Last updated on February 16th, 2024 at 11:55 pm
Looking for fun things to do in Monterey with kids and teens?
Monterey, California and the stunning coastal region it calls home offers a wealth of unique, family-friendly activities and attractions to enjoy on your visit.
Located just a short drive south of San Francisco, the Monterey Peninsula offers an array of unique and fun activities to entertain the whole family. From beaches to museums to hiking to visiting the best aquarium in the world, there is no shortage of Monterey kidsā activities.
Monterey is one of my favorite regions of California; it’s beauty is truly unmatched. That’s why I never get tired of visiting this amazing destination.
Things to Do in Monterey with Kids
Here are fifteen fun things to do in Monterey with kids and teens.
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Who says the Aquarium is just for little kids? Teens and adults will love it, too! We’ve visited this amazing attraction several times, and it’s always the highlight of our trip. That is why the Monterey Bay Aquarium is #1 on this list.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is truly one of the worldās top aquariums, and one of the must-do things to do with kids in Monterey. Located right on the water on Cannery Row (the site is actually a former sardine factory), the Aquarium is home to over 35,000 creatures (sea otters and sharks!) representing over 550 marine species, with indoor and outdoor exhibits – including many interactive exhibits that kids will love – right on the bay.
The Aquarium also offers several awesome shows about marine life in the auditorium, as well as behind-the-scenes tours, feedings, and other special events throughout the year.
2. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
Browse through souvenir shops or grab a yummy lunch from one of the many restaurants along Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the perfect place to take a break, enjoy the fresh sea air, and of course enjoy a bowl of Monterey’s famous clam chowder!
At the foot of Old Fishermanās Wharf, youāll find Custom House Plaza and the Custom House Museum. This building is recognized as the oldest government building in California. It is State Historic Landmark #1. It is very small, but we really enjoyed wandering through this traditional Spanish adobe building, restored to looks as it did in the 1840s. Admission is free!
3. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches for 18 miles along the coast. This paved path is great for bike riding, skating, or walking, and will take you right past all of Montereyās most popular spots, including Cannery Row and the Aquarium. There are also lots of grassy areas overlooking the bay where you can enjoy picnics or play time in Monterey with kids.
4. National Steinbeck Center
The National Steinbeck Center is located on Main Street in Salinas, the birthplace of Nobel prize-winning author John Steinbeck. Since most teens will find themselves assigned to read at least one Steinbeck novel at some point in high school, visiting this Salinas Valley museum is a great way to enrich and connect your kids with the history, culture and literature of Steinbeckās world.
In addition to the main John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, other exhibits rotate throughout the year. It is located just a short drive away from Monterey.
5. Cannery Row
Cannery Row is the main a stretch of seaside shops and restaurants in Monterey. Walk on the pier, enjoy an ice cream, or walk down to the beach below.
Like visiting the National Steinbeck Center, Cannery Row is a great opportunity for teens to experience a place they’ve read about. John Steinbeck is a staple in almost every high school English class. You can read about Cannery Row, but visiting Cannery Row in Monterey with teens will give them a great appreciation for the book, and really bring history alive.
6. Indoor Activities on Cannery Row
Youāll find a bunch of hidden gems on Cannery Row that kids and teens will love!
Just down the street from the Monterey Aquarium, you’ll find the Monterey Mirror Maze and Lazer Challenge. My son had a blast doing the mirror maze over and over again!
There is also a Lazer Challenge with two laser games available ā one has the player break as many beams as possible in a set time. The other has kids trying to sneak like spies over and under the lasers without touching the beam of light.
Just next door is Highway 1 Golf, Games and Grub where teens can play a round on the 3D black light 9-hole indoor golf course, or hang out in the arcade. And just up the road is Monterey’s escape room, Exodus Monterey.
All of these activities are open late in the evening, so itās a great thing to plan for after dinner on Cannery Row when there are not a lot of other things to do in Monterey with kids!
7. Monterey Wax Museum
* This museum is currently closed.
The Spirit of Steinbeck Monterey Wax Museum recreates scenes from California’s past. It is located right on Cannery Row.
Steinbeck’s Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum features more than 100 historical figures, depicting scenes from nearly 500 years of California history.
Scenes include Native Americans, Spanish missionaries, sardine canneries, and even a scene depicting an 1800s bordello (teens will find this hilarious!). Some 20th century scenes are derived from what Steinbeck described in his novels.
8. Visit the Dennis the Menace Park
Looking for a spot to let your kids run wild and burn off a little energy? Dennis the Menace Playground in Monterey is one of the great Monterey kids activities.
This fun playground has swings, slides, tunnels, a wooden suspension bridge, climbing wall, maze, and a steam engine. There are different areas each geared toward different age groups.
Parking is free and there are restrooms and a snack bar.
9. Hit the Beach
Monterey County has 99 miles of coastline, from dramatic cliffs to sandy beaches suitable for surfing, fishing and swimming. If the weather is warm, enjoy a day at the beach. Point Lobos State Reserve is a scenic coastal area featuring a variety of wildlife, hiking, diving & a whaling museum.
