Santa Cruz Parent

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2026-04-01 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 6
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

AI Prompting for Learning Mac or PC
2026-04-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
AI Prompting for Learning (Mac or PC)
Thursdays 11am-12pm
Tech Talk Online On Zoom
Are you using AI tools to improve your understanding?
Explore the topic of learning strategies and discover ways to use chatbots and NotebookLM for learning.
https://loom.ly/M858HbUv

Game Zone Scotts Valley
2026-04-02 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Game Zone Scotts Valley

Thursdays, beginning December 11, 1 – 3:00pm

Scotts Valley Branch Library is offering a game zone for tweens and teens to relax, hang with friends and play games!

We’re offering a variety of video, card and board games as well as ping pong and art projects every Thursday afternoon from 1-3pm. Come check it out and bring your friends! Ages 10-14
Scotts Valley Branch

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
2026-04-02 15:00, 2026-04-09 15:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Thursdays 3-5pm
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Downtown, Aptos, Felton & Live Oak Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2026-04-02 16:00 - 2026-04-04 18:00, 2026-04-09 16:00 - 2026-04-11 18:00 | NextSpace Coworking Santa Cruz (Opp Abbott Square), 101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, Philippines
Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
Thursdays 4-6pm, starting September 4
Watch your child’s creative ideas come to life with 3D printing!
Join our 3D Entrepreneurs Club for a fun and engaging free 2-hour intro workshop designed for kids ages 8–12. In this 2-hour session, kids will explore creativity, confidence, and community while learning the basics of 3D design and printing.
👉 Limited free spots available
👉 Join in-person or online
👉 For kids ages 8–12
📅 Reserve your spot today at: www.3de.club/workshop

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2026-04-03 10:00, 2026-04-04 10:00, 2026-04-10 10:00, 2026-04-11 10:00 | Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, 95003, United States
Elkhorn Slough Free Tour of the Preserve
Every Saturday AND Sunday, 10 am and 11 am

Guided hikes with naturalists are offered at 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for tours at the Visitor Center front desk. If you have questions, call (831) 728-2822.

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2026-04-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday, 11am – 12:30pm, beginning June 17
This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. Our group is here to provide support and connection to parents as we know losing a baby can be an isolating and devastating experience. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced infant loss.<
Our groups are 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in length. The first ~30 minutes is providing information, education, and establishing group guidelines. The next ~60 minutes is “talk time,” in which group members share and talk with each other. Group members must be present for the group guidelines before joining in the discussion or “talk time.”
Register at http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

Jazz at the Library
2026-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Jazz at the Library
Friday 12 – 1pm, August 1
Join us at the Downtown Library and enjoy free jazz music by local musicians!
In memory of her husband, bassist and jazz singer, Betty has created the William H. Nadeau Memorial Fund promoting and rewarding excellence in jazz performance.
In partnering with the library, the memorial fund is able to bring the wonderful sounds of live jazz music to the community.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/14621683

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2026-04-03 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-10 15:00 - 17:00 | SPCA, CA, United States
Friday Pet Food Pantry
Fridays 2-5pm
Just a friendly reminder that our Pet Food Pantry is still happening every Friday from 3-5pm!
Donate anytime!

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2026-04-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Big Basin Park, 21600 Big Basin Way,, Boulder Creek, CA, 95006, United States
Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Saturdays 11am-12pm

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages.
We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists.
Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.

Free Workshop "Give Your Kids Wings to Fly"
2026-04-04 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Next Space Coworking (Opp Abbott Square, downtown Santa Cruz), Next Space Coworking, Opposite Abbott Square, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
“Give Your Kids Wings to Fly”
Saturdays 4-6pm
Join this fun and interactive 2-hour workshop with your kids (ages 8–12) and watch them soar as high as their creativity and imagination can take them!
This free workshop is led by the 3DE Club—an online after-school program that helps kids develop entrepreneurial, leadership, and financial skills through 3D modeling and printing technology.
Kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product.
Teachers and Parent/Guardian Volunteers Welcome. (For invitation please email info@3de.club)
Next Space Coworking (Opposite Abbott Square, downtown Santa Cruz)
Workshop Registration Link: https://3de.club/workshop (required to attend)

Redwood Loop Tour Henry Cowell Redwoods
2026-04-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Henry Cowell State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Redwood Loop Tour – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Sundays, February 16, 12 – 2pm

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Every Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants.
Click here to RSVP. Let’s plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018

Community Day Free Admission!
2026-04-07 09:00 - 17:00 | UCSC Arboretum, 120 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
Community Day Free Admission!
First Tuesdays, 9am – 5pm

The first Tuesday of each month, Community Day, the Arboretum is open and free for visitors.
See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open.
NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day, we greatly encourage visitors to carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation as much as possible.
https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/eventscalendar/events/recurring-events/community-day.html

Library Resources for Students
2026-04-08 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Library Resources for Students

All Year Long!

Do you know Santa Cruz Public Libraries has resources available to all students to ensure they are supported and successful during the new school year?

SCPL patrons can access Homework Help, the R.E.A.D. program for one-on-one reading comprehension instruction, and so much more.

Explore resources at: https://www.santacruzpl.org/news/post/1484/

NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth
2026-04-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth (11-17)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:30 – 8pm
Please join us for our upcoming free, drop-in support group for parents/caregivers of youth (11-17) with mental health challenges. Next group will be this Wednesday, June 22nd from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
We are in need of more facilitators to help continue this free, easily accessible, and educational support group.
Nami also offers a support group for Spanish speakers every Tuesday night from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., for all loved ones of those with mental health challenges.
All parents or caregivers are encouraged to join – there does not need to be a formal diagnosis. Common themes of those who attend our support groups include caring for teens who experience depression and anxiety, substance abuse, outbursts of anger, and other challenges like mania, hallucinations, or paranoia.:30 -8pm
Please email me or call the Nami office at 831-824-0406 with any questions about our groups and/or using Zoom or if you are interested in being a facilitator.
https://www.namiscc.org/parentscaregivers-of-youth-11-17…
To attend our groups, please complete the registration form below. You will immediately receive an email with the Zoom link. You will only need to do this once, and will be able to use the same link for all Parents/Caregivers of Youth support groups moving forward.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Artisan Fair at Abbott Square Market
2026-04-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Abbott Square, 118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Artisan Fair at Abbott Square Market

2nd Sundays, 12pm – 4pm

Join us every Second Sunday from 12–4 PM at Abbott Square Market for our monthly Artisan Fair!
Explore unique creations from local artists and makers, enjoy live music from 1–3 PM, and soak up all the vibrant Abbott Square vibes.
Come support local talent and wind down your weekend in the best way—every Second Sunday.

Swing Dancing by the Sea
2026-04-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
Swing Dancing by the Sea
2nd Saturdays: 2-5pm through January 10; 2:30-5:30pm on February 14; 3-6pm through July 11
Swingout Santa Cruz invites you to the Wharf Stage every second Saturday to participate in Swing Dancing by the Sea!

Whether you dance East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug, Balboa, Collegiate Shag or Blues you will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs!
All levels, and various styles plus a social dance with great ambiance are welcome!

Come Join our fun community on Second Saturday evenings at the Santa Cruz Wharf stage (weather permitting)!

Downtown Antique Faire
2026-04-12 09:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 95060
Downtown Antique Faire

2nd Sundays, 9am – 5pm

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 8am-5pm.
Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more!
Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.
Interested in vendor space? Call (831) 476-6940
