Holidays
Valentine's Day Celebrations
Easter
Wharf Easter Celebration & Bunnies Photo Contest
Come to Old Fisherman’s Wharf for some “egg-ceptional” Easter fun where every bunny is welcome! Hop on over and see the fun Easter-themed holiday decor for fun photos beginning March 27th through April 4th. Read more
Our Favorite Salt Dough Crafts for Kids
Salt dough is easy to make and requires ingredients you most likely have at home. Once you've whipped up a batch, here are our favorite fun items your kids can create. Read more
Easy Easter Crafts
Easter is almost here. This year we celebrate on April 12! Here are 4 fun Easter projects that use relatively common supplies you probably already have at home. Read more
8 Egg-citing Easter Traditions
Below are 8 ideas for Easter traditions you can try with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year … and stick with the ones your family loves! Read more
Five Beautiful Easter Crafts Perfect for Decorating
Decorating for Easter is twice as much fun if you create the decorations using one or more of our pretty ideas. Depending on your threshold for a mess, you may want to let the kids help. Read more
Mother's Day
Monterey-area Restaurants Offer Mother's Day Take Out Meals
Yep, it's last minute but you still have time to order take out for Mother's Day from one of these Monterey-area restaurants. There are several great options to choose from for brunch, lunch or dinner. Read more
Mother's Day Traditions Around the World
Mother’s Day is the day we celebrate mothers in the US. While many countries join us in the May celebration, there are also more traditional ways of acknowledging mothers around the world. Read more
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Monterey's Medical Moms
We’re highlighting four Monterey-area mothers who work in the medical field. We truly appreciate everything they do for their patients, their families, and our community. Read more
When Mother’s Day Is Difficult
For mothers who have lost a child, for those who have lost a mother, and for those who haven’t been able to conceive, Mother’s Day can be a complex mix of emotions. Read more
Special Mother’s Day Gifts for the New Mom
Looking for a Mother's Day or shower gift for a new mom? Here are five suggestions from the National Parenting Product Awards. Read more
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Father's Day
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Ten Creative Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father’s Day is just around the corner; so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas, and make it a special day just for Dad that both of you will enjoy. Read more
Meet the Step-Parents and Step-Grandparents
The so-called “traditional” family is no longer as typical as it once was. Mom and dad, two moms, two dads, grandparents raising their children’s children, a mix of parents and stepparents, are all common and valid and beautiful families. Read more
Monterey Mother's Day: Military Style!
For military parents, celebrating Mother's Day and Father's Day with their children is extra special, since they know that in future years deployments or training may keep them apart during these special days. Read more
Talking to Children About Death
Experts recommend answering children’s questions about death directly and age-appropriately. They say to avoid euphemisms like “passed away” or, in the case of a pet, “put to sleep” for young children because those expressions confuse them. Read more
Father's Day: A Father’s Role in Protecting His Family
As a dad, I feel that my role is “protector” by keeping my kid safe in all ways. At the same time, I don’t want to give in to my fears and make my daughter think and feel that where we live and where we go are not safe places. Read more
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4th of July
4th of July in Monterey
The City of Monterey will host a full day of events for family and friends and the whole community this July 4th. Activities include a pancake breakfast, downtown parade, BBQ, Open House, baseball game, and a free concert. Read more
Fourth of July Fun in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties
There are a variety of fun events planned for both Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties including Pancake Breakfasts, Parades, Fun Runs and, of course, FIREWORKS! Read more
4th of July Fun for Monterey County Families
It's time to plan a fun day for the 4th of July holiday! You'll find plenty of great local events to choose from in this list. For more information on each event, click the link at the end of each entry. Read more
Halloween
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
WCGD? (What Can Grandparents Do?)
It's a tough time, we get it. As grandparents, ask yourself, "what can I do to help my family?" There are so many ways you can lend an assist around your grandkids' altered education, Halloween celebrations, and fall activities. Read more
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
Monterey & Santa Cruz County Pumpkin Patches 2020
This year brings changes and challenges to our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch. Although we have lost a few of our normal haunts in Monterey and Santa Cruz County the remaining patches are taking extra precautions to ensure your safety. Read more
Monterey and Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches
Here are our favorite places to visit for pumpkins, animals, and some spooky fun in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Marina, Seaside, Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos. Read more
October Fall for Monterey Military Families
October is filled with Fall fun for the military families of Monterey. Read more
Halloween Photo Contest Winner Announced
The votes have been tabulated and the winner of the 2019 Halloween Photo Contest is . . . Read more
Vote in Our Halloween Photo Contest!
