Kids in Carmel

Image about Kids in Carmel

Along with the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium and nature-friendly Point Lobos, there's a world of fun for kids right here in Carmel. Outdoors or in, a host of activities keep young visitors happily occupied from morning 'til bedtime.

Explore Carmel's beautiful white sand beach and adjacent tide pools. Take a hike through Forest Hill Park. Attend surf school. Rent bikes at Mad Dogs & Englishmen. Go horseback riding at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. Take golf lessons for kids at the Peter Hay Golf Course at Pebble Beach. Or rent a family kayak from Adventures by the Sea.

Visitors are encouraged to check out the awesome programming at the Carmel Youth Center — from Parent's Night Out to Outdoor Excursions to Summer Camps.

Carmel's artistic world is kid-friendly, too. See a show like Peter Pan at the outdoor Forest Theater. And be sure to visit the very cool Carmel Children's Library.

Carmel has great shops for kids as well. Thinker Toys has an incredible selection from around the world. Visit Heaven or sister store StarChild for an amazing selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry, hair accessories, belts, stuffed animals, books and much more for boys and girls. And, to reward patient kids for going along with their parents' shopping adventures, Cottage of Sweets is just the thing — voted by children "most likely shop to go to when in Carmel" every year since opening.

Year-round, Carmel holds special kid-friendly events to mark the holidays. There's breakfast with the Easter Bunny in Devendorf Park, the exciting Fourth of July Party, the Sand Castle Building Contest, the Halloween Parade, and a festive Tree Lighting with Santa.