You better watch out, you better not cry. Santa’s bringing us a weekend of free things to try! Here’s a round-up of FREE events this weekend in San Diego.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – Sun, Dec 11

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – Sun, Dec 11

Holiday Food & Wine Pet Festival (Embarcadero North) – Fri, Dec 9 + Sat, Dec 10

Christmas in the Village (La Mesa) – Fri, Dec 9 + Sat, Dec 10

Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Park (Poway) – Sat, Dec 10

Christmas in the Valley (Bates Nut Farm) – Fri, Dec 9 + Sat, Dec 10

Alpine Village Christmas Parade and Snow Festival – Fri, Dec 9

Raindrops have nothing on us. Get out of the house and enjoy one of these 6 FREE things to do this weekend in San Diego.

San Diego County Veteran’s Day Parade – Fri, Nov 11
Salute and honor our veterans alongside the San Diego County’s Veteran’s Day Parade, now in its 25th year. This year, the parade theme honors all of the men and women who served during Desert Storm. The parade will march along  Pacific Highway from Cedar to Harbor Drive. Find a spot along this route and cheer on the men and women that fought for us in Desert Storm and those who continue to fight for our freedom.

America’s World Cup Series – Sat, Nov 12 – Sun, Nov 20
San Diego is the third stop of this fleet and match sailboat racing event, where you’ll watch as the world’s top sailors compete in state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans just mere feet offshore throughout San Diego Bay. Known as some of the world’s most physically demanding boats, the AC45s will be making their first-even appearance in the U.S. and showcasing the newest sailing technology. Some optimal spectator spots include Harbor Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and Broadway Pier. After the races, fans can get up-close to best sailors in the world with the day’s racing highlights and first-hand reports from the sailing stars every race day on the AC Village stage. Enthusiasts will be able to listen to great bands and DJ’s and visitors will be able to enjoy local California cuisine, shops and specialty stands that will be open everyday

Kate Sessions Birthday Celebration – Sat, Nov 12
Celebrate the 154th birthday of one of San Diego’s first tree huggers and the person many would say is responsible for turning Balboa Park into the urban oasis that stands today. Held at the Marston House in Balboa Park, the celebration includes a bus tour of the park’s urban forest and guided walk by landscape historians. I mistakenly promoted it last week; thanks to Colette G. for catching!

Family Film Day – Sat, Nov 12
On the second Saturday of each month, the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival and the Museum of Photographic Arts hostFamily Fun Day, when they screen family friendly films from around the globe, followed by hands-on activities and museum tours. This Saturday, they’re showing Wall-E.  Films screen at 1pm; museum admission not required, though a donation of $5 is suggested.

Ray at Night – Sat, Nov. 12
From 6 to 10 PM this Saturday, see the Ray at Night Artwalk in North Park. Visit the Ray Street galleries, listen to live music and watch performance art. Both local and nationally known artists show their stuff with over 25 gallery and business venues

Dr. Seuss Touring Sculpture Garden – Through December 31
Dr. Seuss fans, head to the Hotel Del Coronado and reunite with some of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s most beloved characters, including the Lorax, the Grinch, Yertle the Turtle and the Cat in the Hat. This traveling sculpture exhibit first debuted at the Hotel Del Coronado in April 2009 and now is back on display adorning the hotel’s Windsor Lawn.

All play, no work. Let that be your motto this weekend as you can enjoy these FREE activities in San Diego.

Fall Back Festival – Sun, Nov. 6
This historic and cultural street faire in the Gaslamp Quarter is the world’s only festival that celebrates history by ‘falling back’ in time. The event is full of historical demonstrators and interactive activities, such as old-fashioned hay rides, mock gunfights with Wyatt Earp, or gold panning.

Friday Night Liberty – Fri, Nov. 4
Free open artist studios, galleries, performances at Liberty Station in Point Loma. Every first Friday 5-8pm with free parking and free admission. This Friday’s main event is Seduced by Dance with performances by Liberty Station residents San Diego Dance Theatre, Malashock Dance, San Diego Ballet, and Tango with Colette.

