event

2026 Halloween and Fall Fun Events in San Diego, CA

Abby H.Leave a comment

It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! I’ll be decorating the house this week, once the heat breaks, and we’ve already started on Halloween costumes!

My kids have always loved wearing their costumes as much as possible, so we’re always on the lookout for fun Halloween events.

Here are just a few events that are free and seasonal.

10/09/2026

10/17/2026

10/18/2026

10/23/2026:

10/24/2026:

10/25/2026

10/30/2026:

10/31/2026

SanDiego.org has a listing of events all over the county. Some may not be free.

Talk Back: If you know of any free Halloween or Fall events that are free and family-friendly, please leave a comment!

October is Kids Go Free Month 2026 Edition!

Abby H.

October is a great time to be a kid in San Diego!

This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many arts, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County.

For those of us with curious kids, this is perfect! Kids can get into over 40 museums in the San Diego area for free with paying adults (all the info can be found here).

Some of the participating organizations include:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Fleet Science Center (Galleries only)
Heritage of the Americas Museum
Japanese Friendship Garden
Living Coast Discovery Center
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Marston House Museum & Gardens
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
Timken Museum of Art (it’s always free for everyone, FYI)
Women’s Museum of California

A full list can be found here. Oh, and as part of free October, Kids can get into the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park free when accompanied by a paying adult!  Other Kids go free attractions include: Legoland, Sea World, and the USS Midway!!

*Some museums charge fees for special exhibitions, programs or films. Some museums may limit offer use to once per month per guest. Purchase of a Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program.

8/29/26 Free Teacher Supply Event (San Diego, CA)!

Abby H.

If you are a San Diego, CA area teacher, check out this awesome free event!

Date: August 29, 2026

Time: TBD

Address: 1069 Graves Ave. Suite 100, El Cajon, CA 92021
Stock up for the new school year — for free! ECS Federal Credit Union is hosting a Teacher Supply Drive exclusively for ECS member educators. Gather supplies for your classroom, enjoy some bites, WIN AMAZING RAFFLE PRIZES, and explore resources from vendors and partners!
All supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Selection may vary.

Free Backpacks & School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s that time of year- Back to school is looming. School supplies and backpacks are getting more expensive. However, there are several opportunities in the San Diego, CA area for free backpacks, school supplies, and even free haircuts for kids at selected events. For more information about each event, click the links or images (they are linked to the events).

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Spring Valley Gymnasium, 838 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –1:30 PM

 NAACP’s 24th Annual Back 2 School Stay in School Rally
MiraCosta College (Clock Tower Area), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:30 AM –12:30 PM

Buddy’s Backpacks is WILDLY popular here in East County. It starts at 9am, but last year, when we drove by at 8 am, there were already over 200 people in line. If you are dedicated to attending this event, consider arriving very early.

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, 92129
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

Southern Indian Health Council – Back to School Bash
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Sat, August 1, 2026 11:00 AM –2:00 PM
CCAE is in Central Escondido, CA. This is a newer event, and they have supplies for 200 students. There will be backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and more. 

Back 2 School Jam – Lakeside.  School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Lakeside Teen/REC Center, 9911 Vine St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Fri, August 7, 2026 3:00 PM –6:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

Super Saturday | CSAM ’26 Community Event Backpacks, school supplies, and resources.
County of San Diego Child Support Services, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Sat, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM –1:00 PM

Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
The O’Farrell Charter School (outdoors lower lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
Sat, August 8, 2026 8:00 AM –10:00 AM

Talk Back: If you know of other similar events, please leave a comment!

7/17/2026 All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

It’s back! If you have special needs kids in your life, you need to check out this FREE community event with interactive booths, games, resources, crafts, prizes, and shopping for families of all ages and abilities!

 

What: All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair

When: Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center, 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, 92126.

This free community event is an amazing day for families to have fun, connect, and explore helpful resources together, brought to you by the Special Needs Resource Foundation.

