Santa Cruz Parent

Summer Reading Program at Freedom Library
2024-06-24 | Freedom Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, CA, 95019, United States
Summer Reading Program at Freedom Library

June 3 – July 26

Adventure begins at your library this summer at the Freedom Public Library Summer Reading Program. Track your reading to earn prizes and participate in a variety of fun events and programs for the entire family throughout the summer. The fun begins on Monday, June 3rd.

Sign up for the Summer Reading Adventure Program in-person at our Freedom Branch, or online: https://www.watsonville.gov/1448/Summer-Reading-Program

La aventura comienza en tu biblioteca este verano con el Programa de Lectura de Verano de la Biblioteca Pública Watsonville. Monitoriza tu progreso de tu lectura para ganar premios y participa en una variedad de eventos y programas divertidos para toda la familia durante todo el verano. La diversión comienza el lunes, 3 de junio.

Inscríbete para el Programa de Lectura de Verano en persona en nuestra Biblioteca Principal o Sucursal Freedom, o en línea en https://www.watsonville.gov/1448/Summer-Reading-Program

Dipper Days at the Boardwalk
2024-06-25, 2024-06-26, 2024-06-27, 2024-06-28, 2024-06-29 | Beach Boardwalk, CA, United States
Dipper Days at the Boardwalk

Wednesdays, May 29 – August 7
Ride the Giant Dipper for 1 point – $1 every Wednesday May 29th thru August 7th. Celebrate your favorite wooden roller coaster with retro prices! Regular height requirements apply.

May 17 – August 16, 2024 –In Honor of your beloved Giant Dipper turning 100, we are giving YOU the chance to show off your incredible artistic talent.Dazzle us with your most thrilling Giant Dipper “Fan Art” to celebrate the Giant Dipper and over 68 million riders! Enter your Giant Dipper photos, paintings, or crafty creations for a chance to win Dipper Swag, MyBoardwalk Cards, or Rides Wristbands.

Enter Contest Soon

RC Fam Center Toddler Bilingual Sensory Play
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | RC Fam Center, 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
RC Fam Center Toddler Bilingual Sensory Play

Tuesdays/Martes, 10am-11am

FREE with membership, $15 non-members

GRATIS con membresía, $15 sin membresía

More info/Para más información: 831-288-3105 — with Yesi Rocha and 10 others at RC Fam.

RC Fam Center
We commit to providing families with support systems that lead to finding connections, empowerment, and wellbeing for the whole family. We commit to being an equitable, inclusive, and safe space where the community feels welcome and can raise our children together. Our center is committed to equity, inclusion, and wellness for all families.

En el Centro Familiar Raíces y Cariño, queremos proveer a las familias con el apoyo a sistemas que fomenten conexión, empoderamiento y bienestar para todas las familias. Estamos comprometidos a ser un lugar seguro, inclusivo y equitativo donde la comunidad se sienta bienvenida y puedan criar a sus hijos juntos. Valoramos la equidad, inclusión y bienestar para todas las familias.

Happy Birds at Felton
2024-06-25 11:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Happy Birds at Felton
Tuesday, June 25
11am – Felton Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12379726
1pm – Branciforte Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12361932
3pm – La Selva Beach Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12379750

Happy Birds have been performing since 1989 and have been featured on The Tonight Show and have even made the Guinness Book of World Records!
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible tricks these Happy Birds, parrots, can do and learn all about them!

Happy Birds at Branciforte
2024-06-25 13:00 | Branciforte Library, 250 Gault St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Happy Birds at Branciforte
Tuesday, June 25
11am – Felton Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12379726
1pm – Branciforte Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12361932
3pm – La Selva Beach Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12379750

Happy Birds have been performing since 1989 and have been featured on The Tonight Show and have even made the Guinness Book of World Records!
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible tricks these Happy Birds, parrots, can do and learn all about them!

Happy Birds at La Selva Beach
2024-06-25 15:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Happy Birds at La Selva Beach
Tuesday, June 25
11am – Felton Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12379726
1pm – Branciforte Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12361932
3pm – La Selva Beach Library – https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12379750

Happy Birds have been performing since 1989 and have been featured on The Tonight Show and have even made the Guinness Book of World Records!
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible tricks these Happy Birds, parrots, can do and learn all about them!

Summer Reading Crafts at Scotts Valley
2024-06-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Summer Reading Crafts at Scotts Valley
Tuesdays, 3-4:30pm, June 11 – July 30
Join us for Summer Reading Crafts at Scotts Valley starting on Tuesday, June 11. Bring the kids to work on craft projects that help them to explore the environment around us.
Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them.
Expect to get messy!

Mini Library Carnival
2024-06-25 16:00 - 19:00 | Waatsonville Main Library, 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Mini Library Carnival
Tuesday, June 25, 4- 7pm
Calling all teens! Join us for our Mini Library Carnival ~ enjoy inflatable axe throwing, an inflatable basketball shooting game, giant Jenga and connect four, a temporary tattoo station, and some snacks.
Main Library, Watsonville

This program is intended for teens.

