Santa Cruz Parent

Gifts from the Garden at Life Lab
2024-11-17 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | LIFE LAB ON THE UCSC FARM, 1156 HIGH ST, SANTA CRUZ, CA, 95064, United States
Gifts from the Garden at Life Lab
Sunday, November 17, 1-4pm
Celebrate the beauty of nature by crafting unique gifts from the garden at this free, kid-friendly event.
Everyone will leave with the crafts they create and you will also get a sneak peek of the activities we typically offer during our Summer Camps!
Crafts May Include:
Flower Book Marks / Greeting Cards
Veggie Print Wrapping Paper
Succulent Cork Magnets
Family Tea Bags
Leaf Rubbing Cards
Seedy Mosaic Ornaments
Painted Rocks or mini pots
Burlap Wrapped Seedlings
Please RSVP Here.
This event is free to attend. To support the success of this event, we invite you to make a contribution if you can.

Donations are appreciated and will help support this event and our programs. If you would like to donate craft supplies, please email kelsey@lifelab.org
Welcome Craft Supply Donations: Acrylic paint, mini pots, scissors, clean cardboard, Elmer’s glue, glue guns, glue sticks, watercolor paper, small succulent cuttings, dry beans, and river stones.
Please RSVP: kelsey@lifelab.org

We can’t wait to see you there!

In Person Art Time for People with Disabilities
2024-11-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Claraty Arts, 1725 Seabright Avenue, Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
In Person Art Time for People with Disabilities
Sundays 2 – 4pm
Join our in person art class for people with disabilities at Claraty Arts Center in Santa Cruz. Adaptive art projects and space to work outside or inside and to share time with your family and work on a creative art project. It’s for the whole family – all are welcomed! This will be a great relaxing creative time adaptive to all needs, come out and express yourself! Caregiver must stay and help the participant – this is not a drop off!
Drop ins Welcomed!
$10 cash donation appreciated for art supplies

1725 Seabright Avenue, Suite C., Santa Cruz, CA

Click here to reserve your seat at art class

Tech Talks: Parental Apple Controls
2024-11-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries- Virtual Library, 117 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tech Talks: Parental Apple Controls
Thursday, November 21, 11am-12pm
Learn how to set parental controls with iPhones.
Are the kids you know addicted to iPhones?
There are many benefits and potential pitfalls when children have iPhones and iPads.
Know your options for mitigating the risks so your loved ones can establish a balanced relationship with these tools.
We hope you join us for this important discussion!
Please register to receive the Zoom link via email. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13369093

X Academy for Students Who Love Math
2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
X Academy for Students Who Love Math
Saturdays 10am-12pm, October 19-November 23
If your student loves math, join the X Academy.
The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a great opportunity to explore challenging and fun mathematics with kids from across the county.
Supported by Santa Cruz COE, the X Academy Santa Cruz Math Circle is for students in grades 5 through 8 to meet weekly with math professors and math professionals on Saturdays, 10:00-12:00 at Cabrillo College starting October 19 through November 23.
Tuition is $150 and scholarships are available.
Register now at: www.XAcademy.org

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning in November

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2024-11-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-14 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning November 30 and December 1

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847

Create a Living Succulent Wreath
2024-12-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Create a Living Succulent Wreath
Sunday, December 8, 10am-12pm

Happy December! Join us Sunday, December 8th to craft a living botanical wreath and get festive with native flowers, succulents, and air plants. Perfect for your holiday decor or as a special gift. Sign up today: https://loom.ly/jmE_wnM
Let’s get festive with native flowers, succulents, and air plants!
Deck the halls and get into the holiday spirit by crafting a living botanical wreath. This course will satisfy both plant and art lovers alike; learn the science of epiphytes while you design and mount native flowers, succulents, and air plants. Create a masterpiece for your holiday decor or a treasured gift for a friend or family member, all wrapped up in a fun activity.
Gardening gloves recommended. You will be working with live plants, wire, and gardening tools. Feel free to also bring hand pruners and/or safety glasses.
No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.
Instructor: Dion Shattuck – Horticulturist
Class Size: 20 Students
Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee. Participants are welcome to bring their own, favorite gardening supplies.
Class Fee: $35 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
What to Expect

Part of this class takes place outside, dress appropriately. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.
Gardening gloves recommended. You will be working with live plants, wire, and gardening tools. Feel free to also bring hand pruners, safety glasses, gloves.
No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.

