San Diego Museum Council Announces Free Child Admissions to 50+ Local Museums in October
SAN DIEGO — October is the BEST time to be a kid in San Diego! The San Diego Museum Council has announced the return of the popular Kids Free San Diego program, 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 dozens of museums and other family-friendly attractions throughout San Diego County. Last year, 85,000 children and adults participated in the Kids Free program. Kids Free aims to give more families access to the wide range of fun and enriching museum experiences offered in San Diego. With more than 50 participating locations all over the county, there is something for every age and interest, including art, science, history, cultural heritage, nature, wildlife, trains, ships and much more. A list of participating museums can be found on the San Diego Museum Council website (with additional locations still being added). Sites include some of San Diego’s best known and loved institutions 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. “It’s a full month of family fun that doesn’t break the bank,” said San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman. “Whether you are a local or visiting San Diego, there is always something new to discover during Kids Free, including new exhibitions or historic sites, gardens, aquariums, state parks and other non-traditional ‘museum’ experiences people may not know about.” “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.” 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. Additional support for Kids Free is provided by the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, California Arts Council and The Pecus Group. Other major local attractions participating in Kids Free include the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, 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.
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, Twitter and YouTube. 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 55+ member museums in locations across San Diego County 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, Twitter @First5SD and Instagram @first5sandiego.
