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
![medical moms with mask [Converted].jpg](https://www.montereybayparent.com/downloads/1393/download/medical%20moms%20with%20mask%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg?cb=992f24b2ae3ee171383f12af1ae577af "medical moms with mask [Converted].jpg")
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
![medical moms with mask [Converted].jpg](https://www.montereybayparent.com/downloads/1393/download/medical%20moms%20with%20mask%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg?cb=992f24b2ae3ee171383f12af1ae577af&w={width}&h={height} "medical moms with mask [Converted].jpg")
Father's Day
![father with daughter illustration [Converted].jpg](https://www.montereybayparent.com/downloads/1433/download/father%20with%20daughter%20illustration%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg?cb=17a15cd485b5bd807b8cb388eaeaf2e0&w=640 "father with daughter illustration [Converted].jpg")
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
![father with daughter illustration [Converted].jpg](https://www.montereybayparent.com/downloads/1433/download/father%20with%20daughter%20illustration%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg?cb=17a15cd485b5bd807b8cb388eaeaf2e0&w={width}&h={height} "father with daughter illustration [Converted].jpg")
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
Christmas on the Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf Association is proud to sponsor and hold its “4th Annual Christmas on the Wharf” weekend festivities on Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. Read more
Sunset Center Community Party
The Sunset Center will host a Community Holiday Party on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 3-5 PM before the City of Carmel Tree Lighting Ceremony. Read more
Reduced Adoption Fees for Monterey and Salinas Animal Services
Monterey County Animal Services and the City of Salinas Animal Services have reduced adoption fees to only $25 for cats and dogs! This reduction is to help get shelter pets into homes this holiday season. Read more
Monterey firefighters help families this holiday
Your Monterey firefighters and the Pacific Grove Kiwanis are teaming up to provide presents to families in need this holiday season. Read more
Monterey and Santa Cruz Santa Visits!
Looking for Santa? In addition to these ongoing Santa visits, check our calendar for additional Santa appearances at community events throughout the month of December. 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
Hallmark Christmas Movie Schedule
It's Christmas movie time on the Hallmark channel. Christmas movies, old and new, will continue for 24 hours every day through the end of the year. Set your DVR now for your favorites. Read more
Sunday Seaside Crafts
Seaside Crafts—from the comfort of your own home! Create ocean-inspired crafts and activities using materials found around the house. Read more
Oct 25, 2020
12:00 AM
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
Oct 27, 2020
11:00 AM
Drive Thru Trick or Treat
The City of Pacific Grove invites you to come enjoy trick or treating from the safety of your car. Come dressed in your favorite costume to receive a goodie bag from each of the decorated candy and toy distribution stations. Read more
Oct 29, 2020
2:00 PM5:00 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
Oct 30, 2020
4:00 PM
The Great Pumpkin Drive
The Monsterey Booseum of Art presents The Great Pumpkin Drive, a FREE DRIVE-THROUGH PUMPKIN ART SHOW at MMA La Mirada! Read more
Oct 30, 2020
4:30 PM8:30 PM
Artichoke Festival Haunted House
The Artichoke Festival presents something new and frightfully fun – a ghoulishly Haunted House, every Friday and Saturday night in October. Read more
Oct 30, 2020
5:00 PM10:00 PM
The Great Pumpkin Drive hosted by the Monterey Museum of Art
The Monterey Museum of Art will be hosting The Great Pumpkin Drive at our La Mirada location, showcasing the pumpkin carving talents of our local artists and community. The community is invited to a FREE drive-through pumpkin art show, and encour... Read more
Oct 30, 2020
5:30 PM8:30 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
Oct 30, 2020
6:00 PM
UnBOOlievably Fun Craft & Treat Bucket Pick Up
We wish we could celebrate together, but since we can't, we want to set you up for an unBOOlievably fun Halloween! Sign up today (reservations required) and pick up your bucket(s) at MY Museum on October 31st. Read more
Oct 31, 2020
9:00 AM12:00 PM
Artichoke Festival Haunted House
The Artichoke Festival presents something new and frightfully fun – a ghoulishly Haunted House, every Friday and Saturday night in October. Read more
Oct 31, 2020
5:00 PM10:00 PM