San Diego in October: Best Things to Do with Kids
Last updated on September 17th, 2026
Planning a trip to San Diego in October?
You’ve picked one of the best months of the year to visit! With mild weather, festive fall events, and the incredible deals, October is a dream for families looking to stretch their vacation budget while still packing in plenty of fun.
San Diego in October has two major things going for it that you won’t find any other month of the year – Kids Free San Diego, where kids eat, stay, and play for free at more than 80 attractions and locations, and Halloween, a holiday that brings tons of special events and spooky activities throughout the month of October in San Diego.
In addition, you’ll find lots of other great things to do in San Diego in October. As a San Diego local, I’ve gathered them all up and can’t wait to share the details with you here.
Whether you’re after pumpkin patches, Halloween thrills, or sunny days at the beach without the summer crowds, October offers the perfect mix of activities for all ages. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting San Diego in October, including top attractions, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly savings.
San Diego Things to Do in October
1. Take Advantage of Kids Free San Diego
The highlight of October is hands-down Kids Free San Diego!
Throughout the month, kids receive free admission to over 100 museums, attractions, and restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. This includes popular spots like the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld, Belmont Park, and the USS Midway Museum.
Additionally, many hotels and restaurants offer special deals, such as free meals for kids or discounted rates for families.
Travel Insight
Each attraction sets its own rules for Kids Free October admission. Some limit how many children per adult, and some require advance tickets, and some have different age restrictions. Always check the fine print before you go!
For October 2026, some of the best deals for families include:
- San Diego Zoo & Safari Park – Kids get in free with a paying adult. Cooler fall weather makes this the perfect time of year to visit.
- LEGOLAND California – Kids can enjoy Brick-or-Treat on Saturdays in October at no extra charge.
- USS Midway Museum – Located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego, your family can explore the aircraft carrier with free youth admission.
- Balboa Park Museums – Favorites like the Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum participate, making it affordable to try more than one.
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Save Money on Top Attractions
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2. So Many Ways to Celebrate Halloween
One of the best things about visiting San Diego in the fall is all the Halloween events, and believe me San Diego goes all out for Halloween! There are options for all ages – and fright levels!
Here’s how San Diego’s major attractions are celebrating Halloween this year. Keep in mind, you can also take advantage of the Kids Free San Diego promotion at some of these attractions for big savings in October.
HalGLOWeen at San Diego Zoo
Widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the world, October at the San Diego Zoo takes it to another level. While there are many scary events happening in San Diego around Halloween, HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo is a family-friendly event perfect even for little kids!
It takes place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings in October, with activities beginning at 5 p.m.
When the sun goes down, the zoo lights up with Halloween-themed light displays and spooky costumes. Monsters come out to play at night with music performances by the Skeleton Band, acrobats, fun shows, and a kids’ Halloween dance party.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn Festival
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the fall season with amazing wildlife, special entertainment, great food, and family fun.
Taking place every Saturday and Sunday through October 25, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn Festival celebrates the return of the season of color with special entertainment, food, and even a dance jamboree with scarecrows.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular
From early September through early November, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular offers pirate-themed trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, shows, and marine life encounters – all included with park admission.
If you have little kids, you’ll also want to take them to the Baby Shark Halloween Show, which is playing throughout the season in the Mission Bay Theater toward the back of the park. The song may get stuck in your head for the rest of the day, but it’s a fun little show and a nice break from walking around outside.
Spooktacular runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through November 1.
Howl-O-Scream
Where SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is family-friendly, Howl-O-Scream is geared toward adults or if you are visiting San Diego with teens.
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event at SeaWorld San Diego, with numerous haunted houses and scare zones, thrill rides, special bars and food offerings, and even a special show. Howl-O-Scream takes place on select dates between September 11 and October 31, 2026.
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
At LEGOLAND California, its Halloween every day in October, with fun activities including character meet & greets, dance parties, themed decor, and more!
