Kids Free San Diego!

Around 30 years ago, the San Diego Zoo started to offer free entry for kids during October to boost sales during a normally slow month.  That tradition has now expanded to over 100 companies over San Diego county for the entire month of October.   “Kids Free San Diego” offers everything from free food to free museum tours and even rides on the Amtrak train for kids with an accompanying paid adult.  

Most companies restrict the deal to two free children for every one adult, except for the San Diego Zoo, which only specifies that the amount of children per paying adult must be within reason.  Either way, it’s an amazing opportunity for friendly family fun that doesn’t break the bank.  

Check out a complete list of participating companies HERE and specifically which museums (there are over 40!) which will have free entry HERE.  Note that some places, like the Birch Aquarium, require you either download or print out the coupon in order to take advantage of the deal.  A lot of places define a child as ’12 and under,’ however some places like the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park limit the age to '11 and under.’  

If you’ve ever wanted to book a week for the family at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, now is the time.  There are enough fun activities and meals to last beyond a seven-day stay.  Below is a list of our favorite picks:

 Belmont Park

Our favorite amusement park is chock full of deals this month!  Kids will receive an Unlimited Ride wristband with the purchase of one full priced adult Unlimited Ride wristband.  With the purchase of an adult unlimited laser tag wristband, one child will also receive an unlimited laser tag wristband.  Kids will love the free cotton candy they get when an adult buys an ice cream cone at The Sweet Shoppe.   You must print out the Coupon (HERE) to redeem these goodies and more!

Restaurant Deals

If you visit the Patio on Lamont during breakfast, kids will get free pancakes with the purchase of an adult breakfast.

If you’ve ever wanted to try the delicious and upscale Brazilian barbecue, Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, then this is the month to do it.  Children receive one complimentary  dinner with the purchase of an adult full-priced churrasco dinner, or entree.

For ‘shopaholics,’ Bloomingdales is letting kids eat free at their cafe.  So the whole family will benefit when you need to take a break from a shopping spree for some grub.

Museums & Culture

As we mentioned before, there are over 40 museums taking part in this amazing deal.  Balboa Park will be especially fun for the whole family, as most of their museums will offer up to two free children’s entry for every one paying adult.   You can visit as many museums as you like, just be sure you print out a coupon for the museum you want to visit.  Here are a few that we are especially excited about sharing with the kids:  

The New Children's Museum

USS Midway Museum

Japanese Friendship Garden

San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Family Entertainment

For every one adult full-priced ‘Adult Hopper’ ticket bought to LEGOLAND, you will get one free ‘Child Hopper’ ticket.  The ‘Hopper’ tickets allow you entry to LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Water Park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.  

The San Diego Zoo started it all and the fact that they let more than two children in per one paying adult is pretty awesome.  Just note that the Zoo as well as the San Diego Safari Park define children as 11 and under.  

For educational fun, the lovely Birch Aquarium in La Jolla will engage visitors of all ages.  Just be sure you print out your coupon before you go.  

On the Sea

Two kids can ride free with Flagship Cruises and Events per paid adult for all one and two-hour San Diego Harbor Tours.   

October will be the month that the whole family should learn to surf thanks to Surf Diva La Jolla, where every private surf lesson bought for an adult or child, another child will receive a free private lesson as well. 

Everyday California offers tours and rentals for kayaking and snorkeling, as well as paddle boarding and surfboard rentals.   For every paying adult, one child will be free.    

The whole fam will love taking a gondola cruise through San Diego Bay from the Gondola Company.  Up to four kids ride free for every paying adult couple.   

Take a one or two-hour cruise on Hornblower Cruises and two kids will ride free per adult.   

 By Land & Air

The Amtrak Pacific Surfline train hugs the coast of Southern California for stunning views as it makes its way to San Diego.  This month, one child will receive a free ticket per adult. 

For the truly adventurous,  Corporate Helicopters are offering one free child ride per paying adult for a 30-minute ride over San Diego, but you will need to have a minimum of two adults booked per ride. 

Take a ride on one of San Diego’s charming trolleys through Old Town or La Jolla and Mission Bay on the Old Town Trolley Tours.  For every paying adult, one child will be able to ride for free. 

Father's Day at Belmont Park

 Father’s Day is this weekend and for the ideal place to celebrate look no further than historic Belmont Park in Mission Bay.  The old-fashioned amusement park on the boardwalk has recently been renovated and added even more great attractions.  This weekend the park has tailored its activities towards things Dad and the whole family would enjoy.  We’ve crafted an itinerary for a long weekend that’s heavy on the fun and all about dad.

FRIDAY

On Friday, grab lunch at the California classic, Hot Dog on a Stick, for corn dogs made from all-turkey meat and the best fresh squeezed lemonade in town.  As your food settles, head towards Tiki Town Adventure Golf, an indoor and outdoor mini golf course.  From golf pros to beginners, you’ll have a great time on the 18-hole interactive course.

