AT PLAY Treasure Hunt: The Ride A pirate-themed dark ride takes you through caverns on the search for hidden treasure, with plenty of heart-thumping special effects along the way, and a lot of targets to gun for. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 747-1426, treasurehuntride.com Playgrounds, Skateparks and Other Activities Carmel Valley Community Park The lush, grassy fields of this park form a Carmel Valley Village gathering place, complete with a pool (open seasonally), horseshoe pits and various picnic areas that can be reserved for large groups. Expect lots of dogs at yappy hour. There’s also a local history museum. 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. 6597275, cvrpd.specialdistrict.org. Dennis The Menace Playground This vast playground opened in 1956 thanks to Hank Ketcham, creator of the famous comic strip. There are slides, walls to climb, swinging bridges, a maze and much more. A great place to let kids play. 777 Pearl St., Monterey. 6463866, monterey.org El Estero Boating Glide over the waters of Lake El Estero in paddle boats shaped like ducks or dragons. Or take out one that looks like, well, a boat—probably just as fun. Pedal at your own pace. 798 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-1484, elesteroboatingmonterey.com Handcar Tours The railroad tracks that parallel Highway 1 and the ocean, winding through the dunes along Fort Ord Dunes State Park are a scenic gem and a throwback to the past. For those who want to merge history and scenery, a handcar ride enables you to do just that: Use your arms and legs to propel your group of up to four people along the tracks, while taking in the view (there are electric railcars, too). Available on weekends only. Starts at Del Monte Boulevard and Palm Avenue, Marina. handcar.com Marina Pump Track Located in Gloria Jean Tate Park, this paved pump track is actually three courses—a small one for beginners and two large tracks that intersect. If you do it just right, a rider can pilot a bike around the track without pedaling. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and all ages allowed. 3254 Adby Way, Marina. cityofmarina. org Monterey Skatepark The skatepark was designed with the help of skateboarders, so the layout has what you want. The facility is unsupervised, so children 8 and under must have an adult with them. The park is located on the 45-acre El Estero Park complex. 725 Pearl St., Monterey. 6463866, monterey.org San Lorenzo County Park This lush, tree-lined setting, along the bank of the Salinas River, is a perfect place to post up for a barbecue and game of volleyball, or for kids to explore the playgrounds. There’s plenty of space to roam around, and a large, well-appointed campground. Broadway exit off Highway 101, King City. (831) 755-4899, co.monterey.ca.us/parks Seaside Skate Park A layout with ramps, pipes, rails, decks and steps—everything, in other words. Located at Cutino Park. 3 Buena St., Seaside Tatum’s Garden Tatum Bakker was born with spina bifida, but her parents had a vision in which she could play alongside other children in an accessible, accommodating setting. The result of that dream was Tatum’s Garden Foundation, the nonprofit behind this inclusive playground for all. Eastern side of Sherwood Park, 1 Maryal Drive, Salinas. tatumsgarden.org 44 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2024-2025 Ocean Ave. at Monte Verde, Carmel 831-625-1585 info@diggidydog.com www.diggidydog.com Christy O’Connor, Owner and Danny Boy THE HAPPIEST STORE IN CARMEL© We have everything you need to keep your four legged friend happy, healthy and out on the town in style! Bring in this ad or use the code MVG for 10% off Locally Owned and Operated! diggity-dog_1-2h_VG24_dg.indd 1 6/20/24 10:32 AM
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