Family Activities

Fun in the Sun: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
5/6/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 6, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Drop by the Museum for a special preview of our upcoming Summer Art Camps. Meet our camp leaders and explore activities ranging from cartoon creation to sustainable art.

Plein Air Painting in Old Monterey

 
4/15/23
 
free
 
Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

The Old Monterey Foundation presents Plein Air in Old Monterey , featuring artists painting outdoors at historic adobes and gardens on Saturday, April 15, 10am-2:30pm. The public is welcome to stop by and watch the artists at work!

Afterwards, 3pm-4pm, an exhibit and sale of the art will be held on Calle Principal behind Monterey Museum of Art. Awards for the artwork will be announced at 3:30pm.

Red Engine Rides at MY Museum

 
4/15/23
 
$25
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, April 15, as we partner with Red Engine Rides for a cruise around town. We're offering 15 minute rides in an open-air fire engine for $25 per person. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rides depart every half hour, 10am-11:30am. Advance reservations required.

Block Party at Monterey Museum of Art 2024

 
4/6/24
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art's is hosting a free Block Party for all ages on Saturday, April 6, 11am-4pm.

Discover local artisans and makers showcasing their unique crafts alongside dazzling performances and a variety of delicious food and drink. Plus, participate in interactive arts activities and enjoy free admission to our latest exhibitions.

Monterey Parks Horticulture Faire and Plant Exchange 2023

 
3/18/23
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Parks Division presents the 66th Annual Horticulture Faire and Plant Exchange on the lawn in front of Colton Hall, held rain or shine. In addition to a bounty of plant cuttings, exhibits this year will include information on native plants, drought resistant plants, and more.

Teasure Trove: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
3/4/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 4, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will help us celebrate the beauty of historic California Art and the spirit of collecting. Inspired by the exhibition "Monterey Collects California," participants will be invited to paint with watercolors, create shadow boxes, and more!

Free Concert by the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

 
3/19/23
 
free
 
Monterey Conference Center

Join the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters for a free, family-friendly concert on Sunday, March 19 at 3:30pm in the Serra Ballroom of Monterey Conference Center. Space is limited to the first 1,000 guests - please reserve your tickets online .

The Navy Band Sea Chanters are the U.S. Navy's official chorus. The ensemble performs traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway tunes, and contemporary music. They regularly perform for the president, vice president, and foreign dignitaries.

MY Museum: Valentine's Membership Special 2023

 
2/13/23
 
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Monterey County Youth Museum loves our members! And Valentine's week, February 13-17 only, we're offering you two free additional months of membership when you purchase a 12-month membership or renew your 12-month membership.

No code is necessary; ...

Whalefest Monterey 2023

 
3/18/23
 
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 18 and 19, 11am-5pm, rain or shine. It includes fun activities for all ages, live music, boat displays, and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local organizations.

Kid's Outdoor Hero Run and Obstacle Course 2023

 
2/25/23
 
$20
 
Colton Hall Lawn

The Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation presents a Kid’s Hero Run and Obstacle Course on Saturday, February 25, 10am-2pm in front of Colton Hall. Fee is $20 per child - register online here . At the event, participants will run through a city block lined with blow-up obstacle courses and meet local firefighters.

Red Engine Rides at MY Museum

 
2/25/23
 
$25
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, February 25, as we partner with Red Engine Rides for a cruise around town. We're offering 15 minute rides in an open-air fire engine for $25 per person. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Rides depart every half hour, 9:30am-11:30am. Advance reservations required.

Collections and Curiosities Workshop at Monterey Museum of Art

 
1/28/23
 
$15/$30
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street for an all-ages workshop on Saturday, January 28, 10am-12pm. In collaboration with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, we will be exploring the art and origins of collecting.

Participants are...

Nature Wonderland: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
2/4/23
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, February 4, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will enjoy an afternoon of nature-inspired artmaking and exploration with special guests, exhibiting artists Elizabeth Barlow and Susan Manchester.

