Family Activities

After 75 years, the historic Western Flyer - the sardine fishing boat immortalized by John Steinbeck's 1951 classic book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez - will return to her home port of Monterey. Join the free celebration at the end of Old Fisherman's Wharf (California Dock) on Saturday, November 4, 11am-4pm.

Festivities will include a boat parade, tours of the docked Western Flyer , live music, a prize drawing, art and science activities, giveaways, and more. All are welcome!

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.

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.

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!

MY Museum invites you and your children ages 3+ to join us on Saturday, February 24, 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.

The Monterey Public Library and Monterey History and Art Association are teaming up to bring you an author talk with Nidhi Chanani on Friday, January 19 at 3:45pm at Stanton Center. Doors open at 3:15pm. The...

The Stanton Center invites you to Sundays at Stanton , a weekly classic film experience. Join us every Sunday for an afternoon of timeless cinema and community connection. It's a celebration of the art of storytelling, offering a nostalgic escape into the world of classic films.

Doors open at 12:30pm, and the film starts promptly at 1pm. Admission is $5 or free with paid museum entry.

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.

Monterey Museum of Art presents a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 2, 11am-3pm. Drop by the Museum for a fun-filled afternoon with our interactive art installation, Iluminado .

Meet the artists behind the magical trees of the exhibit, exercise your creativity, and contribute to the evolving exhibition. Featured activities include: paper leaves with messages, mural painting, and pattern-making with wooden blocks.

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is hosting a Holiday Book Sale Dec. 8 & 9, 10am-4pm, in the Community Room of the Library. You'll find gently used books across all genres. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Christmas in the Adobes on December 8 & 9 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 and the restoration of the historic First Theatre.

Tickets are $30 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is available for $45. Reserve your tickets online today.

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 1, 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 and KMBY 1240 AM / 95.9 FM will broadcast the event live.

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, swirly twirly gum drops, and tons more candy to make your house look truly extraordinary. Reservations are required - register online here .