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.

Coming This Month From Monterey County Free Libraries

ember is here, the holidays are quickly approaching, and Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) wants to keep your family learning, engaged and inspired all year long. Here’s what’s happening at the library this month.

‘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.

Blippi Is Coming to Monterey–Win Tickets!

Blippi brings curiosity, movement, and plenty of silly fun to the stage, making this an exciting outing for little explorers! He’s appearing in Monterey!

Our Top Ten Recommended Events for October

October on the Central Coast is something special. The summer crowds have thinned, the fog tends to lift, and some of the year’s warmest, clearest days arrive just in time for a packed month of community celebrations. From milestone birthdays for our local cities to fireworks over the water, here are ten family-friendly events worth marking on your calendar this month.

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.

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...

October Flu Clinics in Monterey County

In coordination with schools, higher learning centers, and health care agencies, County of Monterey Health Department is hosting a series of free influenza (“flu”) immunization clinics.  Everyone 6 months of age and older is welcome. Children less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No appointment, ID, or insurance card is required.

Get the Right Fit: Car Seat Checks Offered in Salinas During Child Passenger Safety Week

On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, certified child passenger safety technicians from the County of Monterey Health Department will be at Natividad Hospital Parking Lot E at 1441 Constitution Blvd. in Salinas to inspect car seat installations. They’ll show parents and caregivers how to install a seat correctly and can help you choose the right one for your child’s age and size. The event is from 10 AM-1 PM.

Give Like Dolly Day: Help Monterey County Kids Get Books in the Mail

This Friday, September 25 (9-2-5, a nod to Dolly’s hit “9 to 5”), The Dollywood Foundation is marking the first-ever Give Like Dolly Day, a global day of support for local Imagination Library programs. California has also designated September 25 as annual Dolly Parton Day through Senate Bill 931, authored by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield).

Win a Witch Grannie Prize Pack

We’re celebrating Witch Grannie with a magical giveaway for one lucky reader! One winner will receive a Witch Grannie prize bundle featuring a signed copy of the Witch Grannie...

Free Flu Shot Clinics In the Salinas Valley in October

Salinas Valley Health is holding four free, no-appointment-needed flu vaccine clinics around the county this October, courtesy of its Mobile Clinic team. Here's where to...

Trick-or-Treat by the Bay: Halloween on the Wharf Returns for Its 8th Year

Free family fun, costume contest with cash prizes, and Halloween magic on Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf Mark your calendars, Monterey County families — Halloween is...

September Events from Special Kids Connect

Monterey County families raising kids and young adults with special needs have a lot to look forward to this month. Special Kids Connect has packed...

Free Aquarium Admission for Monterey County Families Is Back — Here’s How to Snag Tickets

Good news for local families: the Monterey Bay Aquarium is once again opening its doors free of charge to Monterey County residents, and this year's...

MPUSD Schools Earn Statewide Honors for Positive School Culture

Record 12 Schools Reach Platinum Level; Every Recognized School Earns Gold or Higher Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is celebrating statewide recognition for its work...

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

Being prepared for a disaster starts at home. All family members, including children, have a part to play in preparing your family for a disaster....

Free Wharf Walk Explores the History of Monterey’s Fishing Boats

Next tour: "Fishing Boats Through the Decades: Stories from Monterey's Waterfront" — Saturday, September 5, 10 a.m. to noon Looking for a free, family-friendly way...

A Parents’ Escape: Reconnecting at the Lodge at the Presidio

For parents of three young children, alone time can feel like a luxury. So when an invitation arrived to celebrate an eighth wedding anniversary with...

Marina Chess Falcons Now Meeting Two Days a Week

The Marina Chess Falcons chess club, hosted by the Friends of the Marina Library (FoML), is expanding to meet demand — good news for local...

Rancho Day at the Adobe Returns to Salinas This September

Free family event brings history to life with live music, blacksmithing, roping demonstrations, and more Mark your calendars, Monterey County families — Rancho Day at...