What’s planned for the day:

  • Family resources for every stage, from infancy through adulthood
  • Activity stations
  • Prizes
  • Crafts
  • Character meet and greets
  • Networking
  • Shopping
  • Games
  • Free parking
  • And More!

Activity stations include favorites: Mini Golf Course, Padres Pitching Challenge, Super Hero City Speedway, Elmo’s Sensory Station, a Wicked Photo Op, Minecraft Fort, and more!

Character meet and greets: Say hello to Princess Elsa, Buddy the Elf, and other beloved characters at this fun-filled event.

Family resources and networking: Resource and service providers will be on-site to answer questions and share helpful information with all parents and caregivers. Visit our new Transition to Adulthood area to connect with organizations that support teens, young adults, adults, and their families. Be sure to pick up a copy of Flourishing Families at the Special Needs Resource Foundation booth.

ShopAble Bazaar: Stop by to browse and buy amazing products and valuable services from business owners with disabilities, which is located in the Transition to Adulthood area.

Sensory Time: From 11 to 11:30 a.m., families who need a quieter environment can enjoy the event with just one opening announcement and no music to create a calm atmosphere.

July 14th is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a!

Abby H.

Are you ready? Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A is coming up on July 14th! The kids love it, so we are prepping to go. You can check out my past post here on how to DIY a quick costume using items you may already have around the house.

Every customer who dresses like a cow can receive one free entrée from the following list, subject to availability*:

Breakfast: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit (Original) or 4-count Chick-n-Minis®.
Lunch/Dinner: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich (Original or Spicy); 8-count Nuggets (Original or Grilled); or 3-count Chick-n-Strips.
Kids: A 5-count Nuggets Kids’ Meal (Original or Grilled), which includes a side, drink, and premium.

Please check with your local Chick-fil-A to confirm participation.

Free- Wild Wonder Animal Encounter at San Diego Area Libraries

Abby H.

When my kids were little, they loved these events. Honestly, they probably still would be excited about seeing wild animals up close.

Wild Wonders will be visiting 23 San Diego County libraries this summer with their furry friends.

To learn more about Wild Wonders, visit their website.

And don’t forget- Summer Reading Programs from both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego libraries will start in the beginning of June. I’ll post more information as it becomes available.

3/30/26 Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Looking for some birthday freebies? Check out my post here.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE Custom Fido Alert Pet ID Tags
2 FREE 5×7 Photo Prints at CVS
FREE Man-i Pedi from Hard Mountain Dew
FREE Coffee at Dunkin’ on April 1st
FREE $25 to Spend at Walmart After Cash Back
Chipotle Burrito Vault – $2 Million in FREE Chipotle
FREE Care Mail Handwritten Letters
The Best Baby Registry Websites — Get Baby Freebies and Must-Haves
FREE Custom Tabby Alert Pet ID Tags
FREE AROMASE Psoriasis Scalp Care Products
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats – 10,000 Giveaway
FREE Sample of Wellness Protein Bowls Dog Food
FREE Sample of RoC Hydration+ Water Cream
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Svinka Hand-Drawn Art Postcard
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Conditioner After Walmart Cash
FREE e.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint
FREE Sample of Edna Day Moisture Cream & Overnight Cream
FREE Easter Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE 24-Pack of Crayola Crayons from Staples

Deals

Majesty Palm House Plant 1.94-Gallon ONLY $14.98 at Lowe’s (Reg $25)
Macy’s Jewelry up to 70% Off – Prices as low as $29
40% Off Select Kids’ Ride-on Toys at Target – Stacks w/ $10 Off $50 Toy Coupon
Walmart Beauty Box ONLY $8.98 Shipped – Now FULL Size Items Added
Latest Mixtiles Coupons and Promo Codes: Framed Wall Art Photos Up to 50% Off
BIG Home Event at Macy’s: Up to 60% Off Bedding, Kitchen, Luggage & More
Sta-Green Premium 2-cu ft Mulch on Sale for $2.00 at Lowe’s
JCPenney Spring Women’s Dresses From $19.99
CVS Photo Coupons & Promo Codes – 70% Off 16×20 Canvas, BOGO Free Gifts & More
Dove Men+Care Bar 3 in 1 Cleanser for Body 8-Pk ONLY $9.67 Shipped
Top 15 Sam’s Club Hacks to Save More in 2026
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ONLY $49 (Reg $100)

2/7/2026 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week has been a mixed bag- I’m out of town on a birthday trip with some friends.

