CAMPS, LESSONS & ACTIVITIES
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
WINNER: Mathnasium of Monterey
680 Del Monte Center, Monterey, California 93940 | (831) 324-4785
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Mathnasium of Monterey helps K–12 students catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Starting with an assessment, we create a customized learning plan to build number sense, close gaps, and boost confidence. From math homework help and fractions to multi-step equations and SAT prep, our proven method and caring instructors make math make sense—turning struggles into lasting success.
FINALIST: All Saints Day School
8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA, California 93923 | (831) 264-8161
EMAIL | WEBSITE
All Saints Day School is an independent, coeducational private school in Carmel, California, serving students from Preschool through 8th Grade, known for its strong academics, character development, and inclusive Episcopal foundation, preparing students exceptionally well for high school on a 17-acre campus. All Saints Day School provides a comprehensive, nurturing, and challenging environment for younger students, building a strong foundation for their future academic journeys.
FINALIST: Monterey YMCA
ART CLASSES
WINNER: Art Abilities
FINALIST: The Hot Spot
458 Alvarado Street, Monterey California 93940 | (831) 747-1152
montereycounty@thehotspotstudios.com | https://www.thehotspotstudios.com/monterey-ca
The Hot Spot Monterey is a creative community art space in the heart of downtown Monterey.
We offer 6 hands-on crafts with an environment that is perfect for alls ages and skill levels.
We are a walk-in DIY art studio and we also book parties for any special event!
FINALIST: Progress Not Perfection
DANCE STUDIO
WINNER: Salinas School of Dance
40 West Gabilan Street, Salinas, California 93901 | (831) 837-7006
EMAIL | WEBSITE
A dance studio offering classes for children in ballet, tap, jazz and folklórico. For Adults, ballet is offered.
FINALIST: The Dance Center
FINALIST: Monterey Recreation
GYMNASTICS
WINNER: Rising Star Gymnastics
FINALIST: Sheas Gymnastics
FINALIST: Monterey Bay Gymnastics
MUSIC STUDIO/LESSONS
WINNER: Emma Bartlett Music
215 Grand Avenue, Pacific Grove, California CA 93950 | (917) 676-0367
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Welcome! We offer piano, percussion, and guitar lessons in Pacific Grove. Classes include: KiddyKeys (3-5 year olds); My First Piano Adventures (5-6 year olds); Group Piano Class (7-14 year olds); Group Guitar Class (7-12 year olds); Adult Sip & Play Piano Class (21 and older); Private Piano Lessons (5 and older) and Private Percussion Lessons (7 and older). Come see why we’ve been voted best music lessons in Monterey County!
FINALIST: Dennis Murphy School of Music
FINALIST: YOSAL
SPORTS LESSONS/LEAGUE
WINNER: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
FINALIST: Next Level Sports
FINALIST: Surf Soccer
SUMMER CAMP: COUNSELOR IN TRAINING
WINNER: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
FINALIST: Hidden Hills
FINALIST: Clover Sports
SUMMER CAMP: GENERAL
WINNER: Hidden Hills
WINNER: Monterey Recreation
FINALIST: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
SUMMER CAMP: FOR TODDLERS
WINNER: All Saints Day School-Little Saints
8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA, California 93923 | (831) 264-8161
EMAIL | WEBSITE
All Saints Day School is an independent, coeducational private school in Carmel, California, serving students from Preschool through 8th Grade, known for its strong academics, character development, and inclusive Episcopal foundation, preparing students exceptionally well for high school on a 17-acre campus. All Saints Day School provides a comprehensive, nurturing, and challenging environment for younger students, building a strong foundation for their future academic journeys.
FINALIST: Rising Star Gymnastics Junior camp
FINALIST: Monterey Recreation-Hilltop Park
SUMMER CAMP: SPECIALTY
WINNER: Rising Star Gymnastics
FINALIST: Hidden Hills Ranch
FINALIST: Monterey State Parks
SUMMER CAMP: SPORTS
WINNER: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
FINALIST: Clover Sports
FINALIST: City of Marina Recreation
SUMMER CAMP: THE ARTS
WINNER: SODA/Pac Rep
707 Mountain View Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 93921 | (831) 622-0700
EMAIL | WEBSITE
PacRep’s Peppy Garner & Darnell Whitt School of Dramatic Arts (SoDA) offers quality performing arts training in a safe and nurturing environment, where students build self-esteem and creative confidence, as they learn to express themselves onstage.
