Monterey, California: 5 Family Favorites
March 9th, 2009 | by Jamie Pearson 13 comments
The coastal city of Monterey is just two hours south of San Francisco, but a world apart. People travel from all over the world to come here, and with good reason. Here are five of my favorite things to do in Monterey with kids:
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is turning 20 this year, believe it or not. While all the attention is focused on its glitzy neighbor to the north (the newly re-opened and crazily crowded California Academy of Science), bring your family here.
My kids love the touch pools, and have been known to wait patiently for up to an hour for a ray to swim within petting range. We all love the otherworldly moon jellyfish.
2. Monterey Sports Center
No indoor heated pool at your hotel? No problem. For just a few dollars (adults $7.50/kids $4.50/under 5s $2.75), you can splash around at the Monterey Sports Center. They’ve got 2 indoor pools (one warm, one not so warm) and a 112-foot water slide, plus showers, lockers, and towel service. Good luck tearing your kids away.
3. Sea Kayaking
If the water is calm, kids as young as 5 can explore the top of Monterey’s kelp forests in a double open deck kayak with a parent. Rent from Monterey Bay Kayaks (on Del Monte Avenue in Cannery Row), and launch from the tiny beach next to the Monterey Park Plaza Hotel.
If you go in the spring and you’ll see lots of mother sea otters floating on their backs cuddling their babies. Awwww.
4. Dennis the Menace Playground
When your kids tire of nature (as most inevitably do), spend some time at the whimsical Dennis the Menace Playground. Highlights include a maze, a real steam train engine, a suspension slide, paddleboats, and a stick-your-head-in-a-lion’s-mouth water fountain. Set aside at least an hour.
5. Wildlife
The spectacular Monterey Bay is home to sea otters, California sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, six kinds of whales, and over 100 species of birds.
If time permits, take a 2-hour tour of Elkhorn Slough on the Elkhorn Slough Safari— a comfy 27-foot pontoon boat departing daily from Moss Landing (no bathrooms, no shade, kids 3 and over).
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Need a family friendly place to stay in or around Monterey? We like these:
Best Western Beach Resort Monterey
Embassy Suites Hotel Monterey Bay-Seaside
Check out these family friendly hotels in and around Monterey.
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ken on March 10th, 2009
Did you here about the photographer who spotted an otter holding a camcorder at the Elkhorn Slough? Pretty funny!
Jamie Pearson on March 10th, 2009
I did—I love that video. I wonder how long the otter tried to find a yummy snack inside the camera before he pitched it?
Mara on March 10th, 2009
I was only ever in Monterey in my pre-child days (oh the wine! oh the strolls along the shore! oh the Victorian b&b!) but I’m definitely bookmarking this list for our next visit out there.
Nicole Gustas on March 11th, 2009
Don’t forget the Monterey County Youth Museum, located in Old Monterey. The new facility is huge, with lots of interesting interactive exhibits for kids. http://www.mymuseum.org/
Sharlene on March 11th, 2009
Oh I love Monterey. I suddenly have a huge craving for some clam chowder while listening to sea lions bark. Homesick for Norcal…
Finding More Fun, 3/12/09 | Travels with Children on March 12th, 2009
[...] 5 Family Favorites in Monterey, CA, at Travel Savvy Mom. [...]
Jane on March 12th, 2009
The beaches around Monterey are awesome too. Too cold to swim, but sandy and cool to paddle in.
Jamie Pearson on March 12th, 2009
@Jane: For God’s sake, you’re English. Cowboy up!
Lorraine on March 12th, 2009
Monterey is always a fun getaway for us. In fact, I think we did Monterey for our first hotel stay after having two kids. Thanks for the post, it reminds me that we need to get back there!
[...] Looking for somewhere to take the kids? The Travel Savvy Mom blog posted about five family favorite activities in Monterey. [...]
Jane on March 14th, 2009
@Jamie: Plus the sharks – we don’t have them in England!
Adriane on May 25th, 2009
What is a good hotel or other lodging for a family with little kids -5, 3, 1?
Jamie Pearson on May 25th, 2009
@Adriane: I’d stay in the Embassy Suites in Seaside if I were you. Have fun!
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