Directory of Local Resources for Families in Santa Cruz County
Since 2007 Santa Cruz Parent has provided a directory of businesses and nonprofits which serve families in Santa Cruz County. We hope you will find what you’re looking for here. If you know of a program or service not listed with us and which would benefit families, please let us know: info@santacruzparent.com.
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McRorie Parenting
Tina McRorie is a parenting coach with a background in psychology and over 20 years of experience raising her own two kids and supporting other parents with science-based information and empathy for their struggles.
She teaches parenting workshops and classes, in person and online, as well as doing 1-1 coaching for parents of children of all ages.
https://www.mcrorieparenting.com ~ 831-332-0864 ~ tina@tinamcrorie.com
Mindfully Me Camp
Mindfulness & Social Emotional Learning for Preschool
Would your child's confidence soar with increased self awareness?
How about increasing emotional regulation
Encouraging positive social behavior, increasing empathy for others and having the ability to recognize, label and manage their own emotions benefit every child!
Enroll your preschooler today in the Mindfully Me 5 week program being held at the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery. Check website for dates!
831-262-8517 ~ http://www.mindfulearlylearning.com/mindfully-me-camp
For over 50 years, Montecito has welcomed guests to our Rustic Mountain Lodge & Camp for a classic American summer experience. The traditions of summer camp, with unfettered access to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and the Sequoia National Forest, combine for a truly authentic American summer vacation.
Our busy summer season is dominated by our award-winning Summer Family Camp program, but we do offer Open-Bookings for Saturday-night only stays throughout the summer season for guests touring the parks, and Memorial Day and Labor Day Holiday Weekend Packages, for those wanting a taste of our Family Camp program without the longer-term stay.
For those guests who would prefer a quiet lodge room for a night or two while exploring the parks, we also recommend our sister property - Stony Creek Lodge B&B. Stony Creek Lodge is a small 12-room rustic mountain B&B lodge located 4-miles south of Montecito. It is open daily to lodging guests all summer long, closing for the season in early October (Click here for more information on Stony Creek Lodge B&B).
Motion Pacific is a 501(c)3 charitable arts organization dedicated to dance as art, cultivating imagination, community engagement and discipline through accessible dance education and presentation. Motion Pacific offers over 1500 dance classes each year for students aged 3 and up. Learn more > > >
Motion Pacific Summer Camps this year will include a wide range of styles including: jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, choreography techniques, musical theater, and more! We can’t wait to dance with you.
Mount Madonna School
At MMS we strive to prepare well-rounded human beings who not only get into and succeed in college, but learn to value collaboration, form meaningful relationships and engage with their local communities, nation and the world. Come see education through our students’ eyes: Montessori-based Pre/K program, 375-acre campus, science and technology labs, competitive athletic program, outdoor adventure and life skills, regional, national and international travel, mixed-grade buddy program, marine biology and oceanography on Catalina Island, visual and performing arts.
For more than 40 years, Mount Madonna School has offered students a quality education based on academic excellence, positive character development and creative self-expression. Preschool through high school; fully accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Mount Madonna is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual and ethical growth. We support our students to become caring, self-aware, and articulate individuals. We believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society.
We Value:
- Our learning community, which includes students, alumni, faculty, administrators, staff and families
- Intellectual inquiry that fosters a love of learning, self-discipline and perseverance
- Continual exploration of how our students learn best
- The development of relationships based on self-acceptance, empathy, honesty, integrity, respectful communication and shared experiences
- The transformative power of the creative process
- Experiential outdoor learning that inspires an appreciation for nature, environmental stewardship and a sense of well-being
https://www.mountmadonnaschool.org/, 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna, (408) 847-2717
Summer on the Mountain
Summer day camps on Mount Madonna School’s 380-acre redwood-forest campus offer weekly sessions:
- Nature explorers age 3-6, June 22-July 31
- Mountain Explorers age 6-9, July 6-July 31
- Redwood Explorers ages 9-13, July 6-July 31.
Students enjoy arts and crafts, hiking, sports camps, STEAM projects, astronomy, team-building and an overnight camp-out for Redwood Explorers. Horse camp option available for campers 7+.
Play in nature, cultivate relationships, build skills, and more – unplugged, outdoors, and active!
Camps are Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30 pm. Transportation is available.
