Santa Cruz Parent

Santa Cruz Math Circle Returns
2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Santa Cruz Math Circle Returns
Saturdays, 10am – 12pm, February 7 through March 28
Financial assistance is available.
Cabrillo College, Building 300
The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a weekly math meeting for students in grades 5th through 8th who love math.
The Santa Cruz Math Circle is back! Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join a weekly meet-up for students who love math and problem solving, hosted by nonprofit the X Academy. Students work with mathematicians, scientists, and engineers on challenging topics that go beyond the classroom.

Held at Cabrillo College in mid-county, students meet with mathematicians, scientists and engineers in an informal setting to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics. The instructors are role models who use math everyday and many have PhDs in math. It engages bright students beyond traditional classroom math, feeding their love of learning math and challenging them to grow their capabilities. We offer 6 – 8 sessions in the Fall and 6 – 8 sessions in the Spring.
Math Circles provide a space for students to develop friendships with their intellectual peers and develop confidence in their math identity.
Financial assistance is available.
Game Day: We invite 3rd and 4th grade students for games and puzzles (free) accompanied by parents at the same time and location as the Math Circle.

REGISTER HERE

If you are interested in volunteering to teach, assist with teaching or helping with logistics, contact barbara@xacademy.org

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2026-07-11 10:00, 2026-07-10 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.

Santa Cruz SPCA - PAWS and PAINT Spring Camp!
2026-07-11 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-10 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-09 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-08 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-07 09:00 - 15:00 | SPCA, CA, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA – PAWS and PAINT Spring Camp!
Monday-Friday, April 6-10, 9am-3pm
PAWS and Paint Spring Camp – Our Spring Camp is the perfect mix of art, animals, and awesomeness.
Campers will dive into a variety of fun art styles, try out new creative techniques, and let their imaginations run wild—all while learning what life is like for animals in a shelter.
Through safe, hands-on activities, children will spend time socializing, training, and cheering on our incredible adoptable animals.
Along the way, they’ll build confidence, creativity, and compassion—proving that a little kindness (and a lot of color!) can go a long way.

Westside Farmers Market
2026-07-11 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.

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2026-07-11 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

Art as Resistance 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival
2026-07-11, 2026-07-10, 2026-07-09, 2026-07-08, 2026-07-07 | tbd
14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival Art as Resistance
March 12–21
The 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival will take place from March 12 -21 featuring award-winning films and 50+ shorts produced by local youth and emerging filmmakers. Join us on the Red Carpet for screenings, a filmmakers summit, walking tours and after-parties with live music in Watsonville, Santa Cruz and Salinas.

This year, we uphold that film and storytelling are not only art forms, but vital forces for truth, representation, and cultural resistance.

At a time when communities of color are too often silenced or misrepresented, cinema becomes a powerful tool to reclaim agency, share our own stories, and inspire positive change.

For fourteen years, the Watsonville Film Festival has been more than a series of screenings — it is a cultural movement, uplifting Latine, Indigenous, and underrepresented filmmakers and voices while creating space for audiences to connect, reflect, and take social action.

Join us this March as we showcase a selection of films that honor resiliency, creativity, and dignity, sparking conversation and celebrating the power of community through the arts.

This year’s theme is “Art As Resistance” with inspiring films addressing a wide-range of timely issues – from immigration to the power of the arts to uplift and connect. There will also be a special presentation of the documentary “Following Harry” about the life of the legendary actor, singer and activist Harry Belafonte.

Sign up for details via email.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2026-07-10 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!

Lego Brick Builder Fridays
2026-07-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Lego Brick Builder Fridays
Fridays, 3-4pm
Calling All Master Builders!
Get ready to unleash your creativity and engineering skills at the Children’s Museum of Discovery’s LEGO Challenge Build Event! This exciting event is perfect for LEGO fans of all ages.
Here’s what you can expect:

A Fun Challenge: We’ll have a special build theme announced on the day of the event. It could be anything from building the tallest tower to creating the most fantastical creature!
A Sea of Bricks: We’ll provide a massive collection of LEGO bricks to fuel your imagination.
Building Buddies: Work together with other LEGO enthusiasts to create something truly amazing.
Show Off Your Skills: Once the time is up, all creations will be displayed for everyone to admire.

Mod is open: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Daily Tickets:

All non-member adults & children: $10​1/2-price grandparents/senior on Wednesdays: $5
Museums for All (with EBT card): $3
Children under 1: Free
All members: Free
We offer annual memberships, monthly memberships, and 10-pass punch cards.
Click here to become a member
Call 831-316-5200 to inquire about our new punchcard.

Little Discoverer Fridays
2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:00 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Little Discoverer Infant/Toddler Fridays

Fridays 10:30-11am

Make Fridays memorable with the Museum of Discovery’s Infant Toddler Class—a fantastic blend of play, exploration, and social experiences. Located in the party room programming changes weekly offering magical experiences for you and your child.