FINALIST: Emma Bartlett Music
FINALIST: ARIEL Theatrical
SWIM LESSONS
WINNER: Peak Potential ISR
FINALIST: Rising Tide Swim
FINALIST: ISR Monterey Bay
THEATRE CLASSES
WINNER: SODA/Pac Rep
707 Mountain View Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 93921 | (831) 622-0700
EMAIL | WEBSITE
PacRep’s Peppy Garner & Darnell Whitt School of Dramatic Arts (SoDA) offers quality performing arts training in a safe and nurturing environment, where students build self-esteem and creative confidence, as they learn to express themselves onstage.
FINALIST: Ariel Theater
FINALIST: YOSAL
COMMUNITY
BANK/CREDIT UNION
WINNER: Monterey Credit Union
FINALIST: Chase Bank
FINALIST: Wells Fargo Bank
CHURCH/SYNAGOGUE
WINNER: Shoreline Church
FINALIST: Wellspring Church
FINALIST: Compass Church
LIBRARY
WINNER: Marina Branch Library
190 Seaside Circle, Marina, California 93933 | (831) 883-7507
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The mission of Monterey County Free Libraries is to bring ideas, inspiration, information and enjoyment to our community. Our collection includes a variety of formats including books, books in large print, books on tape, books on CDs, DVDs, newspapers, magazines and electronic resources in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. The Marina Branch, with support from the Friends of Marina Library, hosts programs and events for children, families, and adults, including storytimes, crafternoons, movie screenings, a Student Support Center, and more!
FINALIST: Monterey Library
FINALIST: Pacific Grove Library
NONPROFIT SERVING FAMILIES
WINNER: The Village Project
FINALIST: All-In Monterey
FINALIST: Community Human Services
PARENT SUPPORT/EDUCATION
WINNER: Parent’s Place
FINALIST: Partners for Peace
FINALIST: Birth Network of Monterey County
RESALE SHOP
WINNER: Rosebuds Kids Co.
535 Foam Street Ste 102, Monterey, California CA | (831) 884-5345
EMAIL | WEBSITE
We’re Rosebuds Kids Co., your new go-to children’s resale shop. We offer stylish, gently used clothing, toys, and more for little ones, without the big price tags. Thoughtfully curated, always adorable, and sustainably minded.
FINALIST: Chatterbaux
FINALIST: Carmel Kids Consignment
SHOPPING CENTER
WINNER: Del Monte Shopping Center
FINALIST: Northridge Mall
FINALIST: The Barnyard
SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT
WINNER: Children’s Therapy Center
FINALIST: Breakthrough Behavior
FINALIST: Special Kids Connect
EDUCATION
CHARTER SCHOOL
WINNER: Monterey Bay Charter School
1004 David Avenue, Pacific Grove, California CA 93950 | (831) 655-4638
communications@mbcharterschool.org | https://mbayschool.org
Monterey Bay Charter School is a tuition-free public school, serving all of Monterey County, and guided by the core principles for Public Waldorf Education. The school mission is to inspire joyful learning and courageous living!
FINALIST: Monterey County Home Charter School
FINALIST: Bay View Academy
DAYCARE
WINNER: Moro Cojo ELC Daycare & Preschool
9732 Cortez Lane, Castroville, California 95012 | (831) 998-6448
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Moro Cojo ELC Daycare & Preschool is a warm, safe, home-based early learning program in Prunedale where little minds grow big dreams. We offer bilingual (English/Spanish) care led by experienced teachers for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and after-school children, with flexible scheduling for working families. Through play-based learning, healthy homemade meals, and personal attention, we help children grow socially, emotionally, and academically with confidence.
