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The best things to do in Monterey with kids are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a whale watching tour, the 17-Mile Drive and the Dennis the Menace Playground. The aquarium is the one to plan the trip around, with sea otter feedings, jellyfish and touch pools that hold even toddlers. Whale watching suits school-age kids who are fine on a boat, the 17-Mile Drive is an easy outing from the car with stops at the Lone Cypress, and the playground has a real steam engine to climb.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Educational Fun | Sea Otter Feeding | All ages | View Details → |
| Whale Watching Tour | Adventure | Marine Wildlife | School-aged | View Details → |
| 17-Mile Drive | Relaxing Views | Coastal Scenery | All ages | View Details → |
| Dennis the Menace Playground | Burn Energy | Steam Engine | Toddlers | View Details → |
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The aquarium is the reason many families come to Monterey, with its jellyfish galleries and sea otter feedings. Kids of every age get something from it.
- The Fun: Kids get to watch sea otters swim and explore interactive touch pools.
- Best Age Group: Perfect for all ages because the visual displays keep even the youngest toddlers mesmerized.
- Tip: Buy tickets online and arrive right at opening, ahead of the midday crowd.
- Good to know: Weekends are very busy, so try a weekday morning.
Whale Watching Tour
A boat trip on the bay can turn up humpback whales, dolphins and sometimes orcas, and kids get to see big animals up close.
- The Fun: Children love the thrill of spotting a whale breach or a dolphin pod jumping alongside the boat.
- Best Age Group: Best for school-aged kids who can handle a boat ride and follow safety instructions.
- Tip: Pack seasickness bands and snacks before you board.
- Good to know: The bay can be rough, so check the forecast to avoid a bumpy ride.
17-Mile Drive
Take a scenic drive through this iconic route that winds through Pebble Beach and offers stunning views of the coastline. Families can stop at various points of interest like the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock for quick, memorable photo opportunities.
- The Fun: Kids enjoy the car ride scavenger hunt for unique rock formations and local wildlife.
- Best Age Group: All ages. You do it from the car.
- Tip: Download a map or audio guide before you go in.
- Good to know: There is an entrance fee at the gate, so have payment ready.
Dennis the Menace Playground
Designed by the creator of the comic strip, this playground has a suspension bridge, a maze and a real steam engine, plenty for kids to burn off energy.
- The Fun: Kids love climbing on the real train and navigating the maze-like structures.
- Best Age Group: Ideal for toddlers and younger children who need plenty of space to run around.
- Tip: Bring a coffee and sit on the benches near the maze.
- Good to know: Parking is tight, so arrive mid-morning before lunch.
Where to Stay in Monterey
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Monterey has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Monterey with Kids
Is one day enough for Monterey?
You can see the highlights in a day, but two or three let you space things out without rushing the kids.
Are these activities stroller-friendly?
Most areas in Monterey, including the Aquarium and the 17-Mile Drive viewpoints, are very stroller-friendly. The Dennis the Menace playground is also easily accessible for parents with strollers.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smaller crowds for families. Visiting during these shoulder seasons makes the whole trip feel much more relaxing and manageable.
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