Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended using the website link below. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended using the website link below. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.

Del Mar Elementary OPEN HOUSE

Del Mar Elementary School 1959 Merrill St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Join us as we showcase our beautiful Del Mar community! Are you a perspective new Del Mar family? Come and meet all of our teachers, taste our delicious child nutrition meals, and connect with our community partners on site.

FREE

Downtown Santa Cruz: Earth Day Celebrations

Abbott Square 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA

Earth Day 2025 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific Ave, and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. 🎶 Groove to live music by SambaDá 🎭 Be amazed by samba stilt walkers 👗 Get inspired by zero waste fashion at the Fashionteens fashion show 🎨 Enjoy free face painting for kids 📸 Capture the fun at our free photobooth 🛍️ Shop from eco-friendly vendor booths 🍦 Kids can earn a FREE scoop of ice cream from Mission Hill Creamery by completing the Earth Day Passport Program! Explore hands-on activities, educational booths, and sustainability-focused vendor booths from local businesses, schools, and organizations. This is a day to celebrate, learn, and take action for a greener future—and it’s all FREE!

Free

Museum of Natural History: Rockin’ Pop Up

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Looking for a GNEISS way to spend your weekend? Well, you won’t want to take this special event for GRANITE!   Celebrate Earth Day with a rockin’ afternoon at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Join geologists from University of California, Santa Cruz to share your mineralogical marvels and get them identified inside the Museum’s galleries.   You can bring rocks, fossils, gems, and minerals you have found on your adventures for identification! 

$3 – $5

Annieglass: Earrings Workshop

Annieglass 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA, United States

Enjoy a jewelry workshop with local artisan Lisa Schaffer Doggett. In this workshop you will learn to create a pair of gorgeous Sterling Silver or 14k Gold Fill earrings with Herkimer Diamonds. Lisa will teach you basic wire wrapping techniques, which include making hook and eye clasps, and an earring wire with basic forming techniques. All materials and tools are provided. Best of all, you take home a beautiful pair of handmade earrings. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink. Workshop participants receive 20% off Annieglass’s first quality pieces on the day of participation. This workshop is appropriate for children 14 years and older. You must cancel 48 hours before the event to receive a full refund if you are unable to attend.

$90

Gateway School Tour

Gateway School Santa Cruz 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz

Visit us on one of our monthly Tuesday tours and see why Gateway was voted Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. Hang with our kindergarteners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in our Life Lab outdoor classroom, join our middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K - 8 education. Private tours also available. For more information contact admissions@gatewaysc.org

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended using the website link below. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.

Watsonville Plaza: Earth Day Celebrations

This event is family-friendly and free of charge. Participate in games and activities relating to climate action and climate solutions. Learn about local resources and efforts to become more resilient to climate change. Be inspired to take part in our local efforts while you are in Watsonville and back at home!

Free