FINALIST: Jessica’s Littles
FINALIST: Ryan Ranch Children’s Center
PARENT/CHILD ACTIVITY
WINNER: Monterey Zoo
FINALIST: Parents Place
FINALIST: Sensory Story Time at Olivia & Daisy
PRESCHOOL
WINNER: Rosebuds Preschool
1314 Josselyn Canyon Road, Monterey, California 93940 | (831) 484-4358
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Nestled in the coastal forests of Monterey on Josselyn Canyon Road, Rosebuds Preschool is a Waldorf-inspired, home-based farm school for children ages 2–5. Rosebuds is a full-day, year round program offering gentle potty learning support, whole-food meals cooked from scratch every day, and daily art including watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, and weaving. We strive to provide a nurturing environment rooted in rhythm, creativity, and the beauty of childhood.
FINALIST: All Saints Day School
8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA, California 93923 | (831) 264-8161
EMAIL | WEBSITE
All Saints Day School is an independent, coeducational private school in Carmel, California, serving students from Preschool through 8th Grade, known for its strong academics, character development, and inclusive Episcopal foundation, preparing students exceptionally well for high school on a 17-acre campus. All Saints Day School provides a comprehensive, nurturing, and challenging environment for younger students, building a strong foundation for their future academic journeys.
Wellspring Preschool
PRIVATE SCHOOL: LOWER GRADES
WINNER: Sacred Heart School
WINNER: Santa Catalina School
1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, California 93940 | (831) 655-9302
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School prepares students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Boys and girls in PreK–Grade 8 have unmatched opportunities for growth and exploration on a 36-acre campus. At Santa Catalina, we thoughtfully combine values-based, hands-on learning with intentional development of character.
FINALIST: All Saints Day School
8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA, California 93923 | (831) 264-8161
EMAIL | WEBSITE
All Saints Day School is an independent, coeducational private school in Carmel, California, serving students from Preschool through 8th Grade, known for its strong academics, character development, and inclusive Episcopal foundation, preparing students exceptionally well for high school on a 17-acre campus. All Saints Day School provides a comprehensive, nurturing, and challenging environment for younger students, building a strong foundation for their future academic journeys.
PRIVATE SCHOOL: UPPER GRADES
WINNER: Santa Catalina School
1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, California 93940 | (831) 655-9302
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Santa Catalina School prepares students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. In our all-girls day and boarding Upper School (Grades 9–12), students become fearless and enthusiastic scholars, pursuing a variety of passions in a global community where lifelong friendships are forged—and where true sisterhood fuels a culture of curiosity, kindness, and confidence.
FINALIST: Chartwell School
FINALIST: Palma School
PUBLIC SCHOOL: LOWER GRADES
WINNER: Robert Down Elementary
FINALIST: Monte Vista TK-8
FINALIST: Lincoln Elementary
PUBLIC SCHOOL: UPPER GRADES
WINNER: Monterey High School
FINALIST: Everett Alvarez High School
FINALIST: Pacific Grove High School
TUTORING
WINNER: Mathnasium of Monterey
680 Del Monte Center, Monterey, California 93940 | (831) 324-4785
monterey@mathnasium.com | https://mathnasium.com/monterey
Mathnasium of Monterey helps K–12 students catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Starting with an assessment, we create a customized learning plan to build number sense, close gaps, and boost confidence. From math homework help and fractions to multi-step equations and SAT prep, our proven method and caring instructors make math make sense—turning struggles into lasting success.
FINALIST: RISE Literacy
1010 Cass Street Suite D8, Monterey, California 93940 | (310) 625-8220
lauren@riselit.com | https://www.riselit.com
RISE Literacy is a structured literacy reading clinic serving K–8 students throughout Monterey County. We specialize in implementing Science of Reading–based programs that are carefully individualized to meet each student’s unique learning needs. Our instruction is explicit, systematic, and designed to build strong foundational reading and spelling skills.
