Family Fun
Events, Attractions, Places To Go, & Much More!
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
Hidden Treasure: Geocaching with Kids in Monterey County
With the temperate weather of the Monterey Bay area, geocaching is a great family activity. You can find caches hidden in parking lots, parks, beaches, and quite likely in your neighborhood or one within walking distance. Read more
Mar 25, 2020
7:52 PM
Camp Memories: Adults share how camp shaped their lives
To understand why kids love going to camp, I spoke to 5 adults about their camp experience when they were kids. They shared with me how going to camp helped shape them into the people they are today. Read more
Feb 24, 2020
11:30 AM
Summer Camp Safety 101
As you’re getting the kids ready for one of the year’s absolute highlights – summer camp – teach them how to stay safe while they’re having fun. Read more
Feb 24, 2020
11:01 AM
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
Monterey Teens, Whatchu Watching?
Every Tuesday (around noon), a new episode of this show will be posted on Teen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monterey.public.library.teens/ It's time to conquer our TBW (to be watched) lists. But it's no fun do this alone. Let's binge-w... Read more
Jul 14, 2020
12:00 PM2:00 PM
Storytime With Mel
Join Capitola Librarian Mel online for a WEEKLY Preschool Storytime. We'll read books and sing songs. For 3-6 year olds. Visit santacruzpl.org/calendar to register. This storytime will be taking place on the online Zoom meeting platform. Re... Read more
Jul 17, 2020
10:00 AM10:30 AM
Whatchu Reading?
Every Friday (around noon), a new episode of the show will be posted on Teen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monterey.public.library.teens/ It's time to catch up on some reading. We've got the time! Teen Librarian Eboni recommends a new t... Read more
Jul 17, 2020
12:00 PM2:00 PM
Art Day with Mr. Paul
Join us every Friday at 2 PM for Art Day with Mr. Paul. We'll be livestreaming a new art project each week on the Palenke Arts Facebook page and YouTube channel. All ages are welcome. Bring whatever art supplies you have - even if it's just a pencil. Read more
Jul 17, 2020
2:00 PM3:00 PM
Monterey Teens, Whatchu Watching?
Every Tuesday (around noon), a new episode of this show will be posted on Teen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monterey.public.library.teens/ It's time to conquer our TBW (to be watched) lists. But it's no fun do this alone. Let's binge-w... Read more
Jul 21, 2020
12:00 PM2:00 PM
Virtual Family Friendly Gardening Seminar
This class is FREE will be LIVE on our Facebook page AgriLife Water University. NO LINKS TO CLICK and NO NEED TO REGISTER. Native and adapted plants are not only beautiful, water-efficient additions to your landscape, but they can be useful ... Read more
Jul 21, 2020
3:00 PM5:00 PM
Storytime With Mel
Join Capitola Librarian Mel online for a WEEKLY Preschool Storytime. We'll read books and sing songs. For 3-6 year olds. Visit santacruzpl.org/calendar to register. This storytime will be taking place on the online Zoom meeting platform. Re... Read more
Jul 24, 2020
10:00 AM10:30 AM
Whatchu Reading?
Every Friday (around noon), a new episode of the show will be posted on Teen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monterey.public.library.teens/ It's time to catch up on some reading. We've got the time! Teen Librarian Eboni recommends a new t... Read more
Jul 24, 2020
12:00 PM2:00 PM
Art Day with Mr. Paul
Join us every Friday at 2 PM for Art Day with Mr. Paul. We'll be livestreaming a new art project each week on the Palenke Arts Facebook page and YouTube channel. All ages are welcome. Bring whatever art supplies you have - even if it's just a pencil. Read more
Jul 24, 2020
2:00 PM3:00 PM
Monterey Teens, Whatchu Watching?
Every Tuesday (around noon), a new episode of this show will be posted on Teen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monterey.public.library.teens/ It's time to conquer our TBW (to be watched) lists. But it's no fun do this alone. Let's binge-w... Read more
Jul 28, 2020
12:00 PM2:00 PM