Kid's Choice! Top Five Places to Play in Monterey
Summer's almost here and we polled some of our Portola Pirates about the five best places to play and explore in Monterey. Well, our swashbuckling Pirates have spoken, and we have a fun list to share with our readers.
Portola Pirates
1. Dennis the Menace Park
Open daily from 10am to dusk, Dennis the Menace Playground is a true jewel in the City of Monterey's crown! As one of the most popular parks for kiddos of all ages on the Monterey Peninsula, Dennis the Menace recently unveiled a new play structure called the "Rotating Climber" and is home to some of the best slides you'll ever find!
2. The Monterey Bay Aquarium
From majestic jellies, to playful sea otters, sharks to sardines, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a feast for the senses! Go under the sea for the day and discover the magic of the Monterey Bay up close and personal. With a ton of exhibits geared for kids – get hands on with interactive experiences and even book a behind the scenes tour where you can actually feed breakfast to some very hungry fishies or take the Sea Otter Conversation Tour and get a close-up look at the Aquarium's amazing Sea Otter Program!
Monterey Bay Aquarium's behind the scenes tour
3. The Coastal Recreation Trail
Stretching 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, hop on the Coastal Recreation Trail right out side the Portola Hotel & Spa. First top and rent a Surrey Bike from Adventures by the Sea and cruise on down the path to Fisherman's Wharf, then historic Cannery Row. Take in the coastal views along the way and make sure to take a few selfies, as you make your way along the path! And not to worry – there are plenty of candy stores and ice cream shops to keep you fueled!
Surrey Bike Ride on the Rec Trail
4. Lovers Point Beach & Park
If a Beach Day is on your Monterey Bay bucket list, pay a visit to Lovers Point Beach & Park in quaint, Pacific Grove (right along the Coastal Recreation Trail). This family friendly beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and of course building sand castles. Kayak and stand up paddle boards are available for rent at the beach.
Kids playing at Lover's Point Beach
5. MY Museum – Monterey County Youth Museum
Just a five-minute walk from the Portola Hotel & Spa, MY Museum is Monterey County's IT PLACE for the 10 and under crowd! With 8,500 square feet of space, this hands-on, kid and adult friendly museum, celebrates PLAY! Draw, craft, put, slide, dress up and imagine your day away!
Child playing with toy at MY Museum