Family Activities

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2024

 
7/4/24
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 15,000 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. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

First Night Monterey 2024

 
12/31/23
 
 
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 2024! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Whalefest Monterey 2025

 
4/12/25
 
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 12 & 13, 10am-5pm, rain or shine.

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

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.

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.

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....

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.

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

The annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration and Parade will return to Downtown Old Monterey on Saturday, June 28. 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.

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
 
 
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 at the museum.

This program is recommended for children...

Symphony Saturday at MY Museum

 
3/15/25
 
 
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.

Symphony Saturday at MY Museum

 
4/26/25
 
 
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...

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.

Monterey 4th of July Parade 2025

 
7/4/25
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Monterey's annual 4th of July Parade is a must-attend celebration that draws approximately 15,000 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. The parade begins at 10am sharp.

Free Family Fun Day—Monterey Museum of Art

 
2/1/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join us at Monterey Museum of Art for creative projects inspired by our winter season exhibitions! Enjoy free admission and explore the building blocks of art, learning about the elements of art and color through fun, hands-on activities for the...

Tomb Raider Now at High Scores Arcade

Monterey, CA

High Scores Arcade recently installed a giant Tomb Raider game at 459 Alvarado Street. It's an intense shooting game for up to 4 players.

In other arcades, this beauty usually costs $1-$2 per play. At High Scores Arcade, you pay a flat fee ($10/hour or $22/day) and can play all the games in the arcade, including Tomb Raider, as many times as you want. We're open 7 days a week.

Screening of "Elf" at Golden State Theatre

 
12/6/24
 
$8-$10
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre is holding a screening of Elf (2003) starring Will Farrell as part of our Toys for Tots holiday fundraiser. Doors open 5:30pm, film starts at 6pm.

Tickets are $8-10 - purchase here . Please bring a new, unwrapped toy, book, or game or a non-perishable food item for those in need.

Holiday Book Sale at Monterey Public Library 2024

 
12/6/24
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a Holiday Book Sale Dec. 6 & 7, 10am-4pm. In the Community Room, find gently used books across all genres. In the Collectible Room, discover unique finds such as first editions, signed copies, and local interest books. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2024

 
11/22/24
 
$15/$13
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily November 22 - January 5 . 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.

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2024

 
12/31/24
 
$10/$20
 
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.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2024 at MY Museum

 
12/8/24
 
$40/$45
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum invites children to get festive and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, gum drops, and candy to make your house look truly extraordinary, plus a sugar cookie to decorate and take home to eat. Reservations are required - register online here .

Free Family Fun Day - Iluminado

 
12/7/24
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Drop by the Monterey Museum of Art for a fun-filled afternoon of artmaking within Iluminado—a wondrous interactive art installation. Meet the artists behind our creative installations. Walk through and even add your own reflections to the evolving Iluminado...

First Friday at Monterey Museum of Art: Illuminado

 
12/6/24
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join us for free after-hours access to the Museum at this special edition of First Friday, celebrating the opening of our annual holiday program, I luminado , a living and growing art installation that invites you to participate.

Kick off the holiday season with DJ Edison Tesla and take in the festivities of Iluminado while sampling drinks, small bites, and art activities.

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Winter Show 2024

 
11/22/24
 
Free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Celebrate the season at a reception for Youth Arts Collective's 2024 Winter Show on November 22, 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!