News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations 
619-685-3291
publicrelations@sdzwa.org
sdzwa.org

NEWS RELEASE 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Ushers in the Fall Season with Kids Free Month Kickoff Jamboree at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego

Families Received a Sneak Preview of Seasonal Entertainment at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park 

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 28, 2023) – Laughing youngsters and dancing adults joined in the fun this morning at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, as families took part in a kickoff celebration for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s annual Kids Free month—now in its 38th year. Entertainers from San Diego Zoo’s HalGLOWeen and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Autumn Festival thrilled and enchanted over a 100 youths and their families with dazzling performances and unique activities. Audience members will also be treated to special appearances by Dr. Zoolittle and Safari Parker, and took part in a special story time with author Georgeanne Irvine, who read “Teaching Tornero,” her sixth book in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Press’ heartwarming Hope & Inspiration Series.  

“One of our organization’s mission is to connect young people to nature and inspire a passion for wildlife everywhere,” said Shawn Dixon, chief operating officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego has been a longtime partner of the Zoo and Safari Park, and there is no better place to kickoff 38 years of Kids Free than with them. These families are experiencing challenging times as they care for their hospitalized child, and are not able to visit our Parks during Kids Free, so we are humbled and honored to bring the wonders of wildlife to them.” 

For more than eight years, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Ronald McDonald House Charities have collaborated to bring San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming to young people. The 24-hour closed-circuit television channel provides youths and their families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego—and over 360 other Ronald McDonald Houses and children’s hospitals and around the world—with engaging and powerful stories of wildlife, and educational entertainment.  

“At San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House, it’s our mission to provide a sense of normalcy for families even as they face unimaginable health challenges,” said Chuck Day, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. “Extraordinary partners like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance help us to bring joy and enrichment to families that are grateful for these moments of carefree fun.” 

Today’s extraordinary preview event highlights the annual Kids Free month, which provides kids ages 11 and younger with free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park throughout the entire month of October. At both parks, young guests can enjoy a wide range of weekend activities and entertainment, along with immersive wildlife experiences. At the San Diego Zoo, HalGLOWeen has become an annual “must” event, providing guests a multitude of Halloween-themed activities—including live music and performances, culinary treats and interactive fun. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, guests can enjoy Autumn Festival, and take part in special fall-themed merriments, music, and festive food items. 

HalGLOWeen doings and fun are scheduled Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, only at the Zoo. Autumn Festival happenings are scheduled Saturdays and Sundays, starting October 7, only at the Safari Park. All kids ages 11 and younger will receive free admission to the Zoo and Safari Park in October, when accompanied by an adult with a valid form of admission or membership. HalGLOWeen and Autumn Festival activities and entertainment are free for all ages with admission or membership. Special premium experiences, including wildlife tours and safaris, require advance reservations and an additional fee. For more information about Kids Free, HalGLOWeen and Autumn Festival—including event dates, operating hours and other details—visit sdzwa.org. To learn more about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers, visit sdzwildlifeexplorers.org.

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About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance  
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children's hospitals in 13 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.  

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego 
Founded in 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego provides a “home-away-from-home,” which keeps families close to one another and the care they need when their child is being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals. San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House was specifically designed to provide the necessities of home – including 57 guest suites, a family kitchen and a children’s play area – to help strengthen families and bolster their psychological well-being during difficult times regardless of their situation or ability to pay. The Ronald McDonald House creates an emotional and physical sanctuary for an average of 15,000 family members each year. To learn more, visit rmhcsd.org.