Some San Diego residents consider October “Locals Summer.” Thanks to the San Diego Tourism Authority, it’s also Kids-Free Month.
From October 1 through 31, youngsters accompanied by paying adults can get free meals, perks at hotels, and visits to museums and attractions. Note: before you take the family to a participating spot, check its definition of the age of an eligible child. It may be 17, 12, 10 or 5 in a few instances.
The promotion is citywide; here’s a list of downtown San Diego businesses (there may be more) where your kids can eat, drink and play for free:
RESTAURANTS
Hasta Mañana Cantina. The offer is available seven days a week in the Gaslamp Quarter for one kid under 12 to eat free for every paying adult. The kids’ menu features cheese quesadillas, bean-and-cheese burritos ($10) and grilled chicken tacos. All items come with a drink and choice of fries, fruit or rice.
Other participating restaurants include:
- Carnitas Snack Shack
- Marina Kitchen
- Smoking Gun
- Union Kitchen + Tap
HOTELS
Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Offering a Fall Family Package that includes 40% off an adjoining room and free meals for each kid under 12 with a paying adult at on-site Bronze Bird restaurant. (Use code ZJ5 when making a reservation.)
Other participating hotels include:
- Westin San Diego Bayview
- Alma San Diego
- Courtyard San Diego Downtown
- Horton Grand Hotel
- Marriott San Diego Marina
- Manchester Grand Hyatt
- Porto Vista Hotel
MUSEUMS
The New Children’s Museum. Everything is hands-on and immersive – and free for one child 17 and under accompanied by a paying adult. The free offer is good for Wednesdays and Thursdays in October (1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30).
Other participating museums include:
- Chinese Historical Museum
- Fleet Science Center
- Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Museum of US
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San DIego Natural History Museum
- San DIego Air & Space Museum
- USS Midway Museum
ATTRACTIONS
San Diego Zoo. Up to five children aged 11 and younger can get free tickets if accompanied by one ticketed supervising adult. The deal includes entrance, the Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari aerial tram (subject to availability).
Other participating attractions include:
- City Cruises
- Flagship Cruises
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Gondola Company (Coronado)
- San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
- WorldBeat Cultural Center
Note: As part of Kids Free Month, Amtrak is offering one child, aged 2-12, a free ride with one paid adult rail fare aboard the Pacific Surfliner route. SDSun
