Twenty Inexpensive or Free Things to Do in October

October is packed with a variety of family-friendly activities and events across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. You don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable time with the kids so we’ve gathered 16 ideas for free or budget-friendly activities happening in October 2024. We didn’t include fall festivals or Halloween events in our list since you can view all of those here.

Keep in mind that some events may require advance registration, so be sure to check the details before heading out.

1. If you have a child aged 5-8, take them to Monterey Public Library for a one-on-one reading session with a Reading Buddy. Held every Wednesday.
2. Check out the Night Market in Sand City on October 4 for dinner and some live music.
3. Go to the Open House at the Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum. It’s free all weekend and little train lovers will enjoy it.
4. Seaside Fire Department’s Open House is October 5 with lots of activities and a free barbecue.
5. Attend the Pacific Grove Butterfly Parade on October 5. Celebrate the return of monarch butterflies with a parade and family activities in Pacific Grove.
6. Go to the Salinas March for Peace on October 5. Special guest speakers, live entertainment, resources, and food vendors. 
7. Head to Earthbound Farms in Carmel Valley for storytime on October 7.
8. Explore fingerprint art at El Gabilan Library in Salinas on October 8.
9. Let you new reader practice reading on a dog at Paws to Read in Monterey on October 10.
10. If cars are your thing, head to Cars in the Park on October 12 in Marina.
11. Learn to twist balloons with Daisy the Clown on October 12 at Monterey Library.
12. The Salinas Valley Pride Celebration is October 12 with lots of entertainment and information.
13. Seaside’s Birthday Celebration is October 13 with lots of fun, free activities.
14. Have a baby? Attend Lullabies in the Library with Marylee Sunsari in Carmel on October 16.
15. Read, sing, and dance at the Storytime Jamboree at John Steinbeck Library on October 24.
16. Volunteer at Ft. Old National Monument for National Public Lands Day on October 26.