These are the finalists in our 2019 Halloween Photo Contest! You can vote for your favorite once per day, per email. Voting ends on November 8 at 5 pm. Read more
Trick or Treating for Monterey and Santa Cruz County Families
Are you looking for local trick or treat events? Here's the rundown of what's happening in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties for Halloween, 2019. Read more
Halloween Fun for Monterey and Santa Cruz Families
Are you looking for that perfect pumpkin or the best place to take kids trick or treating? We have articles on all sorts of Halloween-related topics! Read more
Christmas
Monterey-area Christmas Lights: 2020 Version
Many of the traditional Monterey County lighting displays aren't up this year but there are still some neighborhoods and homes where you can safely view beautiful light displays from your car. Read more
Holiday Spirits to Sip On
Despite a holiday season that’s practically guaranteed to feel different than any other, one constant will remain for many: enjoying the tastes of favorite foods and beverages while cozied up at home. Read more
Festive and Flavorful Holiday Snacks
Spice up this holiday season with festive snacks that are perfect for a quick on-the-go bite or a taste of your favorite holiday dessert. Read more
Create a Pet-Friendly Home This Holiday Season
This year, holiday gatherings will look different than celebrations in years past. Pet parents can take some comfort in knowing they can still celebrate with their pets. Read more
Holiday Popcorn Treats
Creating decorative holiday sweets allows little ones and grown-ups alike to take part in the fun, and the end result is delicious desserts for all to enjoy. Start with freshly popped popcorn. Read more
New Year's
Ten Ways to Stress Less This Holiday Season
Most Americans have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. Instead of being full of good tidings and cheer, families often feel drained of time, energy and peace. Here are ten tips to help ease the stress. Read more
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
Apr 16, 2021
9:00 AM1:00 PM
Virtual Workshop - Baby & Me: Ready to Move! (6-12mos)
Join with other parents and Cherie Tannenbaum, IBCLC, FNP, to talk about all things baby. We will discuss playing with baby and how to encourage independent play, managing work from home, safety, starting solids, sleep (baby's and yours!), and more! Read more
Apr 16, 2021
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Frog Dissection Class (3 sessions) Ages 9+
Explore Within Frog Dissection. 3 sessions: April 16th, 23rd, and 30th. 1:30-3:30pm. Ages 9 and older. $150 per student: all materials included in the cost of class. To sign up, email classes@hiddenhillsranch.org Read more
Apr 16, 2021
1:30 PM3:30 PM
Free Virtual Music & Movement Class
Calling all babies, toddlers and their caregivers! Join us for our Virtual Music and Movement program! Shake your sillies out in the comfort of your own home. Recommended for ages 0-3. This program is bilingual and guarantees a fun time for all. Read more
Apr 16, 2021
3:00 PM3:30 PM
Weekly Friday Food Truck Night
Free admission. Multiple food trucks available with an outdoor dining area. Event runs from 4pm-7pm every Friday. Read more
Apr 16, 2021
4:00 PM7:00 PM
Parents Night Out - Board & Brush
Welcome to Board & Brush Creative Studio! We are your place to build on-trend, farmhouse-classic, inspirational pieces of décor for your home, office or cottage. Read more
Apr 16, 2021
6:00 PM9:00 PM
Beach Cleanup - Kindness Rocks 831
Kindness Rocks 831 is hosting a beach clean up on Sand City Beach / West Bay Street. Gloves, bags & water provided - please bring your masks. Read more
Apr 17, 2021
9:00 AM
Free Drive-Thru Food Distribution
The city of Seaside and the Food Bank of Monterey Country will be distributing food while supplies last. Paid for by community development block grant COVID-19 funds. We encourage recipients to stay in their vehicles and drive thru to access food. Read more
Apr 17, 2021
9:30 AM11:00 AM
Virtual Learning Group (English or Spanish) - Positive Discipline Early Years
Our program is built on an authoritative parenting approach that teaches parents to model mutually respectful, kind and firm, and cooperative relationships with their children. This series will be on navigating the early years, ages 0-5. Read more
Apr 17, 2021
10:00 AM11:15 AM
Virtual Learning Group (English or Spanish) - Positive Discipline Early Years [Part 2]
Our program is built on an authoritative parenting approach that teaches parents to model mutually respectful, kind and firm, and cooperative relationships with their children. This series will be on navigating the early years, ages 0-5. Read more
Apr 17, 2021
10:00 AM11:15 AM