We asked you to share your favorite places to take your kids and places you enjoy as a family. We wanted to know what businesses you consider the Best in Santa Cruz, and man, did you ever respond! Thanks to everyone who answered our survey.
DAY CAMP
International Academy of Dance
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com

RESIDENTIAL CAMP
Redwood Music Teen Camp (Community Music School of Santa Cruz)
P. O. Box 531 Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831.471.5184
CommunityMusicSchool.org
P. O. Box 531 Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831.471.5184
CommunityMusicSchool.org
BAKERY
COFFEE SHOP
BREAKFAST
DELI
DINNER
FINE DINING
GROCERY STORE
ICE CREAM
LUNCH
PIZZA
SUSHI
Akira Sushi
415 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.1877
415 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.1877
TAQUERIA
TO GO
FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
ART
Drawn2Art
19C Rancho Del Mar, Aptos
831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com
We offer a high quality, fine art drawing and painting program that goes far beyond cut and paste, and arts -&- crafts. Inspirational teachers help students build skills and confidence. Curriculum is varied to include still-life, landscape, animals, portraiture, Anime and more. Students, ages 4-12, teens and adults, begin using drawing mediums, moving onto painting. Join Us for a Trial Art Class. Classes scheduled ahead of time, based on availability. New Students ONLY Pay Registration Fee ($30.00 Savings). Each Summer Camp is themed and Come Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day!
19C Rancho Del Mar, Aptos
831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com

DANCE
International Academy of Dance
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com

MUSIC
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County
Call/Text: 831-332-9002
[email protected]
musicalme.com
We are overjoyed to be voted #1 AGAIN! Now in our 29th year, made possible with the loving support of our incredible community. Thank you! Come join the fun at our Music Together classes –playful, rich, and engaging for everyone. Summer-only special: Unlimited Bonus Classes!

Call/Text: 831-332-9002
[email protected]
musicalme.com
We are overjoyed to be voted #1 AGAIN! Now in our 29th year, made possible with the loving support of our incredible community. Thank you! Come join the fun at our Music Together classes –playful, rich, and engaging for everyone. Summer-only special: Unlimited Bonus Classes!
SPORT
International Academy of Dance
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com
International Academy of Dance, home of Santa Cruz City Ballet, provides world class instruction in Classical Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Musical Theater. The studio is an encouraging and supportive community from ages two to eighty-two. It is our mission to inspire students of all ages to develop a lifelong love of dance. Through choreography, balance, agility, strength and flexibility, we work with each dancer to hone artistry, technique, focus and musicality. We aspire to bring joy and generate growth in every class. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!
320 Encinal St, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
iadance.com

SWIMMING
Simpkins Swim Center
979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.7960
scparks.com/simpkins_home.html
THEATER
All About Theatre
1010 River Street, Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
[email protected]
www.allabouttheatre.org

Thank you for voting All About Theatre the best theater program as we celebrate 23 years of theater, and over 175 productions in Santa Cruz County. This year has brought many new and exciting changes. First and foremost our move into the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center. We are elated to offer year round training in the performing arts (technical training & performance) for children aged (3-6), Youth (6-10), Pre-teen (10-13) & Teens (13-17) and Adults. Join us this summer for 42nd Street, Dare to Dream, Spring Awakening and more… Our Fall Season will be announced shortly. Visit us at www.allabouttheatre.org
1010 River Street, Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
[email protected]
www.allabouttheatre.org


GYMNASTICS
June Bug’s Gym
3910 Portola Dr Ste 2 & 3, Santa Cruz
831.464.2847
junebugsgym.com
June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development.
3910 Portola Dr Ste 2 & 3, Santa Cruz
831.464.2847
junebugsgym.com

Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center
4745 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.462.5650
scgymcenter.com
We offer Gymnastics Camps for ages 5–12! Come FLIP WITH US at our weekly themed camps. Camps include gymnastics lessons on all Olympic events, supervised open gym time, group games, crafts and time in our foam pit! Full and half day options are available for each weekly camp. Check scgym.com for more information and to register
4745 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.462.5650
scgymcenter.com

BANK
PLACE OF WORSHIP
INSURANCE
PHOTOGRAPHER
REALTOR
DENTIST/ORTHODONTIST
Alison K. Jackson, DDS
Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
www.santacruzkidsdentist.com
Thank you for choosing Dr. Jackson as your favorite pediatric dentist again! We are proud to be your choice for the fourth year in a row. We love taking care of your children. New patients are always welcome. Call us and schedule an appointment soon.
Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
www.santacruzkidsdentist.com

