Monterey
An incredibly gorgeous slice of California with a ton of activities for the whole family. This is on my short list of favorite family vacation spots. Its a good idea to dress in layers, as the fog can roll in quickly or the sun can break through and provide some beautiful warm beach weather. Early autumn is the sunniest time of year, and also a great season to see the monarch migration in Pacific Grove.
HOTELS: Andril Cottages is a great place located both near the beach and also offers grassy areas onsite to run around and kick a ball. Also the Howard Johnson’s in Pacific Grove offers decent suite rooms (read: one room for kids, one for adults) at a reasonable price.
Full Day Trips
Cannery Row, Monterey
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most popular, but by far not the only attraction of Cannery Row. In this full-day trip I recommend you wait until the afternoon to visit the aquarium, when it is less crowded. Prior to that, why not wear the kids out a bit with some outdoorsy exercise such as by bike or by kayak (or both!)
* Take in the views using pedal power At Bay Bikes (585 Cannery Row, 3 blocks from...
Half Day Trips
Park and Paddle, Monterey
* Nothing is greater than finding a huge park to wear down the kids. In Monterey, that is Dennis the Menace Park. It is open daily from 10am to dusk. A map is here, which includes directions. More detailed information about this park and pictures are listed here. There is limited parking right in front of the park, but when that fills up you have to drive around a little to find something nearby.
* Rent a...
Mini Trips
Seventeen Mile Drive, Monterey
Nice way to wind down. There is an entrance fee. Though there are so many oustanding (and free) views of Monterey, here you can also gawk at incredibly beautiful homes along the drive, and get some very nice vista spots along the way.
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Dennis the Menace Playground, Monterey
This park is spread out and has lots to offer all ages. At the entrance you are greeted by a full-sized locomotive engine that you can climb on. I don’t know a kid alive who’s head wouldn’t turn at that! Near the entrance is also the play area for the very young.
There is a rock-climbing wall (more of a tall bouldering wall, as there aren’t any ropes.) A long suspension bridge is...
Monterey Youth Museum
Monterey Youth Museum
http://www.mymuseum.org/
425 Washington Street
This museum is all about hands on, and what could be greater for the younger crowd? There are so many sets to spark imaginative play and exploration, and even areas geared toward the three and under crowd. They have a restaurant set, tree house, kid-sized house, a theatre stage where storytime sometimes takes place, and lots lots more!
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Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see when in Monterey. There are things for kids of all ages and enough to keep anyone’s interest for hours at a time. Parking and directions are at here.
Watching humans interact with animals is fascinating, for kids and adults. I recommend going early to catch some of the feeding events. A favorite for us is the penguin feeding at 10:30 am at the Splash Zone (an area...
Travel Blog
What’s more magical than a seahorse?
Now at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an incredible sea horse exhibit. Here are some tidbits you may not know…
1. Seahorses change colors. Thier ability to camoflage themselves is even better than a chameleon.
2. The female can lay about 200 eggs, and the father is the one who carries them until they hatch. Which, is only two to three weeks later.
3. In Asia seahorses are used as medicine (believed to...
Missing the Migrating Monarchs
Many years ago I remember seeing thousands of butterflies, practically dripping off of trees. I have never forgotten this sight and have awaited the opportunity to show my kids. Monarchs flock to the California coast beginning in October, then mate and leave for their spring migration by February. This year I planned to find them again, and take the kids, who are still enchanted by beautiful butterflies....