Whirling Dervishes, Stretchy Ice Cream & a Kids’ Craft Table: The Monterey Turkish Festival Turns 26

Custom House Plaza, Monterey | Saturday–Sunday, August 29–30, 2026 | Free Admission If you're looking for something different to do with the family this last...

Stevenson School Wraps Record-Breaking $75 Million Campaign, Opens New Math and Science Centers

Stevenson School has closed out the largest fundraising campaign in its history, bringing in $75 million — well past its original $60 million goal —...

Win Four Tickets to the 2026 Monterey County Fair

CONTEST IS CLOSED. Winner is Lynn Yoshiyama. Your tickets have been emailed. Cowboy boots, carnival lights, and cotton candy — the Monterey County Fair is...

Back to School Expo Winners

What a turnout! Thank you to every Monterey County family who stopped by the Back to School Expo and stamped their way through our Passport to Prizes

Last Chance: Win a Mercedes-Benz and Support MY Museum in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® Charity Drawing

Have you gotten your tickets yet? The 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® charity drawing is this Sunday, August 16, and it’s your last chance to enter for a shot at a 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric Sedan — while directly supporting local kids right here in Monterey County.

Back to School Expo Vendor Follow Up

Thank you for participating in Saturday's Back to School Expo. We work really hard to put on events that the community will love and that...

What To Do This Weekend in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

Back-to-school season is here, and this weekend sends summer off in style. Friday brings free community fun in Castroville, an extraordinary opening night of handcrafted folk art sculptures in Oldtown Salinas, and the Night Market 831 in Sand City. Saturday, the Back to School Expo fills Del Monte Center with free activities, school resources, and goody bags for families. Sunday, the beloved San Juan Day street festival takes over historic downtown San Juan Bautista all day long. Here’s what we’re pointing families toward this week.

What Monterey County Parents Need to Know About School Bus Rules

School transportation varies widely throughout Monterey County. Some districts operate extensive bus systems, while others offer more limited service based on grade level, attendance area, available capacity, or specialized programs. Every family should check with their district directly to confirm eligibility, registration requirements, and bus stop locations.

Thrifty Business: Your Guide to Resale Shopping for Monterey Families

Back-to-school season always seems to sneak up faster than we're ready for, and with new backpacks, shoes, and a fresh round of "I've outgrown everything"...

Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Turns 181 — Free Birthday Bash for the Whole Family

Mark your calendars, Monterey County families — Old Fisherman’s Wharf is turning 181, and the whole community is invited to celebrate for free. The Fisherman’s Wharf Association is throwing its annual Wharf Birthday Party on Sunday, October 11, complete with live music, historic boats, birthday cake, and a few brand-new activities for kids this year.

Free Diapers for Every Newborn Born at Natividad Medical Center

Good news for Monterey County families expecting a new baby: Natividad Medical Center in Salinas is one of the hospitals participating in Golden State Start, California’s new statewide program that gives every newborn 400 free diapers — regardless of family income.

Monterey Bay Parent Inclusive Directory Listings

Please fill out the form below to have your information included in our upcoming Directory of Special Needs Services. Free listings may include name, either...

Family-Friendly Car Week: Free Ways to See the Classics in 2026

Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into the center of the automotive universe. Monterey Car Week 2026 runs August 7–16, ten days packed with concours shows,...

August Family Fun: Your Guide to Events in Monterey County

Summer's home stretch is here, and August is packed with reasons to get the family out the door — from free library storytimes to a...

Monterey Bay Area National Night Out Events 2026

National Night Out returns on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the nationwide community-building campaign that brings neighbors, police officers, and firefighters together for an evening of...

A New Tool to Protect Your Family’s Privacy: California’s DROP Deadline Is Here

DROP stands for the Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform, a free tool built by the California Privacy Protection Agency. It lets any California resident submit a single request that reaches every data broker registered in the state — more than 500 of them — asking them to delete personal information and stop selling or sharing it.

