Take Hwy 1 south to Monterey. Look for the Monterey Bay Aquarium sign and exit onto Fremont Street. Follow brown directional signs on Fremont to Camino El Estero and turn right. Just past the Visitor Information Center, turn left on Del Monte Ave and continue (in the right two lanes) past Fisherman's Wharf then through the tunnel to Foam Street. Follow the brown directional signs to Cannery Row parking and the aquarium. During summer months and major holiday periods, look for signs directing you to parking in downtown Monterey for the free WAVE visitor shuttle.
Hours:
Open Daily from 10a-6p (Summer opens at 9:30a)
Description:
The exhibits take you into the hidden world of Monterey Bay, a spectacular ocean realm at the heart of the nation's largest marine sanctuary. The exhibits re-create the bay's habitats, from shallow tide pools to the open ocean and deep sea. The main feature is the Outer Bay Waters exhibit, the one-million-gallon tank containing tuna, sharks, ocean sunfish and sea turtles. At last count, they were home to almost 300,000 individual plants and animals and they exhibit approximately 550 species. New exhibits open annually. Ticket costs: Adults $24.95; Child (3 to 12) $15.95; Kids under 3 are Free; Seniors at $22.95. Note: People always ask how long it takes to view the Aquarium. For some, as little as 2 hours but for others, they buy a 2 day pass and spend 2 whole days there. It is more enjoyable if you either set up a tour with a docent or have some information handy on what you are looking at. Note: We always get asked about coupons or discounts at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Since it is a non profit, we are not aware of any discounts except that some area hotels will give you 2 day tickets for the price of a 1 day ticket.
For more inside tips on getting the most of your trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, click here.
Dennis the Menace Playground
Location:
Pearl Street, Monterey
Directions:
Located at Lake El Estero in downtown Monterey adjacent to Jacks Park.
Hours:
Open daily from 10a - dusk except on Tuesday's from September - May.
Description:
This famous playground is known throughout the state for its whimsical equipment, which includes a drinking fountain inside the mouth of a lion, a swinging rope bridge, a roller slide, and a life-sized hedge maze, among others. Young conductors can climb all over the real steam train engine and pretend they are rolling down the track. Created in 1956 by cartoonist Hank Ketcham. A snack bar is directly outside the park. Located at the lake, you can also spend time feeding the ducks or renting a paddleboat. On Pearl Street next to the El Estero Ballpark, in Monterey. Note: Due to the height of some of the equipment, we would recommend that parents of younger children watch their kids very carefully (although there is a separate, fenced in soft-padded playground area for toddlers). No cost.
My Museum
Location:
425 Washington Street, Monterey
Directions:
From Highway 1 heading South into Monterey, take the main Monterey exit (also known as Fremont Street). Continue straight ahead towards downtown until you reach Washington Street (also known as Abrego Street). Turn right.
Hours:
Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm (closed Wednesday) and Sunday 12p-5p
Description:
Located on the world famous Cannery Row, the Monterey County Youth Museum provides an environment unique to any other in Monterey County. This 2,700 square foot museum is packed with a variety of hands on exhibits, making each visit unique and exciting (and keeping your kids busy for a while). It compliments any visit to the Monterey area or makes a good day into a great day. Admission:
Adults: $7
Children: $7
Children under 2: Free.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Location:
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy
Directions:
From Salinas/Monterey: Take US 101 north to the Monterey St. exit. Turn left onto northbound Monterey St. Then turn left onto westbound West Luchessa Rd. Then turn left onto westbound Thomas Rd. and proceed to Santa Teresa Blvd. Turn right onto northbound Santa Teresa Blvd. Turn left on Hwy. 152 (Hecker Pass Hwy.) The entrance to Gilroy Gardens will be to your left just past Burchell Rd.
Hours:
Open March - November (some weeks only open on weekend days). Typically operate on open days from 10a-6pm but stay open some days until as late as 8 pm.
Description:
Acres of trees, plants, water and rocks combine with 22 rides, 20 attractions, picnic grounds, miniature golf and spectacular gardens in phase one of this extraordinary project. This $100 million state-of-the-art theme park highlighting trees -- integrated with rides, amusements, entertainment, food and merchandise -- creates a family attraction like no other. A total of 42 rides and attractions include:
* Monarch Garden, in a greenhouse so large that a train, a monorail, and a river will run through it
* The "Quicksilver Express" mine coaster
* A rock maze that will change every day
* A boat ride through gardens of annual color
* An antique car ride that you can enter in the 1920's or in the 1950's;
* A 1927 Illions Supreme Carousel that has been painstakingly restored to its original beauty
Although it is not even in Monterey County, it is just about a 35 - 40 minutes drive away and is a great family friendly activity. Pricing: 7-64 $41.99; 3-6 plus 65 and over are $31.99; Kids 2 and under are free.
