ML Interest Tag: fisherman

Accidentally on Porpoise: Amazing Dolphin Stories

by Amber Guetebier

It’s no secret that dolphins are among the most intelligent animals on land and sea. The dolphin (Cetacea) family—which includes more than six families and 41 species of dolphins and porpoises—has astounded the human race with the ability to communicate with complex language and follow complicated instructions, including identifying colors and remembering strings of numbers. Not surprisingly, the relationship between these amazing animals and humans dates back hundreds of years, where fisherman across generations and cultures have attested to dolphin rescues. In honor of National Dolphin Day, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite stories to share with your kiddos. Read on for more info.

photo: Gellinger via pixabay

JoJo & Dean

For more than 20 years Dean Bernal has had an unconventional bestie: the dolphin he calls JoJo. They first “met” in 1981 when JoJo began following Dean on his daily swims in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Over the years the duo have played, explored and protected one another. Dean lobbied to help make JoJo a National Treasure and avoid capture, and JoJo once protected Dean from a hammerhead shark. Read more about their relationship and see video here.

Dick Van Dyke Saved on Porpoise

In 2010, The Telegraph published a story about actor Dick Van Dyke being saved by porpoises. Van Dyke, who had dozed off while floating on a surfboard, woke up and found himself out of sight of land. He began to paddle but still could not see land, and instead saw fins around him. Lucky for Van Dyke those fins belonged to porpoises and according to Van Dyke they actually pushed him toward the shore!

Mind If We Swim Here for a Bit?

In 2014, pro swimmer Adam Walker set out on a 8 1/2 hour swim across the Cook Strait (New Zealand). When a nearly-six foot long shark appeared underneath him, Walker feared for his life. But no sooner had the shark appeared than a pod of dolphins arrived on the scene and swam alongside the swimmer for an hour as he crossed the strait.

Guided by Dolphins

In 2006 a scuba diver in the Channel Islands was knocked unconscious by a boat and reports of his amazing rescue stunned the public. Although the diver had been reported missing and an extensive search was underway, it wasn’t mankind who saved him: it was more than 100 dolphins. After being gone for more than two days, he was spotted in the water surrounded by dolphins.

Like dolphin facts? Click here to learn 10 amazing ones about these intelligent creatures. And be sure and check visit wildolphin.org to find out simple ways you and the kids can help dolphins every day.

Have you ever met a dolphin? Tell us your story in the comments below. 

 

 

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15 Epic Museums Worth Planning a Vaycay Around

by Tinybeans Team

Disneyland and LEGOLAND will no doubt be on the vacation wish list, but we’re here to tell you the following museums are giving amusement parks a serious run for their money. From tiny towns to giant locomotives, your kiddos will be begging to stay another day. Click through the gallery below to learn about our favorite spots from across the country.

Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito

Perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge aside, this hotbed of creative exhibits is a slam-dunk for families looking to immerse themselves in familiar fun. Visit the Ports of San Francisco and Oakland in Bay Hall, which features a Fisherman’s Wharf model where children can fish for crabs, and a shipping dock where kids can lift and lower containers around a vessel, while an underwater tunnel for toddlers and an impressive vintage train set are also fan favorites. Keep your creative kiddos happy with a well-stocked art and crafts room made just for them. But don't stay inside! Acres of outdoor activities abound—including tree houses, a sunken ship filled with sand, and even a rope climbing structure that looks like a spider web.

557 McReynolds Rd.
Sausalito, Ca 94965
415-339-3900
Online: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org

Photo: Jessica Merz via flickr

Do you have an incredible museum to take kids to near you? Tell us about it in the comments section, below!

—Shelley Massey

 

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Pretend City Serves Up Imagination and Fun

by Nikki Walsh

Where can kids go to bang away at a construction site, keep the peace in the park as a police person, or build sandcastles at the beach or just play with the water? Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine has all this and more. Located about one hour north of San Diego and south of Los Angeles, Pretend City is a huge indoor play space where kids can let their imagination run wild. Here’s all you need to know about this sweet retreat for indoor fun.

