Family Activities

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2024

 
7/4/24
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 15,000 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.

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.

Meal Snack Packs at International Cafe for Movie in the Park

 
9/21/24
 
 
International Cafe

International Cafe will be open before and during Movie in the Park: "Jumanji" offering special $20 Meal Snack Packs plus hot and cold drinks and desserts. The cafe is located just a few steps from Scholze Park.

Simply stop by and select your favorite items from International Cafe's deli station. Our staff will assemble a delicious Meal Snack Pack for you to share with family and friends. Whether you're vegan or omnivore, gluten free or dairy free, we have options for everyone!

Lighthouse Movie in the Park: "Jumanji"

 
9/21/24
 
free
 
Scholze Park Community Center

The Lighthouse District is hosting a free outdoor screening of the classic, all-ages adventure comedy Jumanji (1995), starring Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt.

The film will be shown at 7:30pm in front of the Scholze Park Community Center. You're welcome to come early and bring a picnic! Remember to dress warmly and bring blankets and/or chairs. No pets or alcohol.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat on Lighthouse 2024

 
10/26/24
 
free
 
Lighthouse District

Join us for a spooky good time! On Saturday, October 26, Lighthouse District shops, restaurants, and boutiques will be open and welcoming little goblins with special treats, 2pm-5pm, rain or shine. So dress up the kids, get in the spirit, and come on down with your family to enjoy a fun and safe time in the community.

All businesses handing out candy will be located on Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey between Reeside and David and will have a Lighthouse Halloween poster displayed in the window.

Downtown Neighborhood Meet Up for Downtown Monterey Residents

 
9/21/24
 
free
 
East Village Cafe

Attention, residents of Downtown Old Monterey! Monterey's Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to join us for a meet up on Saturday, September 21, 10am-12pm, in the plaza outside East Village Cafe. Meet fellow neighbors, discuss neighborhood issues and how to improve them, and enjoy free coffee plus donuts from everybody's local favorite, Red's!

Turkish Arts and Culture Festival 2024

 
8/24/24
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

All are welcome to the Annual Turkish Arts and Culture Festival for a weekend of free family fun, August 24 and 25, 11am-7pm, at Custom House Plaza. We'll have live music and folk dancing performances, Turkish food and drinks, and special activities for children.

Family Swim Night at the Campbell Community Center

 
7/22/23
 
$2.50/person
 
Campbell Community Center

Come join us for the Family Themed Recreation Swim Night! We have two fun nights planned for the month of July to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month. Pre-Registration is required.

July 4th Living History Day 2024 - Monterey State Historic Park

 
7/4/24
 
free
 
Memory Garden at Pacific House

Monterey State Historic Park Association presents July 4th Living History Day in the Memory Garden, located behind Pacific House Museum at Custom House Plaza. The whole family can enjoy historic demonstrations and participate in 19th century games, rope-making, leather stamping, embroidery, and tortilla making, 11am-3pm.

Halloween ComicFest 2023 at Current Comics

 
10/28/23
 
free
 
Current Comics

Current Comics is hosting a Halloween ComicFest on Saturday, October 28, featuring candy and free Halloween-themed comics (11am-7pm), a vintage toy sale (11am-5pm), and a book signing by local horror author Francesca Maria (1pm-4pm).

Movie in the Park: "Shrek"

 
9/14/24
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation presents a free screening of the film Shrek on the lawn of Colton Hall at 5:30pm. See fire engines up close, meet your local Monterey firefighters, and enjoy complimentary popcorn and cotton candy. Don't forget to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on!

YAC Exhibit at Casa Gutierrez: Animated Antics

Monterey, CA

Artists from Youth Arts Collective take center stage in Animated Antics , an exhibit of their lively animated and illustrated work at Casa Gutierrez, 590 Calle Principal. The gallery is free and open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm, through October 20.

