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.

Omega Nu 35th Annual Ducky Derby

Harvey West Park Friendship Garden 326 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz, CA

Ducky Derby 2025 Saturday, April 26th 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Harvey West Park – Friendship Gardens Omega Nu welcomes you back to Harvey West Park for our 35th Annual Ducky Derby and Carnival. A fun-filled day for the entire family! Come to the duck races and cheer our plucky ducks over the finish line while enjoying food, games, and music. Listen as the bugle blares signaling the start of each race and children run to watch as thousands of rubber ducks course down the water raceway. Adopt a duck and have a chance to win over 100 prizes. All proceeds from duck adoptions go directly back to our community through the Omega Nu Scholarship program and grants provided to teachers, nonprofits, and charitable organizations. The ducks race rain or shine! To learn more about how you can support the Santa Cruz community through Omega Nu and Ducky Derby, please visit our website duckyderbysantacruz.org Come and enjoy a great day at the park! Admission is Free.

Free

San Lorenzo Park: Autism Awareness Day at the Park

San Lorenzo Park 137 Dakota Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Celebrate Shared Adventures 31st Anniversary and celebrate autism awareness at the same time! Come for live music, dancing, delicious food and fun activities. Stay to see vendors with accessibility services and products that enable everyone to share an adventure in Santa Cruz County.

Free

Chaminade Resort and Spa: Pawsh Retreat

Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Chaminade Resort & Spa welcomes you and your furry friends to our dog-friendly property for an afternoon of play, treats and pup-worthy pampering. Enjoy activities like Photo Booths, Pet Portraits, Paint-Your-Pet, a Fashion Show Competition, Pet Massage, Dog Pools, an Agility Course and more! Vendors/partners include Santa Cruz SPCA, Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, Paradise Pet Salon DOG Photography – Eva Sacher, Wishbone Pet Company, Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales, Why Knots Pet Massage and The Painted Cork. Dog Menu includes Barkuter-ie Board (organic turkey, aged cheddar, carrot, whole grain dog biscuits), Paw-casso Bites (Frozen PB & banana), Deep Sea Doggie (Wild salmon, potato, peas), The Bone Appétit (Grilled chicken breast, rice, veal broth), Paw-fection Smoothie (Probiotics, Greek yogurt, banana, blueberries) Tail Wagging Tacos (Corn tortilla, raw prime angus beef), Frozen Yogurt Paw Pops & more! Food & Drink Specials at The View Restaurant for the humans! Overnight package available. RSVP at the link.

Free

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
Event Series Free Magic Show

Free Magic Show

8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel, CA 95073 8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel

Join us for a FREE MAGIC SHOW and see what makes Kennolyn Day Camp so special! The Surfing Magician will captivate audiences of all ages with incredible tricks, humor, and engaging storytelling. It’s an interactive, ever-evolving performance that’s sure to entertain the whole family! Before and after the show, your kids can get a taste of camp with songs, games, and a guided tour. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a FREE week of camp in our special raffle! This is the perfect opportunity for first-time campers to get comfortable and for returning campers to share their love of camp with friends. Stop by anytime between 1:00–3:30 PM. RSVP to help us plan, but drop-ins are always welcome. We can’t wait to see you there! Schedule 12:45 Gates open 1pm Tours, songs, and games 2pm Magic show 3pm Tours, songs, and games 4pm Goodbyes

Event Series CircOrchard

CircOrchard

Scotts Valley Theater Guild 251b Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

This is a circus by children for children. Orchard School presents it's 9th annual circus tour with 2 public shows at The Landing, Scotts Valley Community Theatre Arts Guild. The school's entire 60-strong student body will be performing clown antics, juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, stilt walking, and circus spoofs. A second show has been added this year because of the overwhelming attendance last year. Make sure to get your tickets early.

$2 – $14