After a game of mini golf, you’ll want a snack, and right around the corner is Dole Whip, a frozen, whipped pineapple and vanilla dessert.  This refreshing treat is perfect for a hot day and not too heavy, so you’ll be ready for the next stop: the Big Dipper.  The star of Belmont Park, the Dipper is a famous wooden roller coaster and a landmark of Mission Beach.  Built in 1925 (this is the Dipper’s 90th anniversary!), this high speed ride has dips and turns and offers great views of the beach and bay when you’re at the highest peak.  

Continue the retro amusement park theme by stopping by the Liberty Carousel for a family-friendly ride, or plunge through the air on the Crazy Submarine or experience the swinging thrills of the Beach Blaster.  After all the spinning and twirling, you’ll be ready to take a seat and relax for a spell, so head over to the Wave House, home to a ten foot tall wave machine.  Watch surfers on the FlowBarrel wave simulator Hang 10 on artificial waves.  From 5pm to 8pm you can cheer on amateur flow boarders as they compete for a wildcard entry in to the US Open FlowBoarding event taking place the next day. 

At dinnertime, stroll over to Cannonball for incredible sushi and killer views.  They have the largest oceanfront rooftop in San Diego and a creative menu, all set in a pool-like seating arrangement.  Enjoy fried chicken bao buns and spicy octopus rolls while reclining on cushioned benches and finish the evening with kiwi cheesecake while keeping warm by the fire pit.  

SATURDAY 

Car enthusiasts and dad will love the 2nd Annual Car Show, held in the north parking lot from 9am to 3pm.  The first 100 dads who attend will receive a free Draft branded beer chalice!  After checking out classic cars, make your way to Draft for brunch and some brews.  Draft boasts 69 beers on tap and a wide variety of craft lagers.  And beer isn’t their only speciality, their decadent brunch menu offers strawberry shortcake biscuits, a French toast B.L.T., and a pistachio crusted salmon sandwich, to name a few. 

With cars still on the mind, steer towards the rides of Belmont park for a turn at Krazy Kars, Speedway, and Overdrive Bumper Kars.  Old-fashioned, automotive-themed fun that everyone will love. 

Head back to the WaveHouse to see the start of the US Open of FlowBoarding,which starts at 2pm.  Don’t miss your chance to meet the pros who will be signing posters and posing for photos with fans.  The WaveHouse also offers delicious food, so when you start to feel peckish, order up some sesame sriracha hummus, blackened cod sandwich or a strawberry salad.  At 6pm, live music will get you moving and  maybe give you a second wind.  

SUNDAY

After a couple days of watching the flow riders you’ll be ready for some adrenaline-packed activities, and the Zip Line is the perfect place to start.  Soar through the air and enjoy vistas of the ocean and Belmont Park.  Or, if you need an extra shot of heart-pounding adventure, then try the Leap of Faith, a free-falling bungee jump, that will make you feel free as a bird. 

For a hearty lunch, Belmonty’s is definitely for those with a heathy appetite.  Fill up on tasty burgers covered in gooey cheese, funnel cake and friend Oreos.  You’ll want to get your body moving after  lunch, and the Lazer Maze Challenge is where you should head.  Another newly added attraction, try to navigate your way through a timed course, without breaking the laser stream.  Once you have a taste for ducking and diving through lasers, naturally you’ll want to try your hand at Laser Tag, a Tron-themed, three-level course, where you compete with others in this futuristic version of tag.  

For those needing a sugary indulgence between meals, The Sweet Shoppe is your place.  Homemade fudge, candy apples and frozen bananas will satisfy your sweet tooth and tide you over until dinner.  

 If you aren’t afraid of heights, then the Sky Climb and Speedwall await.  The first is a new 30-foot tall climbing wall, with multiple ways to the top, depending on your skill-set.  Speedwall times your climb and you can compete as you race to the top.  If you still need one more shot of vertigo-challenging entertainment, the Sky Ropes is your best bet.  Once you’re secured in a harness, you can negotiate your way around this elevated rope course on roped bridges and beams.  

You’ve had brunch at Draft, but now its time for a return visit for an amazing dinner menu.   Considering they’re located right on the boardwalk, the people watching will be worth a return visit as well.  Feast on elegant comfort food like lobster fritters, Cuban torts, and to ensure a proper food coma: chocolate bread pudding with Reese’s ice cream.

MONDAY

The whole family will need a day to recover from the weekend and strolling along the bay or napping on Mission Beach will be the perfect way to repose and recharge.  At Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, we can’t think of a better way to spend a family-orientated weekend then staying local and enjoying quality time with loved ones.