Free Youth Photography Program Returns to Seaside This Fall — Registration Opens Soon

If your 5th through 8th grader has an eye for a good photo (or just loves messing around with a camera), The Weston Collective has an opportunity worth putting on your calendar. The nonprofit’s Community Youth Photography Program is back for the 2026/2027 school year, and it’s completely free for Monterey County families.

Essay Contest Celebrates 181 Years of Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Do you have a favorite family memory from Old Fisherman’s Wharf? Here’s a fun way for the whole family to dig into local history together — and maybe win a little something for it.

Your Guide to Monterey County Library Storytimes

Nothing beats a good story — especially when it comes with songs, rhymes, and a room full of other little ones to wiggle along with. Monterey County is lucky to have five different library systems, each running its own storytime programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Not a “Parenting” Business? Here’s Why You Should Still Book a Booth at Our Back to School Expo

Mark your calendars: the Monterey Bay Parent Back to School Expo returns Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Del Monte Center in Monterey — and booth registration is open now.

Free California State Parks Pass Available Now Through July 6 — Here’s How to Get It

JULY 6 IS THE LAST DAY! Monterey County families have a great opportunity this summer: a free pass to more than 30 state historic parks,...

Steinbeck and the Great American Read

Celebrating America’s 250th? Bookshop Santa Cruz curated two classic reading lists — here are the Steinbeck, Salinas, and California-rooted picks Monterey County families should know.

Monterey County’s 4th of July Events

Pancake breakfast, a parade, and other special celebrations are on the agenda for Monterey County 4th of July, 2026.

Celebrate the 4th with Monterey Firefighters at the Annual Pancake Breakfast

It’s July 4th week, and that means it’s time for one of Monterey’s favorite holiday traditions: the 10th Annual Old Fashioned Pancake Breakfast, hosted by MY Museum and your local Monterey firefighters.

Act Fast — Premium Booths for Back to School Expo Are Almost Gone!

Our annual Back to School Expo returns Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Del Monte Center in Monterey — and spots are filling up...

California’s History & Culture: 21 Must-Do Experiences

From Alcatraz to the Carmel Mission, explore 21 incredible history and culture experiences across California — including several right here in Monterey County.

California’s Military Heritage: 25 Must-Do Experiences

From Fort Point beneath the Golden Gate to the USS Midway and Monterey’s own Lower Presidio, explore 25 powerful California military heritage sites and experiences.

California Food & Drink: 21 Must-Try Experiences

From Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf to artichokes in Castroville and wine in the Santa Lucia Highlands, discover 21 essential California food and drink experiences.

California Family & Kids: 33 Must-Do Experiences

From Disneyland to Dennis the Menace Park and MY Museum in downtown Monterey, discover 33 incredible California experiences perfect for families and kids.

California Sports & Adventure: 21 Must-Do Experiences

From skiing Lake Tahoe and surfing Santa Cruz to the IndyCar finale at Laguna Seca and biking the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, discover 21 must-do California sports adventures.

California Scenic Drives & Road Trips: 16 Must-Do Routes

From Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur to the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel Valley Road, discover 16 incredible California scenic drives and road trips for families.

California City Experiences: 22 Must-Do Urban Adventures

From Cannery Row and Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Francisco’s Ferry Building and LA’s Original Farmers Market, discover 22 must-do California city experiences for families.

California Wildlife & Nature: 13 Must-Do Experiences

From monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove and sea otters in Monterey Bay to gray whale migrations and sandhill cranes, discover 13 incredible California wildlife experiences.

Uniquely California: 22 One-of-a-Kind Experiences

From walking the Path of History in Monterey and climbing Point Pinos Lighthouse to grunion runs, Glass Beach, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — 22 bucket-list California experiences.

