Family Activities

Kick-Off Race Car Show: Monterey Classic Car Week 2025

 
8/8/25
 
free
 
Old Monterey

Monterey Car Week is beginning with a remarkable display of historic race cars on Alvarado Street on Friday, August 8, 5pm-7pm! Come on down, see the cars up close, and meet the drivers. This is a family-friendly event.

Kids' Birthday Parties at MY Museum

Monterey, CA

Did you know you can hold your child's birthday party at MY Museum at 425 Washington Street? We were voted “Best Place for a Birthday Party” in the Monterey County Weekly 2025 Reader’s Poll.

Private parties at MY Museum include 2 hours exclusive playtime for up to 50 guests, a scavenger hunt, a photo op, and a goody bag for children under 12. Plus you can bring treats and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the party room. Learn more on MY Museum's website .

Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
7/12/25
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale on Saturday, July 12, 10am-4pm, in the foyer of the Library. You'll find gently used books across all genres. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
10/4/25
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale on Saturday, October 4, 10am-2pm, in the foyer of the Library. You'll find gently used books across all genres. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

It's Circle Time at MY Museum!

 
7/12/25
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

It's Circle Time is coming to MY Museum! Don't miss out on this 10:15am performance by one of the hottest new children's entertainment groups on the Central Coast.

Spoon Circus at MY Museum- CANCELED

 
6/12/25
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

We regret that, due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been canceled. We look forward to hosting Spoon Circus in the future!

The circus is coming to MY Museum! We're excited to host Spoon Circus on Thursday, June 12, 10am-12pm. Suitable for ages 3-8. Included with daily admission fee.

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.

Drag Queen Storytime at Oscar's Playground

 
6/11/25
 
Free
 
Oscar's Playground

Oscar's Playground hosts a free Drag Queen Storytime with Saint Sallos. Doors open at 6pm, storytime begins at 7pm. Enjoy fun and creative expression in a welcoming, inclusive environment for all ages.

Today we’ll read C is for Country by Lil Nas X and ‘Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick. Register here on Monterey Public Library's events calendar.

Community Craft Day at Monterey State Historic Park

 
6/14/25
 
free
 
Memory Garden at Pacific House

Monterey State Historic Park hosts a free community craft day for all ages on Saturday, June 14, 11am-4pm. Visit the Memory Garden for leather stamping, candle making, and more!

Free Family Fun Day: 2025 Monterey Biennial

 
6/7/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Bring the whole family to Monterey Museum of Art for a free, fun-filled day of creativity, community, and celebration for all ages on Saturday, June 7, 11am-3pm. Admission is free.

Create art inspired by the 2025 Monterey Biennial and engage with the exhibition in a brand-new creative setting.

Monterey County Pops! Free Memorial Day Concert 2025

 
5/26/25
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Enjoy a free Memorial Day Concert for all ages on the lawn in front of Colton Hall and Monterey City Hall on Monday, May 26. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic snacks!

At 12:45pm, Heartstrings will start the show. At 1:15pm, the Soquel High School Jazz Singers will perform. At 2pm, the full 40-piece Monterey County Pops! orchestra , conducted and hosted by Dr. Carl Christensen, will play a selection of popular and patriotic music.

LiveART 2025 at Youth Arts Collective

 
4/26/25
 
$10-$25
 
Youth Arts Collective

Youth Arts Collective invites you to our annual LiveART event on Saturday, April 26, 5pm-10pm at our studio.

Join artists, musicians, and community members for a fun evening of live art-making, music, and camaraderie as we celebrate YAC's 25th anniversary. Tickets are $10-$25 - purchase here .

Fleet Feet Monterey: The Big Run 5k 2025

 
6/7/25
 
$45
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Fleet Feet Monterey invites all runners and walkers to join us on June 7 for the Big Run 5k in celebration of Global Running Day! We're offering both an in-person and a virtual option. Register online. Fee is $45. Course is stroller-friendly.

Kids Hero Run 2025 at Custom House Plaza

 
3/30/25
 
Free
 
Custom House Plaza

Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation invites families to join local firefighters for a free Kids' Hero Run on Sunday March 30, 10am-2pm, at Custom House Plaza.

Kids ages 2-17 can come dressed as their favorite superhero and run through a series of inflatable obstacle courses. Come out and have a great time with the whole family!

Monterey Peninsula LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Celebration 2025

 
6/28/25
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Monterey's annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration and Parade returns on Saturday, June 28. Parade begins at 11am, going down Alvarado Street from Munras Avenue 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, lunch from local food trucks, and info tables from more than 65 groups and agencies.

Monterey Parks Cutting Day and Horticultural Fair 2025

 
3/15/25
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Parks Division presents the 68th 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 native plants, drought resistant plants, propagation, and more. Free tree seedlings will be given away!

Symphony Saturday at MY Museum

 
5/17/25
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum, in conjunction with Monterey Symphony, presents Symphony Saturday! On May 17, 10:30am-11:30am, children can explore the world of sound with an interactive performance by members of Monterey Symphony.

Children can touch, hold, and play musical instruments and participate in an interactive craft. Recommended for children ages 3-8.

Symphony Saturday at MY Museum

 
4/26/25
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum, in conjunction with Monterey Symphony, presents Symphony Saturday! On April 26, 10:30am-11:30am, children can explore the world of sound with an interactive performance by members of Monterey Symphony at the museum.

This program is recommended for children...

Symphony Saturday at MY Museum

 
3/15/25
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum, in conjunction with Monterey Symphony, presents Symphony Saturday! On March 15, 10:30am-11:30am, children can explore the world of sound with an interactive performance by members of Monterey Symphony.

Children can touch, hold, and play musical instruments and participate in an interactive craft. Recommended for children ages 3-8.

Information Session: Play Full Ground Micro High School

 
3/15/25
 
free
 
Play Full Ground

Learn about Play Full Ground's new micro high school (opening Fall 2025) and share your hopes for your child's high school education with school founder Mai Ryuno. Register for a session on March 15 or March 29 , 3pm-4:30pm.

Students and parents are invited to share their experiences and challenges to help Mai create detailed educational plans to meet local needs. More info here.

Information Session: Play Full Ground Micro High School

 
3/29/25
 
free
 
Play Full Ground

Learn about Play Full Ground's new micro high school (opening Fall 2025) and share your hopes for your child's high school education with school founder Mai Ryuno. Register for a session on March 29 , 3pm-4:30pm.

Students and parents are invited to share their experiences and challenges to help Mai create detailed educational plans to meet local needs. More info here.

The Western Flyer Sets Sail for the Gulf of California

 
3/16/25
 
free
 
Old Fisherman's Wharf

The legendary fishing boat, the Western Flyer, will set sail from Fisherman's Wharf on Sunday, March 16 at 3pm for an 85th anniversary expedition to the Gulf of California. All are welcome to come and join the free community celebration, 11am-3pm, rain or shine.

Enjoy live music and dancing, a 1940s costume contest, a vintage car show, hands-on science and art activities, and seeing the Western Flyer set sail with a fireboat escort and a celebratory ship horn farewell.