Wild Things
Location:
400 River Road, Salinas
Directions:
From Hwy 1, take Hwy 68 heading East towards Salinas. Take the Reservation/River Road exit and turn right at the light. Continue for approximately 3 miles and the entrance will be on your right.
Hours:
Daily at 1 pm (and also at 3 PM during June-August)
Description:
Wild Things is one of the premier companies that rents out "wild" animals for films. They also provide a tour for just $10 (adults) or $8 (children). No Reservations needed. Tour lasts one hour and they house over 100 animals. Note: They are located near "The Farm" -- another activity for kids.
IMAX Theater
Location:
640 Wave Street, Monterey
Directions:
Located 1 block up off of Cannery Row in Monterey just off the recreation trail.
Hours:
Monday - Sunday 9am-10pm
Description:
Brand new facility built on Cannery Row in the old Edgewater Packaging building features the true IMAX movie experience. You haven't really seen a movie until you have seen it using this technology. We have taken the kids and also gone with a group of adults. The opening release, and a very popular one being so close to the Aquarium, was Sea Monsters 3D.
Monterey Bay Chocolate Factory
Location:
1291 Fremont Blvd, Seaside
Directions:
On Fremont Blvd on the East side of Monterey near the border of Seaside.
Hours:
Open Daily from 10a-5pm
Description:
Remember Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Kids will love watching these tasty confections being made -- just make sure to purchase some chocolates on your way out. Over the years, the kitchens of Monterey Bay Chocolates have created over 100 chocolate confections of unique characteristics. With a full line of butter creams, dairy-cream caramels, select nut clusters, creamy truffles, specialty chocolates, sugar-free selections, and beautiful gift boxes of various sizes.They used to give tours, but now you can watch from the outside (usually between 10a-2pm). If he is working, ask the original owner, Vern, about his fabulous career in candy and to see some of the many interesting custom chocolate molds that he makes.
The Farm
Location:
The Farm is located in the heart of the Salinas Valley just west of Oldtown Salinas, 15 miles east of Monterey on Hwy 68 off the Spreckels Road Exit, 60 miles south of San Jose and 105 miles south of San Francisco.
Directions:
On Hwy 68 heading East from Monterey towards Salinas, take the Spreckles exit and turn left at the stop sign. Follow the signs.
Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm
Description:
The basic farm tour is about forty-five minutes to an hour long. It includes an overview of farming in the Salinas Valley and a description of the five-acre demonstration farm. Tour participants will be taken on a walk through the fields while different farming topics are discussed. Tour members will be able to try their hand at picking and sampling some fresh produce. The tour cost is $5 for anyone age 12 and over, $3 for children ages 3 through 11 and there is no charge for little ones younger than 3.
Monterey Skate Park
Location:
At Lake El Estero on Del Monte Ave and Camino El Estero, Monterey
Directions:
The park is located in the center of the Lake El Estero Recreational Center which is located as you are heading into downtown Monterey and adjacent to the Dennis the Menace Playground and ballfield.
Hours:
Daily from 9a - dusk
Description:
The Monterey Skate Park features fun and exciting elements that will challenge skateboarders and in-line skaters of all skills and abilities. More than 40 local skaters and youth participated in the design, development and construction process. This is an UNSUPERVISED park and these rules must be followed: Skaters under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
2. All skaters are required to wear safety gear, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist/hand guard. Parents assume all risks of injury.
Aquarium Detectives
Location:
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey
Directions:
Located in the heart of Cannery Row.
Hours:
Most Thursdays, call for exact dates. Pre registration recommended
Description:
If you have ever been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium during high season, you know how crowded it can be due to its popularity. Why not get inside before everyone else and see what takes place. For families with children ages 3 - 9 years of age. Besides the behind the scenes tour, you'll even get a chance to serve breakfast to some of the sea critters. $16 member fee and $20 for non members (plus admission fee).
Elkhorn Slough Safari
Location:
Moss Landing
Directions:
From the Monterey area, drive north on Hwy 1 and follow as if you were heading up to Santa Cruz. Moss Landing is about a 20 minutes drive from Monterey.
Hours:
Vary but can be scheduled daily (each tour last about 2 hours)
Description:
Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Santa Cruz area and the Monterey Peninsula. The wildlife rich reserve winds inland seven miles and provides an important feeding and resting place for a fantastic variety of wildlife such as playful sea otters, curious harbor seals, and hundreds of species of waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. Elkhorn Slough Safari is an exciting way to visit this natural, calm water habitat and will provide excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife close at hand. These two hour boat cruises include an in-depth look at various aspects of slough ecology, fascinating history, and birding in the company of a naturalist guide. Great trip for a family! Price is $32 for adults and $26 for children 14 and under (you must be at least 3 to go on the trip).
Earthbound Farm's Farm Stand
Location:
3.5 miles East of Hwy 1 on Carmel Valley Road
Directions:
From Highway 1 heading south towards Big Sur, turn left onto Carmel Valley Road. Follow this road for about 3.5 miles and the farm stand will be on your right hand side.