Details and registration online at:
www.mountmadonnaschool.org/hawk-life/summer-on-the-mountain/~ 408-408-2717 ~ summerprogram@mountmadonnaschool.org ~ 491 Summit Road, Watsonville
Mount Madonna School is a Preschool through 12th grade Independent School, fully accredited by WASC and CAIS. We are a community of learners. We support our students to become caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers.
Located between Gilroy and Watsonville, Mount Madonna School pursues our mission and values through the integration of Academic Excellence, Creative Self-Expression and Positive Character Development. This integration brings depth, meaning and enthusiasm to learning.
Through exploration, experimentation, and experiences outdoors the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History hopes to inspire future scientists during our weekly day camps. Join us to discover a passion for nature, learning, and community. All Nature Explorers camps connect campers to their environment in fun and exciting ways that engage their natural sense of curiosity while supporting academic success.
The Museum offers week-long 5-day camps during Summer, Spring and Winter breaks for K-6th.
- General Pricing: Varies depending on length of camp
- Discounts: Sibling & Museum Members $20 Off (Family Level & Above)
- Times: Drop-off 8:30-9:00 am | Pick-up 3:00-3:30 pm
Summer Theme Camps: Santa Cruz Safari ~ Magnificent Museum ~ Can You Dig It? ~ Surviving Santa Cruz ~ Wild World of Santa Cruz ~ Biomimicry ~ Incredible Invertebrates ~ Vivan Los Vertebrados ~ Art and Science in Nature ~ Experiments in Nature ~ Beginning Botany ~ World of Birds Details
https://www.santacruzmuseum.org/camp/ ~ 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz ~ camp@santacruzmuseum.org ~ (831) 420-6115
Reduce the Cost of Camp
We accept scholarship requests beginning 1 month prior to registration opening, and will notify you of your acceptance before registration begins. If you are awarded a scholarship, it is your responsibility to register your camper using the link provided.
The Scholarship Fund is made possible by generous donations by members of the community. We hope to reduce barriers to enriching experiences such as our science camps for families in our community who would otherwise not be able to afford such opportunities.
Connor Moss is a licensed marriage and family therapist offering support for individuals and couples as they navigate parenthood, family life, and life transitions. Psychotherapy can help with general emotional wellbeing, improving relationship dynamics, and self care, which are all essential aspects of a healthy home and family life. Connor offers specialized support for individuals experiencing Depression, Addiction, PTSD, Anxiety, and more. Give your kids the gift of a well attuned, emotionally regulated parent.
Sessions offered in person in Soquel and online for residents of California.
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Pacific Sands Academy - K-12
Through independent studies and exploration of their interests, at Pacific Sands Academy our students have an opportunity to earn high school credits. Our goal is to help foster self-learners and life-long learners. Through our support network, families find inspiration, encouragement, and confidence in their Santa Cruz homeschool programs.
We open doors for teens to continue their education beyond high school without pressure to follow specific directions, creating a positive learning experience at their own pace. We do not have a required curriculum. You have absolute power to choose the curriculum that best suits your family, and for families who want it, we help you find a curriculum that best matches your needs. For our teens, we come up with ideas and educational plans that become a unique curriculum for each teen.
Pacific Sands Academy in Scotts Valley, CA provides an opportunity for teens and families to pursue an alternative education with a true sense of freedom. Our core offering is a personalized, alternative high school program for students.
https://pacificsandsacademy.com ~ (831) 515-8250 ~ 216 Mt. Herman Road Suite E, Scotts Valley
Quaker Center Camp is amazing.
There is nothing like summer camp at Quaker Center - an unforgettable experience of friendship, service, art and fun in the redwoods. Campers are also introduced to Quaker practices such as collective silence and group decision-making.
Our small camp is under the care of Friends (Quakers) and takes place in a Friendly setting of peace, inclusivity and mutual respect. However, campers do not have to be Quaker to attend. Everyone is welcome at Quaker Center camp!
Our camps are divided into two sessions:
The first session, for rising 5th to 7th graders, includes many of the most well-loved elements of QC camp: art projects, a service project, visits to a river and a swimming pool, and a wonderful day and sunset at the beach. Back at Quaker Center, campers will enjoy lots of games, hiking (including a silent night-hike to the labyrinth), campfires and the famous QC camp dance party.
