Family Activities

First Night Monterey 2024

 
12/31/23
 
 
Old Monterey District

A community celebration of the arts, First Night Monterey is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration held on New Year’s Eve, 3pm-midnight, in the heart of Downtown Old Monterey. Join us as we dance, play, act, perform, create and sing our way into 2024! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Monterey 4th of July, 2026: Join the Parade!

Monterey, CA

Join the parade! The OMBA is now accepting applications to participate in the 2026 4th of July Parade . Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day. Entry deadline is Friday, May 29.

Entries are required to be entertaining, creative, and exciting. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, equestrians, comical groups, etc.. Get creative and think outside the box!

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2026

 
7/4/26
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 20,000 people of all ages to line the streets in and around Old Monterey. We invite you to join us and revel in the festive floats, patriotic displays, entertaining costumes, and musical bands. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

Teasure Trove: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
3/4/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 4, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will help us celebrate the beauty of historic California Art and the spirit of collecting. Inspired by the exhibition "Monterey Collects California," participants will be invited to paint with watercolors, create shadow boxes, and more!

Dia de los Muertos: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
10/29/22
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day celebrating Dia de los Muertos with Artist in Residence Victor-Mario Zaballa, 11am-1pm.

Participants of all ages will be invited to create engraved images of calaveras (skulls), corazones ardientes (burning hearts) and more. Enjoy free admission to the Museum and view Victor-Mario Zaballa’s lantern installation, NECAUHCAYOTL, Gratitude Memento, Recuerdo de Gratitud .

Monterey Museum of Art - Free Admission with Your SNAP EBT Card

Monterey, CA

The Monterey Museum of Art is proud to announce our participation in Museums for All , a national initiative to expand access to museums. At Monterey Museum of Art, individuals and families who present a CalFresh / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card will receive free admission for up to four people! We invite you to visit us at 559 Pacific Street.

Red Engine Rides at MY Museum

 
6/25/22
 
$25
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, June 25, as we partner with Red Engine Rides for a cruise around town. We're offering 15 minute rides in an open-air fire engine for $25 per person. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rides depart every half hour, 10am-12:30pm. Advance reservations required.

Mother's Day High Tea at Casa Serrano Adobe 2026

 
5/10/26
 
$90
 
Casa Serrano

Celebrate Mother’s Day with timeless elegance as Rosemary & Thyme High Teas invites guests to a beautifully curated Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 10, 3pm-4:30pm.

This special event offers a refined escape filled with delicate flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tickets are $90 - purchase here .

The Big Weekend: Free Family Fun Day

 
6/6/26
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join the Museum for a weekend-long celebration of the Winter 2026 Exhibition Season! Free admission all weekend, beginning Friday at 5pm.

Free Family Fun Day

Join the Museum for an afternoon of art and creativity for the whole family...

Monterey Peninsula LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Celebration 2026

 
6/27/26
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Monterey's annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration and Parade returns on Saturday, June 27. The parade begins at 11am at Polk Street, continuing on toward Pearl Street and down Alvarado Street all the way to Custom House Plaza.

Afterwards, bring the whole family to Custom House Plaza, 12pm-3pm, to enjoy speakers and free entertainment for all ages, shopping and dining from local vendors, and info tables by local groups and agencies.

Tuesday Story Time at Rosebuds Kids Co.

 
4/28/26
 
Free
 
Rosebuds Kids Co.

Rosebuds Kids Co. invites you and your children to join us every Tuesday, 9am-10am, for our weekly story time at the shop. It's a cozy hour of books, connection, and getting out of the house with your littles. This is a free event. No RSVP required.

Cyanotype Garden Workshop at Cooper-Molera Adobe

 
4/11/26
 
Free
 
Cooper-Molera Adobe - A Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

On Saturday, April 11 from 12pm-2pm , Cooper-Adobe Museum will participate in the Monterey Museum of Art's Block Party as a Historic Hotspot. Local Scientific Illustrator/Educator Kristen Burroughs will lead curious artists in a Cyanotype Garden Workshop using flowers...