Every Saturday in October, the park becomes even more fun with its Brick-or-Treat Monster Party. Kids can wear costumes, trick-or-treat throughout the park, dance with monsters, enjoy LEGO character meet-and-greets, and enjoy special entertainment. It’s fun with just the right amount of spooky for younger children.
The event takes place on select dates between September 19 and November 1, 2026.
San Diego Museum of Illusions
The San Diego Museum of Illusions is getting a spooky makeover for Halloween! From October 20-31, the museum will be transformed into a hauntingly fun experience featuring a kaleidoscope room of bats, along with pumpkins and spider webs galore.
One of the cool things about this museum is that visitors are encouraged to take lots of pictures. The Halloween decorations are the perfect backdrop for capturing share-worthy Halloween memories.
► Be sure to check out our complete San Diego Museum of Illusions review!
3. Haunted Attractions in San Diego
Beyond the major events happening at San Diego attractions listed above, here are more haunted activities that are especially fun to experience during the month of October in San Diego.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
The Haunted Trail is a mile-long outdoor trail through dark pines and oaks designed for older kids, teens, and adults who want spine-tingling scares.
Located at Balboa Park, this Halloween attraction event combines a 3,500 sq. ft. eXperiment Maze with a dense, mile-long Haunted Trail winding through shadowy pines and oaks in the park.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park will be open nightly from September 25 through November 1, 2026.
San Diego Ghost Tours
Although you can take a ghost tour any time of year, October is an especially fun time to do it!
The Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour is my personal favorite, and one I highly recommend. Explore San Diego’s haunted history in both the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town areas of San Diego, with access into several buildings. This is the only ghost tour that takes you to both haunted areas of San Diego.
The San Diego Ghosts & Gravestones Tour is a nighttime trolley tour that goes to Pioneer Park, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Whaley House courtyard. You’ll learn about some of San Diego’s most famous haunts.
► Be sure to check out this guide to San Diego’s Best Ghost Tours for lots more options!
The Whaley House Museum
Known as one of the most haunted houses in America, you can visit the museum any time of year. However, the Whaley House offers special tours and paranormal experiences throughout October.
4. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Go Apple Picking
If you are visiting San Diego in October with kids, consider a day at the farm for a great time during pumpkin season. (Yes, even in San Diego!) Here are some local favorites.
Bates Nut Farm
A classic destination north of the city, Bates Nut Farm offers hayrides, pony rides, and thousands of pumpkins. Throughout the month of October, the Pumpkin Patch is open daily, and on weekends you can enjoy live music, food vendors, and fall-themed games.
This year, the farm’s Fall Friday Festival will take place on October 10, 17, and 24 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. It includes all the activities above, plus live music, a costume contest and parade, and family-friendly activities.
Julian Farm and Orchard
Combine apple picking with pumpkin patch fun in the mountain town of Julian!
Julian Farm and Orchard has a variety of fun activities for all ages in the fall, including a petting zoo, tractor-pulled hay rides, and games.
After enjoying the fall foliage and having fun at the apple orchards, head into Julian’s quaint downtown to browse charming shops, explore local history, or enjoy a slice of the town’s famous homemade pie.
The Julian Pie Company is one of the most popular shops and there is always a long line of people waiting to buy apple pies, but we’ve found that almost everywhere in town is just as good!
It is worth also mentioning the Julian Apple Days Festival, which is scheduled for October 2026. Since 1909, this celebration of the apple harvest season invites everyone for artistic apple displays, gold panning demos, apple cider, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and more.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
Located in Julian, Volcan Valley is one of the largest U-pick orchards, known for its wide paths and easy access for kids.
Crosscut Farm and Orchard
Crosscut Farm and Orchard is a family-owned mountain orchard in Julian where you can learn about apple farming, pick apples, sip cider, and shop for crafts. Reservations are required to maintain crowd control and ensure everyone has a quality experience.
5. Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town San Diego
October is a wonderful time to visit Old Town San Diego, when the historic neighborhood comes alive with colorful displays honoring Día de los Muertos.
