Sep
28
Monday, September 28 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!
+ 4 more dates →Family events in Santa Cruz County
248 upcoming, showing the next 60. In person only, on purpose.
Storytimes, kid-friendly shows, hands-on workshops, and outings for all ages.
Sep
28
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
📍 Roaring Camp Railroads
🕒 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM · $26.45
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.
+ 23 more dates →Sep
28
Monday, September 28 2026 10:30am - 11:30am A time for free play for children with a participating adult.
+ 5 more dates →Sep
28
Monday, September 28 2026 11:00am - 11:45am Join Aquarium staff for an ocean-themed sensory play time
Sep
28
Monday, September 28 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.
+ 4 more dates →Sep
28
An afternoon craft session at the library, offering a relaxed space to work on creative projects.
+ 1 more date →Sep
28
Crafternoons are back! ✂️ Get craft with family. Drop in to the Main Library between 2-5pm every Monday and Wednesday to make a craft together. Slow down, work with your hands, and get creative! Bring the family and join us for some creative fun! Audience: Families ¡Regresan las tardes de manualidades! ✂️ Se le invita a la Biblioteca Principal de 2-5pm todos los lunes y miércoles para hacer una manualidad en familia. ¡Tómense su momento para relajarse, trabajar con las manos y dejar volar su creatividad! ¡Traigan a toda la familia y disfruten juntos de una tarde creativa! Audiencia: Familias
+ 5 more dates →Sep
28
Monday, September 28 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Practice reading to a certified therapy dog! Registration is required.
+ 4 more dates →Sep
28
PAWS Afterschool Club (Ages 7–10) Looking for something fun to do after school? Love animals? Join PAWS and discover what it takes to care for shelter animals while making new friends and learning through hands-on activities! Each week, children enjoy one hour of fun animal-themed education and activities, followed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. They’ll learn about animal behavior, responsible pet care, shelter life, and safe animal handling before putting their new knowledge into practice by spending quality time helping our cats and dogs feel loved and confident. Children begin with PAWS Foundations, a three-week introductory program. After graduating, they become PAWS Ambassadors, returning for additional sessions to build new skills, spend more time with the animals, and take on greater responsibilities as they progress toward becoming future Santa Cruz SPCA volunteers. PAWS Foundations: Monday 4pm-6pm (September – May) PAWS Ambassadors: Wednesday 4pm-6pm (September – May)
+ 25 more dates →Sep
28
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 mic’d board games 5 – 8 Trivia 8 – 10
+ 2 more dates →Sep
28
Salsa or ChaCha Mondays, 9/21 & 28, in Capitola
📍 Mid County Social Center
🕒 6:15 PM – 8:30 PM · $10
2 Mondays of Latin Social Dance in September, Salsa, level1 and Cha Cha level 2, at the Mid County Social Center in Capitola with Becky Adams. 6:15-7:15 - Salsa social dance for the absolute beginner. If you love the music, come join us to learn the basics of this fun dance. 7:30-8:30 - ChaCha 2, will move you into fun, useable Intermediate combinations to add to your social dance repertoire. If you know Cha Cha basics, or have taken Salsa 2 and know the 'triple step' come and join us. Singles or couples all ages welcome.
Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 2026 10:30am - 11:00am A fun and interactive dance program for children ages 2-5. Come dance with us!
+ 1 more date →Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 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.
+ 4 more dates →Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 2026 11:00am - 11:25am 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.
+ 4 more dates →Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Puppets, Songs and toys, Oh My!
+ 4 more dates →Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library! .
+ 3 more dates →Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Aptos Youth Chess Club. Open to players ages 6 to 18 with knowledge of basic rules (how the pieces move). Instructor is Chess Master Dana Mackenzie.
+ 4 more dates →Sep
29
Youth Bloom Studio Art with Sarah Orre, nurtures creativity, confidence, and curiosity through hands-on learning. Each class encourages young artists to explore new materials, techniques, and ideas while building foundational art skills in a supportive studio environment. From painting and drawing to air dry clay and mixed media, students learn to see like artists and express their own unique voice. Enroll in as many sessions as you like!
+ 5 more dates →Sep
29
Tuesday, September 29 2026 3:45pm - 5:45pm An exciting four-week STEM adventure designed for kids 8-12! This four-week series meets weekly from September 22nd through October 13th. Registration is required.
