Congratulations to artist and educator Mai Ryuno, the founder of Play Full Ground, who has been awarded a VELA Grant to support her continuing work offering meaningful, creative learning experiences for youth in Monterey. Read more.

California State Parks presents Los Exploradores de Monterey Summer Day Camp at Monterey State Historic Park, a day camp for students grades 3-5.

In this unique summer program, day campers will experience Monterey's historical buildings and colorful gardens through hands-on activities and interactive guided tours. All four 5-day sessions will be held in June and July. Learn more.

Bobalicious and Bites now hosts birthday parties for all ages! We have karaoke, a big screen TV, board games, wi-fi, plenty of space for kids to play, lots of handcrafted boba drinks made to order, and select ice cream and ice cream shakes.

Come have fun and celebrate your special day with us at 474 Tyler Street. Rates are reasonable - email the owner, Klair , or call 831-666-7030.

Congratulations to Rosebuds Kids Co., voted Best Resale Shop in Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorites 2026 . Visit the store and see for yourself at 535 Foam Street.

At Rosebuds, you'll find gently loved clothing, shoes, and accessories, from baby basics to big kid favorites (10-12 years).

Play Full Ground welcomes middle school and high school students to register for our Afterschool Co-Creation Studio!

This is a process-based collaborative art studio designed to be a space for students' initiative, exploration, and confidence-building through the creation of public-facing art projects. Learn more.

Congratulations to the 16 Downtown Monterey businesses and organizations voted as winners and finalists in Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorites 2026 , celebrating local residents' top picks for family life across Monterey County. View our honorees here.

Rosebuds Kids Co. has a new children's toy area, located in the back of the shop at 535 Foam Street.

We have lots of gently loved toy cars, arts and crafts and educational toys, cute dolls, stuffed animals galore, games, puzzles, and books for all ages. We're open open Tue-Fri, 9am-4pm, and Sat, 10am-4pm.

If you pick up a copy of Monterey Bay Parent magazine in January 2026, you'll notice that Downtown Monterey is featured on the cover and in an article on page 23! View the magazine here.

The cover features a photo of Hazel and Chloe Lama, whose parents own and run East Village Cafe and New June boutique.

Play Full Ground is launching new part-time programs on January 26.

There will be part-time options for students in grades 9-12 to participate in art and creativity classes, enjoy independent study time in our comfortable space, or get involved in afterschool art programs.

These options are great for homeschoolers as well as students enrolled in public or private schools. Learn more.

Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, a fun new dessert spot for all ages, has opened at 595 Munras Ave. An independent, family-owned business, they know how to do sweet treats right!

Exclusively serving Marianne's ice cream, they offer everything from simple scoops, milkshakes, and hot chocolate to wildly creative treats featuring clouds of freshly-spun cotton candy and more. It's a great indoor hangout for families, friends, and youth.