California’s Coast & Beaches: 16 Must-Do Experiences

From monarch butterfly groves to bioluminescent waves, California’s 800-mile coastline is endlessly surprising. Here are 16 coastal experiences your family should put on the bucket list — including several right here in Monterey County.

California’s National Parks & Natural Wonders: 18 Must-Do Experiences

From El Capitan to Mono Lake’s tufa towers, California’s national parks and natural wonders offer some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth — and military families get in free. Here are 18 experiences worth putting on your bucket list.

Free Books for Every Baby and Toddler in Monterey County — Here’s How to Sign Up

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is coming to Monterey County this summer, and your child could receive a free book by mail every single month.

Slow Summer: Drawing Games in Pacific Grove

This summer, Monterey Bay Parent is partnering with local dad Beau to bring you a weekly video series of simple, screen-free activities designed to help families slow down and savor the season. Beau, who is dad to Archie and Esme, is passionate about unplugging and being present, and his ideas are the kind that require nothing more than a little time, some imagination, and the people you love most.

Salinas Valley Health Collects Diapers for Families in Need

For the fifth year in a row, Salinas Valley Health is showing that caring for families doesn't stop at the hospital door. Employees and community...

Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens in Monterey County

If your family could use a helping hand with lunches over summer break, you’re not alone. Several programs across Monterey County are serving free meals to kids and teens this summer through federal and local initiatives. No income verification, no registration required at most sites — just show up.

Birthday Celebrations for Each Age

Here’s an age-by-age guide to celebrating birthdays with your child — with plenty of local Monterey County flavor mixed in.

Keep Them Reading This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to curl up with a good book — and there’s no shortage of ways to make it fun and rewarding. Local libraries across the area are kicking off their summer reading programs, and national programs sweeten the deal with free gifts.

Monterey County Free Libraries Summer Programs

Monterey County Free Libraries is once again presenting their popular Summer Reading Club. The fun runs from June 1 through July 31, complete with prizes and performances.

Moonflower Dentistry: A Home for the Entire Family

PARTNER CONTENT There’s a flower that blooms only at night. It doesn’t wait for ideal conditions—it opens quietly in the dark, offering something beautiful, precisely...

Harmony Garden: A New Musical Sculpture Space Coming to Carmel

A local leadership program is creating an outdoor installation where families can make music, explore art, and connect with Carmel's creative spirit. A new outdoor...

Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Monterey City Hall

The Monterey Peninsula community is invited to celebrate Pride Month at a flag raising ceremony on Friday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m. at Monterey City Hall. The...

Three Peninsula Libraries Now Share Collections — Making It Easier for Families to Access More Books

Great news for library-loving families: Carmel Public Library has joined a resource-sharing partnership with the Monterey and Pacific Grove Public Libraries, meaning your library card...

Spring Into Parks Food Truck and Vendor Application

May Events for Your Monterey Bay Family

Spring is in full swing across Monterey County, and May is packed with festivals, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly fun from Salinas to Pacific Grove. Here...

City of Monterey Town Halls: budget measures & flood protection

The City of Monterey is hosting three community town halls to share information about two upcoming ballot measures and answer residents' questions. Each session runs...

Make the Summer Unforgettable at Stevenson Summer Camps

Each summer Stevenson School opens its campuses in Carmel and Pebble Beach to all students, offering programs that blend adventure, creativity, academics and athletics for...

More Monterey-Area Camp Info

Get the kids ready for a summer filled with fun by choosing camps that are the right fit for your family. Whether your child dreams...

Spring Into Parks Celebration

During April and May, families across Monterey will be visiting the City of Monterey parks as part of our "Spring Into Parks" promotion. They'll be...

Spring Into Parks Community Celebration

Join us for the Spring Into Parks Community Celebration on Sunday, May 17, from 11 AM–3 PM at the lawn of Colton Hall in downtown Monterey. This free,...

City of Monterey Parks

Explore the parks of Monterey during our Spring Into Parks promotion. The passport includes 18 parks located throughout the city—each offering something a little different,...

