Family Fun
Events, Attractions, Places To Go, & Much More!
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
Sep 27, 2020
12:33 PM
Special Occasion Fun (Even in a Pandemic!)
Do you have a birthday you want to celebrate? Or, are you looking for a substitute for a canceled weekend trip? We rounded up five creative ideas in Monterey County – any of them would set the stage for a special afternoon. Read more
Aug 29, 2020
2:56 PM
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Our Favorite Monterey and Santa Cruz Picnic Spots
One of the joys of summer is an afternoon spent lounging on a blanket in the sun while the kids play along the water or grass. Here are our favorite Monterey and Santa Cruz picnic spots. Read more
Jul 28, 2020
3:17 PM
Say “Yes” to the Mess” with Six Outdoor Activities
To help your kids create some messy memories, consider one of these outdoor activities that only require hosing off and changing clothes when it’s time to clean up. Read more
Jun 26, 2020
3:04 PM
Camping 101 for Families
Camping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Here are the basics to get you started. Read more
Jun 26, 2020
3:00 PM
Your Kid’s Beach Questions Answered
My curious children combined with multiple hours by the ocean has led to many inquiries about their surroundings. Besides helping you appear smart to your children, you can also use this list to create a trivia game. Read more
Jun 26, 2020
2:47 PM
Take It Outside: Summer Fun in the Time of Coronavirus
Summer plans may have changed but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of fun to be had . . . in the great outdoors! Read more
Jun 26, 2020
1:15 PM
Preserving Memories with a Covid Time Capsule
An inexpensive and fun family project that will help us remember this moment in time is building a Covid Family Time Capsule. Read more
May 29, 2020
5:39 PM
Get Creative With Virtual Art Lessons
There is nothing better for your mood than a little creativity. If sheltering in place has you feeling a little blue, making art can give you an outlet for those feelings. It's also a great time for more art time for the kids. Read more
Apr 9, 2020
10:25 AM
Virtual Creativity: Storytime and Drawing Lessons Online
Have you reached your limit after reading “Dragons Love Tacos” a few dozen times and it’s only 10 am? Here are six of our favorite virtual storytimes and art activities. Read more
Mar 26, 2020
9:45 AM
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quick trips
A Weekend Getaway to Solvang
We spent a warm February weekend in Solvang and found the little town to be thoroughly charming. It's the perfect getaway for your Monterey County family. Read more
A "Beat" Tour of San Francisco
Are you a fan of Jack Kerouac? Are you fascinated with the "Beat Generation" or San Francisco hippie culture? If so, you will probably really enjoy a tour of San Francisco with a focus on Beat Generation landmarks. Read more
Last Minute Summer Getaways for Monterey Bay Families
Haven’t had time to fit in that summer vacation? Here are some quick and relatively affordable getaways to help you make some family memories. Read more
Five San Jose Attractions You'll Want To Visit
Tech marvels, farm animals, and a big scary house–here are five great destinations for fun in San Jose. Read more
Celebrate Your Besties With a Girls’ Getaway
February is the perfect month to make plans for a girls’ getaway. You may be surprised to hear a girls’ trip will have significant benefits for your mind and body. Read more
Family Day Trip: Destination Big Sur!
Pristine beaches, towering sea cliffs, roaring rivers and thundering waterfalls await you in Big Sur, a California gem spanning more than 90 miles of coastline and featuring several state parks. It's the perfect destination for your next day trip. Read more
Outdoor Fun
The sun is shining and it's the perfect day to be out and about. Here are a few great ideas on what you can do!
Where To Swim With The Kids in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties
When it comes to family fun, swimming is always a great choice. Here are some local family-friendly pools where you can take the kids this summer. Read more
Our Favorite Monterey County Walks
Summer is here and that means vacation and longer days with family and friends. The smells of BBQ and fireworks are in the air. Here are nine local destinations where your family can enjoy some outdoor time and a great walk! Read more
Monterey County Kids Eat Free (Or Cheap!) Specials
Looking for a meal out with your family while sticking to your budget? We found wallet-friendly options where children either eat for free or at a reduced price! Read more
Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market
Join locals and visitors on Mondays at Pacific Grove's Farmer's Market. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market offers a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts from small-scale family farmers (70 percent are certified organic), along wit Read more
Nov 30, 2020
3:00 PM7:00 PM
New Parent Support Group
For parents of babies ages 0-whomever needs support but aimed at littles in the first year of life. All are welcome. A support group for parents wishing to join and create community as they navigate the postpartum period, led by Angie Sonrode. Read more
Dec 1, 2020
11:00 AM
Old Monterey Farmer's Market
Held rain or shine, year-round on every Tuesday. Established in 1991, the market expands over 3 1/2 blocks. Read more
Dec 1, 2020
4:00 PM7:00 PM
Rockin' Pop-Up with the Geology Gents
Join the Geology Gents, Gavin and Graham, for weekly conversations about rocks live on Facebook. Each week we'll explore a different geologic topic, from Santa Cruz formations to tips for being a more effective rockhound. Read more
Dec 2, 2020
3:00 PM
Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market
Head to the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market, open every Friday from 9am to 1pm in the lot behind CPK! Read more
Dec 4, 2020
9:00 AM1:00 PM
Free Gentle Yoga Class
Join Jen from Yoga Salinas on Fridays for a free Gentle Yoga Community Class. Check https://yogasalinas.com for information. Read more
Dec 4, 2020
4:00 PM
Ballet Folklorico
Graciela Vega will be offering a virtual Ballet Folklorico class every Friday for ages 5+. Learn more at: https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/1972/Ballet-Folklorico-Summer-Workshop Read more
Dec 4, 2020
6:00 PM
Flea Market and Produce Sales
This is a new, every Saturday, Flea Market including craftspeople, produce and flea market items. Free Admission. Masks Required During COVID. Read more
Dec 5, 2020
8:00 AM1:00 PM
Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market
Join locals and visitors on Mondays at Pacific Grove's Farmer's Market. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market offers a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts from small-scale family farmers (70 percent are certified organic), along wit Read more
Dec 7, 2020
3:00 PM7:00 PM
New Parent Support Group
For parents of babies ages 0-whomever needs support but aimed at littles in the first year of life. All are welcome. A support group for parents wishing to join and create community as they navigate the postpartum period, led by Angie Sonrode. Read more
Dec 8, 2020
11:00 AM