44 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 AT PLAY Valley Center Bowl Fun for everyone is here—especially if you happen to bowl. There are 30 lanes for bowling by the hour, as well as arcade games, a bar and grill, and tables to shoot pool. 1081 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 422-9031, valleycenterbowl.com Attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium The region’s biggest attraction may be its namesake bay, and this is the best place to get a glimpse of the extraordinary creatures that live in its waters. With a guiding mission “to inspire conversation of the ocean,” the Aquarium celebrates the diversity of life therein, with mesmerizing exhibits for all ages. In the evening, it also often becomes a stage for special events. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 648-4800, montereybayaquarium.org Monterey Zoo Oh my! There are lions and tigers, a leopard and a black panther, elephants, rhinos, zebras, monkeys and more unusual animals. What is a caracal? You have to visit to find out (looking it up is not as much fun). Many of the animals are from private collections or were formerly circus animals. 400 River Road, Salinas. (831) 455-1901, montereyzoo.com MY Museum The slogan “Where children play to learn and adults learn to play” is apt. There are interactive exhibits where youngsters can harvest crops or construct buildings or hang out in a treehouse, all while learning about the world and building creativity. 425 Washington St., Monterey. (831) 649-6444, mymuseum.org Games, Arcades, Rides 2 Player Arcade Shop Both a retro gaming lounge and a shop (repairs, used games), there is an array of vintage arcade video games (think Mortal Kombat II or Joust), as well as console games and even tabletop board games. It’s just good gaming fun all around, tucked in an unassuming storefront. 398 Foam St., Monterey. (831) 324-0669, 2playerarcade.com Bankers Casino This round-the-clock card room has Texas Hold’em tournaments, a range of poker games, blackjack, baccarat and more, with a full bar and restaurant. 111 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 422-6666, bankerscasino.net Escape Room 831 Escape rooms challenge you and your team to work together finding clues and solving riddles. They can take you through a range of emotions, all while you are having a lot of fun—and OK, maybe a moment or two of frustration. Don’t be afraid to ask for a clue. Three Monterey locations: 599 Lighthouse Ave.; 765A Wave St.; 700 Cannery Row, Suite DD. (831) 241-6616, escaperoom831.com High Scores Arcade This throwback is like a museum of video games dating back decades. But it’s not for just looking. No, you get to play—High Scores is an arcade that celebrates classics like Donkey Kong, Frogger, Pac-Man and more. 459 Alvarado St., Monterey. (609) 468-3083, highscoresarcade.com Links Club Ever wanted to take a golf outing to Pebble Beach, St. Andrews or another bucket list course? Links Club is a restaurant with several bays for simulated play using the high-tech Trackman system. Choose from 250 courses. The clubs are real, so is the frustrating fun of golf…with tacos. Ocean and Mission (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7816, linksclubgolf. com Lynn’s Arcade Lynn’s is an unusual place in today’s video world. It’s a throwback pinball parlor, where words like “flipper” and “bonus” are still common. Pay one fee and play all you want. It’s also a “can slangery,” meaning there are canned beers and soft drinks available. Let the digit counters fall. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 641-7173, lynnsarcade.com Marina Club Casino Do you know when to hold and when to take a risk? This casino is the area’s longstanding card room, featuring blackjack, Texas hold-em and other challenging games. It’s where the action is. 204 Carmel Ave., Marina. (831) 3840925, casinomonterey.com Monterey Mirror Maze “Get lost” is not an insult here, it’s a reality. The mirror maze is difficult to solve, but also a lot of fun. And if you find your way out, try the laser challenge. Try to find a way through the beams, just like in the big heist movies. 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 649-6293, montereyfamilyfunadventure.com Oscar’s Playground An arcade with a view. Oscar’s overlooks Monterey Bay, but your attention will more likely be on the mix of arcade games, from throwbacks (you can even buy quarters) to the newest video simulations. Oscar’s has two escape rooms, as well. And there’s also a bar and a relaxing lounge area—something for everyone. 685 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 241-6616, oscarsplayground.com Tipsy Putt A pub and miniature golf all in one, with tacos. The Monterey edition of Tipsy Putt is all ages until 5pm and then drinking-age only. There is a more typical mini golf experience and a tabletop layout. Their slogan is “Drink local, putt tipsy.” 95 Prescott Ave., Monterey. (831) 297-9048, tipsyputt.com 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 grassy fields form a Carmel Valley Village gathering place, complete with a pool (open seasonally), horseshoe pits and various picnic areas. There’s also an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. 659-7275, 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. (831) 646-3866, monterey.gov El Estero Boating Glide over the waters of Lake El Estero in paddleboats 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 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. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and all ages allowed. 3254 Adby Way, Marina. cityofmarina.gov Monterey Skatepark The skatepark was designed with the help of skateboarders, so the layout has what you want. The facility is unsupervised. Located on the 45-acre El Estero Park complex. 725 Pearl St., Monterey. 646-3866, monterey.gov San Lorenzo County Park A perfect place to post up for a barbecue and game of volleyball, or for kids to explore the playgrounds. 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, and her parents had a vision in which she could play alongside other children in an accessible setting. The result is this inclusive playground for all. Eastern side of Sherwood Park, 1 Maryal Drive, Salinas. tatumsgarden.org
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