Local activities and resources for parents

Being active as a family and in your community has mental health benefits. This is especially true for children, teens, and young adults. Time together and with others promotes bonding, develops relationship-building skills, and improves mental fitness.

After school activities in Monterey County

Staying active and engaged with others is a great way for kids and teens to build their mental fitness. The Monterey County Office of Education and the Community Foundation for Monterey County offer year-round after-school and summer programs for students. Many programs are free or low-cost. Scholarship opportunities are available for fee-based activities.

Access the after-school activity guide

Community-wide wellness resources from Blue Zones Project

Small changes can have big benefits for communities and personal health and wellness. Blue Zones Project, sponsored by Montage Health, Salinas Valley Health, and Taylor Farms, encourages changes in our community that lead to healthier lifestyles. Families can get involved with Blue Zones Project through clean-up events, cooking demos, hikes, and volunteer days.

Learn more about Blue Zones Project

Activities through Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District

Research shows that being outside can improve mental health. Monterey Peninsula Regional Park offers “Let’s Go Outdoors!”, a seasonal catalog of outdoor learning and development activities. Programs are free and offered for all ages.

Browse the catalog of events

Mental fitness tips from Ohana

teens hanging out

Mental fitness helps promote social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Find out how you can support your child’s mental fitness at each stage of their lives.

Learn more

Ohana news and health tips

Talkaboutable

A parenting podcast

Illustration of three people talking to each other through strings and tin cans with the words "Talkaboutable with Dr. Susan Swick" and "lemonda" woven throughout the image

Talkaboutable is a podcast hosted by Dr. Susan Swick, Montage Health’s Chief Mental Health Officer and child and adolescent psychiatrist. In each episode, Dr. Swick sits down with a parent to explore real-life challenges and how to navigate them with empathy and confidence. The goal? To make even the toughest conversations with kids more manageable — and more meaningful.

Listen to the podcast