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One resource for inexpensive, varied activities are the parks departments associated with peninsula cities. Offering everything from preschools to movie nights to swimming lessons, they will quickly become your go to source for family fun. Depending on what city you live in, you may get a discount for being a city resident but in general you can participate in activities regardless of where you live. All have their catalogs online so you can choose your activities and sign up conveniently.
THE CITY OF MARINA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT oversees the Youth, Teen and Senior Centers. In addition, the department holds a variety of special events and sport leagues.
The City of Marina offers an array of affordable recreational opportunities for youth, teen, and adult sports programs year round. Options include league play and youth sports camps. Sport programs are open to residents and surrounding communities.
Recreation staff and volunteers host community events each year and provide safe places for children to go after school and during the summer.
The Marina Skate Park is located at 304 Hillcrest Avenue and is open daily offering a safe place for kids to ride their skateboards.
For additional information on The City of Marina Parks Dept. programs, check www.cityofmarina.org.
THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT encompasses community centers, sports, and summer camps. In addition, they manage the Monterey Sports Center and the city parks. Monterey Parks & Rec. offers an affordable preschool program at two of the community centers.
City community centers include Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center where preschool, stay and play, and teen drop-in programs along with a variety of programs and classes for all ages are offered. In addition to preschool, youth and teen programs, a variety of activities for all ages are offered at El Estero Park Center. The center is located near Dennis the Menace Park. Hilltop Park Center offers a preschool program, ballet instruction, ceramic studio, classes for children and adults, public access computers and a community room with activities for the whole family. The main focus of Scholze Park Center is on programs for adults including art workshops, dance, sewing, and exercise classes. The center offers drive through meals for seniors Tuesday through Friday from 11 am-noon.
Youth sports camps and leagues include flag football, track & field, soccer, beach volleyball, school break and summer sports camps.
Located in downtown Monterey, the Sports Center offers two indoor pools, a large selection of group exercise options, an extensive workout area, basketball, and more. Short term memberships are available so you can try out the facility.
Veteran’s Memorial Park is a beautiful 50 acre park located only a mile from downtown Monterey with campsites. The park is an affordable and fun way to stay overnight in the area or for families to have a camping getaway close to home. Besides the campsites (open 365 days per year), the park includes hiking trails, BBQ picnic areas, play equipment, turf and lawn playfield and a basketball court.
For additional information about City of Monterey Parks and Recreation programs, check monterey.org.
THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT provides services and programs at 28 parks including Caledonia, Jewell, and Lovers’ Point. Facilities under the direction of the department include Chautauqua Hall, the PG Community Center, Jewell Park, and the Youth Center.
Classes for kids include youth ballet and tap. A highlight of the department’s program is their swim program at Lovers Point. Classes always book quickly so if interested parents are advised to check the website early for registration dates and deadlines.
Summer programs include tot camp, chess camp, and a Lego camp.
For additional information on The City of Pacific Grove Parks Dept. programs, check cityofpacificgrove.org.
THE CITY OF SALINAS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT offers a wide variety of programs for youth and adults that encourage a positive leisure lifestyle through dance, sports, arts and other enrichment activities. From a Tiny Tots playschool to sports programs to summer camps, the rec department focuses on providing fun, free and inexpensive programming for all ages.
The City of Salinas Recreation-Park Division also offers free afterschool programs for youth at several of its recreation facilities Monday - Friday.
For additional information, check www.cityofsalinas.org.
THE CITY OF SEASIDE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT provides a variety of programs for children including preschool, summer camp, afterschool programs, sports lessons and leagues, as well as swim lessons and open swim time at Pattullo Swim Center.
There are several neighborhood parks offering open space, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Special events include Blues in the Park previously held in September and October and Movies in the Park. Holiday events include an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Bonanza, and a Winter Wonderland.
For additional information on The City of Seaside Recreation Dept. programs, check ci.seaside.ca.us/299/Recreation-Services