Holiday Wreath Making & Mimosas
2024-12-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Holiday Wreath Making & Mimosas
December 1, 11am – 1pm
Escape the holiday chaos and create lasting memories with friends at MOD’s Festive Wreath-Making Workshop on December 1st from 11 AM to 1 PM!
Indulge in the delightful scents of fresh greenery, ribbons, and ornaments as you craft your perfect holiday centerpiece in our cozy Tinker Space.
Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season!
$40 Wreath Making & Mimosas
$100 for 3 Wreath Making & Mimosa Tickets (Bring your friends!)
$10 for additional guests
Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Simpkins
2024-12-04 16:00 - 16:45, 2024-12-11 16:00 - 16:45 | Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5
Simpkins, Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Ben Lomond, Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, April 3
Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is excited to offer our indoor Super Tots winter sports programs for children ages 3-5! Each month, we focus on a different sport, helping your little ones develop skills, stay active and have fun. Please see program details by location below.
Winter Sports Schedule: Simpkins Family Swim Center, A and B Community Salon, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Wednesdays, 4 – 4:45pm
• Dodgeball: December 4 – December 18
• Yoga: January 8 – January 29
• Basketball: February 5 – February 26
• Flip Class: March 5 – March 26
• Skills and drills: April 2 – April 30

Winter Sports Schedule: Highlands County Park, Highlands House, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm

• Dance: December 5 – December 19
• Flip Class: January 9 – January 30
• Yoga: February 6 – February 27
• Skills & Exercise: March 6 – March 27

• Basketball: April 3 – May 1
Registration information: Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up early! For more details or to register, please visit our website at SCPARKS.COM or call us at (831) 454-7901

Phone: (831) 454-7901 (General); (831) 454-7941 (Registrations), Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Email: parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (General); rec@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (Registrations)

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond
2024-12-05 15:00 - 15:45, 2024-12-12 15:00 - 15:45 | Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond

Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:

Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is excited to offer our indoor Super Tots winter sports programs for children ages 3-5! Each month, we focus on a different sport, helping your little ones develop skills, stay active and have fun. Please see program details by location below.

Winter Sports Schedule: Highlands County Park, Highlands House, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm

• Dance: December 5 – December 19
• Flip Class: January 9 – January 30
• Yoga: February 6 – February 27
• Skills & Exercise: March 6 – March 27
• Basketball: April 3 – May 1

Winter Sports Schedule: Simpkins Family Swim Center, A and B Community Salon, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Wednesday, 4 – 4:45pm

• Dodgeball: December 4 – December 18
• Yoga: January 8 – January 29
• Basketball: February 5 – February 26
• Flip Class: March 5 – March 26
• Skills and drills: April 2 – April 30

Registration information: Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up early! For more details or to register, please visit our website at SCPARKS.COM
or call us at (831) 454-7901

Phone: (831) 454-7901 (General); (831) 454-7941 (Registrations), Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Email: parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (General); rec@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (Registrations)

Shop local at The Art Factory and even better... Locally Made!
2024-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 | The Art Factory, 7960 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Shop local at The Art Factory and even better… Locally Made!

Sat. Dec. 7, 10am-5pm
Hi local friends,
Save the date: Sat. Dec. 7, 10am-5pm
Shop local, and even better… Locally Made!
Enjoy a day with the artists and have a seat at the table to make your own ceramic or felted wool ornaments!
See you at Art Factory Studios!

Home Depot Kids Workshops
2024-12-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Home Depot Watsonville, 355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Home Depot Kids Workshops
1st Saturdays of the month, 9am – 12pm

Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

Soquel , 2600 41st Avenue, Soquel, 95073, (831)462-5650 Register

355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076,(831)786-9877, Register

Day of Skill Development, Games and Fun
2024-12-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Scotts Valley Little League Field at Vine Hill School, 151 Vine Hill School Rd, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066
Day of Skill Development, Games and Fun

Saturday, December 7, 9am-1pm

Join SVHS Coaches and Players for a day of skill development, games and fun.