The Point Lobos Reserve is located in Carmel, just south of Monterey. Also nearby is Monterey State Beach, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Pacific Grove’s beaches are located right on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Asilomar State Beach and Lovers Point Beach are perfect spots for kayaking or surfing.
10. Pinnacles National Park
Located just an hourās drive east of Monterey, Pinnacles National Park is a beautiful park to visit and explore. It is the smallest, as well as the newest, national park in California, having just received its designation in 2013.Pinnacles gets its name from the beautiful, towering rock formations that jut from the landscape, formed by a volcano more than 20 million years ago.
Today, the park boasts more than 30 miles of hiking trails, so you can explore the rocks as well as caves, chaparral, fields, forests, and beautiful wildflowers in the springtime. Many of the hiking trails intersect, allowing you to customize the length and difficulty level of your hike.
In addition to hiking, Pinnacles National Park is a great place for wildlife viewing. The park’s most sought-after resident is the California Condor, with their magnificent nine-foot wingspan. Other native species include turkey vultures, hawks, bats, kangaroo rats and golden eagles.Note, Pinnacles has two entrances ā one to the west and one to the east ā and they aren’t connected by roads.
The west side of Pinnacles National Park is more remote and popular with day trippers looking to hike or rock climb.
The east side offers more services and is home to the park’s pool and campground, but tends to get a lot busier! If you are driving from Monterey, youāll want to plan on using the west entrance.
11. Take the 17-Mile Drive
Located just south of Monterey, between Monterey and Carmel, is Pebble Beach and the 17-Mile Drive. The 17-Mile Drive is a gorgeous stretch of road that hugs the Pacific coastline. It passes famous golf courses, mansions and scenic spots, but most importantly treats you to the most stunning views of the Pacific you’ll ever see!
There are three entrance points and for a nominal fee you’ll be given access and a map of all the stops. Marvel at some of natureās treasures including The Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay and Stillwater Cove, as well as the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.
If the weather is nice, bring a picnic and walk down to the beach or enjoy views from the clifftops. There are also two resorts along the 17-Mile Drive where you can splurge on a meal at one of their restaurants.
We were there unfortunately on a rainy day, but even with a little rain and fog the views were absolutely phenomenal!
12. Stroll Around Carmel-By-The-Sea
Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-By-The-Sea, often referred to simply as Carmel, is a charming small town made up of story book cottages and quaint, tree-lined streets. Though itās a quiet town nestled along scenic coast, Carmel is just minutes away from some world-class attractions, including Big Sur, Pebble Beach, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Just one-square-mile in size, Carmel is the perfect spot to take a scenic stroll. It is home to hundreds of beautiful galleries, shops, cafes, bed and breakfasts, bakeries, and a world-class beach.
We stayed at Hofsas House Hotel, a boutique inn bursting with European charm! Our room had a lovely view of the Pacific Ocean in the distance and it was in easy walking distance to everything in town. Be sure to stop by Carmel Bakery for some amazing sweet treats.
13. Get Out on the Water
Teens will love kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on the bay! You can book a kayaking tour with Adventures by the Sea. The guide will lead you out onto the water, where youāll paddle through kelp fields and likely spot otters and other wildlife.
Towards the wharf youāll see and hear sea lions. Monterey Bay is a marine preserve, making it a protected and valued natural area.
Whale watching in Monterey is another family friendly activity you can enjoy on the water during the colder months.
14. Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Established in 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History showcases the natural history of Monterey and the surrounding areas. Permanent exhibits include one of the most extensive bird collections on display on the West Coast.
Other exhibits include mammals, Native Americans, monarch butterflies, and a native plant garden.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
- Address: 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove
- Website: pgmuseum.org
15. Point Sur State Historic Park Lighthouse
Just south of the Monterey peninsula between Carmel and Big Sur is the Point Sur Lighthouse and State Historic Park. The lighthouse sits perched on a volcanic rock, warning ships that the Pacificās treacherous coast in near. The overlook also offers the perfect vantage point for viewing migrating whales.
Point Sur State Park offers walking tours seasonally. Teens will also love the Moonlight Tours offered in the evening, and really brave ones might enjoy an extra-creepy ghost tour, offered every October.
Point Sur State Historic Park
- Address: Located 15 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1
- Website: parks.ca.gov
Save These Monterey Activities for Later!
Planning a family vacation to Monterey and the Central California Coast? Pin the image below for future reference!
Julie says
These are great ideas!! Most I had not heard of. Adding them to the list for when I actually get out to California!!
Amanda says
Thanks for the ideas! We have been to the aquarium and Cannery Row, great shops and restaurants! We never knew what else to do there though! This is great, thank you!
Arianny Rodriguez says
Looks like a fun place to visit. Will pin this for later!
LJ says
We took a road trip along Hwy 101 & Hwy 1 this summer and only spent some time in Carmel. We hope to go back and checkout Monterey, so we will pin this for later.