Dennis the Menace Park, Monterey's Favorite Playground
2.5 Miles | 5 Minutes Drive
Dennis the Menace Park is a free city playground on the shore of Lake El Estero, about five minutes from Pacific Inn. It was created with the help of cartoonist Hank Ketcham, who lived in the area, and it is known for its climbing structures, slides, and a retired steam locomotive kids can explore.
It is an easy stop for families with young kids on the way to or from downtown. The path around Lake El Estero next door makes a gentle walk, and Monterey State Beach and the Coastal Recreation Trail are just across Del Monte Avenue.
Tips
- Check the City of Monterey site for current hours and any closures.
- Bring snacks, water, and a jacket. It is easy to stay longer than you planned.
- Pair it with a picnic by the lake or a stroll on the beach.
Photo: Dennis the Menace playground 2024-07-06 by Cloud atlas, via Wikimedia Commons. Original photograph and this image adaptation licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized; website renditions may be cropped and converted in format. This license applies only to the photograph.