The second session, for older teens rising 8th to 10th graders, includes traditional QC Camp pieces (you’re never too old for hiking, beach sunsets and campfire songs). Campers will travel together to social justice organizations in our area and get a chance to learn about them and participate in their work.
For decades, Quaker Center has offered unique overnight summer camp experience for children and young people. Coming to Quaker Center Camp is an unforgettable experience of friendship, service, art and fun in the redwoods. Campers are also introduced to Quaker practices such as collective silence and group decision-making.
Quaker Center Camps are a collaboration between the Ben Lomond Quaker Center and the Youth Programs of Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
While this special camp is under the care of Friends (Quakers) and takes place in a Friendly setting of peace, inclusivity, service and mutual respect, campers do not have to be Quaker to participate. Everyone is welcome at Quaker Center camp!
2026 Quaker Center Camp dates
Session 1: June 14-20, 2026 – for rising 5th to 7th graders
Session 2: June 21-28, 2026 – for rising 8th to 10th graders
Times for Both Camps: 3-4:30pm camper drop-off time and a 10:30pm-12am pick-up
Contact us with any questions: https://quakercenter.org/camp/ ~ (831) 336-8333 ~ mail@quakercenter.org
The Rancho Siempre Verde family farm invites you to our annual Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch. We’re located on Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, in Pescadero. Bring your family and friends and come for the most beautiful time of the year on the coast. Dogs are welcome too!
Pick some pumpkins, cut some flowers, grab a peck of apples, make a fall wreath, have a picnic, take a swing on our swings, and enjoy our farm activities all overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
All of the profits from the Fall Festival allow us to grow a diversity of high-quality organic vegetables for food-insecure members of the bay area community, all of which go to food pantries in our communities that need them the most. For more information, check out our food donations program.
Rancho Siempre Verde is a small family farm that has been growing good things and sharing them with others for more than 55 years. The farm is run by family and friends and their love of this place can be seen and tasted in the things we grow on this beautiful working coastal landscape.
In the fall we open our farm for the Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch selling pumpkins, apples and sunflowers. In the winter we open for our Christmas Trees Festival. And during the spring and summer we grow grow a diversity of high-quality organic vegetables for food-insecure members of the bay area community, all of which go to food pantries in our communities that need them the most.
2024 Dates:
Saturdays and Sundays, 9am–4:30pm
September 28 & 29
October 5 & 6
October 12 & 13
October 19 & 20
*dates are rain or shine
Admission Prices & Info:
Online purchase - $110 per car
At the festival - $120 per car
Selling tickets in advance and setting a single reasonable price allows us to share the very best of the farm while keeping a more farm than amusement park experience. It also means no waiting in lines for swings, slides, tractor rides, or picnic tables.
Admission includes:
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One car up to 6 guests
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5 pumpkins (1 big, 2 medium and 2 small) of your choosing
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3.5 hours of activities (swings, slides, tractor rides, picnic tables and good vibes)
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Bounty of goods from our farm, including:
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Big bunch of flowers
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Bag of our own delicious farm grown apples
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Parking
https://www.rsvtrees.com/ ~ 650.224.9103 ~ 2250 Cabrillo Hwy (Highway 1), Pescadero, CA 94060 ~ jake@berkeley.edu
Redwood Music Camp
- Workshops for players of fiddle, guitar, harp, Irish flute, penny whistle, concertina, Irish tenor banjo, dulcimer, and mandolin, and for singers
- Introductory classes for harp, mountain dulcimer, bodhran, and bones (instruments provided)
- Lecture/demo classes on Scottish fiddle masters, Celtic rhythm and accents, and music theory demystified
- Facilitated sessions (slow and fast) at the end of each day
- Lunch included and provided onsite
- Located on the beautiful and shady Monte Vista Christian School campus in Corralitos, California
- Teen Program coordinator will be onsite for participants age 12–19
The Santa Cruz Art League is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary art center located close to downtown Santa Cruz.
With over 30,000 visitors a year, we present 12-15 exhibitions annually in a variety of media and themes. We offer art classes for any skill level 7 days a week. In Art League’s lobby we have a gift shop that features the work of local artists. Visual and performing arts programs take place in our gallery and in the Broadway Play House, our 62-seat black box theater, which also features a thriving youth theatre school led by WEST Performing Arts.
https://scal.org, 831-426-5787, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz
we are a 501c3 nonprofit supporting visual and performing artists in Santa Cruz County.
