On now through Saturday, Oct 31 (25 days left). Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult at more than 70 museums, gardens and historic sites, and SanDiego.org lists more than 100 Kids Free offers in all, including hotels, restaurants and attractions.
The rules
- Who: kids 12 and under, free with a paid adult (offers and age groups can vary by venue).
- How: download the Kids Free coupon for each museum you plan to visit, from the San Diego Museum Council.
- Not with: coupons can't be combined with other offers or discounts; Explorer Passes, City Pass and Go San Diego passes aren't eligible.
- Heads up: some museums charge extra for special exhibitions, and some limit the offer to once a month per guest.
Rules as published by the San Diego Museum Council for October 1 to 31, 2026.
North County and La Jolla picks
- San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
- Encinitas Historical Society and 1883 Schoolhouse, Encinitas
- ICA San Diego North, Encinitas
- Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad
- LEGOLAND® California Resort, Carlsbad
- California Surf Museum, Oceanside
- Mission San Luis Rey Museum, Oceanside
- California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum, Escondido
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
- Museum of History and Culture La Jolla, La Jolla
- Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, La Jolla
All on the Museum Council's 2026 list. Hours vary; check the venue before you go.
By Coaster from North County
- Maritime Museum of San Diego · USS Midway Museum · New Children's Museum: Coaster to Santa Fe Depot, then a short walk.
- Old Town San Diego · Junipero Serra Museum: Coaster to the Old Town stop.
- Fleet Science Center · San Diego Natural History Museum · San Diego Air & Space Museum · Museum of Us · San Diego Museum of Art · Mingei International Museum · Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum · Comic-Con Museum · San Diego History Center · Marston House Museum: Coaster plus the bus to Balboa Park.
Wednesday, Oct 7 is NCTD's Free Ride Day: the Coaster is free all day, so a museum day costs only the adult ticket. Coaster times.
Need a human?
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Questions people ask
Is Kids Free San Diego really free?
Yes for kids 12 and under at the participating museums, with a paid adult and the venue's Kids Free coupon from the San Diego Museum Council, October 1 to 31, 2026.
How many museums are in Kids Free October 2026?
More than 70 museums, gardens, historic sites and cultural attractions in the San Diego and Tijuana region, per the San Diego Museum Council; SanDiego.org lists more than 100 Kids Free offers in all.
Can I use a City Pass or Go San Diego pass?
No. The Museum Council says Explorer Passes, City Pass and Go San Diego passes are not eligible, and coupons can't be combined with other discounts.
Which Kids Free museums are in North County?
San Diego Botanic Garden, the Encinitas 1883 Schoolhouse, ICA San Diego North, Museum of Making Music, LEGOLAND, California Surf Museum, Mission San Luis Rey and more, all on the 2026 list.
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