The Monterey Peninsula is so full things to do for kids and families.  And The RV Park at Laguna Seca Recreation Area is the perfect place to headquarter during your visit!  You can hike and bike, Play on the playground equipment, watch the cars on the track or go exploring right here, but if you are ready for more, here are some activities that your kiddos will enjoy.



MONTEREY

Monterey Bay Aquarium 
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
(831) 648-4800

Open: Daily 9:30am-6pm (last entry 4pm)
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/daily-schedule

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My Museum
425 Washington St.
Monterey
831.649.6444
Hours:
Tues–Sat 10am-5pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Closed Mondays
http://www.mymuseum.org/
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Central Coast Athletics - Batting Cages/Sporting Equipment

414 Adams St, Monterey
(831) 324-4239


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Monterey Sports Center

301 E. Franklin Street
Monterey
(831) 646-3730

One drop-in admission includes: Use of locker/shower room, Saunas, Gymnasium, Weight Training Center, Cardio Fitness Center, Sun Deck, and two Indoor Pools (one with a big slide). Group Exercise classes are available for an additional fee of $7.00 per class. Towel rental available for $2.50 per towel.

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5:30a-9:30pm
Sat: 7am-6pm
Sun: 8:30am-6pm
Mon-Fri - 12N-1:30pm 18+ only
Pools close: 9:15pm Mon-Fri
5:30pm on Sat & Sun

CLOSED: Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Check for open swim pool hours:
http://monterey.org/msc/en-us/General-Information#1031767-lap-swim-recreational-swim-and-waterslide-hours

General Information:
http://www.monterey.org/SPORTSCENTER

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El Estero Park Complex
Dennis The Menace Park/Skate Park/Paddle Boats
777 Pearl St, Monterey
(831) 646-3860
El Estero Park consists of 45 acres that is packed with things to do, including renting a paddle boat for El Estero Lake, a large playground, a lighted ball field, a skate park, a youth center,  dance studio, large group picnic area, and a snack bar.  All of these activities are in close
walking distance of each other.  No admission fee for the playground or the skate park.  Open 10am-Dusk.

- See more at: http://www.great-kids-parks.com/dennis-the-menace-park-monterey-ca.html#sthash.zRbyfcFt.dpuf

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Whale Watching



1.  Princess Monterey Whale Watching
96 Fisherman's Wharf #1
831-205-2370
Their whale watching trips run year-round and are fully narrated by marine biologists/naturalists, all with 10 or more years experience on the Monterey Bay.
http://www.montereywhalewatching.com/

2. Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Fisherman's Wharf #1
831-375-4658
Monterey Bay Whale Watch focus on learning about the whales and their environment, as well as conserving their habitat and being respectful towards them as living beings.
No pregnant women.  Welll behaved dogs allowed.
http://www.gowhales.com/

3. Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching
Fisherman's Wharf #1
831-375-5951
Watch the amazing videos they have online showing whales, dolphins and killer whales.
Daily Departures 10am and 1:30pm (more activity in the morning usually)

"Chris' Whale watching tours is the oldest whale watching and fishing charter company on the Monterey Peninsula. We also have the most experienced skippers in Northern California."

Rates are $37 for adults and $22 for children.

Special: $2.00 discount if you mention their website.

http://www.chriswhalewatching.com/

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Adventures By The Bay
(bike, kayak, paddle boarding rental)
Besides the rentals, Adventures By The Bay offer four different kayak tours and two different bike tours.  They also have electric bicycles and surrey bikes for 2-4 riders available.  They can accommodate beginners to advanced enthusiasts in both activities.

Three locations in Monterey
210 Alvarado St · (831) 648-7235
299 Cannery Row #1 · (831) 372-1807
685 Cannery Row #210 · (831) 372-1807

http://www.adventuresbythesea.com/

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751 Cannery Row, Monterey,


Try Black Light Mini Golf with 3D goggles!  Various packages available so you can do it all!  Check out their website for coupons to save money on your admission.   Prices for groups.
http://montereymirrormaze.com/

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Doc Wenzel's Old Time Portraits
700 Cannery Row M
831-655-3556
www.docwenzels.com

Dressing up and taking a photo is so much fun!
Once you have it, the photo will be so wonderful to look back on year after year.  The studio has added new backgrounds and lots of new costumes.  There is something for everyone!