Carlsbad Village Street Faire – Sun, Nov. 6
The largest one-day street faire in the nation is now in its 38^th year and offers unique booths selling everything from clothes to antiques to home décor. The international food court features 50 food vendors, while the children’s area will have a bounce house, super slide and rock climbing wall. 8am-4pm

Kate Sessions Birthday Celebration – Sun, Nov. 6
Celebrate the 153^rd birthday of one of San Diego’s first tree huggers and the person many would say is responsible for turning Balboa Park into the urban oasis that stands today. Held at the Marston House in Balboa Park, the celebration includes a bus tour of the park’s urban forest and guided walk by landscape historians.

House of Pacific Relations Sampler Program – Sun, Nov. 6
A sampler of HPR’s calendar of lawn programs, when one country presents their music, dance, traditional costumes, arts, and foods.  During the program, visit the international cottages and immerse yourself in the cultures of countries such as Ireland, Lebanon, Iran, Norway, Germany, China, Scotland, and more.

I’ve partnered with San Diego Bargain Mama to bring you the BIGGEST list of  restaurants where children eat for FREE in San Diego. So grab the kids and let someone else do the cooking. Here are 33 opportunities to take advantage of ‘Children Eat Free’ nights in San Diego County – all the way from Coronado to San Marcos.
 
***All restaurants require a purchase of at least one adult entree, unless stated otherwise.

EVERY DAY

Al’s Cafe In the Village  (Carlsbad)
Kids 10 and under eat for FREE daily (one per paid adult). Very informal cafe, but excellent American food. They have a dozen varieties of fresh fudge, too, WELL worth trying. 760. 729-5448

IHOP
Kids 10 and under eat for FREE (one per paid adult) Monday – Friday 4-10pm for kids 12 and under.

Submarina  
Okay, this isn’t a FREE kid’s meal, but it’s pretty darn close. Children get a $1 kids meal with the purchase of one adult entrée at participating locations including Murphy Canyon and Point Loma.  However, things change, so call ahead to verify.  

MONDAY

Barra Barra (Old Town San Diego)
Children age 10 and under eat FREE on Mondays.  Located in the Fiesta De Reyes shopping and dining area of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Barra Barra’s menu features classic recipes like chicken mole Oaxaca and  Indian flat bread tacos. 619-291-3200

Borrelli’s Pizza and Italian Food (Encinitas)
Children age 12 and under eat FREE on Monday. Menu include antipasto, mostaccioli, pizzas, salads and specialty sandwiches. 760-436-1501

The Brew House at Eastlake (Chula Vista)
Children age 10 and younger eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays at this Chula Vista brewery/restaurant (2 children eat free, per one paid adult entree). Menu items include bratwurst sandwiches, turkey flatbread, Ahi tuna spring rolls, and baja fish tacos. 619-656-2739

Chin’s (Miramar and Rancho Bernardo)
Children ages 10 and under eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays (up to 3 kids per party) with each paying adult. This special includes only the Miramar and Rancho Bernardo locations. 

Hacienda Casa Blanca (El Cajon) 
Children 10 years and younger eat FREE all day on Mondays.  Located in downtown El Cajon, Hacienda Casa Blanca features authentic, home-cooked Mexican dishes including chicken mole, carne asada, tacos, and quesadillas.

Hooley’s Irish Pub (La Mesa and Rancho San Diego)  
Children eat FREE on Wednesday after 4pm at the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations.  Hooley’s offers up burgers, fish and chips, chicken tenders and salads. 619-670-7468 (Rancho San Diego), 619-713-6900 (La Mesa)

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest) 
Children 7 and younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm.  Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

TUESDAY

Acapulco Restaurant
Children under 12 eat for FREE with purchase one adult entree. Good for dine-in only.

Anita’s Restaurant (Oceanside)
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday after 3 pm and Saturday all day after 10:30 am. One meal per paid adult. d 12 and under get a free kids meal on Tuesdays after 3pm. Regular menu includes grilled shrimp and scallop fajitas, low- carb plates, chile relleno plates and fun creations, like Panchos Surprise. 760-757-7745

Achiote (Chula Vista and San Ysidro)
Children ages 12 years old and younger eat FREE all-day Tuesdays at both the Otay Ranch and San Ysidro locations (2 children eat free, per one paid adult entree).. This family-style restaurant serves home-style Mexican cuisine.

Bennigans 
Children ages 12 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday 4-10pm, when they can chomp on an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and steaks.

Bistro D’Asia (Coronado)
Children 11 and under eat FREE on Tuesdays.  Located in Coronado, Bistro D’ Asia serves up a variety of Asian flavors from chow mein, pad thai, currys, and sushi. Good September thru February.

