October is one of the best months to be a kid in San Diego — and one of the best months for parents to save some money! Kids Free San Diego is back for its 15th year, bringing more than 100 deals to attractions, museums, restaurants and hotels throughout the county.

From free admission to the San Diego Zoo to free kids’ tickets at LEGOLAND, there are plenty of ways to turn October into a month of family adventures without spending a fortune.

Here are some of the best Kids Free October deals to put on your family’s list.

San Diego Zoo: Kids 11 and Under Go Free

If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to visit the Zoo, October is it. Throughout October, children 11 and younger get free admission with a ticketed or membership-holding adult.

Even better, the free admission includes the Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari aerial tram, subject to availability. Each qualifying adult can bring up to six children.

When: October 1-31, 2026
Ages: 11 and under

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Kids Go Free

Take a trip to the Safari Park and let the kids see giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more without paying admission for them.

Children 11 and younger are free throughout October with a qualifying adult admission. The deal also includes the Africa Tram, subject to availability.

It’s an especially fun option during the Safari Park’s Autumn Festival, taking place on select weekends in October.

LEGOLAND California: Free Child Ticket

LEGO-loving kids have another reason to celebrate. LEGOLAND California is offering a free child Hopper Ticket with the purchase of a full-price adult Hopper Ticket.

Families can choose options that include LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium, or the Resort Hopper option that also includes LEGOLAND Water Park. Reservations are required, so don’t wait until the last minute to plan this one.

Ages: 2-12
Offer: One free child ticket with a full-price adult ticket

SeaWorld San Diego: Kids Go Free

October is also a great time to visit SeaWorld. Kids can go free with a paid adult ticket during the Kids Free promotion.

And because it’s October, you can combine the visit with seasonal fun including Spooktacular, with trick-or-treating and family-friendly Halloween activities.

Belmont Park: Free Kids’ Wristband

Want to mix a beach day with amusement park fun? Belmont Park is offering one free child wristband with the purchase of an adult wristband throughout October.

Use promo code KIDSFREE when purchasing online or at checkout. Children must be 12 or younger and present to redeem the offer.

Belmont Park is also celebrating fall with its Beachside Fall Festival, plus free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October.

Birch Aquarium: Free Child Admission

Explore the underwater world at Birch Aquarium without paying for one of the kids.

During October, you can get one free child admission for every full-price adult ticket purchased. Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and you’ll use the code KIDSFREE26 at checkout.

Ages: 12 and under

Fleet Science Center

Have a budding scientist at home? October is a great time to explore the Fleet Science Center’s hands-on exhibits while taking advantage of Kids Free.

Kids can explore more than 100 interactive exhibits, making this a particularly good rainy-day—or just too-hot-for-outside-day—activity.

The Nat

The San Diego Natural History Museum is another great Balboa Park option. During Kids Free October, up to two children ages 12 and under can get in free with one paid adult.

Families can check out exhibits including Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, Expedition Baja and Hidden Gems. The museum also offers Nature Studio on Saturdays.

USS Midway Museum

Have kids who love planes, ships or anything military-related? Head to the USS Midway.

During October, two children can get free admission with one full-price adult admission. Kids can explore the massive aircraft carrier, climb into aircraft cockpits and check out the flight deck.

The offer is valid October 1-31, 2026.

More Than 70 Museums Are Participating

The biggest Kids Free deal might actually be the sheer number of museums participating.

The San Diego Museum Council says more than 70 museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens and other attractions are participating in Kids Free October. In general, children 12 and under receive free admission with a paid adult, although the exact offer varies by location.

That means you can turn October into a mini museum challenge: pick one new place to explore every weekend!

Take a Ride Around San Diego

Want to see the city without hearing, “Are we there yet?” every five minutes?

Kids Free October also includes transportation and sightseeing offers. The Old Town Trolley Tours is offering one free child ticket for every paid adult ticket.

There are also Kids Free cruise and sightseeing opportunities included among this year’s participating offers.

Explore Old Town

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fun day in Old Town.

Kids 12 and under can take advantage of Kids Free offers at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where families can explore historic buildings, museums and exhibits. October is also a particularly fun time to visit because Día de los Muertos celebrations begin throughout the area.

Make It a Staycation

Kids Free isn’t just about attractions. Several San Diego hotels are offering special October packages for families.

For example, the San Diego Mission Bay Resort is offering up to 15% off stays, a kids’ welcome amenity and a $50 daily resort credit for stays of two nights or more. The offer applies to October stays and uses promo code KIDSFREE26.

If you’re looking for a fun fall staycation, October could be the perfect time to book one.

How to Get the Kids Free Deals

Most Kids Free offers run October 1 through October 31, 2026, but the rules are different from one attraction to another.

Before heading out:

• Check the individual attraction’s offer before you go.
• Download or save the Kids Free coupon when one is required.
• Check age restrictions — some offers are for kids 11 and under, while others go up to age 12.
• Look for reservation requirements.
• Check whether parking, special exhibits or special events cost extra.
• Don’t assume every Kids Free deal works the same way.

The official Kids Free San Diego program has the full list of participating businesses and offers.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been saying, “We really need to do more family activities,” October is a great time to start. Kids Free San Diego runs all month long, and there are more than 100 ways for families to save.

Whether your kids want animals, science, LEGO, rides, museums, ships or Halloween fun, there is a good chance you’ll find a deal that fits your family.

So grab the calendar, pick a few October weekends and start making your San Diego Kids Free bucket list