Santa Cruz Parent

Ice Skating by the Bay
2026-01-03 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-02 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-01 11:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Custom House Plaza, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Ice Skating by the Bay
November 21 – January 4
Join us for ice skating by the bay.
Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa
Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice Skating by the Bay.
Our beautiful outdoor rink overlooking Monterey Bay brings the magic of the holidays to life.
This season we ‘re open from November 21, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
BOOK NOW

REGULAR HOURS: Monday thru Saturday | 11am to 10pm (with the exception of the below dates)
Sundays and Holidays | 12pm to 8pm (Including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day)
ADJUSTED HOURS: December 1-4 & 8-11 (Monday – Thursday): 1:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission:

Adults: $15
Children 12 and under: $13 (must be accompanied by adult)
Season Pass: $225 for the entire season.
Skate Rental: $5

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
2026-01-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-01 11:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY — and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready.
From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories:

Big dogs (40+lbs)
Adult cats (6mos+)
Adult dogs/cats who’ve waited 30+ days for a home!

Come meet your new bestie. They’re cute. They’re available. 10/10 would recommend.

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2026-01-03 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.

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2026-01-03 10:00, 2026-01-02 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.

Westside Farmers Market
2026-01-03 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
2026-01-03 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 of Manga
2026-01-03 | DeYoung Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr,, San Francisco, CA, 94118, United States
Art of Manga
September 27, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Manga — Japanese comics and graphic novels — have become a global phenomenon.
Featuring rarely presented original drawings by major artists, this exhibition traces manga’s evolution from the 1970s to today.
The exhibition explores manga as a powerful medium for visual storytelling, highlighting themes across genres, from friendship to sexuality to the human condition.
Looking closely at each artist’s narrative worlds and creative processes, the exhibition also spotlights manga’s cultural impact on the world today and possibilities for the future.
Get tickets
Location links

Add audio tour
Request a group visit
Join for discounted tickets

Sequoia Lights at Roaring Camp
2026-01-02 19:15 | Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Sequoia Lights at Roaring Camp

Fridays, October 10, 17, 24, 7:15 PM – Close
Join us for a one of a kind lighted stroll, Sequoia Lights, beneath giant old-growth redwoods.
Immerse yourself in the majesty of the ancient sequoia redwoods with this intimate new art and light installation in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Giant intricate lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature.

BUY TICKETS
Adults | $24.95
Kids 2-12 | $12.95
Kids Under 2 Free!

What is the walking distance? Approximately 8/10ths of a mile.
Who Can Do The Treewalk? This is an all ages event.
Is the Treewalk Wheelchair Accessible? Path is wheelchair accessible up to about the halfway point. The path then becomes steeper and would be difficult for a wheelchair guest without assistance.
Do I need to Book? It is always a good idea to book in advance as we expect to sell out most evenings for this limited run event.

Can Infants & Children Treewalk? Absolutely. Children must be accompanied by an adult but are more than welcome to enjoy the tree walk.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Treewalk? Well behaved dogs on a leash are fine for the tree walk.
Can the Space be Rented to Private Groups? Yes, please give us a call at 831-335-4484 for more information on booking a group event.

Boulder Creek First Friday
2026-01-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Boulder Creek Downtown, Boulder Creek, CA, 95018, United States
First Friday Boulder Creek Sip & Savor
1st Fridays 5-8pm, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5

At First Friday in Boulder Creek, you can find unique arts and crafts at vendor booths throughout the downtown core, food trucks, and most months will include a special activity and/or kid zone on Forest St. Join us and our vendors on Forest St. on the west side of Hwy 9.

Fri, Aug 1, Sip & Savor
Fri, Sep 5, Chalk it Up

Fri, Oct 3, Spooktacular

Sat, Nov 1, Fall Town Sweep, Meet by Jenna Sue’s Café

Fri, Nov 7, Giving Thanks

Fri, Dec 5, Ugly Sweater

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2026-01-02 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
2026-01-02 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.

Jazz at the Library
2026-01-02 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

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2026-01-02 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

Little Discoverer Fridays
2026-01-02 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.