Free with daily admission and no pre-registration required
Ages 0-3 years
Join us and experience:

Sensory Extravaganza: Dive into a world of textures, colors, and sounds as your little explorer engages in sensory-rich activities tailored to their developmental stage.
Musical Moments: Let the rhythm take over! Our interactive musical sessions will have your tots tapping their tiny toes and exploring the joy of sound.
Parent-Child Bonding: Forge connections with fellow caregivers while your little ones build social skills through play and shared exploration.

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Mod is open: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Daily Tickets:

All non-member adults & children: $10, half-price grandparents/senior on Wednesdays: $5
Museums for All (with EBT card): $3
Children under 1: Free
All members: Free
We offer annual memberships, monthly memberships, and 10-pass punch cards.
Click here to become a member
Call 831-316-5200 to inquire about our new punchcard.

Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
2026-07-10 10:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
Fridays 10am
Session 1: February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Session 2: March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Session 3: April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
Session 4: May 1st ,8th, 15th, & 22nd
Parenting is better together!
If those early parenting days feel like a mix of wonder and worry, you’re not alone. Between those middle-of-the-night feeds and milestone questions, it’s natural to feel both overwhelmed and amazed—sometimes in the same moment. While you’re marveling at your little one’s daily discoveries, you might also be wondering if you’re doing enough, or wishing for a community that truly gets what this journey is like. That’s exactly why we created The Parent Nest: A guided play & connection series

Created specifically for infants and toddlers (from sitting age to 18 months), this four-week series takes place in the serene morning hours before the museum opens. In this distraction-free setting, your little explorer can safely investigate their world while you connect with other parents who understand exactly what this stage of life is like.
Each 45-minute session nurtures your child’s natural development through research-backed activities that:

Build Neural Pathways Through Movement: As babies roll, crawl, and reach, they’re not just exercising—they’re forming crucial brain connections that support physical coordination and spatial awareness.

Develop Pre-Language Skills: Our musical activities introduce rhythm, repetition, and simple signs, laying the groundwork for communication long before first words appear.

Enhance Sensory Processing: From our “Building Beginnings” exploration to “Splish Splash Discovery” play, each tactile experience helps your little one understand their world through touch, sight, sound, and movement.

Foster Social-Emotional Growth: Through guided interactions, babies learn early social cues while parents discover ways to support emotional development during daily routines.

Join us for a four-week play-based program designed to support your baby’s development while building connection with other caregivers.

Find your community of support: Early Development Classes in a Museum Setting

Free for members!
Free Children Under 12 Months
$35 – Non-members per session (We will email you a link to pay)
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZCbj1Erk9_lQ9nTWjnOB9GhNICc-SgDPacPEagj0jyTkH_A/viewform
Thank you to Musical Me for sponsoring our program.

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2026-07-09 16:00 - 2026-07-11 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

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
2026-07-09 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

Game Zone Scotts Valley
2026-07-09 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

AI Prompting for Learning Mac or PC
2026-07-09 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

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2026-07-09 10:30 - 12:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group

2nd Thursdays, 10:30an – 12pm
The LSB Adult Book Discussion group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p. The group will meet virtually via Zoom during the remodel. All adults are welcome.
Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7587480

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2026-07-08 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.

Library Resources for Students
2026-07-08 | 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/

Santa Cruz SPCA - PAWS 1
2026-07-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Promoting Animal Welfare with Students (PAWS)
Juniors Mondays 4-6pm
Pre-Teens Tuesdays 4-6pm
PAWS has two different levels.
PAWS 1 is for students just starting out our PAWS program and who are still learning to be comfortable around animals and still learning to work in small groups.
You can sign up for this session if your student has never been to PAWS or has recently started their journey in one of our PAWS programs.
PAWS 1 sessions meet Monday from 4-6pm for Juniors (age 7-9 yrs. old) and Tuesday from 4-6pm for Pre-Teen (10-12 yrs. old).

5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12) Tues Sept. 2-30
2026-07-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12)
Tuesdays, 4–6pm September 2 – 30
A 5-week hands-on program where kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product—and discover how the 3DE Club helps young innovators build early entrepreneurial and leadership skills through 3D modeling and 3D printing technology.
Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!

You Can Paint! Tuesdays 10am-1pm
2026-07-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Palace Arts, 1501-K 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010, United States
You Can Paint!

Tuesdays, 10 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 5 pm through August
Learn to paint in a fun, friendly setting — our beautiful classroom space at Palace Art.
You can paint any subject that interests you. I’ve got lots of images for you to choose from, if you’re looking for inspiration, or you can bring in pictures or ideas of your own.
These classes are for everyone.
Beginners are welcome, and more advanced painters will increase their skills.
Cost: $40 per session or $175 for 5 sessions, Drop-ins welcome – first come first served
To Register: Contact Toaa Dallo directly, (831) 332-9532, email toaadallo@gmail.com

Community Day Free Admission!
2026-07-07 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