Photo: Jordan Wong

What’s New: Taqueria De Anda Café
Get ready for Taco Tuesday every day! Future chefs can cook up terrific tacos (with all the fixins) or bake big burritos, and pretend to eat them, too. Not only is the new Taqueria De Anda Café at Pretend City a creative way to get a bite to eat, littles will love to play for hours in the mini-city after their restaurant shift. The Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana and the “real life” Taqueria De Anda are sponsoring this imagination cafe so kids can learn about Mexican cuisine and culture.

Photo: Jordan Wong

Buy Groceries and Grow Your Own Food
Grab your basket and pull-out your list, it’s time for grocery shopping. Your super-shopper will let out a squeal of delight when weighing out fruits and veggies. Next it’s time to grab some snacks (for later of course), stand in line, pay for the food and then head-out-the-door to make dinner.

If your little is not a big shopper and prefers to get down and dirty (not really, of course), planting and digging their own fruits and veggies in the village farm may be their sweet spot. Not only can you pick the oranges from the trees, your tot might also belt out a little “yee-haw” when hoeing and growing some great vegetables.

Photo: Nikki Walsh

Head to the Seashore
If fun in the sun or wild water play is what your tot fancies. Not only can they make sandcastles at the seashore, but also play in real water too (raincoats provided for use). Boats, fishing poles and many things that float will keep your little fisherman swimming in fun. Who knows there might be other little pals to play with?

Photo: Nikki Walsh

Calling Future Firefighters, Police People and Builders
Your little peeps can feel like a hero fending off the fires, or don a police uniform and put the bad guys in jail. Is a little banging more what your tot likes to do? Then head on over to the construction site and knockout a new building. Whatever role your kiddo likes to star in, this is definitely the place for imagination and pretend play.

Snack Attack
Feeling hungry? Pretend City’s Real Café includes vending machines with healthy choices like sandwiches, salads, fruit snacks, milk and bottled water. There’s also a microwave and single coffee maker in case you need a little jolt of caffeine.

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mon. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $12.50/person; Free/Under 12 months

Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, Ca
949-428-3400
Online: pretendcity.org

Have you been to Pretend City? What’s your favorite part of this mega children’s museum?

— Monique Walsh

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The Most Magical Road Trip: Monterey

by Amber Guetebier

There’s no reason for this to be the winter of your discontent, just pack ’em in like sardines and drive south. A little over two hours from San Francisco, Monterey makes the perfect family getaway for a day (or two) of play. Read on to find out where to take your smallest Steinbecks in and around this laid back seaside town.

photo: Dave via flickr 

Play

The Monterey Bay Aquarium
No trip to the area is complete without exploring the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Don’t miss Tentacles: the whimsical, Jules-Verne influenced excursion through the world of cephalopods, packed with hands-on exhibits and kiddo-eye level tanks. Because the Aquarium is so awesome, you should allot at least 4 hours to explore. There are otter and shark feedings and other daily programs, an entire play area geared toward the younger crowd (upstairs) that includes water play and other handsy fun and even a baby tumble zone for the littlest sharks. For a truly unforgettable experience, kids ages 8-13 can enroll in the Underwater Explorers program. Read all about it here. Not far from the main entrance of the Aquarium you’ll find Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck in his novel by the same name. Now a shopping area, you can take a little stretch and grab a bite or snag a sea-themed trinket to remember your trip by. 

Tip: look on nearby side streets for metered parking. There are some streets that offer 12 hour parking. While you’ll need to feed the meter, it still is cheaper than the parking lot at the Aquarium.

Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
866 Cannery Row
Monterey, Ca
831-648-4800
Online: montereybayaquarium.org

photo: Greg Clemenson via flickr

The Monarch Grove Sanctuary
If you want to wow the kids take them on a short journey to one of the most magnificent and truly unique sites in California: the nesting Monarch butterflies. From October to February the butterflies overwinter here. Clusters of butterflies hang from the branches of eucalyptus and pine trees in the grove. It’s a short walk from the free parking area, and truly a sight to behold. Arrive between noon-3 p.m. when most days, from Nov. to Feb., docents from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History are there to answer questions and enhance your viewing experience. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

250 Ridge Rd. (between Lighthouse Ave. & Short St.)
Pacific Grove, Ca
831-648-5716
Online: cityofpacificgrove.org


photo: MYMuseum Yelp biz page

Monterey County Youth Museum
If the weather is looking gloomy or you just want to savor that coffee drink from Caffe Trieste while the tots have a blast, don’t miss the oft-overlooked MY Museum. This hands-on museum teaches kids about the area’s culture and history through exploration and activities. Climb a tree-house, put on a play, get crafty, ride a tractor and more. This little museum packs a big punch with all the kids and is well worth the stop. Bonus! It’s right downtown. 