_____________________

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
2026-01-02 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, August 1 – November 21
Session 1 August 8, 15, 22, 29th
Session 2 September 5, 12, 19, 26
Session 3 October 3, 10, 17, 24th
Session 4 October 31st, November 7, 14, 21st
Fall cohorts now enrolling… 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)
Thank you to Musical Me for sponsoring our program.

Explore Año Nuevo with a Docent
2026-01-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Año Nuevo State Park, 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA, 94060, United States
Explore Año Nuevo with a Docent
Cancelled: Check website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27613
December 15 – March 31
The park offers guided walks led by volunteer docent naturalist to see the northern elephant seals in their natural habitat inside the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve. Año Nuevo docents go through extensive training and are highly knowledgeable in the natural and cultural history of the park. Elephant seal acivities and population counts can vary widely throughout the guided walk season.
General Information
Guided walks begin December 15 and continue every day until March 31 with exceptions on December 25 (Christmas) and January 31-February 1 for an annual fundraising event, Seal Adventure.
During the guided walk season, walks are offered daily for families, individuals, or groups. Children age 17 and under require one adult chaperone for each 10 children. Each walk has a capacity of 15 people, including chaperones.
The trail to see the elephant seals includes a 3-4 mile hike and is considered moderate with varied terrain including sand dunes.
Guided walks run 2.5 hours from start to finish and operate daily from early morning to mid-afternoon, rain or shine.
$7.00 + $3.99 reservation fee for public walks. Children age 4 and under are free. Online/phone reservations are highly recommended, espeically weekends and holidays. Visit ReserveCalifornia or call 1-800-444-4445.
What Should I Bring?

Elephant seal walks are conducted rain or shine. Winter weather can be very cold and windy, even on sunny days. Rain is frequent and the trail may be muddy with small puddles.
Visitors should bring hooded rain gear, a warm jacket, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. Bring water for drinking on the trail.
Cameras and photography are permitted. Although there are no restrictions on flashes, photographers are restricted to stay with the guided walk group and cannot leave. Staying 25 feet from the elephant seals is firmly enforced.
Binoculars are helpful for seeing seals further out on the beaches and on the island.

What Not To Bring

For safety reasons, umbrellas are not permitted on the walks.
Baby strollers are also not permitted for safety reasons. Families may use them for the first .9 mile walk to the staging area but must then leave them there for the rest of the tour.
No food is allowed on the tour, but you may picnic in designated areas before or after the guided walk.
Pets are not allowed in the park and cannot be left inside parked vehicles in the parking lot.

Specialty Seal Walks
Spring, Summer, Fall Guided Walks – Elephant seal viewing is self-guided from April to November. No reservation or guided tour is needed. To schedule a guided walk with a docent for an organized group during this time, contact the park at 650-879-2029.
School Group Walks are offered year-round Monday through Friday mornings for 4-12 grades and in the spring for K-3 grades.
Equal Access Walks are offered to visitors who require mobile assistance and cannot make the 3-4 mile walk.

ReserveCalifornia will begin taking reservations on the following dates:
School Groups (phone reservations only): Call toll free: 1-800-444-4445
Public Walks (online and phone reservations available): Call toll free: 1-800-444-4445
Equal Access (phone reservations only): Call toll free: 1-800-444-4445

Respect the Seals. Guided walks are conducted in and around the elephant seal colony. Please respect the rules of the park.

Drop-In Drawing at MAH All Ages
2026-01-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Musueum of Art and History (MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Drop-In Drawing at MAH, All Ages
1st Thursday of the month. 6-8pm, beginning September 4

Ever been inspired to drop everything and create when visiting an exhibition at the MAH?
Join us for Drop-In Drawing at the MAH, all ages, from 6-8pm on the first Thursday of every month! This is not a formal lesson, but an opportunity to bring in your own art supplies and sketch what you see. Dry media only (no markers or paint). All ages welcome. Free with admission. The museum will provide stools, feel free to bring a cushion or folding chair if space allows. Groups of 5+ please give advanced notice by emailing info@santacruzmah.org.
Open – Th-/f 12-8pm ~ Sat-sun 12-6pm ~ Mon 9am-1pm
Admission: $10 General; $8 Seniors/Students/Teachers/Veterans; Free for members & children under 5
Become a member today.
Drop-In Drawing Calendar
2025 September – December: Art Forum Gallery / Ed Penniman: Landscapes of Home
2026 January 1 – NONE (New Years Day); February 5 – Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship; March 5 – Solari Gallery / Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Comment