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On The Beach Surf Shop
Surfboard Museum
693 Lighthouse Ave.  Monterey
831-646-9283
onthebeachsurfshop.com

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CARMEL

The Art of Dr. Suess (gallery)
San Carlos between 5th & 6th, Carmel
Hours: Daily 10am-5:30pm
831-620-0923

The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss is a collection of artworks Seuss created at night for his own personal enjoyment. These works were rarely, if ever, exhibited during his lifetime and provide a deeper glimpse into his art and life.



Sixth Avenue & Mission Street
(across from Devendorf Park downtown)
Carmel , CA
(831)-624-4664



Hours:
Monday: 1pm-5pm
Tuesday: 1pm-8pm
Wed-Fri: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 1pm-5pm
Sunday: Closed

http://hm-lib.org/kids/ (schedule of planned activities)

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CARMEL VALLEY

Carmel Valley Youth Center Park and Swimming Pool

25 Ford Rd

The park has play structures, picnic tables and plenty of wide open space to spread out a blanket.   Call the Youth Center to make sure the pool is open or not closed for lessons only on that day/time.  

Fee:  $7/person non member  $5/person if you have a membership
 
Normal general swim hours:

Monday-Friday: Noon-4:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday: Noon-5:00 PM

Directions:
Take a left onto Hwy 68 as you exit the RV Park at Laguna Seca Recreation Area.  Take a right at the very next light onto Los Laureles Grade.   You will go up and down the mountain and will end at a "T" on Carmel Valley Road. (It's a beautiful ten minute ride.)   Take a left at the stop sign and proceed to Ford Road just before town.   Go half a block and the youth center/pool/playground will be on your right.

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PACIFIC GROVE

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove
(831) 648-5716

Hours:
Daily 10am-5pm
Closed Mondays


The museum contains animals, plants and items found in Monterey County.  A great place for kids with a free scavenger hunt, a giant birds nest to sit in, a fossil garden to dig in and lots of life sized stuffed animals.     http://www.pgmuseum.org/

Directions:
Take a right onto Highway 68 as you exit the RV Park at Laguna Seca Recreation Area.  Follow to highway 1.  
Take the Highway 68 West Exit. Stay in your right lane. This road turns into Forest Avenue. Follow Forest for 1 block past Lighthouse Avenue.
The Museum is located at the corner of Forest and Central Avenues.


SALINAS

Monterey Zoo
400 River Road
Salinas, CA  93908
831-455-1902
800-228-7382
http://www.wildthingsinc.com/html/_welcome_to_our_jungle_.html

(Formerly known as "Wild Things" "Monterey Zoo" is dedicated to providing professionally & humanely trained wild/exotic & domestic birds and animals for film, television, live productions, education and much much more. Monterey Zoo takes great pride in offering sanctuary to many animals that can no longer participate in entertainment or would otherwise not have a home or family.

Directions:
Take a left onto Highway 68 and head toward Salinas.   Go approximately 8 miles and take the "River Road" exit.    At the bottom of the exit, take a right onto River Road and travel about 2.5 miles.     The Zoo, the Oxton Kennels and Vision Quest Equestrian Center will be on the right.

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Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum
26 Station Place, Salinas CA 93901
831.789.8097
http://www.salinasrailroadmuseum.org/

A full-size locomotive, caboose and rail cars have been restored by volunteer members. The  museum also features interactive exhibits focused on the history of the Railroad in Monterey County. A miniature diorama with working trains occupies more that two-thirds of the museum space and depicts the Monterey Bay & Salinas Valley railroads circa 1950s.

They are open to the public every Thursday evening from 6pm-9pm, the 1st Friday of every month from 4pm-8pm and the weekend following the 1st Friday, from 10am-4pm. Admission is free, though donations in any amount are gratefully accepted and much appreciated. The museum also offers tours for school groups, community groups, visitors, and is available for special events.