¡Llamando a todos los jóvenes! Se les invita al Mini-Carnaval de la Biblioteca ~ dónde pondrán lanzar hachas inflables, participar en un concurso de baloncesto, jugar Jenga y el juego “connect four” en forma gigante, ponerse un tatuaje temporal, y disfrutar de bocadillos. Este programa se llevará a cabo el martes, 25 de junio de 4:00-7:00pm en la Biblioteca Principal.
Audiencia: Jóvenes

Kid's Movie Series at Scotts Valley Cinelux 2024
2024-06-26 10:00, 2024-06-27 10:00 | Cinelux Scotts Valley, 226 Mt Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Kid’s Movie Series at Scotts Valley Cinelux
$5 includes Movie and Junior Popcorn & Soda
Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am, June 19 – August 8

Get ready for summer fun with our Scotts Valley CineLux Summer Kid’s Series! Check out the schedule and enjoy $5 admission. Get your tickets now!

Minions: The Rise of Gru: June 19 & 20
Despicable Me 3: June 26 & 27
The Bad Guys: July 3 & 4
Sing 2 : July 10 & 11
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish: July 17 & 18
How to Train Your Dragon July 24 & 25
Trolls Band Together: July 31 & August 1
Migration: August 7 & 8 (verify dates)

Kids Cardboard City
2024-06-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-28 10:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Kids Cardboard City
Wednesday – Saturday, June 26 – 29, 10am – 5pm

Get ready to build, imagine, and play as we transform our tinker space into a bustling cityscape filled with cardboard boxes.

From skyscrapers that touch the sky to tunnels and bridges that connect every corner, the possibilities are endless.

Join us to build Cardboard City from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and let your creativity run wild! Bring your family and friends to create together, whether you’re a budding architect or just love to tinker. Every box is a building block waiting for your unique touch.

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2024-06-26 13:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Farmers Market, Cedar St & Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May – Oct 1 – 6pm; Nov – April 1 – 5pm
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-6pm May through October and 1-5pm November through April. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy.
The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including momo, naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.

Dads Support Group
2024-06-26 19:00 - 20:00 | RC Fam Center, 7 Hangar Way, Suite B, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Dads Support Group
Wednesdays 7 – 8pm

Join us in this group of fathers where you will find a community to share the challenges and joys of being a father. The topics covered will be guided according to the needs and interests of the parents. The group will be relaxed, confidential, and facilitated by a dad who is a member of the community.

Acompáñenos a este grupo de papás donde encontrará comunidad para compartir los retos y gozos de ser padre. Los temas tratados serán guiados según las necesidades e intereses de los papás. El grupo será relajado, confidencial y facilitado por un papá que es miembro de la comunidad.

Free Resource Recovery Center Tours
2024-06-28 10:00 - 11:30 | 605 dimeo lane, 605 Dimeo Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Free Resource Recovery Center Tours
Fridays 10am & 1pm through August 23
Summer Public Tours Are Back at the Resource Recovery Center!
Join us for Public Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility Fridays at 10am or 1pm from June 14th through August 23rd, 2024.
Tours are limited to 20 people. Children must be at least 8 years old. Youth ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited.
Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. They will learn why it is important to “recycle right” and avoid “wish-cycling.” Visitors will also see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facility’s Household Hazardous Waste Program and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine.
Pre-registration is required. No Drop In. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-santa-cruz-resource-recovery-facility-summer-tours-tickets-876191701967?aff=oddtdtcreator

Food Truck Friday - Skypark
2024-06-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Skypark Scotts Valley, CA, United States
Food Truck Friday – Skypark
Last Friday of the month, 5-8pm
Join Food Truck A-Go-Go’s biggest community event the last Friday of each month at Skypark.
Food Truck Fridays feature

a beer and wine garden 100% benefiting SVEF
live music
face painting by Brenda
a great variety of food trucks and desserts!

June 28 – Fuel Up with Fantastic Food:
Rollin Snack Shack
Kuki’s Bowls
S.C. Eatery
Saucey’z
Scrumptious Fish & Chips
Tacos el Jesse
Taquizas Gabriel
Spontaneous Confections
The Cotton Candy Kid
Rock Out to Fire Peach!
More Fun for Everyone:
Face painting by Brenda’s Face Painting!
Support our schools at the SVEF Beer & Wine Garden.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs for extra comfort.
Friendly pups on leashes are welcome!

Food Truck Friday - Skypark
2024-06-28 17:00 - 20:30 | Skypark Scotts Valley, CA, United States
Food Truck Friday – Skypark
Last Friday of the month, 5-8pm
Join Food Truck A-Go-Go’s biggest community event the last Friday of each month at Skypark.
Food Truck Fridays feature

a beer and wine garden 100% benefiting SVEF
live music
face painting by Brenda
a great variety of food trucks and desserts!