Flynn Creek Circus presents 'The Bridge'
2026-01-01 17:00 | Capitola Mall, Capitola, CA, United States
Flynn Creek Circus presents ‘The Bridge’
Almost daily December 18 through January 4
Scroll Down for times & tickets.
The Bridge is an authentic, original, child pleasing tale.
Inspired by a wolf, Nordic Legend and the architecture of connection, The Bridge is a freshly conjured visual feast sprinkled with cloaked commentary and gorgeous imagery.
It wouldn’t be Flynn Creek Circus without irreverent comedy and thrilling surprises.
A troll, a goat, a shadow, a wolf… the 2025 season show features lovable characters and huge acrobatic stunts like never before.
And if you’re not in the family way, we’ve got you covered with our outrageous, raucous and pretty much punk rock ‘Adults Only * version at limited showtimes. Beer, wine and light concession are available for purchase.
Flynn Creek Circus is an all-human spectacle.
Date, Time, Tickets
Thursday, December 18, 6:00 PM Show – (Opening Night Special, all tables $10 off)
Friday, December 19, 7:00 PM Show
Saturday, December 20 with preshow entertainment from Radical Movement Factory, 4:00 PM Show, 7:00 PM Show – (Adults Only 21+)
Sunday, December 21 with preshow entertainment from Cirque Tumble Cheer, 2:00 PM Show, 5:00 PM Show
Monday, December 22, 2:00 PM Show, 5:00 PM Show
Tuesday, December 23, 2:00 PM Show, 5:00 PM Show
Wednesday, December 24, 2:00 PM Show
Friday, December 26, 4:00 PM Show, 7:00 PM Show – (Adults Only 21+)
Saturday, December 27, 1:00 PM Show, 4:00 PM Show, 7:00 PM Show – (Seniors Special, all reservations 15% off)
Sunday, December 28, 1:00 PM Show, 4:00 PM Show
Tuesday, December 30, 2:00 PM Show, 5:00 PM Show
Wednesday, December 31, 5:00 PM Show, 8:00 PM Show – (Adults Only 21+)
Thursday, January 1, 5:00 PM Show – (Family Special 15% off all reservations)
Friday, January 2, 7:00 PM Show – (Adults Only 21+)
Saturday, January 3. 1:00 PM Show, 4:00 PM Show, 7:00 PM Show – (Adults Only 21+)
Sunday, January 4, 1:00 PM Show, 4:00 PM Show

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2026-01-01 16:00 - 2026-01-03 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
2026-01-01 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
2026-01-01 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

First Day Hike Portola
2026-01-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Portola State Park, 9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, CA, 94020
January 1, 11am – 1pm
Bring in the New Year at Portola Redwoods State Park!
Join Eric Schmidt of the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation on our First Day hike through the redwood forest.
This will be a ~2 hour easy/moderate hike with a picnic stop to celebrate New Year’s Day 2026.
We expect to see mushrooms, banana slugs and much more!
Please check the weather forecast. We plan to go out in light rain or shine. (Heavy rain & wind will cancel this hike).
Portola Redwoods State Park Visitor Center
Arrive 10:45 for 11:00 AM hike 1/1/2026
Water, snack for picnic stop, layers, raincoat, hiking shoes/boots, camera
There are dozens of hikes we can choose from. It will depend on the ability of the participants and what they hope to see.
Note: Parking is $10. There is NO CELLULAR SERVICE in the park. Please download or print driving directions and allow extra time to arrive. (About 1 hour from Rt 280 in Palo Alto)

AI Prompting for Learning Mac or PC
2026-01-01 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

Stuffie Hide & Seek
2026-01-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Stuffie Hide & Seek
Friday, August 1, 10am – 6pm
Every day through December 1
A cuddly, book-loving stuffed animal is hiding in the Children’s Room—can you track it down? Explore the shelves, uncover fun books and surprises, and when you find the critter, let a librarian know to earn a sticker prize! This passive program runs all day, every day—just drop in and join the fun!
Aptos Library Children’s Room

First Day Hikes in Santa Cruz County
2026-01-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz County Parks
First Day Hikes are a great tradition!
Some hikes require registration. Also. be prepared to pay a parking fee at most parks.