The Brew House at Eastlake (Chula Vista)
Children aged 12 years old and younger eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays at this Chula Vista brewery/restaurant. Menu items include bratwurst sandwiches, turkey flatbread, Ahi tuna spring rolls, and Baja fish tacos. 619-656-2739

Chevy’s  
Children eat FREE all day Tuesday.  One complimentary Kid’s Meal will be offered per adult entree purchase.  With 2 participating locations in Del Mar and Mission Valley, Chevy’s offers up Tex-Mex favorites including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and chicken bites.

Chicken Pie Diner (Poway)
Children ages 10 years and younger receive a FREE kid’s meal and drink on Tuesdays (adults must purchase an adult entree and a drink).  This Poway restaurant dishes up their signature chicken pot pies, as well as homemade meat loaf dinners, chicken fried steak and club sandwiches. 858-748-2445

Chin’s (Miramar and Rancho Bernardo)
Children ages 10 and under eat FREE on Mondays and Tuesdays (up to 3 kids per party) with each paying adult. This special includes only the Miramar and Rancho Bernardo locations. 

Coco’s  Children age 10 years old or younger eat FREE every Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm.  Coco’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County Coco’s offer this deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Coronado Brewing Company (Coronado) 
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesdays from 4-7pm.  CBC serves up burgers, chicken tenders, pasta and salads.  Two free kids meals with each adult entrée.

Denny’s  
Children aged 10 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday and Saturday from 4pm-10pm.  Denny’s kids menu offers mac ‘n cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta and pizza. Two complimentary Kid’s meals will be offered per adult entree purchase.  Most San Diego County Denny’s offer this deal on Tuesdays (and Saturdays in some locations).  However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Godfathers Pizza  
Children 10 years old and younger eat FREE on Tuesdays from 11am-2pm and 5-8pm from the Godfathers pizza buffet.

Islands Restaurant  
 Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesdays from 4pm-close.  With 3 participating locations including Vista, Balboa Avenue, and Temecula, Islands features hamburgers, salads, chicken tenders, and quesadillas.

Marie Callender’s
Children ages 12 years old or younger eat for free every Tuesday and Saturday. Marie Callender’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, chicken strips and mac ‘n cheese.  Most San Diego County Marie Callender’s invite your children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest) 
Children aged seven or younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm.  Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

Pat & Oscar’s  
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday and Saturday all day.  Pat & Oscar’s features pizza, chicken, and salad.  Most San Diego County Pat & Oscar’s invite your children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Q Restaurant Sports and Grill (Oceanside)  
Children aged 12 and under get a FREE kid’s meal every Tuesday at this Oceanside restaurant. 760-757-7070

Roadhouse Grill (Santee and Temecula) 
Children aged 12 and under receive a FREE kids meal on Tuesdays. With locatons in Santee and Temecula, this restaurant serves up BBQ favorites, plus unique items such as Northwest smoked salmon egg rolls, Bourbon tri-tip and mesquite grilled shrimp. 760-510-3805

Ruby’s Diner (Oceanside and Mission Valley)
Children 12 years or under eat FREE every Tuesday after 4pm.  With 3 participating locations including Oceanside Pier and Mission Valley, Ruby’s is a 50’s style diner serving burgers, fries and shakes.

TGI Fridays 
 Children aged 12 and younger receive a FREE kids meals on Monday and Tuesdays, 11am-3pm.

Tony Romas
Children 12 years and under eat FREE Tuesdays all day.  Located in the Pacific Beach area, Tony Roma’s is best known for their ribs, steaks and burgers.  Two kids eat free for each paid adult entrée.

WEDNESDAY

Beach’N Diner (Coronado)  
Children 12 and under eat FREE on Wednesdays after 4pm.  This fifties-style diner located in Coronado serves up burgers, fries, shakes, and desserts.

Carrows  
Children age 10 years old or younger eat for free every Wednesday and Thursday after 4pm.  Carrows serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County Carrows invite your children to eat FREE on Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

 Coco’s  
Children age 10 years old or younger eat FREE every Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm.  Coco’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County CoCos offer this deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

El Torito
Children 12 years old or younger eat FREE every Wednesday all day. Your little amigos will have their pick from the Kids Menu, which includes items like Mariachi-roni and Cheese, double-stacked grilled chicken quesadillas, and carne asada pizza.

