Santa Cruz Parent

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2025-09-11 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

Mah Jongg Club - Hong Kong Style
2025-09-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Mah Jongg Club – Hong Kong Style

Thursdays, 2 – 4pm, through December 18
Welcome players of all levels – the experienced and the newly curious!
Connect with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts and build a supportive community. Share experiences, exchange tips, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow learners.
I host a Beginner’s Learning Table EVERY week, instructing in Hong Kong Style. I will take you through the basics of the tiles and setup, followed by a game with tiles face up as we put what we’ve learned into practice. You can stay at the Beginner’s table for as long as you need. Alternatively, we have an additional instructor in Chinese Mah Jongg with British rules if you find you prefer that style instead.
We have tile sets to choose from or you may bring your own.
All are welcome to play, however please be mindful and respectful that there are at least 40 known variants of this game. If you would like to play American or Traditional Chinese, or other variants, you are welcome to do so, but you may need to be patient and instruct folks on how to play your way. Sometimes modifications will be needed, at the beginning of each game ask the table what rules to play by and be courteous and kind to one another.

SPCA Santa Cruz After-School Preteen PAWS Program Tier 2
2025-09-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA 2601 Chanticleer Ave Santa Cruz, 2601 chanticleer ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
SPCA Santa Cruz After-School Preteen PAWS Program Tier 2
Thursdays 4-6pm, September 11- 25
Preteen PAWS Tier 2, for returning students 10-12 years old, builds upon the children’s knowledge and skills about animals in PAWS Tier 1.
It runs for three weeks and refines the children’s animal handling skills.
The program establishes awareness of the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare and engages students in stories of animal rescues.
Participants play games about animal welfare, train dogs, walk dogs, make enrichments and write descriptions of shelter animals for the SPCASC website.
Register now for animal snuggles!

Santa Cruz SPCA PAWS for Pre-Teens Program Tier 2 September 11-25
2025-09-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA 2601 Chanticleer Ave Santa Cruz, 2601 chanticleer ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA PAWS for Pre-Teens Program Tier 2
Wednesdays 4-6, September 11-25; October 9-23; November 6-20; December 4-18
Junior PAWS Tier 2, for returning pre-teens, 10-12 years old, builds upon the children’s knowledge and skills about animals in PAWS Tier 1. Prerequisite: At least one or more of PAWS 1 sessions completed.
It runs for three weeks and refines the children’s animal handling skills.
The program establishes the children’s awareness of the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare and engages students in stories of animal rescues.
Participants play games about animal welfare, train dogs, walk dogs and make enrichments for the dogs and cats.
They also create adoption posters to be displayed on the animals’ kennel doors.
Register now for animal snuggles!
__________________________________________________________________________

These sessions, which meet for three weeks on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm are for students who have been in our PAWS program more than once and are ready for a new challenge. In PAWS Tier Two we begin exploring some of the larger animal welfare ideas and learning about some of the reasons why animals who come to our shelter as well as what different kinds of challenges animals face out in society. They will continue to progress on animal handling and advocacy skills they have developed in their previous PAWS engagements.
Junior PAWS Tier 2-For 7–9-year-old participants, each Wednesday for three weeks out of the month, 4-6pm
Pre-teen PAWS Tier 2-for 10–12-year-old participants, each Thursday for three weeks out of the month, 4-6pm
We ask all students who have never done our PAWS program before to sign up for our PAWS Tier 1 program. If you have questions or need help in figuring out where your student fits, please contact us at 831-566-3753.

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2025-09-11 16:00 - 2025-09-13 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

Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
2025-09-12 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.

Ocean Grove Park Days
2025-09-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Anna Jean Cummings Park, 461 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soooquel, CA, 95073, United States
Ocean Grove Park Days
Friday, September 12, 10am – 1pm and Friday, October 17, 10am – 1pm
Park Days: “Kick Off to a Great Year!” Santa Cruz County.
Open to ALL Ocean Grove families and prospective students—come connect, play, and celebrate the start of the school year together! Click on the Park Days link below to find out more!
Mark your calendars! Ocean Grove’s “Back to School” Park Day is just around the corner and our theme is “Kick Off to a Great Year!”
Along with our “back to school” theme” we will have three oversized inflatable photo frames and a smaller cardboard one—perfect for capturing your favorite “Back to School” memories!
Get ready for some fun! We’ll provide plenty of activities, including board games, scratch-art bookmarks, a brand new cornhole set, giant Connect Four, jumbo Uno cards, giant Jenga, bubbles, themed coloring, sports equipment, themed beads, and more!
Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and some snacks or lunch. This event is designed for all ages—it’s the perfect way to connect, play, and celebrate the start of a new school year together. Look for our big Ocean Grove sign and truck when you arrive. We can’t wait to see you there!
https://ogcs.org/og-premium-content/og-if/og-parkdays