Hours: Tues.–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m.
425 Washington St.
Monterey, Ca
831-649-6444
Online: mymuseum.org

Fisherman’s Wharf
It’s hard to miss this iconic wharf which, in spite of its somewhat “tourist trap” vibe is still well worth a sunset stroll with the kiddos. If chowder is your game, there’s more than one spot to hit along the wharf, but we loved taking an after-dinner walk where the the littles can gaze at the array of salt water taffy from not one but two different sweet shops. You can see the machines at work from the windows, which will enchant your little engineers almost as much as the ocean-sunset-salt air combo will enchant you.

photo: Kei Noguchi via flickr 

Go Wild

Beaches
Naturally, there’s no shortage of beaches in this coastal town. You’ve probably heard of the fine white sands of near-by Carmel but Monterey’s own sandy stretches are just as sweet for all-ages fun. Monterey State Beach is great for tidepooling (and sand castle building). Nearby Del Monte Beach is essentially an extension of Monterey State Beach, has dunes and a boardwalk, and the advantage of being across the street from the popular playground at Dennis the Menace Park. If you’re staying in downtown and want a spot to catch the serene views, take an easy walk to San Carlos Beach Park, a popular spot for divers. 

Kayaking & Seafaring Adventure
Princess Monterey Whale Watching departs near Fisherman’s Wharf and you can book tickets right there. Keep in mind that most whale watching excursions are 2 ½ to 3 hrs. long and most (including Princess) do not allow children under the age of 5 or expecting mothers. For families with littles, take to the sea in a kayak with Monterey Bay Kayaks offers guided kayaking tours in the bay as well as nearby Elkhorn Slough for families including kids as young as 3-years-old!

Monterey Bay Kayaks
Winter Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
693 Del Monte Ave.
Monterey, Ca

Moss Landing (Elkhorn Slough location)
2390 Highway One
Moss Landing, Ca

800-649-5357 or 831-373-5357
Online: montereybaykayaks.com 

photo courtesy Portola Hotel & Spa

Stay

Portola Hotel & Spa
There’s a wide variety of overnight accommodations in the Monterey area but for a hotel that will take your road trip to mini-vacation, stay at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Located right in downtown Monterey, it’s an easy walk to restaurants, Fisherman’s Wharf, beaches and other historic sites and museums. You’ll get a luxe vacation experience without stressing that the kids are too noisy, there’s a sweet outdoor pool (we went in even in November and the water was fine!) and jacuzzi, and mom can book a spa treatment without having to trek too far. Every guest gets a warm cookie upon check in, and kids can join the Portola Pirate Club which includes a scavenger hunt, cool pirate bag and a membership that allows them to collect prizes with every stay. The first hunt includes lobby exploration and a trek through the adjacent Candyland (you’ve been warned). Both on-site restaurants, Jack’s and Peter B.’s Brewpub welcome little diners with the Portola Pirates Menu. Room service (which delivers until 11 p.m.) also has a great selection of kid’s food. As an added bonus, the hotel offers a VIP Pet Program, with amenities like outdoor pet dining areas at Jacks & Peter B’s, pet beds, water and food bowls, so the whole family really can join. Winter specials from $199.

2 Portola Plaza
Monterey, Ca
888-222-5851
Online: portolahotel.com 

photo: Amber Guetebier

Eat

Monterey Bay Aquarium’s cafe and the Portola Hotel both sport great in-house options for kids meals. Within a short walk of Portola Plaza along Alvarado St., you’ll find pubs, sandwiches, Starbucks, bagels and even a Pinkberry. Go beyond and get your brew from boho-favorite Caffe Trieste (409 Alvarado St.) and grab a donut from Red’s Donuts, pumping out deliciousness since 1950 (433 Alvarado St.). They’re open Tues.–Sat., 6:30 a.m.–1;30 p.m. and Sun.–Mon., 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

About halfway between downtown and the Aquarium along Lighthouse Ave. you’ll find a variety of food in just a couple of blocks (between McClellan and Hoffman Avenues).Sushi, pizza and tacos are all great options for kids. We love Taqueria del Mar (530 Lighthouse Ave.) for its friendly, fast service, generous portions and relaxed vibe.