Hooley’s Irish Pub (Rancho San Diego and La Mesa)  
Children eat FREE on Wednesday nights at the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations.  Hooley’s offers up burgers, fish and chips, chicken tenders and salads. 619-670-7468 (Rancho San Diego), 619-713-6900 (La Mesa)

Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ (Coronado)
Children eat FREE on Wednesdays at this BBQ house in Coronado Ferry Landing. The savory menu include signature items like Memphis Nachos, smoked chicken wings and Texas Potatoes.

Luc’s Bistro (Poway)
Children ages 12 and under eat FREE on Wednesdays nights from 5 – 9pm at this neighborhood bistro in Poway. The menu features gourmet comfort food, such as baked mac & cheese, Atlantic salmon panino, and a Meyer Ranch angus top sirloin wrap.  858-748-9330

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest)
Children 7 and younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm.  Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

Village Pizzeria (Coronado)  
Children 12 and under eat FREE with purchase of one adult entree on Wednesdays from 4pm to close. Located just a block away from the famed Hotel del Coronado, this pizzeria also serves up hoagies, calzones, salads, and pasta. 619.522.0449

THURSDAY

Carrows  
Children ages 10 or younger eat FREE every Wednesday and Thursday after 4pm.  Carrows serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Most San Diego County Carrows invite your children to eat FREE on Wednesdays and Thursdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Hennessey’s Tavern (Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach and Carlsbad)
Children 12 and under eat FREE. 760- 729-6951

Pasha Mediterranean Café (Hillcrest)  
Children 7 and younger eat FREE Monday – Thursday from 11am-7pm.  Pasha features Mediterranean cuisine including sandwiches, salads, and fries.

FRIDAY

Blendz  
Children eat FREE (plus drink!) on Fridays with the purchase of a full-size combo meal at the Oceanside location. Their heart-healthy menu features soups, salads, smoothies, toasted paninis, breakfast items and burritos loaded with veggies.760-724-7007

Zio’s (North Park)  
At this North Park restaurant, up to 2 kids get a FREE kid’s meal with the purchase of one adult dinner entree and a beverage every Friday 5-9pm.  619-280-9467

SATURDAY

Acapulco  
Children 12 and under eat FREE on Saturdays 11:30am-3pm. With 3 participating locations including Escondido, San Marcos and Old Town. Acapulco’s features Mexican classics like enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, and tacos.

Anita’s Restaurant (Oceanside)
Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday after 3 pm and Saturday all day after 10:30 am. One meal per paid adult. d 12 and under get a free kids meal on Tuesdays after 3pm. Regular menu includes grilled shrimp and scallop fajitas, low- carb plates, chile relleno plates and fun creations, like Panchos Surprise. 760-757-7745

Denny’s 
 Children aged 10 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday and Saturday from 4pm-10pm.  Denny’s kids menu offers mac ‘n cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta and pizza. Two complimentary Kid’s meals will be offered per adult entree purchase.  Most San Diego County Denny’s offer this deal on Tuesdays (and Saturdays in some locations).  However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Marie Callender’s  
Children ages 12 years old or younger eat for FREE every Tuesday and Saturday. Marie Callender’s serves an American-style menu of burgers, salads, chicken strips and mac ‘n cheese.  Most San Diego County Marie Callender’s invite your children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

Pat & Oscar’s 
 Children 12 years and younger eat FREE on Tuesday and Saturday all day.  Pat & Oscar’s features pizza, chicken, and salad.  Most San Diego County Pat & Oscar’s invite children to eat FREE on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However, things change, so call ahead to verify.

SUNDAY

Humphrey’s by the Bay 
Kids 12 years-old or younger eat FREE (with the purchase of just one adult buffet per party) during Sunday brunch 10am-2pm at Humphrey’s by the Bay. During this Sunday tradition you’ll feast on made-to-order omelets and pasta, fresh seafood, warm waffles, fruit, cheese, salad and an array of hot breakfast and lunch items. The Shelter Island views and live jazz tunes paired with your delicious feast will remind you why Humphrey’s is a San Diego tradition. 619.224.3577

Hooters
Children 12 and under eat FREE all day on Sunday. Two children’s entrees per adult purchase. Children’s beverages are required.