Dive into worlds where anthropomorphic animals sport braces with style, H.G. Wells-inspired extraterrestrials crash land, love blossoms between a wolf and a deer, and more.

Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
9/28/24
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale on Saturday, September 28, 10am-2pm, in the foyer of the Library. You'll find gently used books across all genres. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Celebrate PARK(ing) Day at Parklets in Old Monterey 2024

 
9/20/24
 
free
 
Old Monterey

The City of Monterey invites you to celebrate PARK(ing) Day, when we'll transform parking spaces into temporary parks on Alvarado Street. These parklets will feature green spaces, outdoor seating, and fun and educational booths from various City departments.

Exhibit Opening: Pat Hathaway's Historical Images of Monterey

 
8/29/24
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Museum

Join the City of Monterey in celebrating the opening of the Pat Hathaway Memorial Exhibition on Thursday, August 29, 5pm-7pm at Colton Hall Museum. Free and open to the public.

This exhibit celebrates the life and photo collection of the late Pat Hathaway, featuring historical images of Monterey, c.1870-1950, collected and preserved by Pat over the course of 50 years. The exhibit will run through Sept 29.

Monterey First Theatre Fest 2024

 
8/31/24
 
Free
 
California's First Theatre

Monterey State Historic Park Association presents the inaugural First Theatre Fest on Saturday, August 31, 11am-4pm.

This free event celebrates the summer with a full day of family-friendly festivities in California's First Theatre, the adjoining historic saloon, and gardens. Enjoy a day of music, poetry, family activities, locally made crafts, and refreshments.

School Supply Drive at Johnny Wicks Candle Studio

Monterey, CA

Through August 10, Johnny Wicks Candle Studio is holding a School Supply Drive for local foster kids.

We're seeking donations of: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, binders, folders, new clothing (all sizes), shoes and socks, personal hygiene products, and lunch pails.

Donations can be dropped off 12pm-5pm daily at Johnny Wicks Candle Studio, 499 Calle Principal, Suite H, or you can make a financial donation here.

Laserdisc Games at High Scores Arcade

Monterey, CA

High Scores Arcade has Laserdisc games on the floor ready to play at 459 Alvarado Street! A Laserdisc game is basically an interactive movie. These games are challenging because you have to execute perfect timing to move the story forward.

Each Laserdisc game has an instruction card and our pricing allows you to play an unlimited number of arcade games by the hour .

Kick-Off Race Car Show: Monterey Classic Car Week 2024

 
8/9/24
 
free
 
Old Monterey

Monterey Car Week is beginning with a remarkable display of historic race cars on Alvarado Street on Friday, August 9, 5pm-7pm! Come on down, see the cars up close, and meet the drivers. This is a family-friendly event.

Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
7/27/24
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale on July 27, 10am-2pm, in the foyer of the Library. You'll find gently used books across all genres. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Join the NMBA at Monterey's 4th of July Parade!

 
7/4/24
 
Free
 
Old Monterey District

Come to Downtown Old Monterey for the annual 4th of July Parade , beginning Thursday at 10am sharp, and cheer on members of the Lighthouse District!

Led by the On The Beach Surf Shop vehicle, expect to see the owners of Escape Room 831 , American Burger, and The Break Room marching together in the parade. All are members of the New Monterey Business Association which supports the many small, locally-owned businesses along Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Free Aquarium Admission for Families on SNAP / CalFresh

Monterey, CA

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has begun participating in the Museums for All initiative!

Now, anyone enrolled in federal food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as CalFresh) will receive free admission to the Aquarium for up to four people by showing their SNAP EBT card and photo ID at the door.

Spoon Circus at MY Museum

 
6/13/24
 
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

The circus is coming to MY Museum! We're excited to host Spoon Circus on Thursday, June 13, 10am-12pm. Suitable for ages 3-8. Reserve your spot.

Spoon Circus is a vibrant, traveling social circus on a mission to bring joy and empowerment to communities through the magic of circus arts and physical education. They believe in the power of play.