Looking for More? Check out our guide to nearby Carmel to extend your family vacay by the sea.

Have you visited Monterey with the kids? What’s your favorite family fun in the area? 

—Amber Guetebier

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A Family Guide to the Redondo Beach Pier

by Judy Park

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth beach & play destination that’s family friendly and not a tourist trap, you’ll find it at the Redondo Beach Pier. Spending a day here lets little ones explore sandy beaches, wildlife, a nostalgic arcade, glass bottomed boat and kite heaven while everyone indulges in seafood and endless desserts. Take a look at our guide to spending an insider’s day out on the Redondo Beach Pier.

photo credit: Maila H via yelp

Play and Explore

Redondo Fun Factory
Stop by the Fun Factory for a trip down memory lane where they have all the classic arcade and carnival games. Your trip might not be complete without a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl, but we don’t recommend going on it after a meal—some kids get dizzy just watching the ride! Tickets are $2 on the weekends and $0.50 on rainy days. Your quarters will go a long way here and kids can easily be entertained for hours. Kids crack up at the outdated prizes you can win. Hey, who doesn’t need a new wall clock or toaster oven from the 80’s?

123 International Boardwalk
310-379-8510
Online: redondofunfactory.com

photo credit: tiarescott via Creative Commons

Redondo Beach
Bring all your beach gear and lounge for as long as you want at Redondo Beach, right by the pier. On a busy weekend, you might see the entire beach covered with umbrellas and families sunbathing and snacking away, but you’ll still be able to find a nice area to set up. The sand may be a bit rough, but your little engineers can build sand castles and chase each other down into the water while you relax with ease of mind since there are plenty of lifeguards on duty.

photo credit: Julia K via yelp

Festival Days
If you don’t mind crowds, head to Redondo Beach Pier when there’s a special event for some extra fun. In early March there’s the Annual Festival of the Kite and September has the Annual Back-to-School Chalk Art Festival. Throughout the summer, there are free outdoor movies (Fridays in June) and free concerts (Thursdays and Sundays in July & August). Check the event listing online for specific dates.

photo credit: Whit Andrews via Creative commons

The End of the Pier
Take a stroll along the Pier to see what kinds of fish are being caught—there have been plenty of stingray sightings this year, too. You also won’t miss the gigantic pelicans that hang out in the area, sometimes stealing a fish or two from the local fishermen. They love posing for photos, but don’t get too close for a selfie.

100 Fisherman’s Wharf
Redondo Beach, CA
Online: redondopier.com

photo credit: Kobe Pearl & Gem Co.’s Facebook page

Kobe Pearl & Gem Co.
Stop by Kobe Pearl & Gem Co. and let your little explorers hand select their own oysters with cultured pearls inside. If they’re super lucky, they’ll even find the rare black pearls. Get the pearls set into a necklace or earrings for them as souvenirs.

100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Suite D
310-374-8518

photo credit: Judy Park

Sunshine Kite Company
The younger crowd will enjoy the sight of the Sunshine Kite Company with all its pinwheels and kites on display, spinning in the breeze. It’s guaranteed that your wild thing will want to touch each and every one of those pinwheels even if they look the same to you. The older ones (ages 6 & up) can catch a free yo-yo class here every weekend at 3 p.m.

110 Fisherman’s Wharf
310-372-0308
Online: pierkites.com

photo credit: Nicole B via yelp

“Looking Glass” Semi-Submarine
Take a 30-minute undersea tour in the “looking glass” semi-submarine where the upper deck allows you to check out the sea lions lounging about the abandoned docks while the lower deck lets Nemo-lovers view all the beautiful fish in the sea. The best time of day to go is in the mid-morning to early afternoon, when the sun lights up the sea bed. The boat is located inside the Redondo Beach Marina by the neon yellow paddle boats (another fun outing!), north of the fish markets.

