Monterey Fun Activities

Family Friendly Attractions

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  Gilroy Gardens

  Gilroy

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  Gilroy Gardens

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  Come to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, where fun grows on trees! California's only horticultural-themed amusement park features over 40 rides and attractions, majestic gardens, water play areas, and the world-famous Circus Trees. It's a magical wonderland for families with young children. https://www.gilroygardens.org/

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  Hearst Castle

  San Simeon

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  Hearst Castle

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  Historic House Museum

     Hearst Castle is one of the largest of approximately 5,000 historic house museums in the U.S., with one of the most sophisticated guided tour programs in the country. Once the home of William Randolph Hearst, California State Parks strives to keep the estate looking like a private residence. The tours take the visitor back into time through the interpretation of a combination of many aspects regarding the estate, including William Randolph Hearst and his family, and the collection, architecture, gardens and lifestyle at the Castle. Formal guide training is an integral aspect of Hearst Castle. Castle tour guides are initially trained a total of 168 hours with additional in-service training and ongoing independent study between tours, resulting in a high quality interpretive experience for all who visit "The Enchanted Hill." (less) ... Read more

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  iFLY SF Bay

  Union City

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  iFLY SF Bay

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  iFLY is an indoor skydiving experience that creates true free fall conditions, just like skydiving, without having to jump out of an airplane. iFLY's 1000 hp vertical wind tunnel generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air, on which you safely float. There's no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It's just you and the air, and it's the most incredible adrenaline rush. Anyone Can Fly. No experience is necessary. Just about anyone can fly, including those with physical disabilities. Children as young as three, to adults as young as 103 have flown with us

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  Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco

  San Francisco

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  Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco

  Email Send your request to Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

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  Experience the Extraordinary Marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives at Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco. Get hands-on and have fun exploring hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, incredible art, animal oddities, pop-culture memorabilia, interactive games, and stories of people and places you have to see to believe! (less) ... Read more

  Save $5 Off to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Code: SFKIDS

  Save $5 Off to Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco Show this coupon at the ticket counter or Use Code: SFKIDS at check out

  View Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco Coupon
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  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

  San Francisco

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  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

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  Open 365 days a year, San Francisco Zoo is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals in 100 acres of majestic and peaceful gardens located directly on the Pacific Coast. The mission of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is to connect all people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action.

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  San Jose Flea Market

  San Jose

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  San Jose Flea Market

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  SAN JOSE FLEA MARKET Visit the original Flea Market, the granddaddy of outdoor markets that started the trend that has spread across the U.S. Serving the Bay Area since 1960, and celebrating its 56th anniversary in 2016, this market is a destination for family fun. Looking for an offbeat item? You'll probably find it here. Hundreds of Sellers, a quarter-mile long farmer's market, really fantastic food, spotless restrooms, and live entertainment. Open Wednesday, and Friday-Saturday-Sunday Parking is Free with Paid Admission ADMISSION FEES PER PERSON: Wednesday - Free Friday - $1.50 Saturday - $2.50 Sunday - $3.50 Children Under 5 feet tall, Free with paying adult ALL CUSTOMERS FREE ADMISSION BEFORE 9:00 AM 1590 Berryessa Road, San Jose, between Highways 680 and 101. (less) ... Read more

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  San José Museum of Art

  San José

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  San José Museum of Art

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  Visit the San Jose Museum of Art -

     The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) is an art museum that nurtures empathy and connection by engaging communities with socially relevant contemporary art. With every visit, you’ll see exhibitions that explore the art of our time through painting, sculpture, film, and new media—there’s something for everyone! SJMA is a contemporary art museum dedicated to inclusivity, new thinking, and visionary ideas. SJMA is committed to being a borderless museum, essential to creative life throughout the diverse communities of San José and beyond. Admission is free for youth 17 and under, and students and teachers with ID.

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  Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

  Santa Cruz

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  Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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  'Coney Island of the West' Going Strong

     Recently named the world's "Best Seaside Amusement Park" by industry experts, the 102-year old Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features both modern and classic thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling, all located on a mile of sandy beach. The admission-free Boardwalk offers affordable ticket options and free summer entertainment. A truly unique California experience!

