San Diego Museum Council Celebrates Kids Free in October

The 14th annual program is bigger than ever with free admission for kids 12 and under at more than 60 museums and cultural attractions throughout San Diego County

October is bursting with kid-sized culture and endless adventure in San Diego! The San Diego Museum Council announces the return of Kids Free San Diego, with free childrens’ admission to dozens of San Diego County’s favorite museums and cultural attractions for the entire month of October. The beloved program, now in its 14th year, is presented by Title Sponsor San Diego Foundation with support from First 5 San Diego, and in partnership with the San Diego Tourism Authority.

All month long, children ages 12 and under can enjoy free admission to more than 60 museums, aquariums, gardens, historic sites and other family-friendly destinations throughout San Diego County — the biggest lineup ever! Some locations are free for the entire family or offer pay-what-you-wish admission year-round. A full list of participating sites can be found on the San Diego Museum Council website.

New for 2025: Families can be among the first to visit the brand-new Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, which opens to the public on Oct. 4. (Reservations are strongly encouraged.)

“October is the perfect time for families to go on an adventure and discover something new together,” said San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehmah. “From exploring art and science to connecting with nature, these experiences can open young minds to a world of new possibilities. Admission may be free, but the memories are truly priceless.”

Kids Free aims to give more families access to the wide range of fun and enriching museum experiences available in San Diego. Last year, more than 145,000 children and adults participated in the Kids Free program.

“As San Diego Foundation celebrates 50 years of impact, we are honored to support Kids Free October as Title Sponsor,” said Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation. “This program reflects our belief that every child should have the opportunity to explore, learn and be inspired by the arts and culture that make San Diego such a special place. By opening doors for families, we are investing in the next generation and strengthening the future of our community.”

How to Participate

Free admission is available for up to two kids (ages 12 and under) for every adult ticket purchased. To participate, you will need to download a Kids Free coupon for each venue you would like to visit at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. Then, simply present it at the participating museum’s admissions desk to receive your free child admissions. Note: Restrictions may apply at some museums, so guests are encouraged to check the website for more information before visiting. Coupons cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Balboa Park Explorer Passes, City Pass and Go San Diego Passes are not valid for this promotion. Offer valid Oct. 1-31.

More Ways to Eat, Stay, and Play for Free

Kids Free is not just for museums! Kids can also eat, stay and play for free in October with deals on hotels, restaurants, activities and attractions, giving locals and visitors even more ways to enjoy affordable family fun in San Diego. Other major local attractions participating in Kids Free include LEGOLAND® California Resort and SEA LIFE® Aquarium, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld, and Belmont Park. For a full list of family-friendly deals during the month of October, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Kids Free San Diego website.

Families are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the #KidsFreeSD hashtag and tagging their favorite museums. For fun ideas about where to visit during Kids Free, follow the San Diego Museum Council on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. You can also find more themed Museum Fun Guides on the SDMC blog.

Support for Kids Free San Diego

Support for Kids Free is generously provided by Title Sponsor San Diego Foundation with additional support from First 5 San Diego. The San Diego Museum Council is proud to receive major funding from the Prebys Foundation, the City of San Diego Cultural Affairs Department, the County of San Diego, and California Arts Council, a state agency.

“Kids Free opens the door for families to explore museums, aquariums and gardens together — creating lasting memories while sparking curiosity and learning,” said Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director of First 5 San Diego. “These kinds of hands-on experiences are especially meaningful in children’s early development years, and by removing cost as a barrier, more families can share in the joy of learning that feels like play.”