150 International Boardwalk
310-909-3179
Online: fastkayak.com/lookingglass.html

photo credit: Jay V via yelp

Restaurants

Quality Seafood, Inc.
If you want to eat like a local, grab lunch at Quality Seafood, Inc. along the International Boardwalk where everyone can choose their own seafood selection.  Choose from Dungeness crabs, lobsters, shrimps, oysters, you name it, and have them steamed, grilled or fried. If kids don’t like to see their fish whole, they might prefer the fresh clam chowder. Tables are hard to come by here as it’s mostly self-serve. The key is having someone “claim” a table while another stands in line to order. Don’t forget to get newspaper to use as your placemat and some mallets to let your little seafood lovers hack away at crustaceans. They’ll enjoy this part way too much, but at least you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. If you really want to do what the locals do, bring your own condiments. And baby wipes.

130 S International Boardwalk
310-372-6408
Online: qualityseafood.net

photo credit: Christopher H via yelp

Pacific Fish Center & Restaurant
If this all sounds like too much work, head over to Pacific Fish Center & Restaurant where you can order from a large variety of fresh seafood, including a beautiful platter of sashimi, and enjoy a nice view of the ocean.  The meal comes complete with bibs for everyone, much to the delight of the younger members of the family, who like to see parents wearing baby accessories.

131 Fisherman’s Wharf
310-374-8420

photo credit: Kristen S via yelp

Dessert Spots

Pier Bakery
Pier Bakery has the best foot-long churros in town, hand-rolled in cinnamon and sugar, served hot and crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. Even if your little sweetie pie didn’t leave room for desserts, the churros will be devoured in no time.

100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Suite M
310-376-9582

photo credit: AngryJulieMonday via Creative Commons

Charlie’s Place
If you haven’t been to a local fair lately, Charlie’s Place is the place to be as they serve delicious strawberry funnel cakes, topped with strawberries and whip cream, perfect for the family to share for a late breakfast, lunch, snack or pre-bedtime treat.

200 Fisherman’s Wharf
310-372-2567

photo credit: Nejib B via yelp

Bella Gelato
On a hot day, something cold sounds better than a fried treat. Head on over to Bella Gelato where they have more than twenty different selections. The white chocolate Nutella is a must try.

100-A Fisherman’s Wharf
310-937-7788

Good to Know

The Pier isn’t exactly a dog-friendly place, so it’s best to leave your pets at home. Paying for parking at the Pier is so simple, the pay machines even provide a reminder option, sending you a text message reminder fifteen minutes before your time expires.

What does your perfect day out at the Redondo Beach Pier look like? Tell us in the comments below!

—Judy Park

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Just Released: Locals Craft “The Peculiar Tales of the S.S. Bungalow”

by Suzie Ridgway

Big Audio World, made up of a collective of Portland musicians and other seasoned pros, just released a new children’s album, The Peculiar Tales of the S.S. Bungalow. The nautical-themed album offers a stellar production filled with rich vocals, catchy tunes, inventive storytelling and plenty of life lessons for kids along the way.

photo: The Peculiar Tales of the S.S. Bungalow album cover, by Magmatic Northwest

The album opens with the sights and sounds of a fisherman’s market, where people are invited to step inside The Museum of Maritime Wonderments and Nautical Oddidies. Listeners are then transported back in time to the story of Sleepytime Gregory, a struggling fisherman who discovers a treasure map. In no time flat, the captain, his best friend Toothpick and pet beagle, Tater-Tot, prepare to set sail on a grand sea voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, headed to the Lullaby Islands in search of treasure.

Along their journey, the crew transforms the fisherman’s old, wooden boat into the S.S. Bungalow, say good-bye to friends, make new friends and discovers how powerful a beagle’s nose (and appetite) can be. Songs about obstacles, riddles and legends carry the listener through the album until the end, where an albatross leads them to meet the Lullabeans on the islands where Monsters Never Sleep. It is here that they uncover the treasure that’s more powerful than gold.

photo: Big Audio World by Magmatic Northwest

Creators, Laki Karavias (founder of Magmatic Northwest creative studio), and singer-songwriter Jason Reuter, selected the musicians from Portland and a nationwide talent pool, including narration by Kevin Barbare, instrumentals and vocals with Eric Earley, from Blitzentrapper, as well as songs sung by gospel singer, Liz Vice. Instruments on some of the songs include a washboard, fiddle and spoons.

Most of the album is mellow, but a few tunes keep it lively, like Swab the Deck, Sleepytime Greg, This Island Life and Life Is Good. Fair warning, if you have a little one who is having a sensitive day, you may be able to avoid additional tears by skipping the song, Aquinas, and save it for another time. The song is a sentimental number about saying goodbye to a pet fish who passes.  It is a beautiful song though and, if you do happen to hear it, just be ready for the conversation.

