Family-friendly events, activities, and news for Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties

It's finally fall–that time of year when our weather is at its peak and everyone wants to get outside to enjoy autumn activities and Halloween fun.

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  Watsonville Apple Picking

  We found two local apple orchards close to Monterey open for apple picking. It’s a perfect activity for social distancing fall fun but hurry, the season ends in later October/early November. Read more

  Articles Family Fun

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  Looking for Ghosts in Monterey County?

  I grew up listening to my family tell ghostly tales of haunted places. The catch was that these spooky dwellings were right in my hometown of Monterey. In honor of Halloween, here are my favorite seven haunted places in Monterey County. Read more

  Articles Family Fun

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  Has Halloween Been Cancelled? No!

  Is Halloween canceled? No way! But it may be wise to think beyond some of our traditional celebrations this year. Here’s how our family is getting into the spirit from home. Read more

  Articles Holidays

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  A Safe Halloween for Monterey County Families

  Monterey County Health Department is advising County residents to show their Halloween spirit this year by doubling down on dress-up and decoration and reducing their risk by avoiding trick-or-treating, or big holiday gatherings. Read more

  Articles Holidays

School may be different this year but some basic topics remain the same. You'll find helpful advice on making good choices for your child's education in these articles.

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  Improving Reading Speed, Parents and Homework, and Handling Peer Pressure

  This month's Dear Teacher is about improving reading speed, the parent's role in homework, and helping kids handle peer pressure. Read more

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  Dear Teacher: Learning Disabilities, Homework, Standardized Testing

  Signs of a learning disability how much time your child should spend on homework and evaluating your child's progress in school. Read more

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  Is a Montessori Education Right For Your Child?

  “When a child is given a little leeway, he will at once shout, ’I want to do it!’ But in our schools, which have an environment adapted to children’s needs, they say, ‘Help me to do it alone.’” Dr. Maria Montessori, The Secret Of Childhood Read more

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  Father's Day: Rituals and Mindsets for Back to School

  Now is the time to start preparing children for the mental shift to return to school. With my kid, I have been talking up what will happen once school starts–how the start time is earlier than her current summer camp, for instance. Read more

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  Five Reasons Why Parents Choose a Catholic School Education

  Catholic School Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. The celebration is held each year in late January. Read more

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  Managing Your Kids’ Breaks During Virtual School

  Movement breaks also help address childhood obesity and the many other health concerns about children not getting enough physical activity since play time has been dramatically reduced for reasons like increased technology use. Read more