Books For and About Gratitude

Here are a selection of books on the practice of gratitude for all ages.

6 Ways to Keep Gratitude Journals With Your Kids

Help your children develop the gratitude habit by sharing one or more of these suggestions for keeping a gratitude journal.

Three Places to See Fall Color in Monterey County 

Key Takeaways Top spots for viewing fall color in Monterey County are Carmel Valley, Fort Ord National Monument between Salinas and Monterey, and Toro Park...

‘Tis the Season for Tree Lightings

Del Monte Shopping Center Christmas Tree Lighting November 21 | 5:00 – 7:00 PMDel Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey This family-favorite event kicks off the holiday season […]

Making Halloween a Treat For All

It’s time to make Halloween more inclusive for all children, especially those with disabilities, sensory needs, and dietary restrictions and preferences.

Monterey and Santa Cruz County Día de los Muertos Events 

Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2026 with your family

From Seaside to San Juan Bautista, communities around Monterey Bay are marking Día de los Muertos with ofrendas, folklórico, mariachi and processions, and most events are free and welcome kids.

Halloween & Fall Events for 2026 in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

Fall festivals, family fun, and Halloween events for a month filled with good times in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Check back frequently as we add new events.

Non-Scary, Sensory-Friendly and Toddler-Friendly Halloween Options

Halloween can be a magical time for children: pumpkins, costumes, music, treats, and plenty of opportunities for play. But for some children, especially toddlers, neurodivergent children, and children with sensory processing differences, the traditional Halloween experience can also come with a lot of unexpected sensory input.

Northridge Mall: Elevate the Shopping Experience

Ask a longtime Salinas parent about Northridge Mall, and you’ll likely get more than directions to the food court—you’ll get a memory. Maybe it’s a first job at 16. Maybe it’s photos with Santa every December. For many Monterey County families, the mall isn’t only a place to shop; it’s integrated into the rhythm of growing up here. And this year, one of those treasured memories is making a comeback: The carousel is returning.

DIY Halloween

Monterey County parents share their best budget-friendly, thrifted, and closet-raid costume ideas! There’s no need to buy much or stress about the perfect Halloween costumes....

Your Pumpkin Guide: Choosing and Using Your Pick

Fall along the Central Coast doesn’t always mean crisp air and turning leaves — around here, it’s more likely to mean morning fog burning off...

Monterey & Santa Cruz County Pumpkin Patches

It’s an October ritual that the entire family loves: heading to a pumpkin patch for that perfect pumpkin and a slew of seasonal family photos. Here are the pumpkin patches in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.