Family Activities

Winter Puzzle Exchange at Monterey Public Library 2026

 
1/31/26
 
Free
 
Monterey Public Library

Wintertime evokes early evenings, hot beverages, cozy blankets, and PUZZLES! On Saturday, January 31, 10am-1pm, bring your gently used puzzles to Monterey Public Library's Community Room and exchange them for another. What's old to you will be new to someone...

New Toy Area at Rosebuds Kids Co.

Monterey, CA

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.

Play Full Ground: Spring Studio Program Info Session

 
1/17/26
 
Free
 
Play Full Ground

You’re invited to Play Full Ground's Spring Studio Program Information Sessions and Conversations on January 17 & 24, 2pm-3:30pm.

Come meet artist and educator Mai Ryuno , learn about Play Full Ground's new studio programs for high-school aged students (independent study time, art/creativity classes, and afterschool art studio), and share what you're looking for in a creative learning space. Learn more.

Adobes of Monterey: A Plein Air Exhibition at Casa Gutierrez

Monterey, CA

Adobes of Monterey: A Plein Air Exhibition is now on display at historic Casa Gutierrez at 590 Calle Principal. The exhibition is free and open to the public Fridays and Saturdays, 11am-3pm.

The exhibition features 12 paintings of adobes houses and gardens in Monterey State Historic Park by members of the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association.

Exciting New Programs at Play Full Ground in 2026

Monterey, CA

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 Opens in Downtown Old Monterey

Monterey, CA

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.

MY Museum Holiday Extravaganza 2025

 
12/14/25
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Join Monterey County Youth Museum for a Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 14. Enjoy a holiday musical theater performance by the Dance Center, 10am-10:30am, followed by Little Sense Makers in our party room hosting sensory play, 10:30am-12pm. Reserve your spot now.

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2025

 
12/31/25
 
$15/$25
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly hour this year! Join MY Museum 10am-12pm for an unforgettable celebration complete with noisemakers, face painting, and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we countdown together. Reservations are required.

Holiday Card Printmaking Demo & Open House

 
12/13/25
 
 
Play Full Ground

Play Full Ground, a creativity-centered microschool and learning lab, is hosting a free holiday card printmaking demonstration and open house on Saturday, December 13, 1pm-3pm. All are welcome! Learn more.

Monterey Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive 2025

Monterey, CA

Monterey Firefighters and Pacific Grove Kiwanis are teaming up to provide presents to families in need this holiday season and they need your help! They are seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys.

You can make your donation at Fire Stations #11-15 , including the fire station at 582 Hawthorne Street. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 18.

Monterey Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive 2025

Monterey, CA

Monterey Firefighters and Pacific Grove Kiwanis are teaming up to provide presents to families in need this holiday season and they need your help! They are seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys. You can make your donation at Fire Stations #11-15 , including the fire station located at 600 Pacific Street. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, December 18.

First Friday: Iluminado Opening Night Celebration

 
12/5/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join Monterey Museum of Art, 5pm-8pm, as we kick-off Iluminado , a captivating new exhibition featuring the works of Hanif Wondir, Domini Anne, and Joe Ramos. Free admission.

Enjoy an inspired atmosphere with music by DJ Luna, delicious bites from Ad Astra, wine from Scheid Vineyards, and craft beer from Other Brother Beer Co. Gather with friends, artists, and art lovers alike as the museum comes alive with creativity and celebration.

Free Family Fun Day - Iluminado

 
12/6/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Bring the whole family to Monterey Museum of Art for Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 6, 11am-3pm, and enjoy hands-on, Iluminado-inspired art activities designed for all ages. Explore creativity together, discover new ways to make and play, and...

Sewing Demo and Open House at Play Full Ground

 
11/29/25
 
 
Play Full Ground

Play Full Ground is hosting a Sewing Demo and Open House to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29, 1pm-3pm. All are welcome!

Join artist and Play Full Ground owner Mai Ryuno for a live demonstration of how to sew her signature Happy Monterey Sardine Pillows ( sewing patterns available online ) and learn more about Play Full Ground's creative education programs.

Holiday Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library - Thursday

 
12/4/25
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale at the Library on Thu (12/4), 3pm-6pm, and Fri & Sat (12/5 & 12/6), 10am-4pm. Find gently used books in popular genres for adults and children and enjoy seasonal nibbles. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Holiday Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library - Fri & Sat

 
12/5/25
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale at the Library on Thu (12/4), 3pm-6pm, and Fri & Sat (12/5 & 12/6), 10am-4pm. Find gently used books in popular genres for adults and children and enjoy seasonal nibbles. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2025

 
11/21/25
 
$15/$13
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily November 21 - January 4 . At Custom House Plaza, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa in Old Monterey, skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland by the Bay.

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for children 12 & under. Skate rental fee is $5.

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Winter Show 2025

 
11/21/25
 
Free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Celebrate the season at a reception for Youth Arts Collective's 2025 Winter Show on November 21, 6pm-9pm.

Warm up in our cozy studio, where you can enjoy hors d'oeuvres while browsing over 100 exceptional works from YAC artists and mentors. It's a perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts.

First Night Monterey 2026

 
12/31/25
 
 
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 2026! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Update 12/30: Even with some showers in the forecast, First Night Monterey 2026 is very much on and full of ways to celebrate. Your First Night button gets you into the premier indoor venues all evening - music, dance, and hands-on art - so there’s plenty to enjoy while staying warm and dry. (85% of performances are indoors!)

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2025

 
12/7/25
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

The Monterey Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats beautifully decorated for the holidays cruise along the Monterey Coast.

Christmas in the Adobes 2025

 
12/12/25
 
$30/$45
 
Custom House Store

Christmas in the Adobes on December 12 & 13 is Monterey's signature holiday event! Stroll the streets of Monterey and stop in at any one of the many decorated adobes with soft holiday lights and entertainment. The event supports Monterey State Historic Park's K-12 educational history program.

Tickets are $30 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is $45. Reserve tickets online.

Donate Gently Used Halloween Costumes to MY Museum

Monterey, CA

MY Museum is accepting gently used Halloween costumes in good condition for use in our theatre by little performers. Costumes can be dropped off at the museum during regular business hours, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm. We're located at 425 Washington Street.

Grand Opening of I Heart You Candles and Gifts

 
11/1/25
 
Free
 
I Heart You Candles and Gifts

I Heart You Candles and Gifts is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 1, 10am-6pm. Enjoy live music by Dan Cioper, prizes, specials, raffles, refreshments, and fun!

I Heart You features handmade organic soy candles made locally by Sherry Devine. Come find a unique gift or create your own customized candle in-house.

Halloween Costume Contest at Second Chance Thrift Store 2025

 
10/25/25
 
 
Second Chance Thrift Store

Second Chance Thrift Store is holding a Halloween Costume Contest for all ages on Saturday, October 25 at 3:30pm. This is a great chance to show off your unique Halloween costume and have lots of fun!