Hours:
Open year round. Monday thru Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
Description:
Almost every Saturday there's something exciting going on at Earthbound Farms Farm Stand. It’s a wonderful place to learn about organic farming, gourmet cooking, floral arranging with organic flowers, and crafts. A must-do-experience for anyone visiting California’s Central Coast! Some events on their recent calendar include a bug walk, an organic bumper crop sale, chef walk and flower walk. Most every activity is good for kids (with reduced pricing) and can teach them about how food and flowers are grown.
Synchronicity Studio
Location:
125 Oceanview Blvd #104, Pacific Grove
Directions:
Located right along Ocean View Blvd on the side of the American Tin Cannery Outlet Center.
Hours:
Open Daily from 10am-6pm
Description:
Synchronicity is a paint it yourself ceramic art studio. You can just walk in or make reservations and then head to the shelves to find a piece of unfinished pottery that you would like to transform into your own creative creation. The studio is more than just a shop - it is a place to relax and get your creative juices flowing with the cozy feel of a coffee house and jazzy music playing. They don't even mind if you bring your own food and beverages. Although we have this listed as a great kids activity, it is also fun for adults (unlike the last time you probably had to create something in high school or college and were graded on it). The staff is there to offer ideas and they also teach classes. Once your artwork is complete, they will do the final glaze and firing process and you can pick up your masterpiece in a week or less. Prices depend on which pieces (and how many) you decide to "re-create."
Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad
Location:
Felton (about 45 mins north of Monterey)
Directions:
Take State Route 1 north to Santa Cruz. Take SR-17 from Santa Cruz northeast to Scotts Valley. Exit at Mt. Hermon Rd. and drive 3.5 miles northwest to Felton. Mt. Hermon Road ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn left on Graham Hill Road and drive 1/2 mile to Roaring Camp (on right)
Hours:
Vary by month
Description:
Roaring Camp's steam engines date from 1890 and are among the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines providing regularly scheduled passenger service in America. Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest! One hour roundtrip. Tickets are $21.50 for adults, $16.50 for kids 3-12 and kids under 3 are free.
Oceans 18 Miniature Golf
Location:
125 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove
Directions:
Located in the American Tin Cannery Oultet Center which is just across from the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Ocean View Blvd heading into Pacific Grove.
Hours:
May-Sept (12p-10p except Sundays 12p-8p); Oct-April (2p-8p Mon-Thurs, 12p-11p Fri and Sat, 12p-8p on Sunday)
Description:
Miniature Golf is finally coming to the Monterey Peninsula! The highly anticipated Oceans 18 Miniature Golf will pioneer the use of 'Black Light' along with an underwater theme using fluorescent murals and obstacles! This will make for an elaborate course with stunning visual effects. Oceans 18 is predicted to be a front runner featured as one of the hotspots here on the Peninsula. Oceans 18 Miniature Golf will premiere May 6th 2006, inside the American Tin Cannery, upstairs from Reebok, just steps away from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Cost is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for kids 5 - 10 and $4 for kids under 5.
Family Adventure Kayak Tour
Location:
Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing Area
Directions:
From Monterey, take Hwy 1 heading North and continue up North towards Santa Cruz to Moss Landing. Monterey Bay Kayaks has a rental shop located on your left hand side (water side) of Hwy 1 at 2390 Highway One.
Hours:
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-12:00pm. Call for additional dates and times
Description:
This is a short, 2 hour tour in recreational kayaks (sit inside, flat water kayaks for beginners with stability and comfort in mind). Calm waterways in the slough provide a calm setting for families to paddle around this scenic sanctuary including harbor seals, sea otters and a variety of bird species. Price is $50 per person (kids ages 3-6 are $30).
Underwater Explorers
Location:
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row
Directions:
From Hwy 1 heading south, take the Pacific Grove/Del Monte Ave exit into downtown Monterey. Curve to the right and through the Lighthouse Tunnel. Veer to your first right onto Foam Street and follow the signs to the Aquarium.
Hours:
Offered Daily starting in June through the beginning of September at 10am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, and 4 pm.
Description:
These 90 minute programs are designed to give kids more of a "fish-eyed" view of sea life. Outfitted with masks, regulators and drysuits, kids ages 8 - 13 are able to take a plunge into the Great Tide Pool for a surface SCUBA experience. Certified dive staff is alongside and no previous SCUBA experience is necessary (but you need to know how to swim). $59 member fee or $79 for non members (plus aquarium admission fee).
Some other miscellaneous ideas of fun activities with the kids: Tidepooling between the coast along Pacific Grove and out towards Asilomar Beach; Renting a Surrey (4-wheel family bicycle) and riding along the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail; Flying a kite at the Marina State Beach (great conditions!); Horseback Riding along the coast or in the valley; whale watching.
MORE:
Click here for a complete listing of all the great things to do and places to go in Monterey County along with your own personalized itinerary, maps, visitor guides, and valuable coupons and discount offers.
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