event

Fun, Free, & Frugal Events for Kids & Families in San Diego, CA

Abby H.

With better weather and Spring Break on the horizon for most of us, it’s time to get out of the house and find some fun, free stuff to do!

San Diego is full of fun outdoor adventures. If you are looking for places to take your kids for some hikes or walks, Hidden San Diego has a list of 40 kid-friendly hikes here. Hidden San Diego also has some amazing information about San Diego’s history, locations to explore, and even some creepy lore surrounding America’s Finest City.

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know about the JCPenney Kids Zone free crafts that occur every second Saturday of the month in selected JCPenney stores.

You probably also know about the Home Depot Kids Workshop, which takes place every second Saturday of the month. However, some stores do one every single week; you just need to check your local Home Depot store to find out.

Did you also know that Lowe’s Hardware store does a similar activity on the third Saturday of each month? 

Lakeshore, the educational store, holds free kids events, including storytime with Pete the cat and sensory events.

If you are in the eastern part of San Diego County, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College offers free admission on Fridays from 9am-4pm.

While not always free, Michaels offers in-store classes for both Kids and adults. Sometimes, the classes are free, and sometimes there is a class fee (usually $15 or less). Classes run for about an hour, and you need to take something really cool home with you.

The San Diego Craft Collective at Liberty Station has a free class on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 6 PM.

Don’t forget their resident free days at Balboa Park every single Tuesday.

If you’re looking for more fun, free events, check your local shopping center or mall. Parkway Plaza in El Cajon has a free kids event every month. It usually involves a craft and some sort of fun games where you can win prizes. 

Groupon always has discounted admissions to local attractions like Legoland, Birch Aquarium, and indoor trampoline/play places.

 When I find more, I will definitely post more. 

2025 San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is Coming 3/1/25!

Abby H.


It’s back! This event is super fun, and FREE! We’ve gone in the past and my kids have loved it!
The annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering’s signature event returns to Petco Park and will be held on Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Festival will be a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fun provided by hundreds of San Diego area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. Admission is free and open to the public, no registration is required. A clear bag policy will also be in effect.

This year’s event is presented by Illumina Corporate Foundation and will feature more than 100 booths. New to the event this year:

  • Construction Corner: From interactive building challenges to demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, this space highlights sustainable building, structural design and the latest construction materials.
  • Cybersecurity Zone: An interactive space to dive into the fundamentals of online safety, ethical hacking, encryption, and cyber defense. Also includes demonstrations on how to protect personal data and digital landscapes.
  • ‘All Hands’: The Navy’s virtual reality experience gives attendees the chance to step aboard an aircraft carrier.
  • Algae Foundation: Explore sustainable solutions for the planet.

“The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering aims to make learning exciting and accessible for all ages by immersing kids and adults in STEAM education,” says Sara Pagano, Managing Director, San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. “The event also highlights San Diego’s leadership in the science industry, breaking down even the most complex topics to make them clear and engaging for everyone.”

There will be dozens of returning hands-on learning experiences, interactive activities, and experiments to inspire kids (and kids at heart!) to engage in all things STEAM including:

  • DNA fun and genomics education with Illumina Corporate Foundation
  • The pre-K zone is filled with engaging activities for little learners
  • Virtual reality experiences
  • Ecovivarium, and Parks & Rec
  • Rockets and explosions with General Atomics
  • Make slime, learn about underwater sea life, play with robots and more!
  • Art Pavilion infuses the STEM experience with live artists
  • College and Career Connections allow students to consider career pathway options

All EXPO DAY ‘Know Before You Go’ tips and updates are listed at: lovestemsd.org.

An Update…

Abby H.

As you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting much lately. There has been a lot going on, and I’ve been taking time to process it all and help my kids and family. There is a lot of uncertainty in the US, and worldwide. I know my family isn’t the only one who is upset, confused, and scared for all of the unknowns in our future.

I don’t want to leave y’all in the lurch, so I’ve spent the last few days brainstorming and planning, and I’ve got some plans to write and post more information about how each of you can keep afloat during uncertain times.

  • Budgeting, locating and accessing resources, and taking steps to make sure your families have what they need to succeed and thrive in 2025.
  • There will be some New Year’s Resolution posts- I’ve done them before, and I’ll be writing some new ones, as well as linking to previous posts that contain timeless information.  Those will be coming up later next month.
  • I am going to try and post monthly about upcoming clothing swaps- Kids are growing quickly, and clothes are so expensive.
  • More posts about cashback offers and rebate apps to help you stretch your grocery budgets.
  • Money-making opportunities with research studies and surveys. If you haven’t tried these yet, it’s a great way to earn a little extra money.
  • I’m developing recipes that use inexpensive, healthy ingredients that taste good, make good leftovers, and that kids will eat (this one is important).

