Enjoy a Family-Friendly Day at The Crossroads Carmel
Planning a day out with the family can be a beautiful opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy one another’s company, sharing moments of delight and drawing closer to each other.
At The Crossroads Carmel, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to keep the whole family happy. Each visit invites a sense of discovery, with thoughtful destinations designed for guests of every age.
From sweet treats and shopping to book signings and outdoor adventures, we compiled a few ideas for family-friendly experiences sure to create treasured memories.
Discover Family-Friendly Activities
The Crossroads Carmel offers many fun activities you can experience as a family.
Big Sur Adventures offers eBike and standard bike rentals, perfect for a day outside,
appreciating the beauty of Carmel with those you love.
For an educational experience, book one of their tours of Carmel, Monterey, or Pacific Grove.
You can opt for a public tour or a private tour just for you and the family.
In the mood to treat yourself? Book a massage at Monterey Bay Bodyworks or Remedy Spa.
For a relaxing day out, bring your loved ones to Carmel Nail Bar and experience the joy of self-care together.
Offering hours of discovery for all ages, explore miles of natural beauty on the Family-Friendly Drive Tour with Big Sur Adventures.
When your ideal family day out calls for a little me-time, escape to Monterey Bay Bodyworks or Remedy Spa and enjoy a solo treat.
Pamper yourselves and the littles with Carmel Nail Bar’s customizable nail and pedi services—thank us later!
Don’t forget to include your four-legged family members in the fun! Bring your dog to pup-friendly yoga classes at Dogma.
Let Everyone Pick a Destination to Explore
One trip, fun for all.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get some energy out over the weekend, take a look at all the destinations The Crossroads Carmel has to offer and let each family member choose one to visit.
This way, each person has something to look forward to, and you might even be able to squeeze in some errands along the way.
Think outside of the toolbox at Carmel ACE Hardware, where you can snag the supplies for a new family project.
Because the best memories start with a blank page, stop by Spencers Stationery for a new favorite notebook.
For young minds curious about construction, tools, and building, Carmel ACE Hardware can be an exciting place to learn about the importance of different tools (and it gives parents a chance to pick up home or garden supplies, too).
Take your art-lover to pick up some new craft supplies to add to their collection at Spencers Stationery, and don’t forget to pick up any cards you’ve been wanting to grab while you’re there.
Home Alchemy at The Crossroads Carmel carries a wide range of decor, plushies, and more, giving everyone something to discover.
If you have a list of several places you need to go, try to sprinkle your errands as evenly as possible between the family’s selections.
This can help keep momentum moving on your day out together!
Make a Game of Your Family Adventure
Another idea to keep kids engaged throughout a long day of shopping is to create a scavenger hunt or a bingo card.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Include items like a bicycle, a particular car color, a clothing item in a specific color, and so on.
Keep kids looking for the next item on their list and watch their competitive spirits thrive!
Before you head out for the day, make a list or a card with all the items to hunt for, and give your kids stickers to check off items as they find them.
To simplify things, you can also use your phone to keep track of everything digitally or find a list online and adapt it for your family adventure as needed.
To build extra excitement, consider having a prize ready for when they complete everything on their list!
We spy something Mom would love at SHE!
C U Sushi makes lunch a family favorite, with fresh rolls, fun bites, and local ingredients.
Share a Meal the Whole Family Will Enjoy
All that walking is sure to build up an appetite, and everyone will be in much better spirits when their stomachs are full!
Take a break, find a spot the entire family will love, and have fun eating a meal together.
For something simple yet delicious, stop for sandwiches at BreadSong.
For a classic, hearty meal, you can’t go wrong with burgers and milkshakes from R.G. Burgers.
If Mexican cuisine is a family favorite, try Island Taco for lunch.
If your kids are a little more adventurous, share some sushi rolls at C U Sushi. For an extra flavorful option, dive into some barbecue at The Crossroads BBQ.
For the perfect recharge, R.G. Burgers has you covered with 25 milkshakes and floats—because one is never enough.
If you’re on the hunt for a deal, be sure to explore our guide to all things food at The Crossroads Carmel!
Search for Family-Friendly Events
At River House Books, a little storytime can add so much wonder.
Froyo piled high with toppings makes Myo the coolest way to end a perfect day.
The Crossroads is home to many exciting, family-friendly events!
For example, book signings are a fun way to encourage the young readers and aspiring authors in your life. Kids can learn about their favorite authors, listen to them read their work, and ask them questions. They may even find a new favorite book or series to enjoy!
Even if you’re not looking to adopt, attending pet adoption events is an awesome way to teach your children about the incredible work of rescues and shelters. And, you’ll make an adoptable pet’s day a little brighter by providing socialization! This is a special opportunity to give back to your community and have fun with furry friends.
Be sure to check out our full events calendar to discover recurring and special events at The Crossroads Carmel!
Wrap Up the Day with a Sweet Treat
Before you head home, make a stop for a sweet treat at one of The Crossroads Carmel’s many dessert destinations!
Frozen yogurt allows kids to customize their dessert with their favorite flavors and toppings! From fruit and sprinkles to sauces and more, the whole family will love making their own frozen yogurt treats at MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt. As a bonus that parents will appreciate, frozen yogurt has live and active cultures that provide lots of healthy probiotics, calcium, and more!
For more traditional treats, choose from a wide variety of cookies, brownies, bars, and muffins at Sweet Reba’s. You can let everyone pick their own special treat, or bring a pack of goodies home for the whole family to savor.
If your family likes something extra indulgent, treat yourselves to some decadent chocolates and truffles at Lula’s Chocolates! From individual chocolate delights to boxes with a variety for everyone to choose from, every chocolate-lover in the family will find something to love.
Family Fun All Day Long at The Crossroads Carmel
When spending the day as a family, even the most routine moments can become memories that last a lifetime. Finding ways to include the whole family in daily activities can transform simple moments into something extraordinary, whether you make a game of running errands, rent bikes on a Saturday afternoon, or enjoy a treat together at the end of the day.
Suddenly, a day of errands or a seemingly routine weekend transforms into a memory of connection, laughter, and love.
Explore everything The Crossroads Carmel has to offer and turn an ordinary day into a special family adventure!
A Sweet Reba’s cookie sandwich to go makes the perfect little reminder of a day well spent.