Directions:
Take a left onto Highway 68 as you exit the RV Park at Laguna Seca Recreation Area.  Follow through Salinas until you come to the Steinbeck Museum.  Take a left on Central.
Take a right on Station Place.  (Next to the Amtrak station)

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SAND CITY

Sanctuary Rock Gym
1855A East Ave., Seaside 
831-899-2595
rockgym.com

Hours:
Mon-Fri  2pm-10pm
Sat-Sun  10am-6pm


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BIG SUR

Molera Big Sur Trail Rides
Andrew Molera State Park
Highway One, Big Sur
831-625-5486
molerahorsebacktours.com



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SANTA CRUZ

Boardwalk
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz
(831) 423-5590
https://beachboardwalk.com/

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park in Santa Cruz, CA. Founded in 1907, it is California's oldest surviving amusement park and one of the few seaside parks on the West Coast of the United States

There is no admission price to the Beach Boardwalk, however, tickets or a wristband are needed to get on the rides.

Pets are NOT allowed on the Boardwalk or on the beach.

Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach  6:30pm and 8:30pm
June 17-September 2, 2016
Rock out to Top 40 bands from the '70s, '80s, and early '90s FREE on the Beach Bandstand!   Alcohol is not allowed on the beach.

Free Wednesday Movies on the Beach 9pm
June 22-August 17, 2016

Calendar of hours and events:
http://beachboardwalk.com/hours

Directions:

Take a right onto Highway 68 and follow that four miles to 218.

Take a right onto 218 and follow 3 miles to Highway 1

Take Highway 1 north and follow all the way to Santa Cruz.

Once you go around the "fishhook" follow signs to the Boardwalk.

(Chestnut Street to Beach Street)

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Roaring Camp Railroads

5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton
831-355-4484

http://www.roaringcamp.com/

The area's first railroad, the Santa Cruz & Felton, began carrying tourists to the Big Trees and the beach in 1875.  Now these historic narrow-gauge steam trains run through the redwoods and to the Boardwalk.

http://www.roaringcamp.com/

Directions:
Take a right onto Highway 68 as you exit the RV Park at Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
Travel 4 miles and take a right on 218
Follow 4 miles to get to north Highway 1.
Take 1 north to Santa Cruz. Take Highway 17 from Santa Cruz northeast to Scotts Valley. Get off at Exit #3 at Mt. Hermon Rd. and drive 3.5 miles northwest to Felton. Mt. Hermon Road ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn left on Graham Hill Road and drive 1/2 mile to Roaring Camp (on right).
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The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Road, Santa Cruz
831-423-8897
The Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California. Come experience these phenomena for yourself!
Tours every half hour
10am-4pm daily
https://www.mysteryspot.com/





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FELTON

Redwood Canopy Tours
17 Conference Drive, Felton
831-430-4357
Ziplines and suspension bridges 150 feet up in the redwoods.  Different courses for different ages and abilities. Party packages available.
rewoodcanopytours.com

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MOSS LANDING



Elkhorn Slough Safari
See sea Otters, harbor Seals, birds of all kinds
Pontoon boat tour, quiet and relaxing
A must take trip for those who love to photograph nature.
831-633-5555
elkhornslough.com

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GILROY

Gilroy Gardens
Check out the website to check to see what days the park is open and its hours.

An amusement park in a wooded, garden setting.  There are playgrounds and a rock maze, paddle boats, splash gardens and so much more.  The park also offers several camp night packages throughout the season including scout camp nights, father's day camp night and halloween camp night.    Rent a cabana and have a place for the family to headquarter.

RVs are welcome for day use only, but there is no overnight parking.
RV parking is $12.00 per vehicle.

https://www.gilroygardens.org/
The rides:
https://www.gilroygardens.org/things-to-do/rides

Directions:
Take a left onto Highway 68 as you exit the RV Park at the Laguna Seca Recreation Park
Follow 68 for 7 miles to Blanco road and take a right.
Follow to Highway 101 and go north
HIGHWAY 101 NORTH to the MONTEREY ST exit.
LEFT onto MONTEREY ST.
LEFT onto WEST LUCHESSA AVE.
LEFT onto THOMAS RD.
RIGHT onto SANTA TERESA BLVD.
LEFT onto HIGHWAY 152 WEST (Hecker Pass Hwy).
Gilroy Gardens' entrance is on your left side just after passing Gilroy Golf Course.

