Watch

"The Red Pony" -- The story doesn't take place in Monterey, but it's the best introduction to Steinbeck for the younger set. (Preschoolers and up)

"East of Eden" -- The famous opening shot is Mendocino, not Monterey, but the dramatic California coastline is shown to good effect and many key scenes were shot in Salinas, including some at a farm owned by Steinbeck's family. (Teens)

"Turner and Hooch" -- Lots of street scenes in this comedy-adventures starring Tom Hanks were filmed along Ocean Boulevard in Pacific Grove, also at the Seaside market. (Pre-teens and teens)

"Escape to Witch Mountain," (the original, 1975) -- Scenes were shot in Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur in this Disney adventure about kids with alien powers being pursued by an evil millionaire. (School-age kids)

"The Grapes of Wrath" -- This classic story of a dust-bowl family's migration to California will set the stage for the emphasis on agriculture in the movies at the Steinbeck museum. (School-age kids)

Eat

Sardines on toast: These salty fish may not turn out to be a kid favorite, but you don't want to discover once you're touring Cannery Row that your kids don't know what a sardine is.

Crab cakes: Served at many Monterey restaurants, crab cakes are one of the easiest introductions to the delights of seafood for kids more accustomed to hamburgers and fried chicken.

Artichokes: Between Salinas and Monterey, you'll pass farms growing thousands of artichokes, one of the local veggies the region is most famous for.

Read

"A Lot of Otters," by Barbara Helen Berger -- by - a fanciful tale about otters and stars that makes a great bedtime story. (Babies to school age kids)

"A Raft of Sea Otters," by Vicki Leon -- A colorful photographic picture book with lots of close ups that's packed with fun facts. (Preschoolers to preteens)

"The Stowaway," by Kristiana Gregory -- Life in Monterey in 1818 comes to life in this story of pirates and early Spanish settlers.

"Cannery Row," by John Steinbeck: These tales of the adventures of a rowdy band of cannery workers, fishermen, and assorted hangers-on are the reason for the area's fame. (School-age kids and up)

Make

Seashell Mosaics -- Create a beautiful picture using found or purchased shells to warm you up for your coastal adventure.

A Whale of a Bath Toy -- A simple milk container serves as the basis for a fun toy to get your little one revved up for whale-watching.