January 1, 9am – 1pm – First Day Hike – The Forest of Nisene Marks
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, 600 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos, Join us for a 4 mile, 4 hour walk to the site where the town of Loma Prieta was located and the hidden spot deep in the redwoods. Register https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule/0ef4b536/appointment/28163212/calendar/5807009

January 1, 10am – 12pm – First Day Hike – Burleigh Murray Ranch
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park – Join State Park Docents on a leisurely two-hour walk. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This walk will be a 2.5 miles round trip hike with only a small gain in elevation. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century. Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (669) 758-1819. Click here to make your reservation today!

January 1, 10am – 12pm – First Day Hike – Gray Whale Cove Trail, Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara. Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast. From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (669) 758-1819.

January 1, 10am – 2pm – First Day Hike – Big Basin Redwoods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, This 5-mile moderately difficult hike will take you to the Mount McAbee Overlook with views of the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. The hike has an elevation gain of 800 feet. You will be going up part of the Skyline to the Sea trail to Middle Ridge Fire Road to Hihn Hammond Fire Road to the Overlook, returning via Hihn Hammond Road, on the Hihn Hammond Connector trail and into the Redwood Loop back to Park Headquarters. You can expect stops along the way to observe and learn about flora and fauna in diverse ecosystems. Meet at the Visitor Center. Length of Hike: 5.0 mile, 4 hoursWear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and wear layers. Bring plenty of water. There is no potable water available other that by purchase for $3. Bring lunch. Hike will happen rain or shine, but route may be altered in inclement weather depending on trail conditions. High winds will cancel. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets are allowed. Registration is not required. A $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival (no cash), or you can reserve a parking spot for $8 online.

January 1, 11am – 12:30pm – First Day Hike at Henry Cowell – Redwood Grove
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Join us for 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. We will meet in front of the Redwood Visitor Center.

January 1, 11am – 1:30pm – Guided Coastal Walk at Wilder Ranch
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Sign up here! Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.

January 1, 1pm – 2:30 pm – First Day Hike at Henry Cowell – Cable Car Beach
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, Interested in observing and comparing old growth and second growth redwood forests? Walking by the river and learning about what plants grow alongside it? Join us for a stroll to Cable Car Beach! We will meet at the Redwood Visitor Center at 1pm and be out for an hour and a half. Easy to moderate pace. Under 2 miles roundtrip.

January 1, 3 – 4:30 pm – First Day Hike at Henry Cowell – Reflective Sandhills Hike
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, Join us for a mile and a half walk from the mixed forest through the sandhills to the Observation deck and back. We will reflect on how the land teaches us renewal and resilience along with fun gentle qi gong inspired movements. All ages welcome. Moderate pace. Meet at the campground parking lot/kiosk at 3pm.

January 1, 3pm – 4:30pm – First Day King Tide Walk – New Brighton
New Brighton State Beach Capitola, Come start the New Year by exploring king tides at New Brighton State Beach. Join us for a negative tide on a 2-mile roundtrip adventure from New Brighton State Beach to Capitola. We will encounter interesting geological features in a coastal bluff, 5-million-year-old whale fossils, and tide pool creatures. We will return to New Brighton around 4:30 PM and may remain on the beach until sunset. Steady rain cancels this event. Meet at the day-use parking lot at New Brighton State Beach. Parking fee is $10. Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, water, umbrella. Sign up: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule/0ef4b536/appointment/28163345/calendar/5563015 Call 831-685-6444 if you have questions.
