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Showing 30 of 146 upcoming events ยท Family ยท from 2026-07-20 ยท to 2026-07-27
๐ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
๐ 12:00 AM โ 11:59 PM ยท 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
๐ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
๐ 12:00 AM โ 11:59 PM ยท See listing
CAMP FULL โ 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
๐ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
๐ 8:30 AM โ 3:30 PM ยท $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.
๐ All About Theatre
๐ 9:00 AM โ 4:00 PM ยท $895
A three-week summer theater intensive producing Moana Jr., with more rehearsal time and full production.
๐ All About Theatre
๐ 9:00 AM โ 12:00 PM ยท $345
A one-week summer theater production of Moana Jr. for young performers, culminating in a performance.
๐ Roaring Camp Railroads
๐ 10:00 AM โ 4:00 PM ยท $32
From Trees to Shining Seas โ 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. Todayโs 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.
๐ Natural Bridges State Beach
๐ 10:00 AM โ 11:00 AM ยท 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.
๐ Santa Cruz Waldorf School
๐ 10:00 AM โ 3:00 PM ยท $275
Redwood Music Kid Camp is a two-week day camp for children ages 7โ13 who can already play an instrument. Camp takes place July 20โ31, from 10amโ3pm 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.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 11:30 AM ยท 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!
๐ Comicopolis
๐ 12:00 PM ยท FREE
It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 Pokรฉmon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite Pokรฉmon 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 Pokรฉmon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 1:30 PM ยท 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.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 4:30 PM ยท 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*
๐ The Cruz Room
๐ 5:00 PM โ 10:00 PM ยท 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 micโd board games 5 โ 8 Trivia 8 โ 10
๐ Watsonville
๐ 5:30 PM โ 6:30 PM ยท 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 Projectโs work to make a difference through organic gardening. Learn about the organizationโs 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 ESPAรOL Profundiza su conexiรณn con la naturaleza y su comunidad ~ Acompรกรฑanos 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 acciรณn colectiva. Descubre cรณmo nuestra comunidad estรก trabajando en conjunto para reducir el desperdicio de alimentos, cuidar los รกrboles urbanos, restaurar los humedales locales, y cรณmo puedes formar parte de iniciativas mรกs amplias para proteger y mejorar nuestro entorno comรบn. Esta presentaciรณn se llevarรก a cabo el lunes, 13 de julio a las 5:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. Descubre la labor del Homeless Garden Project a travรฉs de la jardinerรญa orgรกnica. Conoce el impacto social de la organizaciรณn, sus iniciativas de fortalecimiento comunitario y sus prรกcticas de jardinerรญa sostenible. Esta presentaciรณn se llevarรก a cabo el lunes, 20 de julio a las 5:30pm en la Biblioteca Principal. Audiencia: Para todas las edades
๐ Santa Cruz Maker Studios
๐ 9:00 PM โ 2:00 PM ยท $720
Join us this summer for a maker experience where students (ages 7 โ 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 โ $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 โ June 5 Arcades and Games โ $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,
๐ Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
๐ 8:30 AM โ 3:30 PM ยท $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.
๐ All About Theatre
๐ 9:00 AM โ 12:00 PM ยท $345
A one-week theater intensive where young performers rehearse and stage Moana Jr., building confidence and ensemble skills in a supportive creative environment.
๐ All About Theatre
๐ 9:00 AM โ 4:00 PM ยท $895
A three-week summer theater program culminating in a full production of Moana Jr., giving participants a deeper dive into performance, character work, and stagecraft.
๐ Roaring Camp Railroads
๐ 10:00 AM โ 4:00 PM ยท $32
From Trees to Shining Seas โ 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. Todayโs 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.
๐ Watsonville
๐ 11:00 AM โ 12:00 PM ยท See listing
Looking for interactive and engaging activities for your child? Join us for Sensory Play at the Main Library on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11am. Each month will feature a different theme and new ways to stimulate your growing childโs senses. Activities may include: water play, kinetic sand, touch-and-see tables, slime, finger painting, instrument exploration, aromatic experiences, and new tastes. Audience: Children aged 1-5 and their caregivers. ยฟBusca actividades interactivas y entretenidas para su hijo? Se les invita a participar en nuestro programa Estรญmulo Sensorial en la Biblioteca Principal el tercer martes de cada mes a las 11 am. Cada mes habrรก un tema diferente y nuevas formas de estimular los sentidos de su hijo. Las actividades pueden incluir: juegos con agua, arena cinรฉtica, mesas para tocar y ver, slime, pintar con los dedos, exploraciรณn de instrumentos, experiencias aromรกticas y nuevos sabores. Audiencia: Niรฑos de 1 a 5 aรฑos y sus cuidadores.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 11:00 AM ยท See listing
Tuesday, July 21 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm Scoop, Pour, Imagine, Explore! Dive into the world of sensory play at the library.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 11:30 AM ยท See listing
Tuesday, July 21 2026 10:30am - 11:30am Baby Story Time is a sweet introduction to stories, songs, rhymes, and lap play, thoughtfully designed to nurture early literacy and bonding.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 12:00 PM ยท See listing
Tuesday, July 21 2026 11:00am - 11:45am Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Tuesday at 11am.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 12:00 PM ยท See listing
Tuesday, July 21 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
๐ Comicopolis
๐ 12:00 PM ยท FREE
It's time to get those crayons sharpened, paints mixed and markers at the ready for our Summer 2026 Pokรฉmon Art Contest for kids 5-12! To join in, create a picture of your favorite Pokรฉmon 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 Pokรฉmon:Chaos Rising 11x17 mini-poster (while supplies last) when you hand in your art.
๐ Veterans Memorial Building
๐ 1:00 PM โ 4:00 PM ยท See listing
A youth basketball camp during Parks and Recreation Month, offering skill development and fun for young players.
๐ Freedom Branch Library
๐ 4:00 PM โ 5:30 PM ยท See listing
โจ Free Sewing Classes โจ Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can: Learn sewing basics - no experience required. Build your skills - Pick the project that matches your skill level. Meet new friends - all ages and backgrounds encouraged. Bring your own projects - get help with what you want to create. This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe. All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=7326
๐ Watsonville Library
๐ 4:00 PM โ 5:30 PM ยท See listing
Event date: July 21, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Location: 2021 Freedom Blvd Freedom, CA 95019 Watsonville, CA 95076 Description: โจ Free Sewing Classes โจ Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can: Learn sewing basics - no experience required. Build your skills - Pick the project that matches your skill level. Meet new friends - all ages and backgrounds encouraged. Bring your own projects - get help with what you want to create. This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe. All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English.
๐ The 418 Project
๐ 4:00 PM โ 5:00 PM ยท See listing
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
๐ Santa Cruz Public Libraries
๐ 4:00 PM ยท See listing
Tuesday, July 21 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library!