If you plan to explore San Diego with your children, go in October. The city’s Kids Free in October program provides free tickets for children at more than 30 museums in the area.

The San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld are also taking part in the month of freebies. Adults pay their way, but it’s still a nice break for the little ones at some of the city’s biggest attractions.

The deal: The promotion lets two kids enter participating attractions free with a paid adult ticket. The San Diego Museum Council and Time Warner Cable are partnering to present the promotion, now in its fourth year.

Here’s how it works: Two children 12 years old and younger receive free museum admission for every paid adult ticket. You must present a coupon at each museum you want to visit, but you can print out as many as you like.


Participating museums include the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla (usually $12.50 for kids), the San Diego Air & Space Museum (usually $9 for kids) and the Marston House Museum & Gardens (usually $4 for kids).

When: The museum offer is good Oct. 1-31.

Info: San Diego Museum Council Kids Free in October

More freebies: Amtrak and other San Diego attractions get into act too, but the rules are different from the museum program. Check out these offers below.


--Kids ride for free on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner rail service to three San Diego destinations during October. Children 2 to 15 years old receive free tickets with each adult paid fare to and from stations in Oceanside, Old Town and Downtown. You can board in San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles or any stop in between. Info: Kids Ride Free to San Diego.

The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park gives free admission to children 11 and younger at both locations. Tickets to each usually cost $36 for children; 12-and-older tickets cost $46 per person. Info: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Kids Free in October.

SeaWorld San Diego allows children 3 to 9 years old free entry with a paid adult ticket during October. The special applies to Dine With Shamu and Dolphin and Beluga Interaction Programs too. Info: SeaWorld San Diego Special Offer.