose, your family is sure to have fun seeing San Diego like never before!

You can save more when you purchase your Old Town Trolley Tour tickets in advance. The Kids Free in San Diego promotional tickets are available now, for travel October 1st through October 31st.

We love SeaWorld – it offers so much fun for families while working hard to protect marine life around the world. Everyone in your family will love being able to learn about their aquatic friends one minute and jump on a ride or enjoy an energetic show the next minute. You’ll be able to experience even more fun when you visit the park on weekends during Halloween time.

Starting in September and running through October, SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular comes to life. Silly shows, trick-or-treating and costumed sea characters are the highlight of the event. Even if you attend during the week, you’re sure to love the not-so-scary Halloween decor around the park.

Click to purchase your Kids Free SeaWorld San Diego tickets here.

Legoland California is one of our favorite theme parks for families. While many of the attractions are best suited for kids up to 12, the Miniland USA displays and overall atmosphere are perfect for all ages. Everyone in your family will love the Ninjago attraction and nobody will be able to resist the sweet delight of Legoland’s famous apple fries.

LEGOLAND also hosts Brick-or-Treat on select nights in October. Kids will be able to enjoy boo-tiful music and entertainment while they trick-or-treat through the park. Character meet and greets, costume contests and a Fall Festival add to the Halloween fun. In 2023, Brick-or-Treat is included in your regular LEGOLAND tickets!

Buy your 2nd Day Free at San Diego LEGOLAND tickets here.

There you have it; all the attractions offering Kids Free in San Diego this October. In addition to this list, nearly every museum within San Diego County participates in Kids Free in San Diego. If you have an extra day in the sunny city, we suggest exploring Balboa Park. With so many museums near each other, you could hit multiple in a day all while not having to pay for kids!

The Kids Free in San Diego promotion is an amazing deal for families, making October one of the best times of the year to visit. Let us help you save even more on your San Diego vacation with our reduced hotel rates and exclusive perks!

Book all of our discounted San Diego packages online or give our travel experts a call at 855-GET-AWAY. Whether you’re traveling in October or not, we’ll make sure you get the best price and service!