Don’t let the weekday hustle-and-bustle get in the way of some family fun. After the workday ends, head out for a special outing (or create a sweet new Tuesday tradition). There are many free options, along with some meals out or worthwhile splurges. Some outings even get you out of making dinner!
PLANNING AHEAD?
Enjoy Cinemark Discount Tuesdays (or use student or military discounts) for a family movie night. At Northridge Mall in Salinas, try their delicious kettle corn! At Del Monte Center, you could grab some nearby shaved ice from Kona Steak and Seafood. Or at Cinemark Century Marina, you could catch an XD option for an “intense sensory experience.” Movie tickets are $7 on discount Tuesdays.
Sign up for evening swim lessons at Monterey Sports Center, then enjoy nearby tacos and the salsa bar at Papa Chano’s. Swim lessons are $67.50 for residents for a two-week session of six lessons.
Splurge to book a visit with Monterey Mini Cows for 30 minutes of mini-cow brushing, a guided tour, and cow cuddles. $40 per adult, $10 for 3–10-year-olds, and free for kids under 2 years old.
Visit Pacific Grove First Fridays from 6–9 pm for live music, lots of artistic inspiration at the Pacific Grove Art Center and other galleries, occasional free after-hours access to the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum (check their calendar), and maybe even a few snacks.
For a day when you are out of work before 5 pm, take the kids to El Estero Boating to paddleboat—last rentals are at 4:15 pm—then choose some grab ‘n go dinner options from Trader Joe’s. Regular paddleboats (up to four people/three adults/500 pounds) are $27 for 1/2 hour per boat or $35 for 1 hour per boat, while swan, duck, or dragon boats (up to five people/four adults/1,200 pounds) are $45 for 1/2 hour per boat.
Check out Locke-Paddon Park, then grab authentic, made-to-order tacos ($2 on Tuesdays!) from Marina’s El Palmar.
FEELING SPONTANEOUS?
Visit Asilomar Conference Center’s Phoebe A. Hearst Social Hall to play a free game of pool on their antique tables, then wander outside to check out the paths.
Nick Kite, father of a seven-year-old, says, “One of my favorite after-school or after-work outings with my daughter is heading over to Los Arboles Disc Golf Course in Marina. We bring a couple of discs and walk the course together, enjoying the fresh air, oak trees, and open space while getting some easy exercise. It’s a fun way to unplug and spend time outside together.” The Marina Library’s Library of Things offers discs to borrow, making it easier to try out.
Visit Carmel’s Tatum’s Treehouse accessible/inclusive playground, then stop at one of the very nearby restaurants or establishments offering refreshments.
Grab some Nico’s fruity, New Zealand-style ice cream on the way to sunset at Asilomar Beach. Mom of four Sam Moore considers Asilomar Beach her favorite spot to enjoy the sunset.
Play in the sand at Lover’s Point Park and enjoy a picnic from Andronico’s.
Go bowling at Monterey Lanes or Salinas’ Valley Center Bowl. At Valley Center Bowl, one hour of play for up to six people costs $34.95 per lane on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, or $39.95 per lane on Fridays, plus regular shoe rental costs $4.95 per person. At Monterey Lanes, one hour of play for up to six people costs $35.50 per lane on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, or $41.95 per lane on Fridays, plus regular shoe rental costs $5.10 per person.
Visit QQ Noodle in Marina for pho and Vietnamese crispy crepes before watching sunset at Fort Ord Dunes State Park.
Another of the Moore family’s favorite activities is visiting Point Lobos. In the evening, take the kids for an easy hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Be sure to arrive before the last entry at 6:30 pm and leave by 7 pm (closes earlier in the winter). $10 per car entry fee.
Visit Carmel’s Folktale Winery for a kid-friendly dinner and live music al fresco.
Meander through the downtown Monterey historic gardens and finish by sharing some ice cream, perhaps at the newer Scoops Ice Cream Parlor.
Rent a surrey from Adventures by the Sea to bike along the water on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Book a reservation for 5, 5:30, or 6 pm and plan to be back before the sunset close time (which gets closer to 8 pm as the days lengthen). Small surreys for two or three people are $77.04 for two hours, and large surreys for four to six people are $98.44 for two hours—a great splurge for when you have company visiting.
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