Looking to engage in some sustainable fun this weekend? Check out Porchlight Community Services’ end-of-year clothing swap this Sunday, November 30th, from 1pm-4pm.
Details can be found here.
They also have an upcoming toy swap on 12/6/2025, just in time for the holidays!
I love Porchlight. In addition to hosting swaps, they help keep food from ending up in landfills, and getting food into the hands (and bellies) of San Diegans in need. You can learn more about Porchlight’s mission here.
As more information about Holiday assistance programs becomes available, I will be updating this post.
Before I get into specifics, here are a few general ways that you can find some holiday help with resources that you may already take part in:
Resources in San Diego County:
Hope for San Diego helps with many non-profits throughout the holiday season. For more information on events they sponsor, visit their website.
Women’s Resource Center for those residing in Northern San Diego County.
Foundation for Developmental Disabilities: Clients of the Regional Center whose families are facing financial difficulties can apply for help.
Talk Back: If you know of any additional resources for holiday help in San Diego County, Please leave a comment!
It’s that time of year: Spooky Season! We’ve got our Halloween decor up, and I’ve been working 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.
10/17/2025
10/23/2025
10/24/2025
10/25/2025
10/31/2025
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 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. Purchase of a Go San Diego Pass or card does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program at most museums; call museum(s) before visiting to enquire.
As someone who grew up in San Diego County, I know that it’s always fire season.
Teaching our kids fire safety is key. It’s more than stop, drop, and roll. I was so excited when I saw a PeachJar flyer about upcoming local fire station open houses. These are a great way for kids (and families) to learn more about fire safety and check out the local fire station.
Most of these dates coincide with National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-12, 2025).
Lakeside Fire Protection District (Station 2):
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 12216 Lakeside Ave. Lakeside, CA 92040
City of Santee Fire Station 4:
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071
City of Carlsbad Public Safety Open House:
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: City of Carlsbad Safety Training Center- 5750 Orion St, Carlsbad, CA 92010
This event will feature live demonstrations and tours with the police, fire, and public works departments.
City of Coronado Fire and Police Departments
When: and Where: Sunday, October 5, at their Public Safety Open House. The free event kicks off National Fire Prevention Week and takes place between 11 am and 2 pm around the main Fire Station (6th Street) and the Police Department (7th Street) on D Avenue.
Poway Fire Open House
Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The location is the Poway Fire training tower- 12335 Crosthwaite Cir, Poway, CA 92064
Activities will include CPR training, a fire safety trailer, and information on defensible space.
City of Chula Vista Fire Station 5:
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9 AM – 2 PM
Where: 341 Orange Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Deer Springs Fire Protection District (Station 3):
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: 10308 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA 92026
Talk Back: If you know of any other Fire Station or public safety open houses in San Diego County, please leave a comment!
The Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation’s biggest event is back!
Saturday, August 9, 2025
9AM -1PM at Skyline Church in La Mesa11330 Campo Road La Mesa, CA 91941
It’s the annual Back-to-School Haircut Event — a day dedicated to supporting local families with free haircuts, school supplies, food, and fun.
Last year’s event was a huge success. Over 1,000 kids attended, and more than 400 walked away with fresh haircuts — ready to start the school year with confidence.
This year, It’s even bigger and better. Here’s what you can expect:
Free school supplies for students
Free tickets to local attractions — including Padres games
Live DJ, games, and kids’ activities
Free food for the whole family
This is a first-come, first-served event — so be sure to arrive early and enjoy the festivities while supplies last.
JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month. They are easy for kids and a fun, free activity.
While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.
In-store events are only where local mandates allow. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. More details, including participating JCP locations, can be found here.
August:
8/9/25 11AM-12PM Decorate a back-to-school pencil pouch. The craft includes a pencil pouch with a zipper pull, markers, and a sticker sheet.
September:
9/13/25 11AM-12PM Make a wooden tic-tac-toe board. The Craft includes a wooden board and pieces with markers.
I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).
And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources) here.
AUGUST 2025
Thread Bumpin’ Clothing Swap
Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas St · La Mesa, CA
Only the following will be accepted:
All leftover items are distributed to people in need through an NPO.
Crave Community is hosting a clothing swap on August 3rd, from 11am-1pm at San Diego Made Factory 2031 Commercial Street, San Diego, California 92213.
Bring your gently-loved clothes, swap for something new-to-you, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with good vibes and even better company.
More information can be found on their Instagram page here.
Chingona Cambio is hosting their first-ever clothing swap at Chula Vista Bayside Park
999 Bayside Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91910
on August 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
More information can be found here.
Tickets may not be available, but according to social media posts by the coordinator of this event, everyone is welcome, regardless of ticketing status.
On 8/16/2025, The Flower Pot is hosting a clothing swap, entry fee is $10. More information here.
SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND
In partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego, the San Diego County library branch in La Mesa is hosting a Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap on the following dates:
Bring one bag of unwanted clothes and accessories (for all ages!) to the library and leave with a fresh, new-to-you wardrobe! Items must be in good condition; no rips, tears, or stains.
I find clothing swaps by joining local area clothing swap groups, both through Facebook and Meetup.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 5 at 4pm-8pm
It’s time again for the All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair on Friday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center – 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126.
All activities and resources are available free of charge and open to the public.
Kids of all abilities will love this event, brought to you by the Special Needs Resource Foundation. Below is just a glimpse of what to expect:
Activity stations
Sign up to join us for this amazing day of inclusivity.
Activity stations for kids include favorites: Olaf Snowball Toss, Pokémon Scavenger Hunt, Super Wheelchair Awareness Course, Super Hero City Speedway, Crown-a-Polooza, and more!
Character meet and greets: Say hello to Princess Ariel and other beloved characters at this fun-filled event that the family will love.
Family resources and networking: Resource and service providers will be on-site to speak with parents and offer helpful information. Be sure to pick up a copy of Flourishing Families at our Special Needs Resource Foundation booth.
ShopAble Bazaar: Stop by to browse and buy amazing products and valuable services from business owners with disabilities.
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.
It’s back!
Hewes Family Fun 