12 Things to Do in Monterey With Kids (That Parents Will Love Too)
Monterey might be famous for its aquarium, but families who stay a few days discover the whole peninsula is one big playground. Sea lions barking on the breakwater, tide pools full of hermit crabs, monarchs clustered in the pines, and miles of coastline for running off energy. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Monterey with kids, from toddler-friendly stops to adventures that will impress even the most screen-loving teenager.
1. Spend a Day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
There's a reason it tops every family list. Kids can watch sea otters play, stand in front of the towering kelp forest, and get hands-on at the touch pools. Little ones love the Splash Zone, an area designed just for young visitors. Buy tickets online ahead of time, arrive right at opening, and plan on at least half a day.
2. Climb the Train at Dennis the Menace Playground
Tucked inside El Estero Park, this local favorite was designed with input from Hank Ketcham, the cartoonist behind Dennis the Menace. The star attraction is a real steam locomotive kids can climb on, surrounded by slides, climbing structures, and plenty of room to run. It's free, and a perfect break between bigger outings.
3. Fly a Real FPV Drone
For older kids and teens who think they've seen it all, this is the one that gets a reaction. At Monterey FPV Experience, they wear FPV goggles that show a live feed from the drone's camera, so it feels like they're riding inside it. An instructor covers safety first and stays alongside the whole time, and beginners are welcome. Parents can fly too, and often end up just as hooked. The 30-minute First Flight is a good starting point, while the one-hour Full Send adds more air time and more advanced maneuvers.
See packages and pricing or check our FAQ for age guidelines before you book.
4. Watch the Sea Lions Near Fisherman's Wharf
Walk out along Old Fisherman's Wharf and the nearby Coast Guard Pier and you'll probably hear the sea lions before you see them. They pile onto the rocks and breakwater, barking and jostling for the best sunning spot. Watching is free, and harbor seals and sea otters often float in the harbor too. Keep a respectful distance, since these are wild animals.
5. Go Tide Pooling in Pacific Grove
The rocky shoreline along Pacific Grove, including Asilomar State Beach, is full of tide pools packed with anemones, hermit crabs, and sea stars. Check a tide chart and go at low tide for the best finds. Wear shoes with good grip, keep an eye on the waves, and teach kids to look and touch gently but leave everything where they found it.
6. See the Monarch Butterflies
Pacific Grove is nicknamed Butterfly Town, USA for a reason. Each fall and winter, roughly October through February, monarch butterflies cluster in the trees at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. On a sunny afternoon they warm up and take flight. It's a short, easy walk and a magical sight for kids. Numbers vary from year to year, so look up recent counts before you go.
7. Rent a Surrey on the Coastal Recreation Trail
The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a paved path that runs along the water, past Cannery Row and on toward Pacific Grove. It's mostly flat and separated from car traffic, which makes it ideal for families. Rent bikes or a pedal-powered surrey near the waterfront and cruise at your own pace, with stops for ice cream and ocean views along the way.
8. Go Whale Watching
Whale watching tours leave from Fisherman's Wharf year-round, and thanks to a deep underwater canyon just offshore, whales often feed surprisingly close to town. Gray whales migrate through in winter and spring, and humpbacks are often around from spring into fall. Pick a shorter tour for younger kids, bring layers, and pack seasickness remedies for anyone prone to it.
9. Meet the Animals at the Monterey Zoo
A short drive inland near Salinas, the Monterey Zoo is a small zoo where kids can see big animals up close, including elephants and big cats. It's compact enough for little legs and makes a fun change of pace from the coast. Look up hours and tour options on the zoo's website before you head over.
10. Visit Point Pinos Lighthouse
Point Pinos is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, lit since 1855. Kids can explore the historic keeper's house and imagine life at the edge of the Pacific. Opening hours are limited, so plan ahead, and pair it with a walk along the nearby shoreline.
11. Play at Lovers Point Beach
This small, sheltered beach is one of the calmer spots on the peninsula, with a grassy park above the sand for picnics. Kids can splash at the water's edge, build sand castles, and watch kayakers head out. Afterward, stroll the scenic path along the bluffs.
12. Explore the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Small, manageable, and full of local wildlife exhibits, this museum is a great stop for curious kids, especially right after seeing the monarchs. It covers the birds, sea life, and natural history of the Central Coast, and it's an easy hour that won't wear anyone out.
Tips for Visiting Monterey With Kids
Pack layers. Mornings are often foggy and cool, even in summer, and it can warm up quickly by the afternoon.
Book the big stuff ahead. The aquarium, whale watching tours, and drone flights can fill up on weekends and holidays.
Mix big outings with free stops. The playground, the sea lions, and the tide pools cost nothing and are often the moments kids remember most.
Looking for more ideas? Read our guide to hidden gems most Monterey visitors never find, plan a grown-up night out with our unique date ideas in Monterey, or, if your teen gets hooked on flying, read up on the rules for flying a drone in Monterey.
Bringing the whole family? Give us a call at (831) 288-2320 and we'll help you plan the visit.
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