Win a Free Booth at the Summer Fun & Camp Expo

Monterey Bay Parent is excited to offer one free regular booth at our upcoming Summer Fun & Camp Expo—a fantastic opportunity for a small business...

Seaside Middle School Earns 2026 California Purple Star Designation

 MPUSD Now Home to Four Purple Star Schools Seaside Middle School has been named a 2026 California Purple Star School by the California Department of...

Best Family Events in March Around Monterey County

March is packed with opportunities to get outside, explore, learn something new, and connect as a family. From hands-on science and community celebrations to nature...

Easter Egg Hunts in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties

It’s time for the annual tradition of hunting for Easter Eggs. Here are a variety of 2025 events scheduled for the Central Coast.

Black History Sites to Explore Across California

Meaningful museums, landmarks, and cultural spaces—organized by region and within driving distance of Monterey. Black history is an essential part of California’s story, from early...

2026 Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorites Directory

CAMPS, LESSONS & ACTIVITIES AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM WINNER: Mathnasium of Monterey680 Del Monte Center, Monterey, California 93940 | (831) 324-4785EMAIL | WEBSITEMathnasium of Monterey helps K–12...

Best February Events for Your Monterey Bay Family

February is full of opportunities to get out and explore the Monterey Bay—whether your family loves hands-on science, community festivals, creative workshops, or big events...

Making Prom Possible for Monterey County Students

When a student misses prom because of cost, it can feel like more than just “one night.” For Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) trustee...

Four Ways Monterey Bay Charter School Stands Out!

At Monterey Bay Charter School, learning is designed to move beyond the classroom. Serving students from TK through eighth grade, the school offers a public...

Have You Tried These Monterey County Kid-Friendly Restaurants?

Healthy, delicious, and welcoming for the whole family—these local spots make it easy to please picky eaters and parents alike. From brunch specialties to plant-forward...

A Look Back at a Year of Growth & Impact at Monterey Bay Parent

As we look ahead to a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished together and to thank the...

County of Monterey Health Department Urges Residents to Protect Against Winter Respiratory Viruses

As winter respiratory viruses continue to circulate, the County of Monterey Health Department is encouraging residents to take preventive steps to protect themselves, their families,...

Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorites 2026 Is Now Open — Vote Daily January 1–12

It’s time to celebrate the places, programs, and organizations that make life in Monterey Bay extra special for families. Monterey Bay Parent’s Family Favorites 2026...

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events Around Monterey County (and Nearby)

Celebrate safely and joyfully with kids this New Year’s Eve — from creative crafts and countdowns to downtown festivities and early-day “noon” celebrations. Noon Year’s...

Why Families Choose a Catholic School Education

National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2026 will be celebrated from Sunday, January 25 to Saturday, January 31.  Catholic schools have long been known for strong...

January 2026 Best Library Events for Monterey and Salinas

January is a great time to rediscover our local libraries. County libraries across Monterey County are kicking off 2026 with a full calendar of engaging,...

A Guide to First Day Hikes in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

As many families look for meaningful ways to begin a fresh calendar year, First Day Hikes provide the perfect chance to combine nature, wellness, and community tradition....

Salinas and South County Mayors Unite for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety

A recent increase in pedestrian and bicyclist collisions across Salinas and South Monterey County has prompted local mayors to unite around a shared message: slow...

The Salvation Army Distributes 1,500 Holiday Hams Across Monterey County

The Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps is helping families across Monterey County celebrate the holidays by distributing 1,500 hams to local families and community service...

Stevenson Senior Chanel Estrada Earns Full-Ride QuestBridge Scholarship to Columbia University

Stevenson School senior Chanel Estrada has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to Columbia University through the highly competitive QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, marking another...

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America Announce 2026 Schedules and Expanded Events

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America have unveiled their 2026 operating calendars, featuring expanded seasonal events, live entertainment, immersive décor, and new limited-time...