San Diego Museum Council Announces Free Child Admissions to Dozens of Local Museums in October
SAN DIEGO — Mark your calendars for lots of FREE family fun this Fall! 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 beloved museums and other family-friendly attractions throughout San Diego County. Kids Free is an opportunity for local families and tourists alike to explore San Diego’s fun and vibrant museum scene. With locations throughout the San Diego region, from Oceanside to Imperial Beach and Point Loma to Campo, 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). Last year, 30,000 children and 17,000 adults participated in the Kids Free program. Kids can learn about dinosaurs and military heroes, discover their inner-artist or scientist, explore different cultures, fuel their passion for trains or classic cars, find a new passion like surfing or music, get up close to wildlife or explore the great outdoors. Participating institutions include some of San Diego’s best known and loved sites as well as many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. “With so much to see and do, San Diego is always a kids’ paradise,” said San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman. “But in October, it gets even better with Kids Free. It’s the perfect time for families to play big – and save big – on the best attractions San Diego has to offer, including some destinations that are free or donation-based all year long. We love the opportunity to make these enriching experiences more accessible to everyone and to help make lasting family memories.” 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. Generous support for Kids Free is provided by First 5 San Diego, The Pecus Group and grants from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture, California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. To find other great family-friendly deals for hotels, restaurants and activities in San Diego this October, 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. 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.