+ 2 more dates →Sep
29
Kids Class: Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance
📍 The 418 Project
🕒 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM · See listing
Weekly kids' classes in traditional hula and Tahitian dance, led by Te Hau Nui School at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz.
+ 5 more dates →Sep
29
Junior Animal Care Team (Ages 11+) Ready to level up your animal skills? If you love animals and want real, hands-on experience, the Junior Animal Care Team gives you the chance to go behind the scenes at the Santa Cruz SPCA! Start with a three-week training program where you’ll learn how to safely support shelter animals and prepare for your role on the team. Each session includes one hour of hands-on animal care projects—creating enrichment, preparing supplies, and helping support the shelter team—followed by one hour socializing with our shelter animals. After graduating, you’ll become a Junior Animal Care Team Member, returning for ongoing sessions to build your skills, take on more responsibility, and make a real difference for animals in need. A progressive step before becoming an SPCA volunteer—perfect for future animal care professionals and passionate animal advocates! Junior Animal Care Team Training: Tuesday 4pm-6pm (September – May) Junior Animal Care Team Sessions: Thursday 4pm-6pm (September – May)
+ 25 more dates →Sep
30
A free weekly dance jam for babies and their caregivers at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, with movement, music, and play in a joyful environment.
+ 5 more dates →Sep
30
Preschool Storytime @ the Garfield Park Branch Library
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 10:30 AM · See listing
Wednesday, September 30 2026 10:30am - 11:00am Join us at the Garfield Park Branch Library for Storytime!
+ 4 more dates →Sep
30
A bilingual lap-sit storytime for babies and toddlers, with songs, rhymes, and books in English and Spanish.
+ 5 more dates →Sep
30
Toddler & Preschool Storytime at Boulder Creek
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:00 AM · See listing
Wednesday, September 30 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join us for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful Boulder Creek Library Branch every Wednesday at 11am.
+ 4 more dates →Sep
30
Preschool Storytime and Stay & Play @ Capitola
📍 Santa Cruz Public Libraries
🕒 11:00 AM · See listing
Wednesday, September 30 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for Story Time featuring songs, rhymes, and stories designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills.
+ 3 more dates →Sep
30
Wednesday, September 30 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join us for great stories followed by a hands-on craft.
+ 3 more dates →Sep
30
A bilingual storytime for toddlers with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish, promoting early literacy and language skills.
+ 11 more dates →Sep
30
Wednesday, September 30 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm Scotts Valley Branch Library's fun program allows tweens and teens to relax, hang out with friends and play games!
+ 4 more dates →Sep
30
Wednesday, September 30 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore.
+ 5 more dates →Sep
30
Fall Semester Maker Classes (August 11 – December 20, 2026) Join us for a semester of hands-on creativity at SC Maker Studios! Students explore 3D printing, laser engraving, woodworking, sewing, robotics, beading, arts & crafts, and more, creating projects to take home each week. All materials are included (except electronic robot components). Weekly Class Times: Youth (Ages 6½–12) Tuesdays: 3:00–5:00 PM Wednesdays: 1:00–3:00 PM & 3:00–5:00 PM Thursdays: 3:00–5:00 PM Sundays: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Teens (Ages 11–17) Sundays: 12:30–2:30 PM Register for the full semester to reserve your spot [https://scmakerstudios.com/fall-semester-2026/], or join us for individual Maker Sunday drop-in sessions [https://scmakerstudios.com/sunday-maker-registration/]. Spaces are limited!
+ 4 more dates →Sep
30
Wednesday, September 30 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18
+ 4 more dates →Sep
30
Wednesday, September 30 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Lego Fun for Kids
+ 4 more dates →Sep
30
This is a clinic for Softball Athletes 12+, designed specific to athletes by athletes. Throughout three 4-week sessions, athletes will focus on every aspect of becoming a complete offensive player. We'll cover hitting mechanics, swing fundamentals, approach at the plate, pitch selection, live pitching, front toss, situational execution, base running, and the mental side of the game.
+ 2 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 12:00am - 11:59pm Find all 13 monsters and win a prize!
Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 10:30am - 11:30am For ages 0-5
+ 4 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am, followed by a craft!
+ 3 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Songs and Stories
+ 4 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm Join Aquarium staff for some bilingual, ocean-learning fun through stories, songs, and movement followed by a craft.
