A trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for families exploring California’s Central Coast. With its world-renowned exhibits, interactive experiences, and stunning oceanfront...
Read ArticleIf you’ve been to a local park recently and thought, “Why are the tennis courts so loud?” and, “Those are weird balls?” you’re not alone....
Read ArticleWhether you perch near flowers to observe bumblebees or hike out to look for whales, embrace some time in the sunshine. “It’s one of the...
Read ArticleLooking for a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy summer evenings with the family? Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties offer a variety of free outdoor...
Read ArticleGet ready for a summer of live music as Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey brings back its popular Favorite Fridays concert series for 2025. From May...
Read ArticleRoller skating enthusiasts in Monterey have reason to celebrate as Monterey Skates opens its doors at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Founded by Max Troyer and Morgan...
Read ArticleDiscover free festivals, family activities, storytelling, music, and more across Monterey County this month. Whether you're looking to enjoy spring festivals, get creative in the...
Read ArticleIf you're planning a trip or staycation and searching for the best Monterey attractions for families, you're in the right place. Whether you're visiting for the...
Read ArticleMonterey Bay isn’t just known for its sweeping ocean views and scenic beauty—it’s also a haven for animal lovers of all ages. From sea otters...
Read ArticleStart your family's summer of fun here! Check out these great summer camps that are now taking reservations for your child's best summer yet. To...
Read ArticleLooking for budget-friendly activities to enjoy with your family this March? Monterey County and the surrounding areas have free events that offer fun, creativity, and...
Read ArticleChildren’s museums are magical spaces where kids can explore, learn, and play through hands-on exhibits and interactive activities. Families in Monterey have access to quite a few exceptional museums offering unique...
Read ArticleDiscover the Best Hot Chocolate Spots in Monterey County and Beyond An interesting discussion recently took place in the Monterey Bay Parent Facebook group about...
Read ArticleIn our October issue you'll find a print postcard sponsored by The Patch at 10 River Road. In addition to The Patch at 10 River...
Read ArticleThe changing of the seasons is upon us, and it’s time to get cozy. With the cooling temperatures, shorter days, and beautiful colors comes an...
Read ArticleAhhhh, October! The Monterey Peninsula experiences cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. And, while we generally think of the east coast when we think about fall...
Read Articlehttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/iiryxzWx_KM The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most famous attractions in Monterey County. Known for its commitment to ocean conservation, the Aquarium features...
Read ArticleWe are lucky to have amazing libraries in Monterey County. They offer a variety of free events that are perfect for family fun. Here are...
Read ArticleSeptember has arrived, and even with the kids back in school, there's still a wide variety of fun family activities and events to enjoy throughout...
Read ArticleIt’s apple picking season on California’s Central Coast, and we have tips to make the most of it. Plus, we’ll tell you where to pick them!
Read ArticleApple picking is a perfect activity for fall fun but hurry, the season ends in later October/early November. Be sure to call ahead to make...
Read ArticleWith fall arriving in Monterey County, nice weather is ahead. A fun outdoor activity for your kids to enjoy this autumn is to look for...
Read ArticleHere are five ideas for fun, family activities in Monterey County. They’re perfect for late summer and fall.
Read ArticleAn excellent way to get outdoors is hiking along the Monterey Peninsula, which has incredible scenic trails and wildlife. Here are some of the most accessible kid-friendly hikes Monterey has to offer.
Read ArticleWith spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, it is a great time to plan a day trip with your family. The...
Read ArticleReady for the big holiday this Thursday? There are plenty of kid-friendly activities the entire family can enjoy. In Monterey County, there are numerous fireworks...
Read ArticleMonterey County offers a variety of shopping centers and malls that cater to both locals and tourists. In addition to the centers, Monterey County has...
Read ArticleWhether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply relaxing by the beach, Santa Cruz has something to offer everyone. Here are some suggestions...
Read ArticleASILOMAR STATE BEACH Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove is known for its natural beauty and serene environment. This beach is ideal for families who...
Read ArticleSummer is a great time for kids to kick back and relax, but don’t let the days go by without a little reading. It’s the...
Read Articleummer’s here and it’s time to soak up the sun! There are endless activities to keep your kids busy this time of year, but when...
Read ArticleIf you love to read and discuss books, starting a book club might be for you. “You don’t have to be friends to begin,” says...
Read ArticleArchie adventured in Yosemite this week! This was our 4th family trip to Yosemite, and Archie’s sister Esme’s first time. The sheer awesomeness doesn’t ever get any less breathtaking.
Read ArticleIt’s a beautiful time of year to visit the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. The morning light and the soft scent of the eucalyptus and pine trees is so peaceful. It never gets old.
Read ArticleDid you know the Monterey Public Library has Social Emotional Learning Kits? Each kit contains a collection of books based around a theme as well as recommendations for more books and online resources.
Read ArticleDid you know the Monterey Public Library has Social Emotional Learning Kits? Each kit contains a collection of books based around a theme as well as recommendations for more books and online resources.