Fun Family Activities

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  Big Sur Adventures

  3 Monterey Pennisula Locations

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  Big Sur Adventures

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  Hop on an E-Bike & See the Sights Big Sur Adventures offers one-of-a-kind tours of all of the area's best sights! See Carmel, Monterey, and Pacific Grove on the back of one of our electric bikes - our powerful eBikes make climbing the region's hills and inclines a breeze! Take the scenic route on the 17-Mile Drive Tour and see one of the country's most picturesque rides. For beginner cyclists or those wanting a slower pace, our Coastal Monterey Tour and Carmel-by-the-Sea Tour are made for you! With miles of ocean-front riding, you're sure to spot tons of wildlife while you learn about our rich history. Looking for something a little more advanced? Our private Big Sur's Old Coast Road Tour takes you into the back country on the old dirt wagon road. Optional hotel pickup in our open Jeep Wrangler adds to the adventure! Read more about our options below, and rest assured: you're in safe hands with Big Sur Adventures. (less) ... Read more

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  Gilroy Gardens

  Gilroy

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  Gilroy Gardens

  Email Send your request to Gilroy Gardens. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

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  Reviews

  Come to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, where fun grows on trees! California's only horticultural-themed amusement park features over 40 rides and attractions, majestic gardens, water play areas, and the world-famous Circus Trees. It's a magical wonderland for families with young children. https://www.gilroygardens.org/

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  Hidden Villa

  Los Altos Hills

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  Hidden Villa

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  Family Adventures at Hidden Villa.

     We invite you to meet our farm animals, explore our hiking trails, and experience the natural world through our programs. This fall, we are excited to offer our Seasonal Cycles Natural History Series. Currently, we are not offering Farm Tours on weekends. We look forward to seeing you around the farm! Hidden Villa is open to visitors. Reservations are encouraged but not required. You can reserve your visit online.

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  San Jose Flea Market

  San Jose

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  San Jose Flea Market

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  SAN JOSE FLEA MARKET Visit the original Flea Market, the granddaddy of outdoor markets that started the trend that has spread across the U.S. Serving the Bay Area since 1960, and celebrating its 56th anniversary in 2016, this market is a destination for family fun. Looking for an offbeat item? You'll probably find it here. Hundreds of Sellers, a quarter-mile long farmer's market, really fantastic food, spotless restrooms, and live entertainment. Open Wednesday, and Friday-Saturday-Sunday Parking is Free with Paid Admission ADMISSION FEES PER PERSON: Wednesday - Free Friday - $1.50 Saturday - $2.50 Sunday - $3.50 Children Under 5 feet tall, Free with paying adult ALL CUSTOMERS FREE ADMISSION BEFORE 9:00 AM 1590 Berryessa Road, San Jose, between Highways 680 and 101. (less) ... Read more

Family Fun Centers

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  Boomers!

  Livermore

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  Boomers!

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  When it comes to fun, Boomers is a blast! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, having a party, doing corporate parties, events and team building, or spending quality time with family and friends, Boomers makes everything easier and hassle free. With attractions like Miniature Golf, Go Karts, Bumper Boats, Arcade, and Laser Tag, Boomers is the perfect place for fun!

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  Gilroy Gardens

  Gilroy

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  Gilroy Gardens

  Email Send your request to Gilroy Gardens. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

  Phone

  Reviews

  Come to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, where fun grows on trees! California's only horticultural-themed amusement park features over 40 rides and attractions, majestic gardens, water play areas, and the world-famous Circus Trees. It's a magical wonderland for families with young children. https://www.gilroygardens.org/

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  Villa Sport - San Jose

  San Jose

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  Villa Sport - San Jose

  Email Send your request to Villa Sport - San Jose. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

  Reviews

  Parent’s Night Out at Villa Sport!

     Drop the kids off at Kids Club and enjoy a night out, or stay home and relax in the peace and quiet. Each evening has a different theme so the fun never gets old! We will keep them busy with arts and crafts, games, and a delicious pizza dinner. Must be a member to participate.