+ 1 more date →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! Age 6+
+ 4 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Bring your decks and get ready to play
+ 4 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu.
+ 3 more dates →Oct
1
Make & Explore Barrio Science STEAM Workshops
📍 Capitola Branch Library
🕒 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM · See listing
These hands-on science workshops introduce Next Generation Science Standards skills through interactive projects. Led by Barrio Science Workshop's Salvador Lua and his team of dedicated volunteers, each week will feature a different theme-focused project, covering subjects such as biology, ecology, engineering, art, chemistry, physics and more. Bring your curiosity and prepare to be inspired! All materials and instructions will be provided. Register here: https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=explore&l=Capitola+Branch&r=range&start=2026-09-01&end=2026-10-31
+ 1 more date →Oct
1
Girls Who Code is a nation-wide organization dedicated to teaching girls not only the language and skills of coding, but about finding their confidence, learning teamwork and the drive to succeed in the world, especially in science and technology. Girls and non-binary youth will be invited to get together and learn coding skills while having fun, challenging themselves and creating friendships. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/events?term=girls+who+code&r=range&start=2026-09-01&end=2026-12-31
+ 4 more dates →Oct
1
Thursday, October 01 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm Stop by each week for a new creative craft.
+ 4 more dates →Oct
1
Ever been inspired to drop everything and create when visiting an exhibition at the MAH? Join us for a Drop-In Drawing session in the gallery from 6-8pm on the first Thursday of every month. This is not a formal lesson, but an opportunity to bring in your own art supplies and sketch what you see. Dry media only (no markers or paint). All ages welcome. Free with admission. The museum will provide stools, feel free to bring a cushion or folding chair if space allows. Groups of 5+ please give advanced notice by emailing [email protected] . Drop-In Drawing Calendar 2025 September 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home October 2 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home November 6 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home December 4 - Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home 2026 January 1 - NONE (New Years Day) February 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship March 5 - Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Comment end
+ 2 more dates →Oct
2
Leave your mark on Santa Cruz history by volunteering at the historic Evergreen Cemetery every Friday from 9:30am-12pm. No need to register, just show up ready to work! All ages are welcome to help, including high school students seeking community service hours. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Please bring a mask and your own bottled water. For more information, email [email protected]
+ 5 more dates →Oct
2
Friday, October 02 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm Join us for great stories and a fun craft. Ages 4-6
+ 3 more dates →Oct
2
Friday, October 02 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Friday at 11:30am.
+ 3 more dates →Oct
2
Friday, October 02 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm S.T.E.A.M Projects. Explore Your World
+ 4 more dates →Oct
2
Friday, October 02 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm Use your imagination and build anything you can dream! Lego and Duplo blocks will be available for children and youth to tinker with, build, explore, and creatively play! No registration necessary.
+ 4 more dates →Oct
2
Join us for Week Without Driving 2026 from Oct. 1-8 as Cruzin’ Together Santa Cruz County brings our community together to explore transportation accessibility, mobility, and connection. This regional initiative encourages community members to experience how transportation barriers impact many residents every day, including older adults, youth, people with disabilities, and transit-dependent community members. 📍 Community Event: Capitola Mall (in front of the transit center) Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 4 PM – 7 PM The event will feature: 🚲 E-bike test rides 🚌 Transportation resources 🎨 Family-friendly activities 🤝 Community organizations 🛣 Mobility and accessibility information Learn more and get involved: cruzintogetherscc.org
Oct
2
Calling all Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors—this exciting overnight adventure is just for you! Includes: • Camping Under the Stars on the Boardwalk • Exclusive Free Play in the Arcade • Dinner & Breakfast • Outdoor Movie • Exclusive time on the Looff Carousel & Pirate Ship Friday night • Sand Sculpture Competition • Event Patch • Ride Wristband for Saturday • Discounted Parking Package Price: $99.95 per person Deadline September 27, 2026, or until full. Register today! bit.ly/Fall-Girl-Scout-Overnight
+ 1 more date →Oct
2
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to enjoy the 4th Annual Treat W alk where both artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos . Although you are welcome to break out your Halloween costume early, it is not required . Perhaps you will find some art or craft to enhance your entrance to Downtown Boulder Creek at the end of the month!