FINALIST: Kumon Learning Center
FAMILY FUN
INDOOR ACTIVITY
WINNER: My Museum
FINALIST: Monterey Skates
FINALIST: Monterey Bay Aquarium
LOW-COST OR FREE ACTIVITY
WINNER: Sensory Story Time at Olivia & Daisy
FINALIST: The Farm Salinas
FINALIST: Dennis the Menace
MUSEUM
WINNER: My Museum
Monterey Museum of Art
PG Natural History Museum
MUST-HAVE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
WINNER: Monterey Zoo
FINALIST: Monterey Bay Aquarium
FINALIST: My Museum
PARK
WINNER: Dennis the Menace
FINALIST: Windy Hill Park
FINALIST: Tatum’s treehouse
PLACE TO SWIM
WINNER: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
FINALIST: Carmel Valley Community Pool
FINALIST: Pattullo Swim Center
STORYTIME
WINNER: The Farm Salinas
FINALIST: Sensory Story Time at Olivia & Daisy
FINALIST: Earthbound Farms
TODDLER ACTIVITY
WINNER: My Museum
FINALIST: Daytime playtime at Rising Star Gymnastics
FINALIST: The Farm
FOOD
BAKERY/DESSERTS
WINNER: Tiffany’s Specialities
FINALIST: Super Secret Sweet Shop
FINALIST: Ad Astra Bread Co.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
WINNER: Butter House
FINALIST: First Awakenings
FINALIST: From Scratch
BUDGET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
WINNER: Noodle Bar
FINALIST: Butter House
FINALIST: Lucy’s on Lighthouse
BURGER
WINNER: Whitey’s Classic Burgers
FINALIST: Alvarado Street Brewery
FINALIST: Sur Burger
COFFEE HOUSE
WINNER: Captain Stoker
FINALIST: Acme Coffee Roasting
FINALIST: BookWorks
DATE NIGHT/SPECIAL OCCASION
WINNER: Old Fisherman’s Grotto
WINNER: Passionfish
FINALIST: Cella Restaurant
FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING
WINNER: Rosine’s
FINALIST: Peppers Mexicali Cafe
FINALIST: Hula’s Island Grill
ICE CREAM/YOGURT
WINNER: Revival Ice Cream
FINALIST: MYO
FINALIST: Scoops Ice Cream Parlor
PIZZA
WINNER: Pizza My Heart
FINALIST: Gianni’s Pizza
FINALIST: Angelina’s Pizzeria
SUSHI
WINNER: Harumi
FINALIST: Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse
FINALIST: Zum Sushi
HEALTH & WELLNESS
GYM/EXERCISE FACILITY
WINNER: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
FINALIST: The Lab
FINALIST: Montage Wellness Center
PERSONAL TRAINER
WINNER: Bovine Strength Systems
FINALIST: The Lab Monterey
FINALIST: Monterey Sports Center
301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, California CA 93940 | (831) 646-3730
EMAIL | WEBSITE
The Sports Center features two indoor pools, group exercise classes, group swim lessons, and private/semi-private instruction for personal training, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Whether you enjoy a dip in the 25-yard lap pool, a run on a treadmill, lifting weights, or participating in a group exercise class, the Monterey Sports Center is the best facility for your fitness and recreational needs.
MEDICAL/DENTAL
BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST
WINNER: Ohana Center
FINALIST: Maegen Pierce/Breakthrough Behavior
FINALIST: Sofia Zapata Santos
BIRTH SUPPORT
WINNER:Jamie Meyerhoff, Certified Nurse Midwife
FINALIST: Michele Nizza, Mum’s the Word
FINALIST: Shauna Worthington
CHIROPRACTOR
WINNER: Kristina Montellese, DC
FINALIST: Brian Rector, DC
FINALIST: Aaron Gaily, DC
FAMILY DENTIST
WINNER: Moonflower Dentistry
FINALIST: J. Mark Bayless
FINALIST: Matthew Miller
FAMILY PHYSICIAN
WINNER:Kirk Mulgrew, M.D.
