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15 upcoming events Β· Family Β· from 2026-07-20 Β· to 2026-07-20
π Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
π 12:00 AM β 11:59 PM Β· See listing
Are you a future scientist? We invite kids to join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for Experiments in Nature camp to perform experiments and studies in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, ocean studies, and climate science. Explore nature while learning more about how scientists study the natural world that surrounds us. Times: Drop-off 8:30-9 a.m. | Pick-up 3-3:30 p.m. Grades: Entering 5th through 6th grade (ages 10-11) Price : $400 | $20 Sibling Discount | $20 Off for Members (family and above) REGISTER HERE Scholarship applications open January 1-15, 2026 Member registration opens January 30, 2026, and opens January 31, 2026, for the public Museum Members get early access to camp registration, discounts, and more! Learn More
π Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
π 12:00 AM β 11:59 PM Β· See listing
CAMP FULL β CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young explorers can join us on a journey to investigate symmetries, patterns, and curiosities in the natural world. Spend the week exploring nearby beach, creek, and garden habitats, and making all sorts of art inspired by what we discover. Times: Drop-off 8:30-9 a.m. | Pick-up 3-3:30 p.m. Grades: Entering K through 2nd grade (ages 5-7) Price : $400 | $20 Sibling Discount | $20 Off for Members (family and above) Scholarship applications open January 1-15, 2026 Member registration opens January 30, 2026, and opens January 31, 2026, for the public Museum Members get early access to camp registration, discounts, and more! Learn More
π Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
π 8:30 AM β 3:30 PM Β· $400
Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young explorers can join us on a journey to investigate symmetries, patterns, and curiosities in the natural world. Spend the week exploring nearby beach, creek, and garden habitats, and making all sorts of art inspired by what we discover.
π All About Theatre
π 9:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $895
A three-week summer theater intensive producing Moana Jr., with more rehearsal time and full production.
π All About Theatre
π 9:00 AM β 12:00 PM Β· $345
A one-week summer theater production of Moana Jr. for young performers, culminating in a performance.
π Santa Cruz Waldorf School
π 10:00 AM β 3:00 PM Β· $275
Redwood Music Kid Camp is a two-week day camp for children ages 7β13 who can already play an instrument. Camp takes place July 20β31, from 10amβ3pm daily, at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School. A final concert will be presented to family and friends on Saturday, August 1st at 10am. A one-week option (July 20-24) is available for first-time campers.
π Roaring Camp Railroads
π 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM Β· $32
From Trees to Shining Seas β Felton to Santa Cruz. Departing from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back may be purchased from the conductor on the train departing from Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Todayβs Beach Train passengers can start their roundtrip journeys from either Roaring Camp in Felton or from the beach in Santa Cruz. Departs from both the beach in Santa Cruz and Roaring Camp. See departure times for more information. The Beach Train will run weekends and holidays through May, and then daily June through the first week of August, then back to weekends and holidays to the end of September. Please note that the 4 p.m. train leaving Santa Cruz is one-way only. There is no return train to the beach.
π Natural Bridges State Beach
π 10:00 AM β 11:00 AM Β· FREE
Little Rangers programs at Natural Bridges State Beach are happening this summer! This free program is best for 3 to 6-year-old kids and includes hands-on activities, play-acting and sharing. Parents or caregivers are required to stay and encouraged to help facilitate the fun and games. Themes this summer include insects, beach exploring, bird watching and nature art. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support the park. One reservation per family and please write in the names and ages of participating children.
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 11:30 AM Β· See listing
Monday, July 20 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Join us for Storytime for ages 0-5 featuring songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and stories. After Storytime, stay for Stay & Play!
π Comicopolis
π 12:00 PM Β· FREE
It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 PokΓ©mon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite PokΓ©mon having a fun moment or striking a cool, dynamic pose. Submissions should be on 8.5 x 11 paper. You can use any medium you like, such as paint, marker, crayon, pencil, etc. No digital art. There will be prizes awarded to two age groups, 5-7 and 8-12. Entries accepted June 1st-July 31st. Winners will be announced on August 6th. BONUS: All participants will receive a free PokΓ©mon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 1:30 PM Β· See listing
Monday, July 20 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm Join us every Monday at the Felton Branch for a knitting party. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome.