Enjoy Six Different Art Activities at The Hot Spot!

Monterey, CA

The Hot Spot, Downtown Monterey's community art space, offers 6 different arts and crafts to enjoy with friends and family at 458 Alvarado Street.

Each person in your group can choose to paint pottery, paint a blank canvas, create a mosaic, make a candle, design a fairy garden, or mix slime (perfect for small children).

Walk-ins and reservations are welcome. Open Sun-Tue & Thu, 11am-7pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm.

Spring Art and Wearable Art Sale at Venture Gallery

 
4/11/26
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to a two-day Spring Art and Wearable Art Sale featuring the work of Venture Gallery artists on Saturday and Sunday, April 11 & 12, 10am-6pm. We'll have racks of art and wearable pieces at "Spring Cleaning" prices, and artist demonstrations out on Alvarado Mall.

Rosebuds Kids Co. Has Expanded!

Monterey, CA

Rosebuds Kids Co. has expanded! The space next door became available and we've extended our footprint to bring you even more resale clothing, books, and toys, plus a new baby and maternity section.

Now there's more floor space and we've got lots of fresh finds at 535 Foam Street. Open: Tue-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat, 10am-4pm; and Sun, 11am-2pm.

March in Monterey's 4th of July Parade in 2026!

Monterey, CA

Join Monterey's 4th of July Parade! The Old Monterey Business Association is now accepting applications to participate in the 2026 4th of July Parade . Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day. Entry deadline is Friday, May 29.

Entries are required to be entertaining, creative, and exciting. We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, equestrians, comical groups, etc.. Get creative and think outside the box!

Miss Sarah Sunshine at MY Museum

 
5/1/26
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Every Friday. April 3 - May 29, Miss Sarah Sunshine of It's Circle Time will be at MY Museum, 10:15am-11am, with a fun and educational program for little ones including singing, dancing, stories, and more. Included with museum admission.

Earth Day Art and Ecology Exploration

 
4/22/26
 
$50
 
The Great Tide Pool

Play Full Ground presents an Earth Day Art and Ecology Exploration at the Great Tide Pool in Pacific Grove on Wednesday, April 22, 9am-11am. Middle and high school students and curious adults are welcome!

Guided by ecologist and artist Emily Gottlieb, participants will explore colors, textures, and sea creatures. Observe, sketch, and create! Learn more and register - flexible pricing is available.

Earth Day Tide Pool Exploration: What the Heck Is That?

 
4/11/26
 
$50
 
The Great Tide Pool

Play Full Ground presents an Earth Day Ecology Exploration - What the Heck Is That? at the Great Tide Pool in Pacific Grove on Sat, 4/11, 12pm-2pm, and Wed, 4/22, 9am-11am. Middle and high school students and curious adults are welcome!

Guided by ecologist and artist Emily Gottlieb, participants will explore the tide pools using ecology, field observation, and creative documentation. Fee is $50 per person. Learn more and register.

Monterey Museum of Art's Block Party 2026

 
4/11/26
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Get ready for the Monterey Museum of Art's 4th Annual Block Party! This vibrant arts festival, free and open to all, transforms Downtown Monterey into a bustling hub of art and creativity.

Discover local artisans and makers showcasing their unique crafts alongside dazzling performances and a variety of delicious food and drink options. Participate in interactive arts activities designed for all ages, and enjoy free admission to our latest exhibitions.

Host a Birthday Party at Bobalicious and Bites

Monterey, CA

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.

Reception: Neurodiversity & Disabilities Awareness Month Art Show in PG

 
3/13/26
 
Free
 
Art Abilities Studio

Youth Arts Collective and Art Abilities present a dynamic pop-up art show of student work in honor of Neurodiversity and Disabilities Awareness Month celebrating visibility, belonging, and creative expression at the Art Abilities Studio in Pacific Grove. Everyone's welcome to the opening reception on Friday, March 13, 5pm-7pm.

Can't make it to the reception? The exhibit can be seen at Art Abilities through April 16 - more info here .