Dennis the Menace Park

Monterey, California, USA

Description

This park is so fun for kids! There is a huge old Southern Pacific railroad engine at the entrance and kids can climb inside and over it. Next they can try the rock climbing wall. Parents can relax happily on the little grassy hills under a tree. Kids can climb up a ramp and cross a huge bridge that sways from side to side. Stretched out below them are a series of playgrounds! They can slide down two huge wavy green slides on the hill and then run through cement tunnels. Some retro 70s-looking playground equipment makes for some unusual climbs. There's plenty of sand to run around in. A new red slide under the yellow arch is the most popular spot. On the far end, kids can peek through the fence at Monterey Skate Park on Lake El Estero. Around the park are views of Lake El Estero and the little paddle boats that you can rent. It's a merry atmosphere, and you can thank Monterey resident and cartoonist Hank Ketchum, who designed the park!
My son wanted to return to Dennis the Menace Park every day we were in Monterey.
Know the hours to make sure your kids aren't disappointed: This park is closed every Tuesday from September to May. Also, it doesn't open until 10am and it closes at dusk.
This park is free of charge.
Other Great Places Nearby
A place in Monterey that will change your life is Monterey Bay Aquarium- if you're wondering whether it's worth the money, let me tell you it is! Monterey Aquarium is more than just an aquarium- it's another world beneath the sea, with the most amazing exhibits. The jellyfish exhibit will put you in awe of nature's beauty and sense of humor. From the aquarium you can walk to Lovers Point Park- this is such an intensely beautiful walk, and you will see seals in a little cove on your way. You can eat and shop at famous Cannery Row. Cool to explore is downtown Monterey, with its little Spanish arcades. It leads to Fisherman's Wharf, a touristy, fun spot with water every shade of green and blue. Beside Fisherman's Wharf is Del Monte Beach, which can be bright and sunny or wild and wintery- there's no way to predict which one.
For another playground, up in the hills above Monterey Bay, check out Veteran's Memorial Park.

Photo Gallery

The train wagon- great fun to climb!	The rockclimbing wall- more fun to be had!	Relaxing for kids, and parents too!
The swaying bridge, and sandy playgrounds below!	The swaying bridge.	The entrance to the swaying bridge!
The green curvy slides!	Paddle boats on Lake El Estero- the ocean can be seen in the distance.	The skate park you can see from Dennis the Menace Park (you must walk around the stadium to get to it).
Warm golden summer night at Dennis the Menace Park.	The railroad engine.	Climbing on the railroad engine.
Beautiful Monterey.	The amazing new red slide that everyone adores!

Directions

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

From Highway 68, exit at Monterey. Turn right on Fremont, right on Camino El Estero, right on Pearl Street, and there is a parking lot.
Hours: 10am to dusk. Closed Tuesdays from September to May. This park is free of charge.