Thanks to our very generous sponsor, Mari Rossi, and our partners at Scotts Valley Parks & Rec.
Something for everyone, come out and play!

Midtown Summer Block Party !
2024-06-28 17:00 - 20:30 | Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 95062
Midtown Summer Block Party
Fridays, June 14 – August 30, 5-8:30pm

After months of planning, it’s finally here! Event Santa Cruz, Midtown Summer Block Party, the official or unofficial start of summer here in Santa Cruz. We’re kicking it off with a bang every Friday.

Food by @watsonvillemunchiess, @crackedcookiessc, J & M Baking Bagels, and Scott Dawg-z Hot Dogs and more!

Off The Lip Radio Show hosted the live bands every week.
June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI)
June 21st: TBD – The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose
June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo)
July 5th: The Money Band
July 12th: Santa Cruda
July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen
July 26th: Locomotive Breath
August 2nd: John Michael Band
August 9th: Cowboys After Dark
August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel
August 23rd: Spun
August 30th: Alex Lucero Band

Free Movies on the Boardwalk Beach 2024
2024-06-28 21:00 | Beach Boardwalk, CA, United States
Free Movies on the Boardwalk Beach
Fridays 9pm, June 14 – August 9
There’s nothing like watching your favorite movies right on the beach with the the smell of kettle corn, corn dogs and saltwater taffy filling the air!
Bring the family and your blanket or low-back chair and join us!

Each movie will include a 15-minute intermission.
Seating is first-come, first-served.
Smoking is not permitted on the beach or Boardwalk. Alcohol and glass are prohibited on the beach.
A limited number of assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available for check-out at the Mini Golf Kiosk inside Neptune’s Kingdom.
If you require other special accommodations or would like to request Closed Captioning, please contact the Manager on Duty at least 48 hours in advance of the movie at (831) 423-5590.

June 14 – The Lost Boys
June 21 – Book of Life
June 28 – Barbie
July 5 – The Sandlot
July 12 – The Endless Summer (60th Anniversary)>
July 19 – Wonka (2023)
July 26 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
August 2 – Trolls (2016)
August 9 – Goonies

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2024-06-29 08:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
Saturdays 8am-12pm, year round, rain or shine
Voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California
In 2011, 2012, and 2013 our farmers markets were voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California.” Additionally, Coastal Living Magazine named the Aptos Farmers Market one of “The Coast’s Best Farmers Markets.”
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Additional Market Attractions
Professional sharpening services are available for knives and gardening tools year round.
Our other Markets: Carmel, Del Monte, Monterey

Lavender Labyrinth U-Pick 2024
2024-06-29 08:00 - 11:00 | Mariquita Farm, 142 Linden Ed., Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Lavender Labyrinth U-Pick 2024
Saturdays & Mondays – Wednesdays, choose 8-11am, 12-3pm 0r 4- 7pm through July 26
The lavender at Mariquita Farm is at it’s peak! So beautiful and fragrant and lots of it. Sign up for one of Mariquita Farms U-pick Lavendar at the link below and indulge in the scent-sations of their fabulous farm.
https://www.mariquita.com/features/lavender-labyrinth-u-pick-2024/

Ladybug’s Labyrinth is open for U-Pick lavender harvests by individuals or groups.
Over 3000 lavender plants line the pathways of the labyrinth. Bright Lavender “Elegance Purple” can be found at the heart of the labyrinth, while the outer rings are planted in a fragrant mix of lavenders, including “Hidcote” and “Munstead.” The lavender is planted atop long, raised beds, so it is easy to reach and clip. You can also bring a lunch or snack to eat on site and walk the Labyrinth if you like.
You will be instructed on how to pick lavender, and you will be provided with clippers and a harvest pail. Please bring your own containers to take the lavender home in.
Children ages 8 and up are invited to join on your visit and all children must be accompanied by an adult.It’s a farm, so expect a certain amount of sun and dust or rain and mud so dress accordingly with sturdy shoes. Bring a hat, water bottle, sunscreen and any snacks you’ll want. Pack a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic on site.
We do have bees, so “bee aware” please. The bees have a lot of work to do, flying about gathering nectar and distributing pollen, so they are typically too busy to bother with us, and they have a peaceful spirit but “Bee-ware” and give them their space.
No pets (not even in the car) and no smoking.
You are here within your time frame. Keep in mind that f you arrive two hours into the time slot you will still depart at the end of your time slot. This gives the next group of guests time to part and begin. Parking is limited so there is no lingering after your time slot.
All details on directions and arrival will arrive in a separate email.

Westside Farmers Market
2024-06-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Westside Farmers Market, Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Westside Farmers Market
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, year round

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
Foodies Unite
This market is proud to have been named best market by the Santa Cruz Metro’s, “Peoples Poll” multiple times. The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar operated by up-and-coming Santa Cruz-based roaster 11th Hour Coffee.
With easy access and an abundance of free parking, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing.
