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Monterey County Youth Museum: A Playground for the Mind

Discover hands-on fun and learning at Monterey County Youth Museum, where kids explore interactive exhibits reflecting the region's unique culture and environment, creating lasting memories.

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The Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum) is a vibrant and engaging space where children aged 10 and under can explore, learn, and create through hands-on exhibits. Located in downtown Monterey, the museum offers a microcosm of the region, with exhibits reflecting Monterey's unique environment and culture. From a beach-themed area to a theater and a farm, MY Museum provides a playful and educational experience for the whole family. It's a perfect spot for a cool or rainy day, offering interactive fun that sparks curiosity and encourages learning through play. The museum also hosts special events and programs, making each visit a new adventure.

A brief summary to Monterey County Youth Museum

  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the MY Museum website for special events and programs happening during your visit to enhance your experience.
  • Visit on weekday afternoons for a quieter experience, as the museum generally doesn't schedule parties or field trips then.
  • Take advantage of the stroller parking and storage lockers available at the front of the museum for convenience.
  • If you have an EBT or WIC card, take advantage of the Museums for All program for reduced admission.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Dennis the Menace Park or the Monterey Sports Center for a full day of family fun.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From many downtown Monterey hotels or attractions like the Monterey Museum of Art, MY Museum is easily accessible by foot. Head east on Washington Street. The museum is located at 425 Washington Street, near the Monterey Sports Center and Dennis the Menace Park. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-15 minutes depending on your starting point.

  • Public Transport

    Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) buses serve the downtown Monterey area. Check the MST website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Monterey Transit Plaza, walk east on Washington Street to reach the museum. A single ride on MST costs approximately $2.50.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 425 Washington Street, Monterey. Parking is available on the street for 90 minutes. Alternatively, the East Parking Garage on the corner of Washington and Franklin Streets offers all-day parking for around $7-$12. Parking is strictly enforced.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Monterey. Request a ride to 425 Washington Street. Fares from Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row typically range from $8 to $15, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum, also known as the Monterey County Youth Museum, is a delightful destination designed to ignite curiosity and foster creativity in children. Established in 1997, the museum moved to its current location on Washington Street in 2008 and has since become a cornerstone of Monterey's family-friendly attractions. Stepping inside MY Museum is like entering a world built just for kids. The 8,500-square-foot space is thoughtfully designed as a miniature version of Monterey County, featuring a variety of interactive exhibits that reflect the region's unique character. Each exhibit is carefully crafted to provide hands-on learning experiences, encouraging children to explore, discover, and engage with the world around them. One of the museum's most popular exhibits is *MY Day at the Beach*, where children can build sandcastles, climb aboard a boat, and slide into the ocean. This exhibit is particularly geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, providing a safe and stimulating environment for sensory exploration. For older children, *MY Go-Fore Golf* offers a playful take on the sport, complete with a golf cart and miniature greens. *MY Healthy Farm* allows kids to climb aboard a tractor and harvest fresh crops, teaching them about agriculture and healthy eating. Budding artists can unleash their creativity at *MY Creation Station*, where they can experiment with a wide range of recyclable and non-recyclable materials to create their own masterpieces. *MY ImagiTree* is a two-story treehouse that invites children to become bird watchers or slide down to bring the ImagiTree creatures to life. *MY Hospital* lets children role-play as doctors and nurses, learning about healthcare and the human body. At *MY Theater*, kids can explore their dramatic side with a costume collection and put on a show. *MY Town Hall* provides a glimpse into civic life, allowing children to role-play as community leaders and learn about the workings of local government. MY Museum is more than just a place to play; it's a place to learn. The exhibits are designed to be both educational and entertaining, encouraging children to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love of learning. The museum also offers a variety of drop-in programs and special events throughout the year, ensuring that there's always something new to discover. In addition to its engaging exhibits, MY Museum is committed to serving the community. The museum participates in the Museums for All program, offering reduced admission to families with EBT or WIC cards. It also provides school subsidy programs, offering reduced field trip rates to schools and child development agencies serving low-income families. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Monterey County, MY Museum is a must-see destination for families with young children. It's a place where kids can play, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The museum's commitment to providing a safe, clean, and engaging environment makes it a valuable asset to the community and a true gem of Monterey.

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