Friday, October 17, 10am – 1pm
Bring your own pumpkin to paint and decorate! Don’t have a pumpkin? That’s ok! We’ve already thought of that! Some foam pumkin cut outs will be provided as well. We will have acrylic paint pens, tempra paint, craft supplies, and pumpkin face stickers to let your imagination go wild!

Little Discoverer Fridays
2025-09-12 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.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-09-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
3rd Fridays, 11am – 12:30pm, March 15 – December 20
Join us at the Aptos Branch Library for an engaging and dynamic book group experience: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).
This innovative program encourages participants to bring along a book of their choice and share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives with fellow readers. Whether you’re passionate about fiction, non-fiction, classics, or contemporary literature, BYOB Book Group welcomes all genres and interests.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12055882
How It Works:

Choose Your Book: Select a book that you’ve recently read or have been wanting to discuss. It could be a novel, biography, memoir, poetry collection, or any other genre that interests you.
Bring Your Book: Arrive at the library with your chosen book in hand. Make sure it’s one you’re eager to share and discuss with others.
Engage in Discussion: Once everyone has gathered, participants will take turns sharing their thoughts on their chosen books. This could include favorite passages, character analysis, thematic elements, personal connections, and more.
Respectful Exchange: Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with fellow participants. Share your perspectives while also listening attentively to others’ viewpoints. This is a space for lively literary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Discover New Reads: Explore a diverse range of books and genres through the recommendations and discussions of fellow participants. You might just find your next favorite read!

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just starting to delve into the world of books, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Book Group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for lively literary discussions and discovery. Join us at the library and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!

Pumpkins at Borchard Farms
2025-09-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Borchard Farms, 142 Rodgers Road, Salinas, CA, 93912
Pumpkins at Borchard Farms
Friday, September 12, 11am to 8pm

Borchard Farms is open starting this Friday, September 12th, 11am to 8pm with Pumpkins, Gourds, Corn Maze, Animals, Squash, Logo Pumpkins with your family name.

Scrabble at La Selva Beach
2025-09-12 13:00 - 14:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Scrabble La Selva Beach
August 2 – November 15, Fridays, 1 – 2pm

Did you know that PACZKI is a round filled doughnut (23 points)? Come test your vocabulary in a game of Scrabble at La Selva Beach Library.
La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., LSB
Are you a bridge player too? The LSB Bridge Club is 10:30-12:00 on Fridays (except the 1st Friday of the month).
Questions? Call the La Selva Beach Library at 831-427-7710.

Mountain Farmers' Market
2025-09-12 14:30 - 18:30 | Mountain Farmers Market, 23845 Summit Rd,, Los Gatos, CA, 95033
Mountain Farmers’ Market
Fridays, 2:30-6:30pm, August 15 – October 31
Located among the redwood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mountain Farmers’ Market brings together local farmers, food vendors, and artisans in a scenic outdoor setting.
Shop fresh, organic produce, sourdough bread, pastries, honey, olive oil, specialty coffee beans, cacao, fresh-pressed juice, and more.
Enjoy weekly live music at our picnic area while dining on Oaxacan tamales, Brazilian BBQ, shave ice, and açaí bowls.
All-levels outdoor yoga classes are held most Fridays under the redwoods.
A welcoming community hub for fresh food, local goods, and relaxed gathering.
All-level Yoga Classes from Cups of Yoga: 530-6:15pm

Lego Brick Builder Fridays
2025-09-12 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.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2025-09-12 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!

