San Diego Museum Council announces free admission for children in October 2024

San Diego Museum Council announces free admission for children at over 50 local museums during Kids Free in October

San Diego is always a paradise for kids. How can you make this Southern California adventure destination even better? With FREE admission for kids to dozens of San Diego County's best museums and attractions throughout October!

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

From 1 to 31 October Children under 12 get free admission to over 50 museums, aquariums/zoos, gardens, national parks, historic sites and other family-friendly attractions. throughout San Diego County. Attractions 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 places are free for the whole family or offer admission at your leisure year-round. For a full list of participating museums, visit the San Diego Museum Council website.

“There's truly something for every age and interest, no matter what your kids are interested in,” said Bob Lehman, executive director of the San Diego Museum Council. “We have art, science, history, trains, cars, ships, animals, archaeology and more. We also have gardens, parks, nature centers and trails so families can get outdoors and enjoy San Diego's beautiful fall weather. It's all about having fun, exploring all that 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 took part in the Kids Free program.

How to participate: Up to two children (ages 12 and under) are admitted free per adult ticket purchased. To participate, you must download a Kids Free coupon for each venue you plan to visit at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. Then simply present it at the participating museum's ticket booth to receive your free child admission. Note: Some museums may have restrictions, so guests are encouraged to check the website for more information prior to their visit.

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. For more family-friendly deals in October, including hotels, restaurants and activities, visit the Kids Free San Diego website.

The San Diego Museum Council is proud to receive a majority of funding from the Prebys Foundation, with additional funding provided by the California Arts Council, the City of San Diego Arts and Culture Commission, and the County of San Diego.

“Kids Free is the perfect opportunity for families to spend time together, learn, play and create new memories,” said Alethea Arguilez, executive director of First 5 San Diego. “Children really benefit from experiences like this, especially in their early developmental years, so access is critical. We are proud to be part of this program that helps more families discover the magic of museums.”

Museumgoers are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #KidsFreeSD and tag their favorite museums. For more family fun ideas, visit 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.