San Diego Regional Center’s 2nd Annual Family-Vendor Resource Fair!

Abby H.

If your child is a client of San Diego Regional Center this event is a great opportunity for you to learn about how SDRC can assist your child and family.

On 9/28/2024 at the Town and Country Hotel, SDRC is presenting its second annual Family-Vendor Resource Fait.

For more information, or to sign up, Family-Vendor Resource Fair.

Need Help with Back to School Supplies?

Abby H.

The Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation is here to help!

For the past eight years, they have been hosting our annual Back-To-School Haircut Drive, where kids aged 18 and under can enjoy:
Free haircuts
Free school supplies
Free food
Tickets to local attractions throughout San Diego County

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 9am – 1pm (Last haircut starts at 12:30pm)
Location: Skyline Church (11330 Campo Rd, La Mesa, CA 91941)

For more information, check out their Facebook Page. 

SMOAC is hosting a FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY on 8/3/2024. More info can be found here.

Free School Supplies is a website with listings by state of charities and non-profits that provide free and low-cost school supplies.

If you are a military family, check out Operation Homefront. They have Back-to-School Brigade events all over the country.

 

Free Backpack Giveaway- 8/3/2024

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s back for 2024!

This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.

A  backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 3, 2024 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.

I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!

SeaWorld: Free Tickets for U.S. Military Veterans!

Abby H.

This deal is back, but only through July 31st! To show their appreciation for those who have served our country, SeaWorld San Diego is offering FREE tickets to SeaWorld San Diego for U.S. Military Veterans and up to three friends or family members. You can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off.

Get your tickets by verifying your military status through GovX.com here. All tickets must be used by July 31, 2024.

If you live near another SeaWorld, check their website for a similar deal.

Tryazon: Free Sticki Rolls for Back-to-School Party Pack

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

 

Tryazon has another opportunity available! Apply for the chance to receive 1 of 100 FREE Sticki Rolls for Back-to-School Party Packs.

Hosts selected for this party will receive a party pack with a combined value of $60+, containing the following items:

  • Sticki Rolls Sticki Bands
  • Sticki Rolls Sticki Book
  • Sticki Rolls Sticki Station
  • 3 Promo Packs
  • Party Host Guide to help you plan and carry out the party!

Tryazon allows you to try various products (and keep them) in a fun way and it’s totally free! Apply, host a party & share exciting products with your friends and family.

4/13/2024 All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Night Cinema & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

We’ve gone to this event in the past, and it’s always a fun time with great resources. This year, the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair includes a movie under the stars!

Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 5-9 pm at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field – 6753 University Ave., San Diego, CA  92115

Activity booths include:

  • Light Saber Creation Station
  • Underwater Nemo Sensory Tent
  • Olaf Snowball Toss,
  • Wizarding World Station

Parents can connect with helpful resource services and providers, gaining valuable insights and family support.

And as the sun sets, an outdoor screening of the family favorite film Finding Nemo will be shown on a large outdoor screen! Bring your chairs and blankets!

For tickets and to learn more, visit their website. 

Dream Dinners La Mesa: Heart Health Workshop & Dinner

Abby H.

Dream Dinners La Mesa has an awesome upcoming Heart Healthy Workshop! Presented in partnership with Wellness Workshop by Sonia’s Healthy Corner and featuring dinner provided by Dream Dinners.

February 27th, 6:00 pm
at La Mesa Dream Dinners

Led by expert nutritionist and Health Coach, Sonia Cervantes from Sonia’s Healthy Corner, this workshop will help you to foster a joyful relationship with food. Learn to love foods that love you back and make your culinary journey a source of pleasure and well-being.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Practical advice on crafting a heart-healthy diet tailored to your lifestyle
  • Guidance on incorporating superfoods into your meals for maximum health benefits
  • Tips for managing portion sizes and making mindful food choices
  • Strategies for enhancing your overall well-being through nutrition

Enjoy a delectable dinner provided by Dream Dinners as you mingle with fellow attendees and soak in all the valuable information shared during the workshop.

Space is limited, so RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you there and embark on this journey towards a healthier, happier you!

For more information call/text 619-460-6800 or email  lamesaca@dreamdinners.com