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What To Do During… A Kid-Friendly Summer Break
Planning a summer of fun with your little ones? Michelle Flink and Avery Ullman have you covered. With four kids between them, and a shared passion for making every moment special, the friends launched children’s gift company Little Holiday in 2021. Featuring curated sets and a la carte options ready to ship for major holidays, parties, and more, the brand also crafts custom gift boxes upon request. (Think toys, books, swimsuits and other essentials from brands like Meri Meri and Mr. Boddington’s Studio.) After moving to the area with their respective families more than six years ago (Avery originally hails from the Pacific Northwest and Michelle from Michigan), and raising their kids here since babyhood, the pair have perfected parenting on the Peninsula. Their tip for visitors? “The Peninsula has many different areas. Choose one for the day and explore everything it has to offer.” If you’re heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, for example, try nearby hits like fresh smoothies from Elroy's Fine Foods, macadamia nut lattes from Captain + Stoker for the adults, and pizza on the patio at Stokes Adobe. Read on for more of their kid-friendly favorites—from scenic outdoor adventures to meals the whole family will actually eat, and enjoy.
Use code LOCALFRIEND at checkout at littleholiday.com for fast, free local delivery to the Monterey Peninsula.
AM
Start the day with:
A walk along Scenic Road in Carmel-by-the-Sea. But first, coffee! Rise + Roam Bakery is a favorite. They have the most amazing pastries and breakfast options. The veggie frittata and the morning bun are some of our go-tos. They recently added a crookie (half chocolate chip cookie, half croissant) that is out of this world. Sip your coffee while taking in the views along Scenic’s walking path or dipping your toes in the sand.
Explore secret coves and tidepools:
Cruise 17 Mile Drive and stop at all the little beach coves along the way. On a low tide day (we like the Tide Alert app) there are some great tidepools to explore. Seal Rock is our favorite stop. Park the car and walk down the path to a set of stairs that will take you to a little oasis that feels like a private beach.
Beginner hikes for kids:
Insider tip: You don’t have to go far to see the beauty of Big Sur. One of our favorite hikes, which is perfect for the kiddos, is less than 7 miles from Carmel. Park near the Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail and hike 1-2 miles round trip along the coast. We love to pack a picnic to eat at the top of the hill. Mini sandwiches from Lafayette Bakery in Carmel are a favorite—get them early before they sell out. If you are feeling a little more ambitious and don’t want to drive as far, head to Inspiration Point at Palo Corona Regional Park in Carmel. This is also a great hike and there are wildflowers, deer, cows, oak trees and rolling fields, all with an ocean view. We like to try and find wildflowers in every color of the rainbow along the way.
PM
The best kid-friendly places for lunch (and what to order):
Two local favorites are right next door to each other: Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand in Carmel Valley has great options for parents and kids. We love their quinoa bowl and the kids love the grilled cheese and Fruit Roll Up smoothie. Frozen yogurt and a visit to the swing set in the back are the perfect finish to lunch. Next door at Hacienda, our kids love the ham and cheese quiche and pita chips and hummus from Hacienda’s Radici Market. Let the kids run around on the turf, shoot hoops, climb on the train set, and see the giant tortoises, chickens and other animals. Hacienda also has fun themed days and activities. Look for bingo on Friday nights, family line dancing, and more (follow @hacienda.cv on Instagram for the latest).
Golf with the greats:
Give the kids a true golf experience in the golf capital of the world. Kids under age 12 play The Hay in Pebble Beach (with an adult) for free. This short course designed by Tiger Woods opened in 2021 and is fun for beginner and junior golfers, but also a great test for the avid golfer. Call and book ahead. If you don’t want to play the whole course, or didn’t book a tee time in advance, no worries. Bring your putter and putt on their 18-hole putting course (this is completely free for all). End the day at Hay’s Place, right on the course, with a margarita (If you like spicy, ask for the “Rolling in Hay,” a secret menu margarita that’s VERY SPICY with habanero and passion fruit—SO good), and lemonade and tin can nachos for the kids.
Wine tasting where kids are welcome:
Folktale Winery, also in Carmel Valley, is great for lunch or dinner. Lots of grassy space for the kids to roam while you enjoy their wines, flatbreads, and salads. They also have live music on some weekends, which is a great vibe for the family. Our kids love dancing to the music under the string lights!
End the day with:
Watching the sunset on the beach. Carmel Beach has white squeaky sand and turquoise waters right off a postcard. Instead of parking in the lot on Ocean Avenue, try the other side of Carmel Point, Carmel River State Beach. Here the river meets the ocean and, on warm days, the kids love taking a dip in the river or even paddleboarding in the calmer section of the river bed. (Note: no paddleboarding on the ocean water!) Bring wine and a picnic—we recommend grabbing a pizza to-go from La Bicyclette or sandwiches from Bruno’s Market.
Illustrations by Kelsey Wisdom
PLAN YOUR DAY
on the Peninsula
- Rise + Roam Bakery
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand
Carmel Valley, CA - Hacienda
Carmel Valley, CA - Folktale Winery
Carmel Valley, CA - Seal Rock at 17 Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA - The Hay
Pebble Beach, CA - Garrapata State Park
Carmel, CA - Lafayette Bakery
Carmel, CA - Palo Corona Regional Park
Carmel Valley, CA - Carmel River State Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - La Bicyclette
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Bruno’s Market
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
