After visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium we stopped at Louie Linguini’s restaurant for a late lunch and then headed to Dennis the Menace playground for some free afternoon fun. This is hands down one of the best things to do with kids in Monterey. Stay with me and learn more!
Located at El Estero Park -short distance from Cannery Row- this whimsical playground has varying adrenaline level challenges for kids of all ages.
Why is it named after the beloved comic strip character?
Because this municipal playground is the result of a creative donation made by Mr. Hank Ketchum, creator of the comic strip. He helped with the concept and design and you can easily find structures inspired by the renowned character.
Dennis the Menace playground is open from 10am to dusk and it’s open every day except on non-holiday Tuesdays. It is clean and safe. There is free parking on site and around in the street and the drinking fountains and restrooms are in good condition and clean.
I was pleasantly surprised by the amenities that are included since it’s completely free!
El Estero Park
At El Estero Park you will enjoy walk paths, paddle boat rentals, picnic areas and beautiful views of the lake, ducks and other kinds of birds to watch as well as play structures such as: a rock climbing wall, a really cool suspension bridge, multiple tunnels and mazes, several slides and jungle gyms.
My girls LOVED this place! It was one of the highlights of our trip. They were easily entertained for couple of hours of fun!
Seriously, I wish I had a public playground like this when I was a kid!
Once we were done at the park we crossed to the other side of Del Monte Avenue and spent some quality time at the Window on the Bay, an open space with access to the Monterey Municipal Beach where we enjoyed playing in the sand and getting our feet wet.
If you have plenty of time available in Monterey I’d recommend you to spend a whole day in the aquarium and another day at the park and the beach. Since we were there just for a weekend this plan really worked for us.
More Things to Do in Monterey
If you are planning a family gate away to the Bay Area, Monterey is a great choice for a destination. For more ideas on things to do with kids in Monterey check out our posts about Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Lobos Natural Reserve. For where to have a bite read our reviews on Old Monterey Cafe and Louie Linguini’s restaurant.
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Yes! It looks so much fun and something my som would enjoy too 🙂
Dennis – There is so much to do, I can’t imagine the kids ever saying they’re bored if we ever make it there.
My son would never want to to back home
This looks like a really fun playgound! I love the theme! I think my kids would really enjoy it there!
Omg I wish we have parks like this in my country . Sounds like lots of fun. Hope they had a great time .
Looks like so much fun. Kids go crazy when there’s a lot to do/ explore on the playground
Dennis the Menace playground! Nostalgia or what, how cool!
Such a nice playground for kids. They will really love it. The smiles on their faces makes it obvious that they really enjoyed.
Your photos are adorable and so colorful. This Dennis the Menace playground looks like so much fun for the kids. My kids would go nuts here!
Wow, this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
The pictures are absolutely awesome. It is pretty obvious you had an awesome time with your trip. I am quite jealous actually.
The menace playground is definitely a kids haven. I love the arrays of equipment at their disposal.
Dennis the Menace! what a blast from the past!
I loved that the creator of Dennis the Menace donated to making this playground happen. I wish there would be more places like this in our area.
I live not far from here and had no idea this existed! My kiddo’s will love it.
This looks like a super fun park, and best of all it was free!!!
That was one of the shows I watched growing up. Love that he’s still making children happy to this date!
Wish there are more places for kids like this. Kidswill really have a beautiful happy childhood, playing in places like this.. 😊
Monterey Bay Aquarium looks like such a a perfect adventure with family!
Such a nice playground! When I see fun things like this for kids, I wish I was a child again. -)
We loved this playground!! I was especially impressed with the wide variety of things to do here! Such a great play to get some energy out in the Monterey area!
Another great thing to do when visiting Monterey! My kids would LOVE it here! Thanks for sharing the details!
We visited this playground years ago when we were in Monterey! This post brings back some fun memories. It is an amazing playground. Hope to visit it again one day.
Aww! That’s awesome Lauren! I’m glad it brought back beautiful memories! 🙂
Never been to this playground but it looks awesome!!! We love finding new playgrounds so will save this one for the future 😉