The most successful family vacations keep one essential component in mind: The grown-ups should feel as engaged, excited, and happy as the young ones, and vice versa. Looking for things to do in Monterey with kids? Plan a family vacation fit for both the kids and the kid-at-heart.
Cannery Row
An iconic Monterey destination, Cannery Row blends nostalgia with an exciting mix of eclectic specialty shops and kid-friendly places to eat, such as The Fish Hopper, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Louie Linguini's.
Tap into your childhood wonder and reinvigorate the soul by playing at places like Treasure Hunt: The Ride, Escape Room 831, Monterey Mirror Maze and Laser Challenge, Daniels Wood Land and Zucchini’s Tricks ‘n Things.
The cherry on top of this family-friendly stop? Sweet treats from Nico's Real Fruit Ice Cream Shop, Rock N Roll Donut Bar, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Nestlé Toll House Café, Dippin’ Dots and Ghirardelli.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Little and big adventurers will light up at the sight of swimming jellyfish, otters at snack time and peculiar deep-sea animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Curiosity and joy run freely as you discover over 35,000 creatures representing over 550 different kinds of sea life and marine species in habitats from the coastal wetlands to the kelp forests and beyond.
Adventuring over lunchtime? The Aquarium Cafe offers family-friendly, locally sourced options for kids, including sustainable seafood, pizzas, classic mac and cheese, and more.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
The whimsical, colorful shops lining Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf are an absolute wonderland for kids. Take the family on a whale-watching tour to spot sea creatures like seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins and magnificent whales out on the open waters.
Dine on kid- and parent-friendly menus at restaurants like Paluca Trattoria, Cafe Fina and Crab House, and finish the day on a sweet note with saltwater taffy, caramel apples, and chocolate truffles from Carousel Candies and more.
Sanctuary Beach Resort
A day at the beach finds new comfort at this seaside escape! Nestled along the coast near the tides of the Marina Dunes, your family will wake up and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves at Sanctuary Beach Resort. For some extra delicious fun for the whole family, purchase a s'mores package from the gift shop to roast marshmallows at one of two beachfront fire pits.
Tide Pooling at Asilomar State Beach
A world of life opens up when you and the family explore the many tide pools along Monterey County's shorelines. Kids will be in awe of the sea life that calls these tide pools home, including small crabs, fish, starfish, seaweed and more.
Please remember that it is vital to protect these tide pool environments. Experience nature’s little wonders by looking but not touching. There is an absolute "no take" policy on all Monterey County tide pools.
Monterey Zoo
Go where the wild things are! Get up close responsibly to wildlife found in Monterey County and around the world at the Monterey Zoo. The Monterey Zoo offers unparalleled opportunities for animal lovers, including the bucket-list “Walk with the Animals” tour, offering full-day, up-close access to kangaroos, sloths and more. Enhance this unforgettable family adventure by staying at the zoo’s on-site accommodations. Hear the roar of tigers and lions near your private bungalow at Vision Quest Ranch Bed and Breakfast and enjoy breakfast with one of the zoo’s animal ambassadors! One day of complimentary zoo admission is included with your stay.
