Dennis the Menace Playground at El Estero Park in Monterey, CA

The Monterey Bay Aquarium isn't the only kid friendly place in Monterey, California. Just a two miles southeast of the aquarium is the one of a kind memorable Dennis the Menace Playground located at the El Estero Park Complex (behind the Monterey Youth Center at 777 Pearl Street).

The Dennis the Menace playground has been a popular hangout for families since it first opened back in November 17, 1956. The playground was originally designed by, Hank Ketcham, the creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip. It has since been renovated four times, each time adding elements to the theme park to make it what it is today-a must do for families with young children visiting or living near Monterey, California.

Among the many features the playground has is a large steam engine, Old No. 1284, donated by the Southern Pacific Company in 1956. This train replica adds to the park's charm by weaving in part of the city's heritage, and is what helps to make the park so unique. It's unlike the typical playgrounds you find in most suburbs with standard monkey bars and swing sets. The Dennis the Menace playground is much larger than your typical neighborhood park as well. Your kids can take a picture with a sculpture of Dennis the Menace, or near a statue of Dennis and his friends. The park also has a 9-foot climbing mountain, suspension bridge, giant slide, moon bridge, crawling tunnels, hedge maze with a surprise in the center, and swings and monkey bars for kids of various ages.

Behind the playground at El Estero Park, there is a lake where you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the lake or rent a paddleboat. The playground is fenced off to protect toddlers from meandering to the lake. There is also a skate park and ballpark adjacent to the playground for older kids.

The Dennis the Menace Playground opens daily from 10 am to dusk and is free. If you are in the area, this is a great place to stop by with the kids. Bring some snacks or a picnic because your kids are going to want to be here for a while.

Directions:

South on Highway 1:
Exit Monterey
Turn right on Camino Aguajito
Turn left at the STOP sign (Third/Pearl St.)

From Downtown Monterey:
Go North on Del Monte Avenue
Turn right on to Camino El Estero
At the second STOP sign, turn left on to Pearl Street

The playground on the behind the Monterey Youth Center at 777 Pearl Street