Our official academy The Studio, School of Classical Ballet offers classes for everyone: ages 4 through Adult. Dancers thrive at The Studio with our focus on strong technique, performance opportunities, and dancer goals. Nurture your child's creativity through dance to develop their love of movement, music, ballet technique, and artistry. Our structured programs build confidence, strength, stamina, grace, coordination, artistry and camaraderie.
2022-2023 registration is now open!
http://www.scbt.org/ | sandy@scbt.org | (831) 477-1606
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧:
The Nutcracker with live orchestra @santacruzcivic , downtown Santa Cruz
In Concert program which includes 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌.
Emerging Choreographers Showcase
The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of our community and people and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth.
The Fair is always held in September at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville.
Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds - a year-round entertainment and event venue, can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com
The 2023 Santa Cruz County Fair will be held September 13-17.
The Santa Cruz County Fair's theme of the 2023 Fair is “Home Grown and Locally Shown!” The theme beautifully captures the spirit of the Fair and the agricultural roots of the community.
The winning theme comes from Kathryn Doman of Watsonville. Not only is Kathryn a fan of the Fair, but she’s also a neighbor.
Fair Manager: Zeke Fraser ~ https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/ ~ (831) 724-5671 ~ 2601 East Lake Ave, Watsonville CA 95076
Become a Grange Member
The mission of the SCLO Grange is to be a hub for advocacy and activism on behalf of family-sized farms, organic agriculture, sustainability, and local resilience.
Anyone interested in supporting the Grange's mission of community service, grassroots advocacy, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and the consumer’s role in the food production system may apply for membership in the Grange. Each member contributes at their own pace and level of participation.
The SCLO Grange is part of a state organization founded in 1873 whose mission was to support small family farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. As part of this program, the SCLO Grange focuses on organic farming, as well as, all aspects of sustainability. We have programs of interest to all persons who care about the quality, safety, and security of their food and water, and the environment at large.
1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz ~ https://sites.google.com/site/liveoakgrange/ ~ 831-476-642
Santa Cruz Montessori School - Preschool-8
Our Mission - As a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child.
Why Santa Cruz Montessori - Children gain strong academic skills and become self-motivated, caring individuals who make positive contributions to the community.
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Summer 2022 Youth Art Classes
Summer is a special time of possibilities. And here at the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, we have a long tradition of offering creative opportunities to local youngsters. This year is no exception. Our Summer 2022 Youth Art Classes are super flexible, with a range of classes offered for different age groups. Here's a list of some of the fun we've planned. Be sure to book one or more for the young artists in your life because they're filling fast!
Hybrid Animal Drawing & Creature Design
June 20-24, Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm, for Ages 8-13
Comics and Character Design
July 5-8, Tue-Fri, 10am-12pm, for Ages 8-12
Native Animal Drawing
July 18-22, Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm, for Ages 7-12
Comics & Character Design
July 18-22, Mon-Fri, 12:30-2:30pm, for Ages 13-18
Hybrid Animal Drawing
July 25-28, Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm, for Ages 7-12
Creature Design
July 25-28, Mon-Fri, 12:30-2:30pm, for Ages 13-18
Recycled Art
August 1-4, Mon-Thu, 9am-12pm, for Ages 7-12
| Register Now |
Santa Cruz SPCA Camps
This year’s camp will focus on sharing our world with animals, both domesticated and wild, to where “Save the Earth” is not just about the people but the plants and animals as well. Students will learn how even the smallest things they do can affect the lives of animals for the better. We will encourage a greater respect and understanding for how hard animals work to be successful in their environments even as we continue to change what those environments look like.
For our teen camp only, we will not only be talking about sharing our world, but we will also be taking a deep dive into how a shelter operates and get some hands-on experience trying on different shelter roles.
Each week of Camp runs from 9am to 3pm every day and total cost is $390. We are currently unable to offer scholarships but are working toward this for future camps!
When signing up your students:
- Please only sign up for only one week of camp! Our camps are somewhat repetitive and are meant for one-week registration only!