Oct
2
First Friday: Museum of the Macabre
📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
🕒 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · See listing
Join us as we kick off Museum of the Macabre, a month where we explore the strange, the eerie, and the curious side of nature. Enjoy a special Cabinet of Curiosity exhibit alongside live taxidermy demos, real snakes, spooky crafts and more! Enjoy FREE admission to the Museum all day with special activities indoors from 5-8pm. Costumes welcome! Featuring: Partners : The Center for Monster Studies, UCSC | The Norris Center for Natural History | Bay Area Herpetological Society Activities : Special Exhibit | Face Painting | Spooky Crafts! Food : Areperia 831 Drinks : Donation-based bar with wine, beer and non-alcoholic options
Oct
2
Natural History Museum: Macabre Halloween Party
📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
🕒 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · FREE
All of October, the Natural History Museum will turn into the Museum of the Macabre! This First Friday party will be a family friendly event where you explore the strange, the eerie, and the curious side of nature. Enjoy a special Cabinet of Curiosity exhibit alongside live taxidermy demos, real snakes, spooky crafts and more! Enjoy FREE admission to the Museum all day with special activities indoors from 5-8pm. Costumes welcome! Featuring: Partners : The Center for Monster Studies, UCSC | The Norris Center for Natural History | Bay Area Herpetological Society Activities : Special Exhibit | Face Painting | Spooky Crafts! Food : Areperia 831 Drinks : Donation-based bar with wine, beer and non-alcoholic options
Oct
2
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to enjoy the 4th Annual Treat W alk where both artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos . Although you are welcome to break out your Halloween costume early, it is not required . Perhaps you will find some art or craft to enhance your entrance to Downtown Boulder Creek at the end of the month!
Oct
2
Trans Memorial Quilt Panel Craft Meet-Up @ The Fabrica
📍 The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · See listing
Name: Trans Memorial Quilt Panel Craft Meet-Ups Date: Friday, September 11, Friday, October 2, + Thursday, October 22 Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Location: September 11 @ The Diversity Center, October 2 @ The Fabrica, October 22 @ UCSC Ages: All ages RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/tdorcraft2026 Description: Craft for a cause! Create a fabric panel for a Trans Memorial Quilt, honoring trans lives lost in the last year. The panels will be sewn together and displayed at Trans Day of Remembrance 2026 on November 20 at 5:30 pm at London Nelson (Details about TDOR at the end of this RSVP!)
Oct
2
First & Third Fridays Community Drumming Class With Jim Greener
📍 Congregational Church of Soquel
🕒 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM · $10
Subject: Come Drum, Connect, and Celebrate Life — Now Twice a Month! Dear Friends, Due to continuing requests from our growing circle, I’m very excited to expand our Community Drumming Classes in Soquel Village from gathering on the third Friday of each month to meeting on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAYS, beginning February 6th! Where: The Congregational Church of Soquel (the white church with the steeple) Parish Hall 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA When: First & Third Fridays of every month 7:00–8:30 pm Doors open at 6:30 pm Donation: $10 I provide hand drums and percussion instruments, and you’re always welcome to bring your own favorites. All levels of experience are warmly welcome at this family-friendly gathering! For beginners, I offer a few fun and easy tips for playing hand drums and percussion instruments, while exploring universal foundation rhythms. From there, I add more advanced elements for experienced players, guiding the group through a step-by-step Rhythm Journey that I've conducted globally for thousands of corporate and community sessions over the past four decades. Along the way, I also demonstrate how rhythm can become the foundation for a playful, positive Life Practice... reinforcing powerful Life Rhythms and supportive patterns of attitude and action. Together, we cultivate a strong, joyful Groove ... the powerful state of entrainment known as the Zone and Flow... personally, and as a community. Gathering in rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest ways of celebrating life, beginning when our ancestors first gathered around the fire... clapping hands, stomping feet, and howling at the stars... we have used rhythm to connect, empower and rejoice. Every beat reminds us that we are part of something ancient and beautiful, linking us across generations and cultures! We humans are at our best when we come together to celebrate the miracle—the blessing—of life, and to uplift and empower one another. Come play! Many Blessings, Jim
+ 2 more dates →Oct
2
The SLV Theatre Department is proud to present The Outsiders, a dramatic coming-of-age novel originally written by S.E. Hilton and adapted to stageplay by Christopher Sergel. This production is directed by high school seniors Ryan Jones and Benjamin Rotte. Performance dates are October 2nd-10th.
+ 5 more dates →Hosting something rad?
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