Clinic time:
• Registration begins at 9:00am
• Warm-up starts at 9:30am
• Player pickup at 1pm

• Lunch will be provided

Cost $99 per player
Ages: Camp is open to all SVLL players (A-Ball – Majors)

Location: Scotts Valley Little League Majors Field

Familypower: Boundary Skills for kids 7-12 together with their adults
2024-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Familypower: Boundary Skills for kids 7-12 together with their adults
Saturday, December 7, 10-11am
Boundary skills help people of all ages have more fun and fewer problems with people – including friends and family members! You and your child age 7-12 will leave this class with more strategies to:

-Act aware, calm, and confident so people will listen to you more and bother you less
Be safe with words to protect your feelings & use your words more safely, too!
Spot trouble early – and move away from it to get distance and protect feelings and bodies
Set clear respectful boundaries so people know what you want what you do NOT want
Practice & use the Kidpower Boundary & Consent Rules so everyone knows the rules about touch and attention for play, fun, and affection – & about when they don’t have a choice
Get help from adults when you have a safety problem including understanding when to interrupt – and how to persist
Make family agreements about being online so everyone knows what is and is not OK – and how to check first if you aren’t sure!

Sewing for Kids
2024-12-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Downown Branch Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Sewing for Kids
First Saturdays 10:30am-12pm, October 5 – February 1, 2025
Join Sewing for Kids Downtown! Come make something special with us. A different hand sewing project is offered each month. For October, we are making Button Owls. No sewing experience needed.
Recommended for ages 7-12.
Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12711336

Create a Beautiful Scientific Sculpture
2024-12-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Create a Beautiful Scientific Sculpture

Saturday, December 7, 12-3pm
Join us on Saturday, December 7th, for a hands-on workshop blending science, art, and nature! Perfect for beginners, this class guides you through sculpting and modeling with expert instruction by Art de Cady DeLay .
Start with a nature walk to observe local flora and fauna, then apply your findings to create a 3D masterpiece.
Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today: https://loom.ly/JlQNjJs

Scientific Illustration & Observation in Sculpture
Love nature, science, and art but don’t know where to start? Here is your opportunity to master a new skill and bring home your own environmentally-inspired masterpiece after just one class.
Learn the basics of sculpture and modeling with step-by-step instruction by a master scientific illustrator. After a nature walk to gain knowledge of local flora and fauna, apply your observations to composition, techniques, color and design theory, building layers, mixing media, creating a 3D model, and more. This class is perfect for aspiring artists or creative nature lovers with no prior experience, only a passion for the arts and sciences. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Class Size: Limited to 24 participants, open to Ages 16+, all experience levels
Class Fee: Adults $34 | $5 Off for Museum Members
Materials: All supplies are included in class fee
Instructor: Cady DeLay

About the InstructorWhile originally from San Diego, Cady moved to Monterey in 2022 to study and then pursue scientific illustration. Although her location has changed, her passions remain constant: art and the ocean. Her work focuses on color and exaggerated detail to make the subject more recognizable, accessible, and fun! Recently, she has focused more on 3D pieces, starting with making a four-foot interactive model of a bottlenose dolphin to demonstrate how a dolphin’s body acclimates to diving. Cady has been an exhibiting artist in the Museum’s annual exhibit of science illustration, The Art of Nature, for the past two years.

Accessibility and Logistics

Wear layers and be prepared to be out in the sun for part of the time.
This program will occur in the amphitheater behind the Museum. There is a ramp to get down to the amphitheater, but at the end are steps.
Leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are allowed.
Restrooms and water fountain are available inside the Museum.

Nature Journal Studio
2024-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Nature Journal Studio
2nd Wednesdaysof the month, 6:30 – 8pm
Nature journaling can help us view the natural world with new perspectives, learn about our surroundings, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions at the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities.

Free with Admission Register

Sign-up for other Nature Journal Studio events.