All Ages Art Reception The Raft
2025-09-12 16:30 - 19:00 | NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
All Ages Art Reception The Raft
Friday, September 5, 4:30 – 7pm Reception
Wednesdays – Sundays 10am – 4pm through October 29
The Sanctuary Exploration Center is excited to announce “The Raft,” a new art show by Margaret Adachi.
“The Raft” brings Monterey Bay’s sea otters to life, and highlights the crucial role they play in protecting our coastal ecosystems.
Join us for the show’s reception at the Sanctuary Exploration Center (35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz) on Friday, September 5th, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments while learning more about sea otters in the sanctuary!
This event is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 4:30pm for viewing, with a brief address from the artist at 6pm.
Art will be on display during public hours, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from September 5th through October 27th.

Free Movies at Capitola Beach
2025-09-12 19:30 | Capitola Beach, Capitola
Free Movies at Capitola Beach

Fridays at dusk, August 22, September 12
Movies begin at dusk. All movies are shown on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park.
Attendees are encouraged to bring seating. Low back chairs and blankets are recommended.
Consider bringing a picnic dinner, or dine locally at area restaurants.
No alcohol or dogs on the beach.
Friday, August 22nd showing: Honey I Shrunk the Kids
Friday, September 12th showing: The Garfield Movie

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2025-09-13 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

Race the Wave
2025-09-13 08:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
Race the Wave
Saturday, September 13, 8am-12pm
Are you ready? If you had to escape a tsunami event in Santa Cruz how long would it take you to run or walk to high ground? Would you know which way to go? Here’s your chance to test yourself and gain some knowledge about tsunamis and their impact on our community.
Be part of the first race to start on the Santa Cruz Wharf!
Adults are only $20 and kids 12 and under are $10. This will automatically be calculated at check-out.
Background
Race the Wave combines a functional evacuation exercise, a community fun run, and an emergency preparedness fair hosted by the City of Santa Cruz during National Preparedness Month.
This event reinforces the City’s commitment to tsunami preparedness and hazard mitigation while highlighting the shared responsibility to protect public infrastructure, such as the Wharf.
Participants will follow an evacuation route from a high-risk coastal location on the Santa Cruz Wharf to higher ground. The race begins on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, follows Pacific Avenue through the downtown area and concludes at Mission Plaza Park, outside the updated maximum tsunami inundation zone.
At the finish line, an emergency preparedness fair will bring together City departments and community-based organizations to share emergency preparedness information with the community. The fair will focus community attention on the need for 72 hours of personal and household preparedness.

"Weather and the Whale"
2025-09-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Institute of the Arts and Sciences, 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
“Weather and the Whale”

Tuesday–Sunday 12–5pm, through October 12
Weather and the Whale is a major exhibition project featuring immersive displays of original science research and newly commissioned contemporary artworks. Working at the intersections of art and science to connect people to the impacts of climate change, the project brings leading artists into collaboration with marine ecologists at the Friedlaender Lab at UC Santa Cruz
The title of the exhibition reflects the roles that both weather and whales take as indicators of climate change. Just as changing weather patterns indicate broader climate shifts, whale behaviors are also an indicator of a rapidly changing world. Presented across the three galleries and the screening room at the IAS, Weather and the Whale includes new research and data developed through two years of fieldwork by the Friedlaender Lab. This data, much made public for the first time, delves into the impacts on whales and other large marine mammals of environmental toxins, sea ice retreat, and other threats, including what is happening in Monterey Bay and along California’s coast.
For the internationally acclaimed artists in the exhibition, the research has provided a unique vantage point to creatively engage these and other ecological threats to whales and all their land-based counterparts. Video installations, sculptures, photography, and other artworks, most newly created for the exhibition, provide novel and experiential ways of seeing and understanding the human and nonhuman experiences of living in times of climate crisis– and to imagine global climate justice across land and ocean

Bringing together new research and artworks produced through a two-year collaboration between scientists at UC Santa Cruz’s Friedlaender Lab and contemporary artists, Weather and the Whale moves between land and ocean, human and nonhuman experience to tell multi-perspectival and multi-sensorial stories of climate crisis.
ADMISSION – Free and open to the public
Gallery hours – Tuesday–Sunday: 12–5pm, closed on holidays
INFORMATION: ias.ucsc.edu/visit
PARKING – Convenient and free self-parking is available on Panetta Ave. and High Rd., immediately adjacent to the galleries. Accessible parking is on High Rd.

Westside Farmers Market
2025-09-13 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.