Unlike some other kids’ albums that might grate on your nerves from the moment you hit the play button, The Peculiar Tales of the S.S. Bungalow is pleasant to listen to all the way through and would make a nice addition to a family road trip or during a play date where it can be heard in its entirety.

The Peculiar Tales of the S.S. Bungalow is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and ssbungalow.com, and is also being released this month as a two-CD, illustrated digi-pack, at places around town, including Green Bean Books. The digi-pack includes one CD with the story, punctuated by music, the second CD is just the music.

Have you heard the album yet?  Let us know in the Comments below!

-Suzie Ridgway

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What Rob Lowe Can Teach Your Kids About Wildlife Conservation

by Kelly Aiglon

On NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” he’s a buttoned-up health nut who works for city government. In real life, he’s a laidback dad who loves surfing and the outdoors. No matter how you know Rob Lowe, it’s easy to admire him. We recently hopped on the phone with the Golden Globe-nominated actor and found out he’s about to get a whole new fan base: kids.

It’s all because of his latest project voicing a new online documentary series about animal preservation. The series, found at www.dawnsaveswildlife.com, is called “The Big Picture” and offers an inside look into how rescuers and volunteers help animals and wildlife. Over seven webisodes — all produced by Dawn Saves Wildlife, the conservation arm of the Dawn soap brand — Rob narrates the difficult journey of nature’s creatures and sheds light on the efforts of Dawn’s preservation partners, Sausalito’s Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue.

Rob is filled with enthusiasm for the series and the message it sends to kids. “I love that it spotlights volunteers. Each episode is more compelling than the next and makes you feel good,” he says.

The series kicks off with footage of ducks dirtied with boating oil. You’re swept into their plight as you learn of the volunteers from International Bird Rescue who get to work cleaning the birds. And they do it in the most simple of ways: with more than 50,000 bottles of Dawn dishwashing liquid donated by the brand.

“You would think it would be some big government compound that cleans these birds, but it made me smile to realize it was just dishwashing liquid,” says Rob.

The series continues with more difficult yet ultimately uplifting stories. In Episode 2, harbor seal pups abandoned by their families get taken in to the Marine Mammal Center and are fed “fish milkshakes” by caring volunteers, and released back into the wild once they are self sufficient. And in Episode 4, pelicans that have soared into dumpsters for food, contaminating their feathers, are taken in by International Bird Rescue and washed back to health. Through it all you get a keen view to the front lines, where volunteers give their heartfelt stories and tips on spurring change in your own community.

New webisodes are being rolled out through September. After watching the footage, kids have the opportunity to be part of the bigger picture by sending thank-you notes to the rescue volunteers.

Rob, for his part, continues to help animals in his own way. “My wife and two sons are involved in dog rescue,” he says. “About once every year-and-a-half or two years we rescue up to 30 dogs at a time. It’s a big part of my family life. Some we place in homes. Others we foster. In fact, just three weeks ago, we took in a dog that’s part Italian greyhound and part chihuahua.”

Rob explains that his kids — one a senior in high school and the other a freshman in college — were raised around animals and have grown up to be passionate outdoorsmen. “They are water men … scuba divers, surfers, fisherman. The ocean is a big deal to us,” he enthuses.

And what to do boys think of Dad’s project with Dawn Saves Wildlife? “They love it,” says Rob. “It’s always a tremendous victory to have teenage sons take interest in anything Dad is doing.”

Watch “The Big Picture” documentary series online at www.dawnsaveswildlife.com.

What does your family do to protect wildlife? Let us know in the Comments section below.

—  Kelly Aiglon
x

Photos: Dawn Saves Wildlife

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Kid-Friendly Monterey and Carmel

by writerredtri
Exploring the touch pool at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Kid-Friendly Monterey – Exploring Monterey Bay and Carmel Peninsula with Kids

Spring is the perfect time to introduce young ones to the wonders of the Monterey Bay and the surrounding coast. Along with the usual sea lions, pelicans, and otters, the gray whales’ migration is in full swing, so with the help of some binoculars, littlies can get a glimpse of some blowholes and flipping tails out amongst the waves.

