MOD’s Magical Halloween: Wizarding Adventure

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United States

Enter a world of spellbinding wonder where you can send letters via Owl Post, master the art of potion making, fly through a game of Quidditch, embark on a wizardly scavenger hunt, and craft your own magical creations all free with museum admission. Wizards, witches, and muggles welcome & costumes are encouraged! Check our website for program schedule and details www.sccmod.org.

Free Online Parent Drop-In: Youth Mental Health

The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health offers free Parent Drop-Ins, 1-hour sessions where parents can seek guidance from experts specializing in specific youth mental health disorders. Parents can also connect with others facing similar challenges. Each Zoom session is hosted by expert clinical psychologists who specialize in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, suicidality, and psychotropic medication. Parent Drop-Ins are held on the last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm. Register to receive the Zoom link, and submit questions ahead of time. Upcoming Parent Drop-Ins: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 5:30-6:30 pm PST - on Zoom We also offer Parent Drop-In session for schools and parent groups.

Free

Event Series Potter the Otter Exhibit

Potter the Otter Exhibit

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery is thrilled to announce a season of celebration in honor of its 10th anniversary and a decade of discovery in our community. Join us for the exciting kick-off event as we unveil the "Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure" traveling exhibit. Dive into adventure with Potter the Otter™ on his quest to be healthy and strong! This hands-on interactive exhibit, spanning over 1,500 sq ft, brings the beloved First 5 children's books to life through the power of play. Built by The San Jose Children's Discovery Museum for preschool and kindergarten-age children this exhibit is enjoyable for all interested in living a healthy life. August 24th-November 11th Open to the public Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Public Admission: $3 Museum Members: Free Sponsored by First 5 Santa Clara, First 5 Santa Cruz, Omega Nu, New Leaf Community Markets, & Capitola Kids Dentistry

$3

Stargazing For Peace (Reschedule)

***RESCHEDULED***Experience the incredible dark skies around Pigeon Point Lighthouse! Join Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and Hostelling International USA for the annual Stargazing for Peace. Enjoy the sunset around 7pm on the observation deck behind the Fog Signal Building. Then learn how to identify constellations with hostel manager and astronomer Jeff Parry. Once it get darks (around 8pm) put that new knowledge to practice with the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club.6:11pm - Sunset7:15pm - Starhopping the Fall Constellations with Jeff Parry8:00pm - Stargaze with the Santa Cruz Astronomy ClubExpect chilly weather and dress in layers. Feel free to bring warm drinks, blankets, or chairs to sit in while we watch the sky. Please leave flashlights at home. We will have red lights that do not interfere with our night vision. This will make it easier to see the stars! Come enjoy the dark skies!Contact pigeonpoint@ports-ca.us with any questions.

Fire & Grace & Ash with Moira Smiley

UCSC Recital Hall 402 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, United States

Internationally acclaimed musical trio Fire & Grace & Ash — violin virtuoso Edwin Huizinga, Grammy Award winning guitarist and UCSC faculty guitarist William Coulter, and ‘mandolin wizard’ Ashley Hoyer — will perform one night only at University of Santa Cruz's Music Center Recital Hall on Friday, November 1, joined by world-renowned singer and composer Moira Smiley. This family-friendly evening is a spectacular journey through folk music, Baroque compositions, favorites from Americana, and back again.

$30
Event Series Early Bird Tour

Early Bird Tour

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserach Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks), CA, United States

Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching

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

We are offering a bird watching program on November 2nd at 9:00am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather appropriate attire. RSVP for this event at this page.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk in the Woods

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register

Wilder Ranch State Park – Life on the Ranch Day

Step back in time at this living history event! Enjoy blacksmithing and machine shop demonstrations, tour through Victorian-era house museums, make fun crafts and play old-fashioned games! This event is fun for the whole family!  Free event, $10 parking in day-use lot. Questions? Call (669)758-1963, or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Tour

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

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us

GIANTS RISING – The Secrets & Superpowers of The Redwoods

Scott Valley Community Theater 251b Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley

GIANTS RISING - The Secrets & Superpowers of The Redwoods, is a new film that tells the story of the amazing life of redwoods through history, science and art. This will be a family friendly community building event provided by the Forest Lakes Firewise & Safety Association. We will start with a food truck (@realtaco56) at 4:00 pm so you can grab some great food and meet local organizations and businesses that will help protect and beautify your home. We'll show the film at 6:00 followed by a 7:30 panel featuring: Lisa Landers - the Director of Giants Rising Portia Halbert - Senior Environmental Scientist at California State Parks Brian Woodward, PhD - Forest Advisor and Ecologist UC Cooperative Extension It will be a night to celebrate the very rare opportunity of living among the redwoods! Tickets are free but seating is limited. Donations are appreciated. Get your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/giantsrising Movie Trailer: https://youtu.be/F9cX1v9zLdU There are some scenes of wildfire so you may want to consider the movie to be appropriate for children over 12. The Food Truck will be provided by The Real Taco! @realtaco56 Agenda: 4:00 - 6:00 pm Grab dinner from The Real Taco Truck and stop by the lobby tables to meet our Santa Cruz Mountains wildfire community organizations and local home resilience vendors 6:00 - 7:30 Movie showing of Giants Rising - The Secrets and Superpowers of the Redwoods 7:30 - 8:30 Q&A with the movie director and panel

Free