- Also, please make sure that you are signing up students in the right week for their age group. Anyone joining an alternate week than their age allows must receive approval from our Humane Education Coordinator, 831-566-3753.
Sailing on the beautiful Monterey Bay, the SCYC Junior Summer Program invites kids to discover the excitement of life on the water. Campers learn the fundamentals of sailing while building confidence, independence, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
Beyond sailing, our program brings science to life through hands-on STEM activities inspired by the US Sailing REACH curriculum. Kids explore the “how” and “why” behind sailing—experimenting with wind, water, buoyancy, and weather—so even no-wind or rainy days are filled with discovery and excitement.
Each session blends on-the-water adventure with engaging off-the-water learning, games, and collaboration, creating a well-rounded experience that sparks curiosity and builds lasting friendships. Join us for an unforgettable summer of sailing, exploration, and fun!
https://www.scycjuniors.org ~ 831-295-3893 ~ juniordirector@scyc.org ~ 244 4th Ave, Santa Cruz
Summer Camps and Youth Sailing Lessons
One week camps are M-F, June 1-July 31 except as noted, 9am-12:30pm or 1:30-5pm. Fees are $380 + 2026 Junior Membership $75*
Learn to Sail Small Boat Camp (8-12 year old), Beginner, M-F, 9am - 12:30pm
This is an engaging, fun camp that introduces the fundamentals of sailing. Participants will spend time both on land and on the water, learning about wind awareness, parts of the boat, knots, and core sailing skills. No prior experience is required, sailors must be comfortable being in the water while wearing a life jacket.
Intermediate Small Boat (8 - 14 year old), Intermediate, M-F, 1:30-5pm
This is an in-depth camp for sailors who have completed Learn to Sail Small Boat or an equivalent program and are looking to refine their racing skills in a single-handed boat. Participants will focus on sail trim and be introduced to proper rigging, technical boat setup, and race tactics, both on land and on the water. Participants should have completed one or two Learn to Sail classes, or have equivalent skills. Please contact our Junior Sailing Director, Andreas, at juniordirector@scyc.org if you have any questions about experience level.
Please visit https://www.scycjuniors.org/summer_sailing_program for information about intermediate and advanced classes.
Summer Camp for the Whole Family
Skylake's family camp is a no-hassle, fun family "glamping" experience! Skylake provides each family its own rustic but comfortable bunk house, fabulous buffet style meals, a gorgeous private dock on Bass Lake, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy. The large dining hall, lakeside porch, and recreation room provide the social center for family camp. All paying guests receive a free horseback ride. Leave the cooking, activity planning and housing up to us...come and enjoy an easy family vacation that you and your family will never forget.
2022 Family Camp Schedule:
Weekend A (Memorial Day Weekend): Friday May 27 - Monday May 30
Weekend B: Thursday June 2 - Sunday June 5
Weekend D: Thursday August 25 - Sunday August 28
Weekend E: (Labor Day Weekend): Friday September 2 - Monday September 5
Springhill School
Spring Hill School provides an individualized learning environment in which each child’s unique gifts are recognized and nurtured, enabling them to reach their highest potential. Located in Santa Cruz, California, Spring Hill is an independent private school serving preschool through sixth grade students and sending graduates well prepared to middle school. Spring Hill School is the only independent design thinking elementary school of its kind on the Central Coast of California.
The education we provide is challenging and dynamic. It leads to students enjoying learning through both structured and unstructured activities. Our tenets are to foster a community of tenacious learners and compassionate humanitarians who approach life with humble confidence. We do this through a variety of individual and group experiences within and across grade levels.
95060
The Babblery Podcast features conversations with and about women in the 21st century.
In each episode, my guests and I explore their experiences as women, discussing how our physical and social gender informs our experiences at work, at home, and in the wider world. Rather than focusing on issues, we focus on lives: working, parenting, playing, voting, advocating, and creating as women.
Subscribe on all major podcast platforms.
https://babblery.com/ ~ suki@sukiwessling.com
Suki Wessling
The Bay School employs the latest applied behavior analysis treatment and research findings to produce measurable and lasting improvements in the lives of children with autism.
95062
The Family Network has been nurturing children and building families through adoption for over forty years.
https://www.adopt-familynetwork.com/ ~ 820 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 ~ 7957 California Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
