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.

Event Series Newsies the Musical

Newsies the Musical

Colligan Theater 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz

Stop the presses! Experience the high-energy excitement of All About Theatre’s production of Newsies - featuring a live orchestra! Set in turn-of-the-century New York, this Tony Award-winning musical follows Jack Kelly and his fellow newsboys as they rise up against powerful publishers to demand fair pay and justice. Inspired by the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, Newsies is a thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and the fight for what’s right. Don’t miss your chance to see this inspiring story live at the Colligan Theater - get your tickets now!

$20 – $30

Aptos Village Green: Mutt Strutt Parade

Aptos Village Aptos, CA, United States

Enjoy a day in the park and show off your perfect pooch! There will be prizes for the fur babies, vendors, art activities and face painting. Head to the Village Green behind New Leaf in Aptos!

Free

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Surfing Magician Show

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Doug Hofkins, a.k.a. the “Surfing Magician” will amaze and amuse you this April!  At the Boardwalk Pirate Ship Stage, you will find his shows tarting at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30 April 7-18.  Feeling inspired?  There is a magic shop right there in Neptune’s Kingdom at the Boardwalk! 

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.

Agricultural History Project: Easter on the Farm

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

The Agricultural History Project is hosting their annual Easter on the Farm to celebrate Easter and the beginning of Spring.  Egg Hunts start at 11:15 am and will be every hour in four separate age groups: 3 and under, up to 12 years old. Times for egg hunts are 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, and 2:15 pm.  Activities for children and adults include arts & crafts, hayrides, tractor driving, face painting, meeting a real bunny and enjoying a photo op with the Easter Bunny!  This event is FREE! Donations appreciated. 

Free

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Agricultural History Project

Agricultural History Project Center and Museum 2601 East Lake Avenue, Hwy 152, Watsonville, CA, United States

Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride.  Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair.  This action-packed day is admission free, and donations are gladly accepted. It’s fun for the whole family!  Activities include: Farm Animals to see and pet Ice cream making the old-fashioned way Butter churning Fresh cheese making Rope making Hay wagon rides with tractors Wooden cow milking Hay cutting from real oats, wheat and barley Kids (real) tractor driving Puppet Show Old-fashioned hoops Crafts and so much more!  2025 Schedule: March 8th – Birds, Bees & Butterflies April 12th – Easter on the Farm with Egg Hunt May 10th – Springtime on the Farm June 14th – Olden Days on the Farm July 12th – Summertime Fun on the Farm August 9th – Round-Up at the Ranch September 13th – Visit Yesterday’s Farm during the Santa Cruz Fair October 11th – Tractor-or-Treat November 8th – Harvest on the Farm December 13th – Holidays on the Farm

Free

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

Watsonville Community Center: Ohana Day

Watsonville Youth Center Maple Avenue 30, Watsonville, CA, United States

Enjoy the Second Annual Polynesian Cultural Event and celebrate Polynesian culture with authentic dance, drumming, music, and amazing cuisine from the islands!

Free

Bear Creek Community Center: Eggstravaganza

Bear Creek Community Center 15685 Forest Hill Dr, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

All ages are invited to the Bear Creek Community Center for the annual egg hunt! Put on your best boots and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors (rain or shine) under the redwoods and along the creek for some real egg hunting. Over 4000 eggs are hidden each year and filled with toys, candy, seeds, stickers and more! Your little one will be sure to fill their basket! $15 ticket per child over the age of 2 includes: Bunny photos Petting zoo 1 egg hunt time: 11:30am hunt has designated areas for each age group (This egg hunt is great for the younger crowd or for families with only 1 child participating.) 1pm is an egg hunt for all ages throughout the grounds (This hunt is great for siblings who want to hunt together.) Brunch is optional with your ticket for just $10 per plate.

Roaring Camp Railroads: Eggstraordinary Easter Weekend

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Roaring Camp. After riding either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train, your kids will have a blast participating in Easter activities in Town. ACTIVITIES: Easter Crafts Gold Panning (call to reserve) Candle Making Blacksmith Easter Bunny Jumbo Easter Egg With Candy & Prizes    

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

Watsonville: Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza

Franich Park 795 Vista Montana Drive, Watsonville, CA, United States

Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza is a family-friendly event filled with arts & crafts, games, food trucks, an egg hunt, and more! Kids aged 3 to 13 years old are invited to participate in the egg hunt. Registration is not required for this event.

Free