Nannette Benedict, DDS & Associates
5015 Scotts Valley Dr Ste A, Scotts Valley
831.440.9214
scottsvalleydentist.com
5015 Scotts Valley Dr Ste A, Scotts Valley
831.440.9214
scottsvalleydentist.com
FITNESS
Enterprise Sports Club
100 Enterprise Way Ste G100, Scotts Valley
831.920.0912
enterprisesportsclub.com
100 Enterprise Way Ste G100, Scotts Valley
831.920.0912
enterprisesportsclub.com
HOSPITAL
PEDIATRICIAN
Bruce Block, MD – PAMF
1101 Fair Ave Ste 101, Santa Cruz
831.462.4787
sutterhealth.org/find-doctor/bruce-block
1101 Fair Ave Ste 101, Santa Cruz
831.462.4787
sutterhealth.org/find-doctor/bruce-block
REPRODUCTIVE CARE
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte – Santa Cruz Health Center
703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.427.9313
plannedparenthood.org
703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.427.9313
plannedparenthood.org
Dr. Paul Oderman, MD – Reproductive Endocrinologist
868 Cedar St Ste 404, Santa Cruz
831.600.8079
868 Cedar St Ste 404, Santa Cruz
831.600.8079
MIDWIFE / DOULA
Britta Paterson, CPM
britpatersonmidwifery.com
britpatersonmidwifery.com
THERAPIST
CCAMH
Center for Child & Adolescent Mental Health
4630 Soquel Drive #10, Soquel
831.222.0052
[email protected]
ccamh.org
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health can be a terrifying and isolating experience. As parents, we face unprecedented challenges navigating social media, political unrest, COVID-19, and influences beyond our control. Finding therapy can be frustrating with long waitlists and difficulty accessing affordable care tailored to your child’s unique needs. You are not alone. Affordable, evidence-based youth mental healthcare is now available at the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Soquel Village. We offer family-centered, individual, family, and group support as well as free Parent Drop-In sessions with a youth mental health expert.
“CCAMH’s free Parent Drop-In sessions have given me the tools I need to get my 12-year-old off her @%# phone! It’s been a lifesaver for my family.”
Center for Child & Adolescent Mental Health
4630 Soquel Drive #10, Soquel
831.222.0052
[email protected]
ccamh.org

“CCAMH’s free Parent Drop-In sessions have given me the tools I need to get my 12-year-old off her @%# phone! It’s been a lifesaver for my family.”
BEACH
Seabright State Beach
Rio Del Mar State Beach
PARK
Leo’s Haven (Leo LaCasce Legacy Playground)
2165 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.7900
2165 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
831.454.7900
Ocean View Park
Ocean View Park, Santa Cruz
831.420.5270
Ocean View Park, Santa Cruz
831.420.5270
HIKING
Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos
831.763.7063
Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos
831.763.7063
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
2591 Graham Hill Rd, Felton
831.438.2396
2591 Graham Hill Rd, Felton
831.438.2396
AMUSEMENT PARK
HAIR SALON
SPA
NAIL SALON
Tracy’s Nail Salon
1675 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.6245
1675 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.6245
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
1855 41st Ave Ste C-10, Capitola Mall, Capitola
831.600.4423
santacruzkids.org
1855 41st Ave Ste C-10, Capitola Mall, Capitola
831.600.4423
santacruzkids.org
KENNEL
PET SUPPLIES
Pet Pals
820 Bay Ave, Capitola
831.464.2444
820 Bay Ave, Capitola
831.464.2444
Westside Farm & Feed
817 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.7227
817 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.7227
VETERINARIAN
Gustin & Van Every Mobile Vet Med
Mobile service, Santa Cruz County
831.423.0078
gustinvaneverymobilevet.com
Mobile service, Santa Cruz County
831.423.0078
gustinvaneverymobilevet.com
Ty McConnell, DVM
920 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.4554
920 41st Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.4554
LANDSCAPE / GARDENING
RADIO STATION
HOUSE CLEANING
Dynamic Cleaning Service
Santa Cruz (mobile service)
831.818.1826
Santa Cruz (mobile service)
831.818.1826
HOME REPAIR
All Around Home Solutions
Santa Cruz (mobile service)
415.645.6658
Santa Cruz (mobile service)
415.645.6658
ART SUPPLIES
Palace Art & Office Supply
1501-K 41st Ave, Capitola
831.464.2700
1501-K 41st Ave, Capitola
831.464.2700
BABY (GOODS)
Little Trendz
1551 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.1234
1551 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.1234
MiniMint Co.
Mobile/Online store
(Online only)
Mobile/Online store
(Online only)
BIKE SHOP
Another Bike Shop
2361 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.427.2232
2361 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.427.2232
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
GIFT SHOP
HOME DECOR
NURSERY / GARDEN
San Lorenzo Garden Center
235 River St, Santa Cruz
831.423.0223
235 River St, Santa Cruz
831.423.0223
SKATE / SURF
TOYS
Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources
19-B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos (next to Safeway)
831-316-7261
[email protected]
www.wonderlandsantacruz.com
Wonderland is your small, locally owned, one-stop shop for all the children and teens in your life. At Wonderland you’ll find toys, games, puzzles, books, arts & crafts, science kits, outdoor/active play items, stuffed animals, and so much more. Thank you for shopping local at our women-owned, small family business.
19-B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos (next to Safeway)
831-316-7261
[email protected]
www.wonderlandsantacruz.com

Childish
1129 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.421.9223
1129 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.421.9223
WOMEN’S CLOTHING
Closet Shopper
2301 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.423.5040
2301 Mission St, Santa Cruz
831.423.5040
CHARTER SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY School
Gateway School
126 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
[email protected]
gateways.org
Thank you for voting for Gateway School! From our small class sizes to our extraordinary programs, educators and academics, Gateway is inspiring students to be prepared, be known and belong. Visit us today. gateways.org
126 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341
[email protected]
gateways.org

MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
PRESCHOOL
PRIVATE SCHOOL
PLACE TO CELEBRATE KID’S BIRTHDAY
PLACE TO CELEBRATE ADULT MILESTONE