San Diego Museum Council Announces Free Child Admissions to 50+ Local Museums during Kids Free in October

13th annual program returns with free admission for kids 12 and under at museums and cultural attractions throughout San Diego County

Photo: Courtesy of the San Diego Automotive Museum

SAN DIEGO — San Diego is always a kids’ paradise, so how do you make this SoCal adventure destination even better? With FREE kids’ admission to dozens of San Diego County’s best museums and attractions for the entire month of October!

The San Diego Museum Council has announced the return of the popular Kids Free San Diego program, now in its 13th year, presented in partnership with the San Diego Tourism Authority and with support from First 5 San Diego.

From October 1 to 31, children ages 12 and under can enjoy free admission to more than 50 museums, aquariums/zoos, gardens, state parks, historic sites and other family-friendly attractions throughout San Diego County. Sites include some of San Diego’s most popular sites, including the USS Midway Museum, Fleet Science Center, Birch Aquarium and San Diego Air & Space Museum, as well as many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Some locations are free for the entire family or offer pay-what-you-wish admission year-round. A full list of participating museums can be found on the San Diego Museum Council website.

“There really is something for every age and interest, no matter what your kids are into,” said San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman. “We have art, science, history, trains, cars, ships, animals, archaeology, and so much more. We also have gardens, parks, nature centers and hiking trails for families to get outdoors and enjoy San Diego’s beautiful Fall weather. It’s all about having fun, exploring everything San Diego has to offer, and of course, saving money, which parents always appreciate.”

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 100,000 children and adults participated in the Kids Free program.

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.

Other major local attractions participating in Kids Free include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND® California Resort and SEA LIFE® Aquarium, Belmont Park and Sesame Place. To find more family-friendly deals during the month of October, including hotels, restaurants, and activities, visit the Kids Free San Diego website.

The San Diego Museum Council is proud to receive major funding from The Prebys Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the California Arts Council, City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and County of San Diego.  

“Kids Free is the perfect time for families to enjoy time together, learning, playing and creating new memories,” said Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director of First 5 San Diego. “Children really benefit from these types of experiences, particularly in their early development years, so access is key. We are proud to be part of this program that helps more families discover the magic of museums.”  

Museum-goers are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the #KidsFreeSD hashtag and tagging their favorite museums. For more family fun ideas, follow the San Diego Museum Council on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. You can also find a variety of themed Museum Fun Guides on the SDMC blog.

About San Diego Museum Council

The San Diego Museum Council (SDMC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of 80+ member organizations across San Diego County and 21 cross-border affiliates whose mission is to increase awareness, connect, provide services and advocate for the diverse institutions within its membership. Each year, SDMC connects hundreds of thousands of San Diego residents and tourists to a range of arts and culture offerings through three signature programs, including Museum Month in February, The Big Exchange in May and Kids Free in October. For more information, visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.

About First 5 San Diego

The first five years of life are critical to a child’s development. These years shape a child’s success in school and in life. First 5 San Diego supports parents and others to help children during these early years. The Commission leads the greater San Diego community in promoting the vital importance of the first five years of life to the health and well-being of children, families and society. The ultimate goal of the Commission’s work is that all children ages zero through five are healthy, loved and nurtured, and enter school as active learners. Learn more at www.first5sandiego.org or call toll-free 1-888-5-FIRST5. Stay up to date on social media – Facebook @First5SanDiego, X (formerly Twitter) @First5SD and Instagram @first5sandiego.