Holidays
Easter
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
Easter Crafts Workshops
Are you looking for Easter crafts for the kids? Here are four fun classes that kids will love. 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
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
Father's Day
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
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
Virtual Bilingual Parenting Workshop: Engaging Activities For Families
January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month! Triple P Workshops cover practical tips and strategies for handling specific parenting questions and challenges. Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop with your kids to: * Learn how providin... Read more
Jan 25, 2021
2:00 PM3:30 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
Jan 25, 2021
3:00 PM7:00 PM
StoryZoom from Seaside Library
Live online storytime with librarian and children's book author Carol Diggory Shields. Stories, songs and fun for all ages. Read more
Jan 26, 2021Feb 23, 2021
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
Jan 26, 2021
4:00 PM7:00 PM
11th Annual Whalefest Monterey
Don’t miss the award-winning 11th Annual Whalefest Monterey, a free virtual video event available for viewing from anywhere around the world with something entertaining and educational for all ages. At a Glance: What: Fisherman'... Read more
Jan 26, 2021Jan 29, 2021
Virtual Parenting Workshop (Bilingual): Encouraging Creativity with Family Art Activities
January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month! Triple P Workshops cover practical tips and strategies for handling specific parenting questions and challenges. Attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop with your kids to: * Learn how art, m... Read more
Jan 27, 2021
3:00 PM4:30 PM
Virtual Parenting Workshop: Strengthening Communication Through Family Meetings
Strengthening Communication Through Family Meetings January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month! Triple P Workshops cover practical tips and strategies for handling specific parenting questions and challenges. Attend this FREE virtual pa... Read more
Jan 28, 2021
6:00 PM7:30 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
Jan 29, 2021
9:00 AM1:00 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
Jan 29, 2021
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
Jan 30, 2021
8:00 AM1:00 PM