California: San Diego, October Is Free for Kids. 
Great news! For the entire month of October families with young children may take advantage of special deals and savings at San Diego hotels, attractions, restaurants, arts and culture venues, transportation companies, and vacation activities.
San Diego is a sure bet for families no matter the age mix of children. No one will be bored. So I am happy to share the news about extra vacation savings for families.
Here’s the scoop. "
Kids Free San Diego" month provides families an opportunity to save during budget-conscious times, by offering a variety of "kids free" incentives, ranging from complimentary meals, attraction admission and Amtrak rides to welcome amenities at area hotels.
San Diego is a world-class family vacation destination offering great attractions, arts and culture, family fun eateries, beaches and tide pools, surfing, whale watching and golf. In October the area’s sunny weather make sharing fun-filled fall activities easy. This year during October San Diego is supporting the first-ever, and hopefully annual "Kids Free San Diego" month.
Kids Ride Free on Amtrak and Local Sightseeing Tours. Parents don't have to worry about transportation expenses with the following money-saving offers: Amtrak is offering one child, ages 2-15, free rides per one paid adult rail fare aboard the Pacific Surfliner route; Hornblower Cruises & Flagship Cruises are offering kids free; Old Town Trolley Tours of America, San Diego SEAL Tours Sea and Land Adventures, and Newport Landing Whale Watching all have special savings.
Save Big on World-Class Family Attractions. Home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND® California Resort, San Diego is offering substantial savings this October with free kids' admission to more than 30 local attractions including San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND® California Resort, and SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium.
Hotels Roll Out the Welcome Mat for Kids. Located throughout the San Diego region, more than 30 hotels, ranging from budget to luxury, are rolling out the welcome mat this October for kids. Kids eat free at many hotels or receive special welcome gifts upon arrival at others. Properties include Catamaran Resort & Spa on Mission Bay, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa on Mission Bay, Hotel del Coronado.
Kids Feast at San Diego's Restaurants. A number of family-friendly restaurants are participating in the month long family vacation savings event. Top names include Vigilucci's Ristorante Coronado, Hard Rock Café San Diego, Croce's Restaurant & Jazz Bar, and Gaslamp Quarter's Urban Bar & Grill.
Kids Learn and Have Fun at San Diego's Diverse Arts and Culture Venues. Kids have endless options to learn and have fun at more than 30 San Diego museums countywide that are offering free admission to all kids, ages 12 and younger in October. As partial list includes Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, New Children's Museum, USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum's San Salvador, and Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla.
Fall for the Arts 2012. Throughout the month of October, arts enthusiasts of all ages can also enjoy special promotions and deals at more than 45 San Diego arts and culture organizations, including theater, music and dance, during, a month-long spotlight on the region's vibrant arts and cultural offerings. Highlights include: Trolley Dances 2012, and Art of Elan's 6th Season.
Kids Can Hang 10 or Learn to Golf. During October, kids can enjoy a variety of free activities from learning to surf at Surf Diva Surf School in La Jolla to golfing at San Vicente Golf Resort in San Diego's East County.
Make it happen. For a complete listing of "Kids Free San Diego" Month participants and their special offers, visit
SanDiego.org/KidsFree or (619)236- 1212.
Editor’s note. When my family was younger and our home base was Arizona, San Diego was our “go to” vacation spot. We have fond memories of San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and La Jolla. Del Coronado, Torrey Pines, whale watching, surf lessons, and kites on the beach still evoke smiles. The area is easy to navigate; the beaches are varied and attractive; the ocean is always beautiful; the attractions are world-class and the weather any time of year – a delight. (Sweat shirts always useful.) Add to all of that a friendly, free-style atmosphere obvious in the small communities and in the Gaslight District. There is no need to drive north to Disney to find action. San Diego has been delivering quality family vacations for decades without long lines. It is a destination where families can feel free even if it isn’t October.
Content and images provided by San Diego CVB. Comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac. Copyright 2012.
