Family Activities

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.

Miss Sarah Sunshine at MY Museum

 
4/3/26
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Fridays through July 31, 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.

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, including the 130-member Impulse Drum & Bugle Corps. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

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 .

Whalefest Monterey 2026

 
4/11/26
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Whalefest is an educational and entertaining family-friendly event held at and around Custom House Plaza and Old Fisherman's Wharf on April 11 & 12, 10am-5pm, rain or shine.

It includes fun activities for all ages, live music, tours of research and rescue vessels, lots of interactive exhibits, and a symposium at Stanton Center .

Kids Hero Run at San Carlos Beach Park

 
3/7/26
 
Free
 
San Carlos Beach Park

Monterey Recreation and Monterey Firefighters Foundation is hosting a free Kids Hero Run at San Carlos Beach Park on Saturday, March 7, 10am–2pm.

Bring the family out for an afternoon of fun, movement, and community celebration along the Monterey waterfront. Costumes are encouraged.

Monterey Parks Cutting Day and Horticultural Fair 2026

 
3/21/26
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Parks Division presents the 69th Annual Cutting Day and Horticultural Fair at Friendly Plaza next to Colton Hall, held rain or shine. In addition to a bounty of cuttings, exhibits this year will include information on drought resistant plants, propagation, and more. Free tree seedlings will be given away!

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.