Entertaining the kids all summer (or throughout the year) gets expensive—every dollar counts! Here are the best San Diego deals, discounts and freebies to local attractions, museums and restaurants. Have fun with your family without breaking the bank!
San Diego Hometown Pass
Spend the day showing out-of-town guests around town for free with a San Diego Hometown Pass. With the purchase of one full-fare adult ticket from a visitor, local residents enjoy the Old Town Trolley, SEAL Tour and Whaley House Day Tour for free. Apply for a Hometown Pass through Historic Tours of America: www.hometownpass.com; 866-753-7975.
Discover & Go
Reserve a free family day pass through the San Diego Public Library Discover & Go program for attractions such as Children’s Discovery Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, New Children’s Museum, Museum of Us and Skateworld. Must be a local resident age 16 or over and have a library card in good standing. www.sandiego.gov/discoversd
Resort Pass
Take a family “daycation” at one of San Diego’s favorite resort destinations. ResortPass offers single-day access to local pools, spas, cabanas and more at dozens of hotels and resorts across the county. Prices and amenities vary by location. Get the details at www.resortpass.com/hotel-day-passes/San-Diego-3.
Balboa Park Explorer Pass
Save on admission to up to 16 Balboa Park museums with a one-day, one-week or one-year Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Discover options at https://explorer.balboapark.org. San Diego Zoo and Comic-Con Museum not included.
Museum of Us Annual Pass
When you purchase one-day admission to the Museum of Us in Balboa Park, you can receive free admission for a whole year. Just opt-in with an associate during your visit. It’s that simple. www.museumofus.org
Kids Eat Free
Dozens of restaurants around town offer free meals for kids with the purchase of an adult entrée. Access the list of participating restaurants at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/kids-eat-free/kids-eat-free.
Youth Opportunity Pass
Youth ages 18 and under can register for free rides on MTS buses and trolleys and the NCTD Sprinter and Coaster through June 30, 2026 with the Youth Opportunity Pass program, a collaboration between SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) and the County of San Diego. Riders must have the Youth PRONTO app or a PRONTO Youth card. Learn more and register at www.sandag.org/yop.
Free Play Days at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Join the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla for Play Day on the second Sunday of every month. Includes free admission all day (but Play Day activities are between 11 am–2 pm), special tours, hands-on art activities, an accessible food program and more. Reservations are not required. www.mcasd.org/learn/prebys-play-day
San Diego Military Discounts
United States active-duty military personnel and veterans receive discount admission on dozens of San Diego attractions including museums, theme parks, hotels, aquariums, live entertainment, tours, sporting events and more. Get details at www.military.com/discounts/san-diego.
Resident FREE Tuesdays at Balboa Park
Select Balboa Park museums offer free admission on rotating Tuesdays to residents of San Diego County, and to active military personnel and their dependents. Access the schedule at www.balboapark.org.
LIMITED-TIME DEALS
Free Birthday Admission to The Nat (2024 only)
To celebrate San Diego Natural History Museum’s 150th birthday in 2024, all visitors receive free, one-time admission during their birthday month (in 2024 only). For entry, bring an ID, birth certificate (photocopy), school ID or other ID proof of your birthdate. More info: www.sdnhm.org/visit.
Seniors Admitted Free to San Diego Zoo Safari Park (annually in February)
Seniors (age 65 & up) receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park throughout the month of February. This annual perk includes a ride on the Africa Tram, but does not include parking. Learn more at www.sdzsafaripark.org/seniors-free.
San Diego Museum Month (annually in February)
Get 50% off admission at more than 60 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos and aquariums throughout the month of February (every year). Get details at www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month.
Kids Free October (annual)
Every year kids 12 & under receive free admission (with paid adult) to more than 50 of San Diego County’s most popular attractions and museums throughout the month of October. Kids also get to eat, stay, and play for free with deals on hotels, activities, restaurants and more. Read all about it at www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree.
We’ve made most of this information available in a free printable pdf! Click on the "SAVE BIG" graphic to print out San Diego’s Best Deals, Discounts and Freebies to Local Attractions.
Do you know other insider tips or San Diego discounts, freebies and deals for residents or visitors? Email details to
Lisa Gipson is the managing editor of San Diego Family Media.
