Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, 2591 Graham Hill Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95060, USA

We are offering a bird watching program on August 3rd at 8:00am. 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.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Birdwatching Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Spend the morning with resident and migratory birds of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! On this 1 mile stroll, which will last approximately 1.5 hours, participants have the opportunity to observe, and listen to, a handful of bird species in the park. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The meeting location changes on a monthly basis, so please register for free through the link below for more information.

Free

Cabrillo College: Aptos Farmers Market

cabrillo college 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos

Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Elkhorn Slough: 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.

Free

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.

Scotts Valley: Farmers Market

Joe and Linda Alberti Clubhouse 5060 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place to slow down and unwind. Here, every Saturday 9am-1pm, from late spring through the fall, a circle of regional farms, local food businesses and other makers set up their stands to offer shoppers and diners an array of delicious edibles. The market is a resource for nutritious food and agricultural education, providing a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors. Whether your a weekly shopper or just passing through, find what you’re looking for amidst the robust selection of organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs, flowers, artisanal meats, breads, seafood, pastries and ready-to-eat cuisine.

Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market

Westside Farmers’ Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the University of California,  Santa Cruz campus. Sitting on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt this market is a great launching location for a day outdoors at Natural Bridges beach, Wilder Ranch or any adventure spot up the coast. It is also just a hop, skip and a jump, or bike ride, from Downtown. A community hub for over 15 years, the Westside Market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, beer, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cultural meals, live local music and a full espresso bar operated by Syllable. With an abundance of free parking and accessibility on its side, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing any time of the year.

Gizdich Ranch: Olallieberry U-Pick

Gizdich Ranch 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA, United States

Plants are notoriously unreliable for sharing their arrival and departure itinerary, so please call the ranch in advance before you go!  Experience the most fun part of growing fruits at the Ranch! Combined with fresh air, sunshine and a little sweat, it’s a whole lot of fun for the kids and the entire family. Don’t forget your camera.  When everyone’s ready for lunch, picnic behind their sales barn and let the kids play.

Noble Harvest Farm: Lavender U-Pick

Noble Harvest Farm 1975 Cox Rd, Aptos, CA, United States

Check the Noble Harvest website to schedule a visit Fridays through Sundays at their boutique lavender field when its in full bloom and harvest your own bunches. Spend time snapping pix surrounded by the sweet scent of lavender and the gentle hum of bees. Feel free to bring snacks and relax under the sun sails, then browse their hand-crafted lavender products at their farm stand. Flowers are notorious for not sharing their itinerary, so check the link listed below frequently to secure your spot.  Tickets will be limited, so you don’t want to miss out!

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.

Cruise Coffee Cafe: Coffee Shopping Marketplace

Cruise Coffee Cafe 246 Kings Village, Scotts Valley, United States

Every first Saturday of the month, head to Scotts Valley for coffee, vendors and all the fun at Cruise Coffee Cafe!

Books & Brews La Selva Beach Summer Fair

La Selva Beach Clubhouse Lawn 314 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach

Craft Fair with 50 unique arts and crafts booths. Huge book sale with books of all genres. Bake sale and prize raffle of vendor donations. Local craft beers on tap. Live music from Woody Bell, Girls & Company, and That Country Feeling Band. Tacos el Jesse and S&B Burgers food trucks. Free admission! Contact: [email protected]

Free

Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

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

Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.

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 [email protected] here to Register