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Mar 31, 2021 · For a comprehensive experience, allowing at least two to three days would provide ample time to explore popular attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, and take scenic drives along the 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur coastline. Fun Things to Do in Monterey with Kids: Reddit User Recommendations
- Emily Appelbaum
- The Beach: Del Monte or Monterey State Beach. The beaches in Monterey are family-friendly with plenty to do. Del Monte or Monterey Beach are both great options.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world. The WORLD. This has to be on your itinerary when you go to Monterey with kids- it was the main reason I’ve had Monterey on my list for so long!
- Dennis the Menace Playground. If you’re looking to get some energy out at an AWESOME play area, this is it. There are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained—multiple play structures, a slide, a life size train (!)
- El Estero Park. Dennis the Menace Playground is actually a part of El Estero Park. In addition to the playground, there’s skate park, hiking and biking trails, a pond with paddle boats, a baseball diamond, and plenty of grass to run around in.
- Enjoy a Beach Day. Although the craggy cliffs and stunning cypress trees line a significant portion of Monterey’s coastline, there are still plenty of sandy beaches that offer families the chance to dip their toes into the cool, clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.
- Explore Quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea. Families rave about Carmel, the quaint seaside town just four miles south of downtown Monterey. Father Junipero Serra, founder of the California Missions, is buried in the working Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio.
- Traverse Rocky Beaches, Bluffs, & Tide Pools. The rocky coastline of Monterey affords numerous opportunities to enjoy expansive overlooks on jutting bluffs as well as fantastic rocky tide pools for exploring sea life and ocean critters.
- Learn About Monterey’s History. A visit to Monterey wouldn’t be complete without a look at the region’s unique and storied history. Monterey is one of California’s oldest cities, with Spanish settlement beginning in the early 1600s and the state’s oldest standing public building, the Custom House, built in 1814.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium. Who says the Aquarium is just for little kids? Teens and adults will love it, too! We’ve visited this amazing attraction several times, and it’s always the highlight of our trip.
- Explore Fisherman’s Wharf. Browse through souvenir shops or grab a yummy lunch from one of the many restaurants along Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the perfect place to take a break, enjoy the fresh sea air, and of course enjoy a bowl of Monterey’s famous clam chowder!
- Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches for 18 miles along the coast. This paved path is great for bike riding, skating, or walking, and will take you right past all of Monterey’s most popular spots, including Cannery Row and the Aquarium.
- National Steinbeck Center. The National Steinbeck Center is located on Main Street in Salinas, the birthplace of Nobel prize-winning author John Steinbeck.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium. My top recommendation on my list of things to do in Monterey with kids is to head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This amazing attraction is one of the top-rated aquariums in the world.
- Dennis the Menace Playground. This cute playground at Pearl Street and Camino El Estero in Monterey was designed by the creator of Dennis the Menace. You will find plenty to do in the park including great playground equipment, a suspension bridge, and ladders for kids to climb on.
- Point Sur State Lighthouse. Point Sur State Lighthouse is another fun thing to do in Monterey with kids. This historic gem opened on August 1, 1889. Since that time, it has saved many boats and ships from accidently running ashore around the Point Sur area.
- Mirror Maze. Head into Monterey's Mirror Maze and work as a team to get through the challenge. With heart pumping music and high-tech lighting, this is one of the best things to do in Monterey with kids.
Jun 4, 2024 · Waves crash with a fierce splendor on these rocky shores, and colonies of sea lions sunbathe on the flat tops of boulders. In Monterey, you and your kids will enjoy natural reserves, scenic drives, shoreside trails, cycling, and beaches that deliver classic California coastal landscapes.
Aug 14, 2023 · Many attractions allow kids and families to learn more about the ocean and the animals that live there, but there are also museums and play areas that allow families to create a diverse vacation experience.
