Monterey Bay Aquarium – The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a "must do" with kids, and is a wonderful way to experience the amazing marine life of Monterey Bay. Once you step inside, you'll be wowed by a giant kelp forest, gently swaying back and forth amidst schools of shimering fish in a huge indoor tank. The jellies exhibit is "simply beautiful." At the Touch Pools, feel silky bat rays and nubby sea stars. In the "Splash Zone" little kids can climb through a coral reef or sit on a giant clam chair, and the whole family will love the sea otters.

Tip: Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines (and the lines can be long, especially on weekends). Click here for information to purchase tickets online or by phone.

Sea kayaking – If you want to get close to the sea otters in the kelp beds, rent a sea kayak. When you spot a sea otter snoozing away, a translucent jelly fish floating through the clear water, or a cormorant fishing for its dinner, rest your paddles and just look. Even if you've never kayaked before, it's easy to get the hang of it. A double kayak is perfect for an adult and one child (life jackets are available in kid's sizes). Kids need to be 7 and up. Rent Kayaks at Adventures by the Sea on Cannery Row, this location is closest to the kelp beds.

Beaches – Around the bay there are several sandy beaches and places to poke around the rocks. McAbee Beach is a small stretch of sand, just a few doors down from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. San Carlos Beach Park has a grassy area, picnic tables and benches, a curved sandy beach and rocks to explore.