Read ArticleArchie has been asking to play in snow since last summer. We took a 4 hour roadtrip up to Strawberry this week and stayed for a couple nights to make his snow wishes come true.
Read ArticleTidepooling in the Monterey Bay is easy, and with just a few essential tips to ensure safety for your kiddos, yourself, and our marine friends, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.
Read ArticleIs your camper ready for summer camp? How will it benefit them, how do you help make it the best experience possible, and how will you choose a camp?
Read ArticleGain some inside info from our question and answer session with three experienced camp directors from Monterey.
Read ArticleA friend recently invited us to the Glorya Jean Tate Park in Marina. Archie had a fun time and asked to go again, so I took him after school to burn off some energy on the pump track.
Read ArticleArchie attended the Giddy-Up Gathering at Hacienda Hay & Feed in Carmel Valley this weekend for horse riding with Christy.
Read ArticleFor a kid, there is nothing quite like the exhilaration of exploring a new park! From pump tracks to hiking trails to birthday party venues, Monterey County has a wide variety of parks to get outside and play.
Read ArticleWe live in one of the most beautiful places in the country with a variety of gorgeous settings for our precious keepsakes. Here are some locations and tips to get results that do your adorable kids and your beautiful community justice.
Read ArticleLooking for an out of the box idea for family fun? Here are twelve suggestions in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties to consider for your next outing.
Read ArticleHiking is a great family activity and the California Central Coast is the perfect place for exploring. Here are some tips to get your family started on hiking.
Read ArticleA rainy day can sometimes feel daunting with little ones but it also can be an opportunity for a new kind of adventure. The Monterey Bay area has so many places to spend a stormy day and plenty are free.
Read ArticleThe upcoming official King Tide dates for Monterey and Santa Cruz are January 11 and 12, 2024, and February 9, 2024, however, there are even more dates with these extreme tides.
Read ArticleMake 2024 the year that you and your preschooler try out the abundant free events and resources curated by dedicated librarians from our local libraries!
Read ArticleArchie enjoyed a spine-tingling and enchanting Halloween breakfast experience at Brew-N-Krew in downtown Salinas this morning! He was excited for a chance to wear his bat costume out of the house before Halloween. 🦇
Read ArticleLaurel Park is a charming park next to Henry F. Kammann Elementary School in Salinas. It is an excellent location for those picking up their kids; they could burn more energy right after class.
Read ArticleMission Park is a convenient park in south Salinas, perfect for picnics and soccer practice.
Read ArticleLaguna Grande Park in Seaside includes walking paths, sports fields, a lake, wildlife habitat and natural plants and flowers. A fun fact about this park is that 80% of it is in the city of Seaside and about 20% is located in the city of Monterey.
Read ArticleCivic Center Playground in Marina offers some challenging unique structures. It is connected to the Marina Youth Center which offers recreational activities, cultural events, field trips and after school care.
Read ArticleCentral Park in Salinas has BBQ areas, picnic tables, bathrooms, lots of green spaces, a community garden, and play structures separated into two sites, one for kids 5- 12-year-olds and one other for the younger crowd.
Read ArticleThis week we visited Via Paraiso Park in Monterey. A light forested area, baseball diamond, grassy field, tennis courts/pickle ball, and a playground surround the park. There is a paved walkway around the baseball field.
Read ArticleArcher Park offers a beautiful view of Monterey Bay and has a nice mix of big oak trees and native flowers and plants. The play structure at this park has a combination of slides, monkey bars, and even a small rock-climbing wall.
Read ArticleParticipating in theater can expose kids to music, arts, culture, teamwork and more. Most of the benefits of participating in theater help them in school now. Here are 5 reasons that kids should give theater a try.
Read ArticleKids are natural dancers and it’s a great means of creative expression! For inspiration, try one of these recommended books.
Read ArticleDoes your child love to sing? Love plunking on the piano or pounding on the drum? Do you think you might have a future musician in your home? Let’s look at some short and long term benefits of music lessons.
Read ArticleFamilies can now borrow a day-use pass for a variety of state parks through local libraries. The Parks Pass can be used at over 200 California state parks.
Read ArticleOne of my favorite parks in the city of Pacific Grove is the Pacific Grove Community Center Playground, otherwise known as Caterpillar Park.
Read ArticleAt the same time, some school districts are investing more in STEM instruction while diverting funds from arts education; research is proving the value and benefits of the latter to its students.
Read ArticleLike so many parenting decisions, there is no “one size fits all” method of determining if a child is ready for the adventure of sleepaway camp. Asking yourself these eight questions can help make the choice easier.
Read ArticleYou’re looking for the perfect day camp for your little artist, swimmer or scientist, but you’re worried because camp is unfamiliar territory. Help prepare your child for what’s ahead with these tips to make their camp experience a positive one.
Read ArticleMarch 20 is the first day of Spring! Celebrate the new season and the color it brings with one of these spring-themed books.
Read ArticleHere are some excellent choices for read-aloud time or gift-giving during the December holidays.