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Go To The Beach:

Carmel Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in California.  Soft, white sand, clean water and lots of wildlife.   Dogs are allowed to run free off a leash while on the beach.  They must be leashed from the car to the beach.    No BBQ's or fires allowed on the beach.

Directions:
Take a right onto Hwy 68 as you exit the RV park in Laguna Seca RV Park
Follow to Highway 1 South
Take Highway 1 south to Ocean Ave. 
Right on Ocean and follow all the way down to the beach.

The following beaches are all connected a bike and hiking trails.:

Lover's Point in Pacific Grove
The park is  4.4 acres and is a great spot for swimming, volleyball, kayaking, scuba diving and surfing. Snack bar on site.

Directions:
630 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950  (17th and Ocean View)

Take a right onto Hwy 68 as you exit the RV Park at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
Follow 4 miles to 218 and turn right
Travel 2 miles to Del Monte Blvd and turn left.  
Stay in the right lane and go through the tunnel as you pass the turn off for Monterey
The road will turn into Lighthouse Blvd. and then Central Ave.
Turn right on 14th street
Left on Ocean View
Look for parking....

Monterey Beach in Monterey
Near Fisherman's Wharf.  Big grassy area.  Picnic tables, bike and hiking trails.
Volleyball courts.

Directions:
Take a right onto Highway 68 as you exit the RV park at Laguna Seca Recreation Center.
Follow to 218 and take a right.
Take a left on Del Monte Ave. and travel two miles
Follow until you see the picnic area on the right.  (Across from Lake El Estero)

Monterey Beach in Seaside
The closest beach to the RV Park in the Laguna Seca Recreation Area is the beach in Seaside.   No dogs allowed.

Directions:
Take a right onto Highway 68 as you exit the RV Park in the Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
Follow four miles to 218 and take a right
Follow 218 four miles to the ocean and entrance of the beach.

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Go to the toy store:

The two closest toy stores are in Monterey and Carmel

1.  Thinker Toys
7th and San Carlos in Carmel
(831) 624-0441
10am-6pm

2.  Thinker Toys
480 Del Monte Center
Del Monte Shopping Center Monterey

3. Toys R Us
370 Northridge Drive
Northridge Mall Salinas
(831) 443-4455
10am-9pm

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Go to the movies:

Directions:
Take a right onto Highway 68 as you leave the RV park at Laguna Seca Recreation Area.   Follow approximately 6 miles to Highway 1 South.   Take the Munrus exit about 1.5 miles.  At the light take a right and enter the Del Monte Shopping Center.  The Theater is located at the back of the center.

15 minutes in non-peak traffic hours.

See what's playing:
http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-detail.aspx?node_id=1655&


This is the newest and most advanced theater in the area featuring plush stadium seating, extreme digital and 3D floor to ceiling, wall to wall screens. 

Directions:
Take a right as you exit the RV park at LSRA.   Follow highway 68 until you see signs to veer right to catch Highway 1 going north.  Travel five miles and take the Imjim exit.  At the light, take a right and go approximately three blocks.  The theater will be on your right in the Dunes Shopping Area back by Best Buy and Kohls.

20 minutes in non-peak traffic hours.

See what's playing:
http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-detail.aspx?node_id=655082&

For both theaters listed above:
Monday is Seniors Day...all tickets $6.25 all day.
First Daily Matinee before noon pricing: $6.75

Redbox

For those of you who travel with a CD player in your rig, there is easy access to a couple of Redbox locations.

1. 7-11
This Redbox is located outside at the 7-11 on the corner of Highway 68 and Highway 218.  Simply take a right onto Highway 68 and travel four miles.  You will see the plaza on your right as you cross the intersection of Highway 218.  Take a right into the entrance.  The 7-11 will be ahead of you behind "Jack In The Box".

2. Safeway Grocery Store
This Redbox is located inside the store. Safeway is located at the corner of Highway 218 and Fremont Ave.   Take a right onto Highway 68 and travel 4 miles to take a right onto Highway 218.   Travel about two miles.  Safeway will be on your left.