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Ghosts...goblins...ghouls...and elephants??
It's no trick. For a Halloween treat, head to Wild Things for the hauntingly good Nighttime Flashlight Tours, kicking off Oct. 13, 2006.
A family-friendly annual favorite, the tours are led by a costumed guide who relates myths (and facts!) about exotic wild animals at the facility. Refreshments follow, along with a photo opportunity with a "scary" Halloween animal.
Reservations are required and tickets are just $12 for children and $14 for adults. Tours are held from 7-9 pm on Oct. 13, 14, 21, 27, 28, 29 and 31. For more information and reservations, call 831-455-1901, ext. 3.
Wild Things is home to lions, bears, elephants and more, many of which have starred in movies and TV specials.
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 If active adventure for families comes on a scale of one to ten, Monterey County can span the scale, from steering a four-wheeled, four-seater surrey along the sunny waterside Recreation Trail to hiking among towering cliffs in the Pinnacles National Monument. Depending on the ages of your children, they can pedal with you in a paddle-boat on Lake El Estero or paddle a kayak past seals in our sheltered bay. The tots who climb aboard a locomotive at Dennis the Menace Park progress to flying kites on Seaside�s sandy beach, while older kids try tricks in the new skateboard park or take their first scuba diving class.
Safe sports are based in good technique. Many of the outfitters and facilities listed on our website offer instruction: English- and Western-style riding (spend a summer here and they might even leave having learned how to rope a calf), ocean kayak skills, and putting at the family-friendly greens at the Peter Hay Golf Course in Pebble Beach. Indeed, many courses — like Rancho Ca�ada and Laguna Seca — welcome golfing families with �mini-member� rates that can bring a 3pm round of golf down to $10 a head.
The kids will love powering their own paddle boat on this freshwater lake surrounding Dennis the Menace and the new skateboard park. Located at the corner of Del Monte Boulevard and Camino El Estero, kayaks and canoes can also be rented for use on this tranquil lake. Open seven days a week, from 10am (except closed Mondays in winter months). Call 831-375-1484 for more information.
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o The Coast Ride begins where the Recreation Trail leaves off, in Pacific Grove's Lovers Point Park, rolling along Sunset Avenue to 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach.
o Young hikers love the Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Reserve: it offers access to two beautiful sandy beaches, Gibson and China Cove.
o Let a horse do the hard work ascending the rolling hills of Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, as the family rides over wildflower meadows.
o Pedal a bicycle built for four — known here as a four-seater surrey — along the Recreation Trail to Lovers Point beach.
o Hop in a couple of two-seater kayaks and follow your guide along Cannery Row, past sea lions, seals and envious shoreside humans.
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An impressive 5600 square feet of molded, sculpted terrain with extensive bouldering awaits families at the Sanctuary Rock Gym, where little climbers can hone their skills. Call 831-899-2595 for hours and more information.
Youngsters take to kayaking like ducks to water. It's also one of the best ways for families to experience Monterey Bay marine life in its own unspoiled environment. Tour guides trained in safety will make sure kids receive proper instruction before hitting the beach. For more information, see our Kayaking page.
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A great way to take in all of the sights along the recreation trail, biking is a safe and enjoyable activity for the entire family to enjoy together. For more information about biking in Monterey County, including a list of places to rent bicycles, see our Biking page.
Skaters now have their very own skateboard park adjacent to El Estero Lake behind the baseball field. In-line enthusiasts are also welcome at this concrete park. For more information, see our Biking page.
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