*Free for Members and Youth under 18 | $4 General | $2 Students and Seniors

About Melinda Nakagawa
Melinda Nakagawa is a biologist, naturalist, and educator with a passion and skill for connecting people to nature. She founded Spark in Nature to guide participants to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world, slowing down to nature’s pace and seeing rather than just looking at the world. With an approach that bridges nature, art, and heart, she welcomes all people regardless of their skill level or background. Through her gentle guidance, hundreds of participants have awakened their spark of curiosity, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural world. Melinda has partnered with local institutions such as the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to lead educator trainings on nature journaling. She leads the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club’s free online Sunday sessions. She has an M.S. degree in Marine Science, and has also worked as a naturalist guide, floral designer, and wildlife rehabilitator. For the past two decades Melinda has kept nature journals and continues to learn more from nature with each journal she fills.

Tech Talks: AI Prompting for Learning (Mac / PC)
2024-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Tech Talks: AI Prompting for Learning (Mac / PC)

Thursday, December 12, 11am-12pm

Online

Are you seeking guidance with digital learning?
Explore personalized learning strategies with AI Chatbots. Join us as we uncover ways to unpack new concepts, improve your tech skills, practice new languages, and more.

Please register to receive the Zoom link via email.
For more information about our free Tech Talks workshops click here. Virtual Library
This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.-prompting-

Registration is required. There are 15 seats available.

Winter Special Sea Glass Art
2024-12-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Winter Special Sea Glass Art
Friday, December 13, 5:30-7:30pm
As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beachcombing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece from shoreline treasures. Using local and sustainability sourced resources, participants will learn the basics of environmental sculpture and design with step-by-step instruction. Transform sea glass, driftwood, and botanicals into unique, coastal-inspired art.
In this workshop, you’ll create an 8×10 sea glass winter scene that adds a local touch of coastal charm to your home. Join us for a creative experience and leave with a finished framed piece that captures the magic of the shore in winter. Perfect for a holiday gift, a personal home decoration, or an activity to be shared with friends or family.
No prior art experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 21+/all experience levels. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served. All art supplies included.
Register
Class Size: Limited to 20 participants, open to Ages 16+
Class Fee: $40 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
Materials Fee: All supplies are included in class fee. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.
Stephanie Spross is a local artist with a love for transforming beach treasures like sea glass and driftwood into unique, coastal-inspired art. Driven by a passion for breathing new life into found objects, her work brings a touch of nature’s magic indoors, inviting others to find beauty in the unexpected. Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie moved to Monterey to attend CSUMB.

Mrs. Claus' Bakeshop: Cookie & Gingerbread House Decorating
2024-12-14 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop: Cookie & Gingerbread House Decorating
Saturday, December 14,
Mrs. Claus is coming to the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery and opening her magical bake shop for one day only!
Join us for a festive day of cookie and gingerbread house decorating with Mrs. Claus!

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply Classes & Demos
2024-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
Classes & Demos at Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
Hot Pepper Jelly Class! Saturday, October 19, 10am – 12pm
$35.00 – Click Here to Register
Sweet and spicy and perfect for winter gifting, Hot Pepper Jelly is truly a delightful concoction. In this multi-faceted class, Jess will demonstrate how to make a delicious hot pepper jelly to spice up your holiday cheese and charcuterie boards. In addition, we will cover equipment and techniques for general jam and jelly-making, as well as safe water-bath canning practices. Finally, we will highlight the use of LeParfait clamp-top canning jars. For those who are used to canning with safety lids or Ball jars, this may be a welcome invitation to branch out into a new style of jar. With reusable gaskets, sturdy construction, and classic style, these jars are adorable even when empty, but they are even better filled with homemade preserves! Class participants will receive a 10% discount good for the day of class.
Pumpkin Succulent Class – Saturday October 26, 3 – 5pm
$65.00 – Click Here to Register
This class will teach you how to make a fall succulent pumpkin for an autumn centerpiece or just beautiful home decor! You will create a roughly 8″ pumpkin centerpiece with succulents cuttings and moss. Sips and snacks included! It will be a perfect fall afternoon!
Harvest Wreath Class – Saturday November 16, 10am – 12pm
Registration Will Open Soon!
Seasonal Wreath Class – Saturday December 14, 10am – 12pm
Registration Will O
