Outdoor Family Activities in Monterey

If active adventure for families comes on a scale of one to ten, Monterey County can span the scale, from steering a four-wheeled, four-seater surrey along the sunny waterside Recreation Trail to hiking among towering cliffs in the Pinnacles National Park. With wide-open spaces and adventurous outdoor places, outdoor family fun in Monterey County is abundant!

Depending on the ages of your children, they can pedal with you in a paddle boat on Lake El Estero or paddle a kayak past seals in our sheltered bay. The whole family will enjoy exploring the tide pools at Asilomar beach or flying kites on Seaside's sandy beach. Older kids can snorkel or even take their first scuba diving class.

Please respect Monterey County and get out responsibly. Wear a mask, practice social distancing and follow guidelines.

Practice Makes Perfect

Safe sports are based in good technique. Many of the outfitters and facilities listed on our website offer instruction for activities including ocean kayaking and putting at the family-friendly greens at the Peter Hay Golf Course in Pebble Beach. 

El Estero Boating

The kids will love powering their own paddle boat on Lake El Estero surrounding Dennis the Menace and skateboard park. While the park is not currently open for recreation, boating is! Open seven days a week, from 10am (except closed Mondays in winter months). Call 831-375-1484 for more information.

Top 5 for Family Recreation

Search all lodging