My birthday is next week, and the freebies have started rolling in, and I’ll have an updated birthday freebie list compiled and updated by mid-next week.

In the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here, which I updated earlierthis week. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

2 FREE 5×7 Photo Prints at Walgreens
$1 Million FREE Chipotle Entrees on February 8th
FREE Full-Size CeraVe Body Moisturizer – Every Weekday Through February 27th
FREE Tom Ford Soleil Neige Eau de Parfum Sample
Kids Eat Free: Big List Of Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat For Free
Over 30 National Pizza Day Deals, Coupons and Freebies – Monday February 9
FREE Sample of YSL Libre Berry Crush Fragrance
FREE Tall Hot or Iced Coffee at Starbucks on February 9th
FREE Sample of Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Hair Bandage Balm
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE McDonald’s McNugget Caviar Kit
FREE Kindle eBook This Month
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Penguin Mailbox Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Hydration Event at Target – FREE Samples, Game Day Party Pack & More This Weekend
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2025
FREE American Spirit Butt Pouches – Order Every Month
FREE Moonpig Valentine’s Day Card + FREE Shipping
FREE Simon Says: Dessert Party Pack
$25 Worth of FREE Books with First Book Marketplace
FREE Pizza or Pasta Sauce at Stop & Shop
2 FREE Ghirardelli Chocolockets on February 10th
FREE Friskies Wet Food and Lil’ Lickables Sample Pack + FREE Dentalife Sample Pack for New Members
FREE Limited-Edition Tote Bag at IKEA on February 14th
FREE Wooden Rose Bouquet at Lowe’s
FREE $25 to Spend on Super Bowl Gear at DICK’S After Cash Back
FREE Angry Orchard Ex-Change Kit + FREE $25 Venmo
FREE Sample of Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
FREE $15 to Spend on Books at Walmart After Cash Back
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Tickets to See the FIFA World Cup Trophy
How I Get Free Samples with Free Shipping
FREE Olympics Gold Pin for Xfinity Rewards Members
We Rounded Up The Best Free Shampoo Samples Online
70 Million FREE Frontier Airlines Miles
FREE INITIO Parfums Privés Hedonist Collection Fragrance Samples
FREE Valentine’s Day Donut at Krispy Kreme

Deals:

Gold Bond Ultimate Men’s Essentials Hydrating Lotion, ONLY $10 (Reg $20)
Finish Line Sale: Up to 50% Off + Extra 20% Off Women’s Adidas, Nike & More
Apple AirTag 4-Pack ONLY $64 on Amazon (Reg $99)
See The Fashion & Beauty that’s Trending on Revolve + 10% Off Coupon & Free Shipping
JCPenney Boxed Jewelry on Sale from ONLY $5.39
Coach Perfumes as low as $10.89 at Walmart
Up to 70% Off Pandora Jewelry
7 Clever Ways to Get Cheap or Free Shein Items
Revlon Skin Reviving Roller ONLY $5 (Reg $15)

1/30/26 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week has been a mixed bag- I’m out of town on a birthday trip with some friends.

My birthday is next week, and the freebies have started rolling in, and I’ll have an updated birthday freebie list compiled and updated by mid-next week.