π Santa Cruz Public Libraries
π 4:30 PM Β· See listing
Monday, July 20 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive reading partners for children reading aloud. *Registration is required*
π The Cruz Room
π 5:00 PM β 10:00 PM Β· FREE
The Game Night Collective provides a curated experience. Every Monday night with a library of 30+ board games, guided game teaching, hosted featured games, and prizes! Whether you arrive alone or with a group, the goal is to make it easy to sit down and start playing. Hosted micβd board games 5 β 8 Trivia 8 β 10
π Watsonville
π 5:30 PM β 6:30 PM Β· See listing
Deepen your connections to nature and your community ~ Join us for a pair of talks with guest speakers from local organizations focused on community building and our environment. Learn from Watsonville Wetlands Watch in an interactive activity connecting nature, community, and collective action. Discover how our community is working together to reduce food waste, care for urban trees, restore local wetlands, and how you can be a part of larger efforts to protect and improve our shared environment. This presentation will take place on Monday, July 13, at 5:30pm at the Main Library. Hear about the Homeless Garden Projectβs work to make a difference through organic gardening. Learn about the organizationβs social impact, community building efforts, and sustainable gardening practices. This presentation will take place on Monday, July 20, at 5:30pm at the Main Library. Audience: All ages ESPAΓOL Profundiza su conexiΓ³n con la naturaleza y su comunidad ~ AcompÑñanos en una serie de charlas con invitados de organizaciones locales dedicadas al desarrollo comunitario y al medio ambiente. Aprende con Watsonville Wetlands Watch en una actividad interactiva que une la naturaleza, la comunidad y la acciΓ³n colectiva. Descubre cΓ³mo nuestra comunidad estΓ‘ trabajando en conjunto para reducir el desperdicio de alimentos, cuidar los Γ‘rboles urbanos, restaurar los humedales locales, y cΓ³mo puedes formar parte de iniciativas mΓ‘s amplias para proteger y mejorar nuestro entorno comΓΊn. Esta presentaciΓ³n se llevarΓ‘ a cabo el lunes, 13 de julio a las 5:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. Descubre la labor del Homeless Garden Project a travΓ©s de la jardinerΓa orgΓ‘nica. Conoce el impacto social de la organizaciΓ³n, sus iniciativas de fortalecimiento comunitario y sus prΓ‘cticas de jardinerΓa sostenible. Esta presentaciΓ³n se llevarΓ‘ a cabo el lunes, 20 de julio a las 5:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. Audiencia: Para todas las edades
π Santa Cruz Maker Studios
π 9:00 PM β 2:00 PM Β· $720
Join us this summer for a maker experience where students (ages 7 β 12) design and build custom creations they can proudly take home. Our summer camps combine creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship in a supportive studio environment designed for both first time makers and returning students. Each camp week provides access to our 3D printing, woodworking, and textiles stations, with dedicated instructors in each area guiding students through tools, techniques, and projects. Every week also features a themed focus that inspires ideas across our maker zones and gives students a starting point for their creations. While themes provide structure, students are encouraged to explore projects that interest them, combine ideas across weeks, or pursue custom builds with instructor support. Camp Schedule and Daily Flow Summer camp runs from May 29 through July 31, 2026, with ten themed camp sessions offered throughout the season. Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Camps are designed for students ages 7 to 12 and take place at Santa Cruz Maker Studios, located at 427 A. Swift Street in Santa Cruz. Session 1: May 27 & 29 (Two-Day Camp) Choose Your Mini Project β $144.00 This one day camp is designed for creative exploration and flexibility. Students choose a mini project based on their interests and skill level and spend the day designing, building, and finishing something they are excited about. Projects may include woodworking builds, simple robots, sewing projects, laser cut designs, or 3D printed creations. This session is a great introduction for new students and a fun option for returning makers looking to try something new. Session 2: June 1 β June 5 Arcades and Games β $720.00 Students step into the role of game designers and builders. Using woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, campers create playable arcade style games such as a mini foosball table and mini-golf course. Others may design custom board games, chess boards and pieces,