FINALIST: Gerard S. Issvoran, DO
FINALIST: Jill J. Airola, MD
OBSTETRICIAN
WINNER: Jennifer Zeidberg, MD
FINALIST: Keith Bradley MD
FINALIST: Elizabeth Clark MD
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
WINNER: Children’s Therapy Center
26619 Carmel Center Place, Suite 101, Carmel, California 93923 | (831) 293-9899
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Children’s Therapy Center is a pediatric occupational therapy practice that supports children and families through a neurodiversity-affirming, play-based, and relationship-centered approach. We focus on building foundational regulation, motor, and sensory skills by partnering closely with parents and honoring each child’s unique strengths and developmental profile. Our goal is to help children feel safe, confident, and capable so they can thrive at home, school, and in their communities.
FINALIST: Peninsula Pediatric Therapy
FINALIST: Adventure in Development
Salinas, California 93901 | (831) 200-3453
EMAIL | WEBSITE
We are a vendor with the San Andreas Regional Center servicing children and families ages birth until the age of 3. We also provide speech and language therapy (OT and PT coming soon) to babies, toddlers, and early elementary school-aged children. We’re invested in developing a personal connection with each and every one of our clients, by providing quality, play-based services and teaching YOU, the parent/guardian, the techniques and tools to support your child’s development.
OPTOMETRIST
WINNER: Blink Optometry Carmel
FINALIST: Peninsula Eye Care Center
FINALIST: Vantage Eye Center
ORTHODONTIST
WINNER: Wow Smiles
FINALIST: Cassady Orthodontics
FINALIST: Monterey Bay Orthodontics
PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE
WINNER: Monterey Pediatric Dentistry/Dr. Miller
FINALIST: Monterey Pediatric Dentistry/J. Mark Bayless
FINALIST: Little Bristles
PEDIATRIC DENTIST
WINNER: J. Mark Bayless, MS DDS
FINALIST: Rajneesh Dail, DDS
FINALIST: Matthew Miller, DDS
PEDIATRICIAN
WINNER:James Bennett, MD
FINALIST: Cynthia Lee, MD
FINALIST: Sara Liu, MD
PEDIATRIC MEDICAL PRACTICE
WINNER: Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
FINALIST: Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group
FINALIST: Salinas PediatricMedical Group
SPEECH THERAPIST
WINNER: Brittany Kalinowski
FINALIST: Erin Saldivar
FINALIST: Brenda Ongley
URGENT CARE
WINNER: MOGO
FINALIST: Doctors on Duty
FINALIST: Primecare
PARTIES
BALLOONS & YARD SIGNS
WINNER: Poptopia
FINALIST: Creative Decor
FINALIST: Forever Sundays
PARTY ENTERTAINMENT
WINNER: Big Sur Barmaid Burros
FINALIST: DJ John Upshaw
FINALIST: HeartBank Photobooths
PARTY VENUE: INDOORS
WINNER: Oscar’s Playground
FINALIST: Tutu School of Monterey
FINALIST: My Museum
PARTY VENUE: OUTDOORS
WINNER: Monterey Zoo
FINALIST: Monterey Recreation-Hilltop Park
FINALIST: Marina Equestrian Center
SERVICES
MASSAGE THERAPIST/SPA
WINNER: Refuge
27300 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel, California 93923 | (831) 620-7360
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Come find your quiet moment at Refuge, America’s first co-ed outdoor relaxation spa right here in Carmel. We invite you to leave the phone behind and unwind with our signature Thermal Cycle, a simple, effective mix of saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and cool pools in a silent space. It is the break every parent needs: a few hours of ultimate relaxation to reset, renew, and recharge.
FINALIST: Spa on the Plaza
FINALIST: Bernardus Lodge & Spa
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
WINNER: Laura Ellis Photography
FINALIST: Letty Sloma Photography
FINALIST: Jenn Petty Photography
REALTOR
WINNER: Alecia Hull Real Estate – Sotheby’s International Realty
574 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA, California 93940 | (831) 238-8688
EMAIL | WEBSITE
Built on honesty and integrity, my real estate business is about guiding clients through life’s transitions—closing one chapter and opening the next. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, I’m committed to clear communication and trusted advice. Real estate is more than a sale—it’s about guiding people through change with confidence and clarity, and making sure they feel supported every step of the way.
FINALIST: Devon Meeker
FINALIST: Matt Velasquez
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