Whether 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 perks of living here: if it’s not raining or extremely windy, we’re going on a walk,” says Jesse Mendiola, father of an almost two-year-old in Pacific Grove who walks every day.
Pack your supplies and then head out to enjoy our majestic surroundings with your kids. Be sure to leave no trace.
GARLAND RANCH REGIONAL PARK, CARMEL
This inland park has a great variety of hiking trails and educational events, such as June’s annual Summer Wildflower Show. Some short, flat hikes are available. It offers many historically significant places, including Rancho Don Juan; Rumsen Indian sites; and former homestead, hunting, and logging spots.
HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK, SCOTTS VALLEY
$10 passenger car fee, varying annual pass options
Explore 20 miles of trails across various ecosystems and amongst many old-growth redwood trees. Keep your eyes peeled for banana slugs and more.
TIDE POOLS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Check the tide predictions, pack a water bottle and hat, and head out to carefully observe. Aim for one hour before a negative tide.
EARTHBOUND FARM STAND, CARMEL
Join any of their great events–Earth Day, their birthday or just visit on a random day. Let your kids smell fresh herbs, enjoy the sunshine in the children’s garden, and join the U-picks of rotating types of flowers. Younger children will enjoy Monday morning storytimes at 10:30 and 11:00 am.
PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK, PAICINES
$30 for private vehicle standard entrance pass, $55 for an annual pass, or seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader can use a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass
Check out guided nature walks or look for bats in the talus caves in the area’s closest national park. This park serves as a release and management site for the California Condor Recovery Program. Ages three and up can join the Junior Ranger Program by printing out an activity packet, completing six activities, and then turning it in for a badge.
WHALE WATCHING, MONTEREY OR MOSS LANDING
$40-$95, prices may vary
Take advantage of our particularly special backyard with a boat ride. Per Chris’ Whale Watching, “The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the home to 27 species of marine mammals, 100+ species of marine birds, 345 species of fish and the leatherback turtle.”
Some kid-friendly whale watching tour options include Chris’ Whale Watching, which offers a whale-spotting guarantee (12 and under receive a discount), and Princess Whale Watching, where ages three to 11 can join at a discount (note: pregnant women and those under three are not allowed with Princess Whale Watching). Sanctuary Cruises offers smaller boats and allows all ages to participate.
NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH, SANTA CRUZ
$10 vehicle day-use fee
This space offers several activity options. Take the inland trail to appreciate the beautiful eucalyptus along the Monarch Grove where 10,000 butterflies wintered in 2024. Spend time on the beach admiring the rock formations and looking out for birds and ocean wildlife. At low tide, tidepools emerge, with special tours offered on Saturdays and Sundays when the tide and weather are right.
LOCKE-PADDON WETLAND COMMUNITY PARK, MARINA
Check out a bird-watching kit from the Marina Branch Library and see how many birds you can find while walking around the park.
POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE, CARMEL
$10 passenger car fee or park outside and walk in, varying annual pass options
This is sure to be some of the best hiking you’ve ever done, as long as you keep everyone away from the poison oak. Parking gets busy, as this park is very popular, so consider going later in the day to avoid crowds. The docents are very friendly and knowledgeable. On our latest trip, they let my toddler touch a killer whale tooth.
Some stroller-friendly options include the calm and shady Lace Lichen Trail (we recently spotted a family of deer) or the scenic Sea Lion Point Trail with epic coastal views in several directions where you may be able to spot whale spouts in the distance. Early in the year, gray whales travel past in both directions to and from Baja.
MORE IDEAS
• Ventana Wilderness Society offers different camps and programs for ages four to 17, such as “journaling in the shade of a giant redwood tree, watching sea lions from a kayak, exploring tidepools, or watching a condor take flight.”
• For additional Monterey-area birding location ideas, check out this interactive map of hot spots: birdinghotspots.org.
• Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District offers an amazing variety of free Let’s Go Outdoors programs at varying locations. Registration is available one month before and closes at 4:00 pm the day before each activity.
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