Saturday Morning Fun Run at Fleet Feet Monterey

 
1/7/23
 
Free
 
Fleet Feet Monterey

Everyone is welcome to join Fleet Feet Monterey on our Saturday Morning Fun Runs. Every Saturday we meet at the shop at 8am and take 15 minutes to socialize before we get moving. This free program is for people of all ages and abilities. All are welcome - the more, the merrier! Run or walk as you wish.

Mini Masterpieces: Free Family Fun Day at Monterey Museum of Art

 
12/3/22
 
free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 3, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for an afternoon of art making and exploration.

Participants of all ages will be invited to take part in an exhibition scavenger hunt, collaborate in community chalk art, and create their own mini masterpiece.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2022

 
11/25/22
 
$15/$13
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily November 25 - January 1 . 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.

Giant Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
12/1/22
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a giant used book sale Nov. 29 - Dec. 3 in the Community Room of the Library. You'll find something for everyone on your list including best sellers, rare books, DVDs, puzzles, children's books, coffee table books, and expanded genres.

Hours are Thu-Fri, 11am-2pm, and Sat, 10am-2pm.

Giant Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
12/3/22
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a giant used book sale from Tuesday, November 29 through Saturday, December 3 in the Community Room of the Library.

You'll find something for everyone on your list including best sellers,...

Giant Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library

 
11/29/22
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a giant used book sale from Tuesday, November 29 through Saturday, December 3 in the Community Room of the Library.

You'll find something for everyone on your list including best sellers,...

Run, Walk, and Roll with Fleet Feet and Blue Zones Project

 
12/4/22
 
free
 
Blue Zones Project Monterey County

Get into the spirit of community on Sunday, December 4 with a casual Run, Walk, and Roll with Fleet Feet and Blue Zones Project - we'll meet at the office of Blue Zones Project Monterey County at 9am. This event...

Christmas in the Adobes 2022

 
12/9/22
 
$25/$40
 
Custom House Store

Christmas in the Adobes on December 9 & 10 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 children's educational programs.

Tickets are $25 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is available for $40. Reserve your tickets online today.

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2022

 
12/31/22
 
$10/$20
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly hour this year! Join MY Museum 10am-12:15pm 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.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2022 at MY Museum

 
12/10/22
 
$35/$40
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites children to get festive and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses today. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and tons more candy to make your house look truly extraordinary. Reservations are required - register online here .

Halloween Storytime and Costume Parade at Monterey Public Library

 
10/27/22
 
free
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library invites children and their caregivers to join us for a special spooky Halloween Storytime in our Community Room. Be sure to wear your favorite costumes as we will be parading around the library after we read the...

Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn 2022

 
12/2/22
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 2, 5pm-6pm. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this much-loved holiday event.

Enjoy cookies, cider, live music and caroling, and the lighting of the tree to bring in the holiday season. Monterey's Mayor and members of the City Council will be present.

Monterey Trunk-or-Treat & Outdoor Screening of "Hocus Pocus"

 
10/22/22
 
free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

Monterey Recreation and Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation present a Trunk-or-Treat and Movie in the Park on Saturday, October 22 on the lawn of Colton Hall. This family-friendly event is free.

Come dressed in costume to trunk-or-treat, 5pm-6:30pm, when we'll have fire engines and activities for kids. The screening of the Disney film Hocus Pocus will begin at 7pm. Free popcorn and cotton candy available.

Halloween Member Night at Monterey Bay Aquarium

 
10/29/22
 
free for members
 
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium invites our members to join us for a family-friendly Halloween Member Party, October 29, 7pm-10pm. Show off your costumes in an Aquarium full of your favorite people - all dressed up. We'll have a live DJ to get every ghoul dancing!

Are you a member? Please register for the party on our website . Not a member? Here's your chance to join!

Halloween Member Night at Monterey Bay Aquarium

 
10/22/22
 
free for members
 
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium invites our members to join us for a family-friendly Halloween Member Party, October 22 and 29, 7pm-10pm. Show off your costumes in an Aquarium full of your favorite people - all dressed up. We'll have a live DJ to get every ghoul dancing!

Are you a member? Please register for the party on our website . Not a member? Here's your chance to join!