If you are looking for a fall trip, head to San Diego. Lots of attractions are free this month. With October being the perfect time to celebrate fall, it’s also San Diego’s favorite month to celebrate the kids. The savings are significant, especially to those familiar with theme park admission fees. I did a little digging and I found some super cool additional events happening in October that I want to share with you, hoping I’ll see you at some of them!
In October, kids are free at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park! From October 1st – 31st, children age 11 years and younger can experience the wildlife with no admission fee. The San Diego Zoo houses over 3,700 animals including pandas, giraffes, lions, snakes, and so many more. Just last night, they welcomed a new baby elephant to their herd! My kids always love seeing the exotic animals, and it’s so much better to go now that the weather has cooled down.
The Great Annual Pumpkin Festival
The Great Annual Pumpkin Festival is located at The Children’s Nature Retreat, home to over 120 domestic livestock. During the festival, they have a six foot hay maze for kids and adults to enjoy. There is definitely something spooky about getting lost in a maze. The best part is their beautiful pumpkin patch where you can pick the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve for Halloween!
USA Ultimate National Championships
Does anyone else secretly love throwing a frisbee around? The USA Ultimate National Championship is the chance for you to see it played like never before. Ultimate is unique and exciting, and definitely more intense than you would expect. You can check it out from October 18th-21st. I think this particular even would make the perfect date!
The Extreme Sailing Series is an international sailing circuit designed with the audience in mind. The event tour travels through the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The most unique part about this is that they even offer a VIP experience where you can ride on-board the high speed boats as a guest sailor, pretty cool huh? This event runs from October 18th-21st.
Another family friendly weekend can be found at the Borrego Days Desert Festival. From the 19th to the 21st you can experience parades, inspiring artwork, delicious food, and lots of live music. There’s usually a carnival area for the kids, and one-of-a-kind goods made by local artists. I love flea markets, so sign me up!
Fleet Week San Diego honors the men and women of the military with a celebration. It was created by San Diego’s community to offer support to Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. It’s a ton of fun, and for a good cause. Some of the events include a golf tournament, ship tours, and tailgates. It runs for an entire week between October 22-28th.
Monster Bash is a massive outdoor block party with over 20 DJs and performers. This one is not for children! There is an amazing costume contest with $5,000 in prizes, so people really get into the Halloween spirit. This music festival features artists such as E-40, Cheat Codes, Michael Calfan, and so many more. It’s October 27th in the Gaslamp Quarter, and it’s a party.
Balboa Park Halloween Family Day
On October 27th there’s an awesome Halloween carnival in Balboa Park! There are crafts for kids, costume parades, carnival games, and local food trucks. Over 24 participating museums help make this possible, it’s a wonderful day to spend time with your family. Don’t forget to dress up and get spooky!
Day of the Dead Festival – North Park
Celebrate this vibrant Mexican holiday at North Park on the 27th. Día de Muertos is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. This festival offers sugar skull decorating, face painting, a community altar, tequila tasting, music, and so many food trucks. I think it’s super important to teach my children about other cultures. Guess what? It’s free!
Pet Con is a convention where you can discover the latest in the world of animals. Enter your pet in the talent or costume contest, support local animal causes, and meet animals looking for a forever home. Experience furry fashion, spa treatments from local groomers, and learn tips from expert trainers. Bring your pet on October 27th!
San Diego Zoo
Safari Park
Sea World
LEGOLAND
Balboa Park Museums
Kids Eat Free at The Catamaran
USS Midway
Flagship Cruises
Hornblower Cruises
Seal Amphibious Tour
KIDS EAT FREE
• Bahia Resort Hotel
• Bay Club Hotel & Marina
• Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel
• The Bristol San Diego
• Courtyard San Diego Downtown
• The Dana on Mission Bay
• Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle (Near SeaWorld)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
• Four Points by Sheraton San Diego
• Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
• Hilton San Diego Del Mar
• Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
• Holiday Inn Bayside
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites San Diego Mission Valley
• Homewood Suites Hotel Circle
• Hotel Republic San Diego
• Kimpton Solamar Hotel
• Kings Inn
• Loews Coronado Bay Resort
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
• Quality Suites San Diego
• Rancho Bernardo Inn
• Residence Inn Gaslamp
• Sheraton La Jolla
• The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
• The US Grant
FREE Kids Welcome Gift (approximate value $25)
• Best Western Mission Bay
• The Bristol San Diego
• Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego- (Zoo/SeaWorld Area)
• Empress Hotel La Jolla
• Homewood Suites Hotel Circle
• Kimpton Solamar Hotel
• Ocean Park Inn
• Pendry San Diego
• Rancho Bernardo Inn
• Residence Inn Gaslamp
Which of these are your favorites? I am definitely looking forward to the Pumpkin Festival! Living in paradise all the time is amazing, but sometimes I miss the east coast and the fall traditions I grew up with. Visiting a pumpkin patch is a sign that it’s finally really autumn, even if it’s still 80 degrees outside. Besides, there’s no better feeling than spotting the perfect pumpkin that you just have to take home. Hope your family too enjoys this kids-FREE October.
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Do you know if this holds true for every October? Looking to plan a trip this this year in October