Family Activities

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.

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.

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.

View photos from last year's Movie in the Park here.

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 .

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.

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
 
 
MY Museum (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.

Free Arts and Literature Tours in Monterey State Historic Park

 
6/13/24
 
free
 
Custom House Store

Monterey State Historic Park is celebrating California State Parks Week , June 12-16! Join us for free special tours departing daily at 12:30pm from Custom House in Downtown Old Monterey. Registration is recommended (search by date).

On Thursday (6/13) and Saturday (6/15), Monterey Stae Historic Park is offering a free Arts and Literature Tour, where we'll explore Monterey's historic cultural importance. In addition to hearing passages read aloud about the Monterey Bay area by notable writers, you'll be able to view some of the park’s impressive art pieces, especially when the tour makes its way inside Casa Soberanes.

New Games at High Scores Arcade in Monterey, May 2024

Monterey, CA

High Scores just moved a bunch of fresh games into our arcade at 459 Alvarado Street! On the arcade floor we now have Joust, Punch-Out!!, Missile Command, and Rampage, joining other classic games such as Super Mario Brothers, Pac-Man, Mortal Combat II, and much more.

Price is $10 for 1 hour of unlimited gaming, or $22 for a full day. We're open daily .

Fundraiser Fridays at Escape Room 831

Monterey, CA

Throughout 2024, Escape Room 831 and Oscar's Playground are supporting local nonprofit Central Coast Overdose Drug Prevention (CCODP) with Fundraiser Fridays.

Every Friday in 2024, Escape Room 831 and Oscar's Playground will donate a percentage of their proceeds for the day to CCODP. So you can have fun while supporting an important initiative working to raise awareness and eliminate overdoses in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties.

Escape Room 831 's three New Monterey locations and Oscar's Playground on Cannery Row boast a total of 9 unique, wildly creative escape rooms plus a full arcade lounge only at Oscar's. Book your escape room here.

Art Opening: Monterey's Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Jade's History

 
5/18/24
 
FREE
 
Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

Monterey History and Art Association presents an exhibition showcasing one of Monterey history's best kept secrets: jade. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 18, 3pm-5pm.

Through a captivating display of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, "Monterey's Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Jade's History" reveals the untold stories of local jade miners and artisans who have carved out a living from the earth's green bounty.

Ocean Arts Festival 2024 at Monterey Museum of Art

 
5/11/24
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

SpectorDance and Monterey Museum of Art present the 2024 Monterey Ocean Arts Festival on Saturday, May 11, 1pm-4pm. Admission is free.

Come enjoy this family-friendly event featuring ocean-themed visual and performing art created by artists under the age of 24. We'll offer free admission to the museum, performing and visual art exhibitions, science tables, art activities, creative movement workshops, face painting, and more.

Monterey 4th of July: Join the Parade!

Monterey, CA

Update, June 4, 2024: Thank you to everyone who has applied to march in the parade! The application deadline has now passed.

Join the parade! Together as a community, we'll bring entertainment, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Monterey on Independence Day. We are now accepting applications to participate in the 2024 4th of July Parade . Entry deadline is Friday, May 31.

We welcome bands, floats, drill teams, dance groups, unique vehicles, entertainment troupes, and equestrians. Get creative and think outside the box!

Monterey Peninsula LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration and Parade 2024

 
6/29/24
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

The annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration and Parade will return to Downtown Old Monterey on Saturday, June 29. Parade begins at 11am, going down Alvarado Street from Pearl to Franklin.

After the parade, 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 over 65 groups and agencies.

Whalefest Monterey 2024

 
4/13/23
 
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 March 13, 10am-6pm, and March 14, 10am-5pm, rain or shine. It includes fun activities for all ages, live music, research and rescue vessels, and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local organizations.

4th Annual Bunny Hop Photo Op and EGGStra Fun 2024

 
3/23/24
 
$10 per child
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Recreation is hosting the 4th Annual Bunny Hop Photo Op + EGGStra Fun on Saturday, March 23, 10am-1:30pm on the Colton Hall lawn, rain or shine. There will be plenty of eggs, plush animals, and our favorite bunny friend - bring your own camera for a photo. Advance registration required. $10 per child.

Monterey Parks Cutting Day and Horticultural Fair 2024

 
3/16/24
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Parks Division presents the 67th 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!