One of the highlights is La Experiencia at Fiesta de Reyes, an immersive Día de los Muertos experience running from September 1 through November 2, 2026. Located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Fiesta de Reyes is filled with colorful decorations, traditional and contemporary altars, Catrinas, skulls, marigolds, artwork, and other displays celebrating the holiday.
La Experiencia is totally free to visit, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Old Town San Diego in October. Live entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere, including mariachi music and folklórico dancers. We visited on a weekend in September and the vibes were absolutely festive! You can grab a margarita or some food and enjoy the free show.
Día de los Muertos celebrations extend beyond Fiesta de Reyes, and culminate with special activities, entertainment, a weekend mercado, and the traditional candlelit procession to El Campo Santo Cemetery on November 2.
One thing I especially love about this event is that you don’t have to visit on a particular festival weekend to experience it. If your San Diego vacation falls anywhere in October, you can walk through Old Town and enjoy many of the beautiful displays.
Travel Insight
Visit Fiesta de Reyes later in the afternoon and stay into the evening. You can explore Old Town’s historic sites during daylight and then see the colorful Día de los Muertos displays as the plaza comes alive at night.
Ride the Old Town Trolley
Another great thing you can do in Old Town is hop on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour. It’s the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about the city. (Honestly, it’s] a tour you can enjoy any time of year!)
► Read our San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Guide to see why it’s the best way to see San Diego in one day.
This is the one tour I always recommend to people visiting San Diego, especially if it is their first time. If for no other reason, riding over the Coronado Bridge in an open-air trolley is exhilarating.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
6. Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park is always worth a visit, but in October it’s even better. With free admission to most museums thanks to Kids Free San Diego, your family can explore even more without breaking the bank.
Some of our favorite family-friendly museums in Balboa Park include the San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and the Museum of Us. Balboa Park’s Botanical Building is also a great spot to visit and is totally free to enter.
Don’t miss the Japanese Friendship Garden when visiting San Diego in the fall, where Japanese maples add a rare splash of fall color near downtown San Diego.
7. Spend Quality Time Outdoors
With warm days, clear skies, and crisp evenings, October is perfect for outdoor adventures. Here are just a few ideas for more fun things to do outside during October in San Diego.
- Enjoy one of these scenic and kid-friendly hikes in San Diego.
- Stroll through Seaport Village for shopping, snacks, and views of San Diego Bay.
- Rent bikes on Coronado Island and ride past the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
- Take a San Diego Harbor Cruise to spot sea lions and enjoy sunset over the skyline.
- Visit Old Town San Diego and wander through its shops, restaurants, and free attractions.
- Stroll through Del Mar Village and enjoy one of the best San Diego beaches and other fun activities.
- Visit Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
8. Beachside Fall Festival at Belmont Park
Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Festival takes place every weekend in September and October. One of Southern California’s iconic amusement parks, this seaside attraction is nearly 100 years old and a great spot to visit in the fall.
In addition to park’s fun rides and games, there will be cool displays, live music, and other fun, fall-themed activities. Plus, if you visit in October, kids ride free with the purchase of an adult wristband.
9. Spend a Day with Lions Tigers & Bears
Animal lovers looking for something a little different to do in San Diego in October should plan a visit to Lions Tigers & Bears, Southern California’s only accredited sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care for over 60 big cats, bears, and other exotic animals. The sanctuary is located in Alpine, about 30 miles east of downtown San Diego.
Unlike a traditional zoo, Lions Tigers & Bears focuses on providing a safe, permanent home for animals rescued from situations involving neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
Visit Lions Tigers & Bears
The best way to experience Lions Tigers & Bears is on a guided visit through the sanctuary and its animal habitats. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see lions, tigers, and bears, as well as other big and small cats. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of rescued ranch animals.
Tours provide an opportunity to learn the individual stories of the animals while also hearing about exotic animal rescue and the work involved in providing them with lifelong care.
For an especially memorable experience, Lions Tigers & Bears also offers overnight stays at the sanctuary.
