Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Event Series Storybook Stroll

Storybook Stroll

Scotts Valley Branch Library 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Take a fantastical stroll through an inspiring, imaginative world where anything can happen: leaves turn into fish, cats fly with wings, frogs eat rainbows, and dreams become visible. “If” is a visual feast that children and adults will enjoy on this year’s Storybook Stroll on the Scotts Valley Library's Patio.

Free

Half Moon Bay State Beach – Junior Rangers

Francis Beach Amphitheater, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts

Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United States

Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)

Free

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery: Comedy Night

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing 402 Ingalls Street #27, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Microbrewery that makes organic beers and serves them in a dog-friendly biergarten is bringing back the Wednesday night comedy shows! Catch the best comedians from far and wide every week. 

Butano State Park – Nature Journaling Hike

Butano State Park, 1500 Cloverdale Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, USA

Join a California State Park Interpreter in cultivating a deeper connection to the world around us to nourish your mental health and well-being. In this two-hour workshop experience, you will learn skills for nature journaling, which is the practice of being curious and mindful in nature by documenting your experiences and observations. No prior art or writing experience is necessary. Use the paper and colored pencils provided by us or bring your own sketchbook and drawing/writing supplies. Meet in the picnic area. Bring drinking water as none is available in this park. This event is free after the vehicle day-use fee of $10. For more information call (669) 758-1819, or email [email protected]. This event is made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

Santa Cruz Harbor: Free Water Taxi

Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The free, inner-harbor water taxi operates between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays.  In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow’s Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.  Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations:  X1 Gate (northeast harbor)  AA Dock (southwest harbor)  Launch Ramp (southeast harbor)  Please visit the Port District’s website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor. Visitor parking is available for water taxi passengers in the north harbor near X Dock. 

Free

Wilder Ranch State Park – Birding Walk

On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.

Guided History Walk With Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff State Beach, State Park Dr, Seacliff, CA 95003, USA

Park:Seacliff State Beach  Where:Deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center.  When:11:00 am  Parking:There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee.  What toExpect:  Come along on a 90-minute walkand discover the stories of the S.S. Palo Alto, "The Madman of Seacliff",the great storms of Seacliff and much, more. Sign up here, https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/historywalk orgo to . Meet on the deck of the Seacliff Visitor Center. Rain cancels.   Length: 90minutes. Ages: Allages welcome. Preparation: Participantsshould wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Steady rain cancels this event. Special Instructions: Steadyrain cancels this event. Contact: [email protected] or call831-685-6444 Social Media: Followus on Facebook and Instagram

Seymour Marine Discovery Center – State Parks Community Climate Night

Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Join California State Park scientists, planners, partners, and naturalists for an evening of presentations highlighting current efforts to restore and protect park ecosystems, such as Seacliff State Beach and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, amidst a rapidly changing climate.This free event will be hosted at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center (100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060). For more information, contact Elizabeth Evans at [email protected] or 916-268-1876.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Moonlight Madness

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA 95018, USA

Join us for an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. We'll be learning about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, etc. 6:00-8:00 - jazz music and interactive astronomy booths 8:00-9:00 - guest speaker presentation 9:00-10:00 - moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove 9:00-11:00 - telescope viewing with Santa Cruz Astronomy Club

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Moonlight Madness

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Enjoy an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park!  Learn about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, and more!  6:00-8:00 – jazz music and interactive astronomy booths  8:00-9:00 – guest speaker presentation  9:00-10:00 – moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove  9:00-11:00 – telescope viewing with Santa Cruz Astronomy Club  This event will be held at the entrance to the famous Redwood Grove.  There is a $10 parking fee to park at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, but if you have a receipt from any other state park earlier in the day, that is good for all state parks.  The event itself is free.

Free

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Free Lost Boys Movie on the Beach

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

Every Friday night on the beach in front of the Colonnade, bring your family and your blanket or low-back chair to experience the ultimate movie night!  Watch your favorite movies while munching on mouthwatering Boardwalk treats, from kettle corn and saltwater taffy to corn dogs and turkey legs. Seating has first come, first served and each movie will have a 15-minute intermission.  Lost Boys: June 14 from 9pm -10:45pm Book of Life: June 21 from 9pm – 10:45pm Barbie: June 28 from 9pm – 11pm The Sandlot: July 5 from 9pm – 11pm Endless Summer: July 12 (special events from noon – 10:45pm – movie from 9:00 p.m-10:45 p.m.) Wonka: July 19 from 9pm – 11:15 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: July 26 from 9pm – 11pm Trolls: August 2 from 9pm – 10:45 The Goonies: August 9 from 9pm to 11pm 

Free

Half Moon Bay State Beach – Junior Rangers

Francis Beach Amphitheater, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Basketry Workshop

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA 95018, USA

During this program from 10:00am-12:00pm, you will be introduced to a traditional art: California Basket Weaving. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts and peoples. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles!All materials are supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. Suitable for participants 12 and up.Click here to RSVP!