Read ArticleLooking for some creative inspiration to share with your children? Here are some book suggestions for artsy fun!
Read ArticleThe effects of an immersive arts education experience linger long afterward, whether or not we realize it. Our children stand a bit taller, more confident.
Read ArticleAutumn is the perfect time to head to a local farm to pick your own produce of the season, whether it be apples, pears, pumpkins, squash or others.
Read ArticleHeading back to school can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re moving to a new school or hitting a milestone grade. Don’t worry—we have plenty of books to prepare your student for a new chapter!
Read ArticleMonterey and Santa Cruz Counties have lots of great parks and playgrounds. Here are our favorites!
Read ArticleCity recreation departments in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Salinas, and Marina offer inexpensive activities for families.
Read ArticleHere are ten local destinations in Monterey and Santa Cruz where your family can enjoy some outdoor time and a great walk!
Read ArticleThe next time your family is looking for a cultural fix, pick one of these museums for an afternoon of fun.
Read ArticleFather’s day is around the corner, which means we’ve got a list of books highlighting all the things we love about our dads—both the dads related to us and the ones that aren’t.
Read ArticleSchool is letting out and summer is rolling in, which means summer camp is right around the corner! These are our favorite summer camp adventures for young readers to get them in the adventuring mood.
Read ArticleCalifornia State Parks and the California State Library are offering an additional opportunity to advance safe and equitable outdoor access to all Californians.
Read ArticleIf you’re looking for some new material to keep your elementary reader turning pages, look no further. Fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, dystopian—we’ve got
plenty of adventures of all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re looking for a book to give as a gift or a new bedtime story, here are our favorite books for preschoolers.
Read ArticleEach week our Instagram blogger, Beau Jackson takes his 3-year-old son Archie on adventures. Ranging from creative pursuits like art journaling to airport outings, Archie and Beau give parents across the Monterey Bay ideas for their own family.
Read ArticleWhat better way to celebrate family togetherness than spending time in nature? Celebrate National Hike Day with one of our recommendations. Here are five Monterey/Santa Cruz County trails that your family will enjoy.
Read ArticleLearning to play a musical instrument can improve mathematical, science, and English scores in children. Read on for some tips on how to integrate music into your family’s world.
Read ArticleMy family and I had the opportunity to visit the Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco with the goal of exploring and then reporting back to the readers of Monterey Bay Parent.
Read ArticleWe celebrate the arts in our September issue each year. Here are a variety of resources to develop your family’s “creativity muscles.”
Read ArticleEach week, our Instagram blogger Beau will be sharing a new adventure with his 3-year-old son. Get inspiration from this hands-on dad as he finds new places and activities to explore.
Read ArticleWith California just reopening and summer in full swing, it’s time to venture out a bit from our Monterey Bay enclave. As a parent of three under five, I am in search of stimulating weekend activities to expend their staggering amounts of energy.
Read ArticleNothing says summer like a round of putt-putt golf! Both Monterey and Santa Cruz each have one indoor course. San Jose offers several options including one with water slides.
Read ArticleFor kids living around the Monterey Bay, seeing surfers ride the waves is a pretty regular occurrence. At some point, many kids will ask about surfing and may want to give it a try.
Read ArticleThere is absolutely nothing like seeing Orcas in the wild – much better than seeing them in a small tank in captivity. Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of dolphins and one of the world’s most powerful predators.
Read ArticleToday, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people every year. It’s a great time to focus discussion on how important conservation is and what we can do as a family.
Read ArticleWhale watching is an educational and family-friendly activity you can safely enjoy outside. The National Marine Sanctuary in our own backyard is just waiting to be explored.
Read ArticleWith the first day of spring just around the corner (March 20) and families spending lots of time outdoors, walking is the perfect activity.
Read ArticleSkiing, sledding, tubing, snow play–’tis the season–at least the start of the season! If you’re thinking about planning a trip to the snow soon, we gathered info on Tahoe-area resorts, their pandemic updates, and expected opening date when available.
Read ArticleTo help your kids create some messy memories, consider one of these outdoor activities that only require hosing off and changing clothes when it’s time to clean up.
Read ArticleCamping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Here are the basics to get you started.
Read ArticleThere is nothing better for your mood than a little creativity. If sheltering in place has you feeling a little blue, making art can give you an outlet for those feelings. It’s also a great time for more art time for the kids.
Read ArticleHave you reached your limit after reading “Dragons Love Tacos” a few dozen times and it’s only 10 am? Here are six of our favorite virtual storytimes and art activities.
Read ArticleWith the temperate weather of the Monterey Bay area, geocaching is a great family activity. You can find caches hidden in parking lots, parks, beaches, and quite likely in your neighborhood or one within walking distance.
Read ArticleTo understand why kids love going to camp, I spoke to 5 adults about their camp experience when they were kids. They shared with me how going to camp helped shape them into the people they are today.
Read ArticleAs you’re getting the kids ready for one of the year’s absolute highlights – summer camp – teach them how to stay safe while they’re having fun.
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