In the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here, which I updated earlierthis week. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Order Your Free 2026 Wall Calendars
FREE Febreze Odor-Fighting Fade Defy Plug-In at Target
Lots of Freebies for Moms: The Freebie List I Wish I Had When I Became a Mom
Earn $2 to $75 per Completed Survey – Ages 16+ can Apply
10 Ways to Save Big on Pet Food Delivery Services + Get Free Shipping
FREE Movie Ticket to Dracula
FREE 30-Day Supply of Ritual Synbiotic+ Supplements
FREE PURELL Sanitizer Products
FREE Penguin Mailbox Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation
FREE Saltair Serum Deodorant
How to Score Free P&G Samples Like a Pro
FREE Gillette Venus Smoothing Exfoliant at Walgreens
Claim Cash in the $15 Million Dollar General Class Action Settlement
FREE Loaf of Canyon Bakehouse Stay-Fresh Sourdough-Style Bread
FREE $30 Purchase at Lowe’s After Cash Back
FREE Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
FREE Bottle of Native Pet Omega Oil + Free Shipping
FREE Pantene Fragrance-Free Shampoo
FREE Morning Made Electric Whisk
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
FREE $35 Purchase at Stanley After Cash Back
FREE Welch’s Zero Sugar Beverage – Up to a $5.99 Value
How to Get More Freebies Without Wasting Time – My Tried-and-True Hacks
FREE Colgate Toothpaste
FREE 2026 Oklahoma Transportation Wall Calendar
FREE Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at Whataburger on February 4th
FREE $20 Carl’s Jr. Promo Card Starting February 9th
FREE 3.5 – 4 lb. Bag of Zignature Dog Food
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE Full-Size CeraVe Body Moisturizer
FREE 1/2 CT Diamond Necklace at JCPenney
FREE Pair of Mack’s Ear Plugs – Every Weekday at 11am EST
Seeing Clearly Without the Cost: A Guide to Free Contact Lenses
FREE Amazon Prime for Students
FREE Sandwich at Jimmy John’s
FREE Bvlgari Man Collection Fragrance Samples
Claim Cash in the $2 Million Michael Kors Outlet Store Class Action Settlement
FREE Sample of Mugler Alien Hypersense Eau de Parfum
FREE Galentine’s Spritz with EOS Event at Target on January 31st & February 1st
FREE Bag of OMNI Creatine Gummies
FREE Royal Canin Fresh Health Nutrition Dog Food Chatterbuy Kit

 

Deals:

Save up to 70% on Kids Coats at Macy’s
Walmart HUGE Toy Clearance with up to 80% Off Savings
Subway BOGO Deal: Buy 1, Get 1 Footlong Sub – New Subway Coupons & Reward Program Changes
Intimates Sale at JCPenney – Up to 50% Off | Prices From $4.99
50% Off Everything at Old Navy – Sweaters, Coats, Pajamas & More!
Yankee Candle Clearance: Large Jar or Tumbler Candles as low as $8.75 (Reg $35)
Affordable Fleece Hoodies and Sweatpants Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart, & Target
Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin & Nails Supplement ONLY $3.49 (Reg $8)
Target Valentine’s Day Candles as Low as $3.50 – Limited Time Only!
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up To 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
Coziest Pajama Coupons and Deals This Week from Macy’s, Kohl’s, Amazon, Walmart and More
Craftsman Industrial Fan ONLY $39 at Lowe’s (Reg $129)
PopCorners 20-Count Snacks Variety Pack ONLY $16 Shipped
UGG Winter Sale: Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off & FREE Shipping
Ninja Creami Sale: Save $30 or More on Homemade Ice Cream with the Ninja Creami Sale
Burt’s Bees Rescue Lip Relief Hydrating Balm ONLY $3 (Reg $6)
Moroccanoil Volume Travel Set ONLY $45 at Ulta (Reg $60)
Antemper 2026 Latest Android Tablet 10-Inch ONLY $89.99 (Reg $170)
How to Use Kohl’s Cash: Everything You Need to Know earn, use, and maximize
Sculpd Discount Codes – 10% Off Your First Order, 15% Off for You & a Friend, & More
Dealworthy Backpacks as Low as $3.50 at Target
Victoria’s Secret Gift Sets – Buy One Get One FREE