Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Family's Cover Kids Search.
1. Who is eligible to enter?
Any San Diego County resident who fits into one or more age category (and has not appeared on the cover of San Diego Family or Out & About for two years) is eligible. Children must be 2-11 years old as of March 1, 2024.
2. What are the categories?
There are three age categories and one Multiples/Parent-Child category:
2-4 yrs.
5-7 yrs.
8-11 yrs.
The Multiples/Parent-Child category can be siblings (including twins, triplets), parent/child, best friends and grandparent/grandchild.
Please note: Very rarely do we include more than 2-3 people on our cover at one time.
If you enter as a group (of more than two) and are chosen as winners, it is likely that not everyone in the group will be included on the cover.
3. How much does it cost to enter?
It costs $25 for each age category entry and $35 for each Multiples entry. A portion of the proceeds from the contest will be donated to The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego.
1 Child = 1 Entry
1 Multiples/Parent-Child = 1 Entry
2 Children = 2 Entries
1 Child + 1 Multiples/Parent-Child = 2 Entries
2 Children + 1 Multiples/Parent-Child = 3 Entries
4. Can I enter more than one child?
Yes. Each child entered will need a separate entry form, photo and registration fee, unless they are entered together in the multiples category.
5. Can I enter more than one category?
Yes. You can enter each child in one age category and the Multiples/Parent-Child category. Each age category entry is $25 and needs a separate registration form. Each Multiples entry is $35. A portion of the proceeds from the contest will be donated to The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego.
6. What type of photo should I submit?
Choose a photo that shows the unique features or personality of your child. Photos do not need to be professionally taken. We are looking for clear, close-up photos, with only one person in the photo (except for the Multiples/Parent-Child category). Preferably no hat or anything that blocks the face or leaves a shadow. The child should be facing forward (not sideways) with minimal background.
7. Will the photo I submit be used on the cover?
No. A photo shoot with San Diego Family Magazine will be scheduled for each Cover Kid Winner. However, if your child is selected as a finalist, the photo you submitted will be posted on our website.
8. How many photos can I submit?
We prefer one photo per entry. We will not accept more than two photos per entry.
9. How recent should the photo be?
The photo should be taken within three months of the entry date.
10. How does it work?
- Step 1: San Diego Family Magazine will select 20 finalists in each category from the photos submitted.
- Step 2: The finalists will appear before a panel of judges for a brief interview scheduled for April 28, 2024. Seven Cover Kid winners (two winners from each age category and one from the Multiples/Parent-Child) will be selected by our judges.
11. How will I be notified if my child is a finalists?
All entrants will receive an email or phone call informing them of the results. The submitted photos of the finalists will be posted on our website.
12. When will we find out who the winners are?
The seven winners will be notified within two weeks of the judging event. Their names and photos will be published in San Diego Family Magazine and online.
13. What happens to the personal information I provided to San Diego Family Magazine?
We are the sole owners of the information collected. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email, mail or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone. For more details please read our Privacy Policy page.
14. How do I enter?
Enter directly online and pay with PayPal.
15. Where do I find an entry form?
Register online and make your payment via PayPal to complete the registration form.
For additional information, please contact our Cover Kids Team at
Watch the video from our last Cover Kids Search Event!
page updated: Jan 2024
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