Museums & Zoos

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  Monterey Bay Aquarium

  Monterey

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  Monterey Bay Aquarium

  Email Send your request to Monterey Bay Aquarium. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

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  An aquarium unlike any other! From sea otters to seaweeds, our unique oceanfront location and timeless galleries bring the wonders of the ocean to life for our visitors. But beyond our exhibits, we are transforming what it means to be an aquarium. The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

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  Monterey Zoo

  Salinas

  Monterey Zoo

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  Monterey Zoo - A unique zoological family fun activity -

     While providing exemplary animal care, Monterey Zoological Society is dedicated to providing an entertaining yet educational and conservation minded experience which fosters public awareness and respect for all wildlife. The Monterey Zoo is home to 100+ exotic animals ranging from spiders to African elephants. The zoo continues to run full-time educational programs that touch thousands of children and adults annually. The Vision Quest Ranch B&B helps support the animals by offering exciting alternative means of overnighting in Monterey County while providing a unique adventure for animal enthusiasts.

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  Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco

  San Francisco

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  Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco

  Email Send your request to Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

  Phone

  Experience the Extraordinary Marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives at Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco. Get hands-on and have fun exploring hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, incredible art, animal oddities, pop-culture memorabilia, interactive games, and stories of people and places you have to see to believe! (less) ... Read more

  Save $5 Off to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Code: SFKIDS

  Save $5 Off to Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco Show this coupon at the ticket counter or Use Code: SFKIDS at check out

  View Ripley's Believe It or Not! - San Francisco Coupon
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  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

  San Francisco

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  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

  Email Send your request to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

  Phone

  Open 365 days a year, San Francisco Zoo is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals in 100 acres of majestic and peaceful gardens located directly on the Pacific Coast. The mission of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is to connect all people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action.

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  San José Museum of Art

  San José

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  San José Museum of Art

  Email Send your request to San José Museum of Art. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

  Phone

  Visit the San Jose Museum of Art -

     The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) is an art museum that nurtures empathy and connection by engaging communities with socially relevant contemporary art. With every visit, you’ll see exhibitions that explore the art of our time through painting, sculpture, film, and new media—there’s something for everyone! SJMA is a contemporary art museum dedicated to inclusivity, new thinking, and visionary ideas. SJMA is committed to being a borderless museum, essential to creative life throughout the diverse communities of San José and beyond. Admission is free for youth 17 and under, and students and teachers with ID.

Fun Things for Kids To Do

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  Athena Camps

  San Jose

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  Athena Camps

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  Athena Mini Camp

     A Perfect First Summer Camp for Girls K-2 A nurturing, safe environment for your daughter's first summer camp. Designed for Kindergarten through 2nd graders with a specialized blend of developmentally appropriate sports, art, and mentorship in a supportive all-girl environment where she can build confidence, try new things, and make lasting friendships. Girl-power theme story books to engage campers in discussions Girl-power art projects aligned with story Age-specific, fun sport lessons Small group activities encourage new friendships (less) ... Read more

  Save $20 at enrollment with Athena Camps!

  Use code USFG25 to save $20 on enrollment. Valid for the 2025 camp season where space is available. Applicable on future purchases only and may not be retroactively applied. Multi-session di…

  View Athena Camps Coupon
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  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

  San Francisco

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  San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

  Email Send your request to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

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  Children's Programs In-Person Early Childhood Programs are temporarily on hold toddlers@sfzoo.org for more information. Please join our mailing list for updates on all Early Childhood Programs. We have a variety of programs geared to children from as young as toddler to youths. At this time, our other children's programs are on hold until further notice. We will update this space when a timeline becomes available.

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  Villa Sport - San Jose

  San Jose

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  Villa Sport - San Jose

  Email Send your request to Villa Sport - San Jose. * Your Name: * Email Address: Phone Number: Include Your Comments Below:

  Reviews

  Parent’s Night Out at Villa Sport!

     Drop the kids off at Kids Club and enjoy a night out, or stay home and relax in the peace and quiet. Each evening has a different theme so the fun never gets old! We will keep them busy with arts and crafts, games, and a delicious pizza dinner. Must be a member to participate.