Celebrate Halloween at the Spooky Campover & Pumpkin Bash
October brings a fun seasonal twist to the sanctuary with the Spooky Campover and Pumpkin Bash, taking place October 23 and 24, 2026.
This special Halloween weekend includes an overnight campout, pumpkin carving, costume contests, a haunted house, and other seasonal activities.
One of the highlights is the Pumpkin Bash, when families help create festive pumpkin treats for the sanctuary’s animals. It’s a fun way for families to celebrate Halloween while also learning more about the animals and the importance of enrichment in their daily care!
Support the Sanctuary at Lions Tigers & Beers
You don’t have to travel to Alpine to support Lions Tigers & Bears during October.
On October 20, the organization is partnering with TapRoom North Park for Lions Tigers & Beers, a special fundraising night from 6 to 10 p.m.
The evening includes animal-themed trivia featuring wildlife facts and stories about some of the sanctuary’s residents. TapRoom will also pour a specialty beer created for the event.
Twenty percent of proceeds from the evening will benefit Lions Tigers & Bears, helping provide rescued animals with food, veterinary care, enrichment, and a safe permanent home.
You can learn more about visiting the sanctuary, October events, and ways to support the organization at lionstigersandbears.org.
10. Go to the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Head to La Jolla Village October 10 and 11, 2026, for the annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. This two-day festival takes over Girard Avenue with art displays, live entertainment, food, drinks, and family-friendly activities.
While wine is part of the festivities for adults, there is plenty to see and do with kids including lots of fun activities at Geppetto’s Toys Family Art Center. There will be arts and crafts, dancing, robotics, acrobatics, and live performances for kids.
The festival is FREE but tickets are required to enter the Wine & Beer Garden, and this area is only open to adults 21 and over.
After you enjoy the festival, leave some extra time to explore La Jolla Village and walk down to the coast to see the sea lions and enjoy the ocean views.
11. Check Out Pacific Beachfest
The only thing better than a day at the beach is a beach fall festival! Drop by Pacific Beachfest to catch live performances on three stages while enjoying food, drinks, and more right on the sand. And the best part is this popular event in San Diego is free!
Pacific Beachfest is a family-friendly annual event with lots of music and fun for all. It will take place this year on October 3, 2026.
San Diego Weather in October
San Diego enjoys some of its best weather in October. This comfortable climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities, beach days, and exploring the city’s many attractions. You can expect:
- Daytime highs: around 70°F
- Evenings: cooler, often dipping into the 60s°F (16–18°C).
- Rain: rare, but a light jacket is useful for breezy nights.
► Travel Insight
Dressing in layers in key if you are visiting San Diego in October. Pack shorts and t-shirts for the day, with sweaters or jackets for the evenings, especially if you’re right near the coast.
Tips for Visiting San Diego in October with Kids
Here are few important things to keep in mind when planning your trip.
- Plan ahead for Kids Free San Diego: Check attraction websites for details and any blackout dates.
- Book accommodations early: October is popular with families thanks to the discounts, so hotels fill up quickly.
- Arrive early to popular spots: Pumpkin patches, Balboa Park, and the Zoo get crowded on weekends.
- Use public transit: Places like Old Town and Seaport Village draw huge crowds, and parking can be tough. Using San Diego’s public transportation system is a great alternative.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in October in San Diego
The wonderful thing about San Diego in general is – there really is no bad time of year. Thanks to its beautiful climate, all the great things about visiting San Diego in the summer can still be enjoyed through the fall. Beach days continue past their summer peak, theme parks stay open year-round, and family-friendly hiking trails can be enjoyed any time.
That said, I truly believe October is the best time to visit San Diego. October brings a perfect blend of value and fun for the whole family. With warm weather, fall festivals, and the unbeatable Kids Free San Diego deals, it’s the best month of the year to explore San Diego with kids.
Whether you’re carving pumpkins, strolling Balboa Park, or watching the sunset over the Pacific, October brings a little extra magic to America’s Finest City.
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