Fleet Science Center is free 1st Tuesday monthly — for San Diego County residents (local-address ID), students (school ID), active-duty military (military ID). Residents' Free Day on the first Tuesday of each month: free admission to exhibit galleries for San Diego County residents (ID with local address), local students (school ID), and active-duty military (military ID); Dome Theater shows discounted to $9.95 that day. Also: Accessibility Mornings free (1 guest + 1 chaperone) every 3rd Saturday 9-10am; Senior Mondays (1st Monday) $10 for exhibits + dome show + lecture; Kids Free San Diego in October (1 child free per full-price adult with coupon). Not stated as required Verified on Fleet Science Center's own page, last checked 2026-09-04.
| Free day | 1st Tuesday monthly |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | San Diego County residents (local-address ID), students (school ID), active-duty military (military ID) |
| Reservation | Not stated as required |
| What's included | Exhibit galleries; Dome Theater is a separate discounted ticket ($9.95), not free |
| Regular adult price | $29.95 adult (13+) |
| Source | fleetscience.org · checked 2026-09-04 |
Eligibility: San Diego County residents (local-address ID), students (school ID), active-duty military (military ID). Exhibit galleries; Dome Theater is a separate discounted ticket ($9.95), not free. Skipping the ticket window here saves $29.95 adult (13+) per adult.
Worth knowing: Unlike the Balboa Park norm, Fleet's free day also covers a broader student population (any local student ID, not just residents) — but the planetarium/dome show still costs $9.95, it isn't included.
Balboa Park Residents Free Days (multiple museums) (tuesdays) · San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) (1st tuesday monthly) — or see the full free museum days in San Diego guide.
↥ Check another museum → Browse all free museum & zoo days →
Residents' Free Day on the first Tuesday of each month: free admission to exhibit galleries for San Diego County residents (ID with local address), local students (school ID), and active-duty military (military ID); Dome Theater shows discounted to $9.95 that day. Also: Accessibility Mornings free (1 guest + 1 chaperone) every 3rd Saturday 9-10am; Senior Mondays (1st Monday) $10 for exhibits + dome show + lecture; Kids Free San Diego in October (1 child free per full-price adult with coupon).
Not stated as required
The free days are for San Diego County residents (local-address ID), students (school ID), active-duty military (military ID) — typically with ID or proof of residency. Visitors pay regular admission ($29.95 adult (13+)).
Exhibit galleries; Dome Theater is a separate discounted ticket ($9.95), not free
$29.95 adult (13+). That's what a well-timed visit saves you.