Playgrounds
25 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Clay Street Park0.5 mi from downtown
- Central Park0.6 mi from downtown
- Laurelwood Park0.9 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Salinas with kids
5 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Salinas, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- John Steinbeck Library350 Lincoln Ave.
- El Gabilan Library1400 N. Main St.
- Cesar Chavez Library615 Williams Rd.
Museum & cultural places
3 local museum & cultural places in Salinas.
- Fox TheaterOldtown
- Ariel TheatricalOldtown
- National Steinbeck CenterOldtown
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary14 mi west
- San Justo Reservoir16 mi northeast
- Pinnacles National Park29 mi southeast
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge9 mi northwest
- Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve10 mi northwest
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary14 mi west
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Places to see in Salinas part two!
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Top 10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Salinas, California | USA - English
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What is there to do in Salinas with kids?
Playgrounds (25), Libraries (3), Museum & cultural places (3), Picnic spots (11), Wildlife and nature (33). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Salinas for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Salinas when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.