Located south of downtown San Diego and just north of the Mexico border, San Diego’s South Bay is home to a number of exciting experiences that have Kids FREE savings now through October 31.
On the south end is Imperial Beach and the Tijuana Estuary, the largest salt-water marsh in Southern California and another great spot to see migratory birds and local wildlife. North of the Estuary, located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a family-friendly aquarium and nature center with walking trails. Chula Vista is also home to the San Diego region’s newest theme park, Sesame Place San Diego. And just a short drive away, you’ll find the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center that houses the Bonita Historical Society and over 2,000 objects connected to our region.
Find our complete Kids Free San Diego Fun Guide guide to all of San Diego County here.
A Month of Family Fun
Kids Free San Diego
October 2024
It’s a kid’s paradise all month long! Kids ages 12 and under receive FREE admission with a paid adult to more than 60 of San Diego County’s favorite museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens and more. Many are even free for the whole family! See all participating museums and offers here.
Kids also get to eat, stay, and play for free with dozens of deals on hotels, activities, restaurants, and attractions including SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Sesame Place and Belmont Park. Plan your trip today at SanDiego.org and get ready to explore!
Some restrictions apply and offers vary by participating organization. See offer coupons for specific details on each location before visiting.
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
Bonita
October is a great time to visit the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. October is a great time to visit the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center. Kids can explore a new exhibit about the ancient fossils of South Bay San Diego. Explore what the area was like when San Diego was under water through touchable fossil layers. Also, find a gem pocket of local tourmaline and quartz. Bonita also will be hosting the Chula Vista Art Guild Exhibition opening October 12 with a reception on Oct. 19. Get your Kids Free coupon here.
Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center
Barrio Logan
Located in Barrio Logan, the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center is a great place for kids to learn about Chicana/o, Latina/o, and Indigenous culture and history. Celebrate the museum’s second anniversary on Oct. 6 with artist Tim Redbird featured in the Community Artists Gallery and on Oct. 12 see the new exhibit CHICANISMO and the Art of Resistance: The Legacy of Ricardo Favela. Get your Kids Free coupon here.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Chula Vista
At the southern end of San Diego Bay is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a zoo/aquarium dedicated to connecting families with coastal wildlife. Get face-to-face with endangered sea turtles, explore Raptor Row and Eagle Mesa (featuring hawks, falcons, owls and even an American Bald Eagle!), touch friendly rays in the Shark & Ray Experience and see all types of fish, octopuses, jellies, reptiles and amphibians in the Aquarium Galleries. Get your Kids Free coupon here.
Sesame Place San Diego
Chula Vista
There’s only one place in California made just for your little ones. The all-new Sesame Place theme park in Chula Vista. Where the imagination of Sesame Street® comes to life. And small moments feel larger than life. Where story time becomes a story itself. And big wishes are within arm’s reach. Splashes, rides, and hugs all included. New Sesame Place San Diego. Find your Kids Free Coupon Here.
Tijuana Estuary
Imperial Beach
While in South Bay, plan a visit to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center in Imperial Beach, the “most southwesterly city in the contiguous United States.” It is always free to visit this National Estuarine Research Reserve and Visitor Center, which features hands-on, interactive activities for all ages to learn all about the biological diversity of our coastal wetlands. Go on a guided nature or bird walk or explore the kid-friendly hiking trails on your own. Get your Kids Free coupon here.
Halloween FUN Guide
It’s officially “Spooky Season” in San Diego and local museums are ready to help you celebrate! There’s plenty of fun to check out for kids, adults and families. Just view our NEW fun guide for the best of Halloween and Día de los Muertos events throughout San Diego at Find the FUN here!