Of course, weather can be a bit unpredictable in the spring, so if you find your beach plans socked in by fog or your hike plans bumped by rain, there are far worse places to find yourself than the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. In fact, we think a perfect day would be spent waiting out the fog and getting acquainted with the creatures at the aquarium, then spending the afternoon outside in the sun and sea air.

WHERE TO STAY:

As one of northern California’s biggest tourist destinations, the Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row areas of Monterey boast plenty of family-friendly accommodations. However, while some have gotten a bit shabby over the years, a pair of centrally-located ones have been renovated and are worthy of your attention. First, there’s the Monterey Bay Inn, which boasts private balconies in all of its guest rooms, as well as a rooftop hot tub with view of the bay. Complimentary breakfast delivered to your room is another plus (rates start at around $180/night) .

Our other downtown pick is the Clement.

Kids on the climbing wall at the Clement

With its modern decor and oceanfront patio (as well as many rooms with balconies and fireplaces), it’s quickly becoming the go-to spot for those in the know (rates start at around $170/night). TIP: the onsite VIP Kids Club provides childcare options and babysitting, so that you can steal some private time with your spouse. Kids can scramble on a climbing wall, play video games, or learn more about Monterey while you enjoy grown-up time.

If you’d rather stay away from Cannery Row, the Julia Morgan-designed Asilomar Conference Center, in nearby Pacific Grove, offers more of a resort feel. From its perch among the dunes, you can wander the surrounding boardwalks on foot or bicycle, and they offer aquarium packages—an awesome way to save money for some stuffed sea otter souvenirs (rates start at around $120/night, aquarium package for $191/night)

GET OUT AND PLAY:

First stop: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you haven’t been in awhile, you’ll want to check out the blackfoot penguins, which are always a major hit with kids. And the Secret Life of Seahorses, a special exhibit featuring several different species of these ethereal, captivating creatures, is another surefire crowd-pleaser. The Rocky Shore touch pool (is your tot brave enough to stroke a sea cucumber?) and the outer bay exhibit (complete with glowing, drifting jellyfish) are also must-sees for the little ones.

Located near Fisherman’s Wharf, MY Museum is another rainy day attraction for families. The 100% hand-on exhibit is ideal for the under 5 set, with miniature sandy beaches, vegetable fields and golf courses that replicate the world just outside the museum doors.   It has reciprocal family memberships with children’s museums all over the country, including the San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum, the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito and Habitot in Berkeley.

Teeming with kids on the weekends, Dennis the Menace playground is located just steps from the Monterey Pier and  Del Monte beach in Monterey’s Estero Park. Built with a donation from cartoonist and Monterey local Hank Ketcham, the park’s been around since 1956, and several renovations over the decades have improved it. Standout features include a life-sized train engine that kids can climb all over, a suspension bridge, a hedge maze, several massive climbing structures and, of course, a bronze statue of Dennis that your little menaces will love posing next to.

If it’s sun, sand, and sea you’re after, head a few miles south. Carmel Beach always finds a special place in the hearts of visitors. Maybe it’s the supersoft sand, the frolicking fams and pooches, the tidepools ripe for exploring or the great views of Pebble Beach (earth to dad…earth to dad…). Either way, it’s one of our favorite beaches in all of California. TIP: the parking lot is usually full, so look for parking first on a nearby side street.

For some full-on coastal drama, the views of the water and of Carmel from Point Lobos make for some of the best photos around. Organize the group for a family snapshot, then take a short hike, checking out sea otters, sea lions and harbor seals along the way. TIP: Beware of poison oak, it’s rampant around here, and the brambly bushes sprout only tiny (but still potent and itch-inducing) leaves as warning. Wear long sleeves and pants, stay on the path, and you’ll be rewarded with a quintessential Cali experience, minus the itchies.

GET THEM TO EAT:

It’s easy to overspend on oversized plates of mediocre seafood, but if you keep things simple, everyone will stay happy. Grabbing a bowl of chowder from Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the Monterey Pier or some fish tacos from The Fishwife’s Turtle Bay Taqueria are great options for lunch, and for dinner, Taste Café or Red House Café, both in Pacific Grove, offer elegant fare for adults along with kid-friendly fare in tasteful settings.

Do you have a favorite kid-friendly restaurant or activity in Monterey? Let us know!

—Sarah Bossenbroek

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