Capitola Art and Wine Festival 2025
2025-09-13 10:00 - 18:00 | Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Capitola Art & Wine Festival 2025
Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm, September 13 & 14

Join us at the Capitola Art & Wine Festival.
Art, wine, music, dance, and good vibes…all in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Village…summer’s last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise!
Stroll the Festival sipping exceptional wines from 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 150 fine artists. Enjoy live music, be inspired by local dance groups, and street performers.
Admission FREE! Wine tasting requires the purchase of the 2025 Festival Glass ($15) and tasting tokens ($1 each). Tastings vary between 2 – 4 tokens. Must be 21+ to wine taste, and purchase glasses and tokens.
Free bike valet parking at the festival.
Free parking and shuttle from Capitola Mall. Look for FESTIVAL SHUTTLE signs in the mall parking lot off Capitola Road near the Spirit Halloween parking area (formerly Sears). Shuttle operates Saturday, 9:30am – 8pm, Sunday, 9:30am – 7pm.
The Capitola Art & Wine Festival is a community event hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. It is the premiere fundraiser supporting the Capitola-Soquel Chamber, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, as well as the local school and community groups that assist with the festival. We are grateful to our hardworking volunteers who help in more ways than we can count. It takes a village, and we are thankful for ours.
2025 Poster Artist: Cristina Sayers
Poster available at: Rootstock Collective, 861 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz and the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce

2025 Entertainment Line Up

Bandstand Stage at Esplanade Park
Saturday, September 13th

11 – 11:30am Joy Smith & Pleasure Point Dance
12 – 12:30pm Te Hau Nui School of Hula & Tahitian Dance
1 – 1:30pm Pacific Arts Complex
2:30 – 4pm Sweet Voodo
5 – 7pm James Durbin and The Lost Boys

Sunday, September 14

10:30 – 11am Dancenter
11:30 – 12pm Elaine’s Dance Studio
12:30 – 1:30pm Cirque, Tumble, Cheer
2:30 – 4:30pm Viva Santana

Street Performers – Intersection of Capitola & Monterey Avenues
Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 1:30pm: Cement Ship

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2025-09-13 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.

Board Games and More in Felton Branch Library
2025-09-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Are You Game? Board Games and More in Felton Branch Library
2nd Saturdays, February 8 – December 13, 12 – 5pm
Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite board games. Bring your favorite board game or play some of the library’s games. No prior gaming experience is necessary. This program is for adults 18+. We will meet every second Saturday of the month in the Community Room at Felton Branch Library.

Science Saturdays
2025-09-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Science Saturdays

Saturdays 1 – 2pm

Join us every Saturday from 3 – 4:30pm for fun and interactive science adventures at the Children’s Museum of Discovery!
Each week, we’ll bring learning to life through engaging science lessons, followed by hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity for all. From exciting experiments to interactive demos, Science Saturday is a great way for the whole family to explore the wonders of science together!
This weekly event is free with museum admission, and it’s the perfect opportunity to make science both fun and educational.
_____________________

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.

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2025-09-13 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

Collage Making with The MAH
2025-09-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Collage Making with The MAHSecond
Saturday, September 13, 1-4pm

Saturday is almost here! We’re excited to welcome our friends from the MAH for Collage Making, inspired by Santa Cruz artist Ed Penniman.

Drop in this Saturday for free, hands-on fun! Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville

Pajaro Valley Arts Council

Lego No-So Simple Machines Aptos
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Afternoon STEAM: Lego No-So Simple Machines Aptos

Saturdays 2 – 3:30pm, through July 26
Learn how to create Lego devices using simple machines (gears, levers, pulleys, and swivels).
Participants work at their own pace. Once their device will work manually, then it will be motorize.
Builders will learn how to program motors using Lego WeDo software.
Drop-in, no advance registration
Ages 8 to 18

Teen Art Workshops
2025-09-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Teen Art Workshops & Introduction to A.C.T.
2nd Saturdays, 2-4pm, July 12 through December 13
July 12: Techniques in Printmaking- Contrast Eraser-Carving

All teens 12-18 years are welcome as we learn about volunteer opportunities in the library, share our input on teen spaces, policies, and programs, enjoy snacks, as well as a special art lesson. You will learn to carve your own (re-usable) design and create a print of your own to take home! Join the fun! It’s free!
What is A.C.T.?
Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) is the SCPL young adult advisory group. ACT is open to all young adults in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley. The main focus of the ACT is young adult services, including programs, events, spaces, and policies. This is a good opportunity for students to fulfill community service credits, obtain job skills, develop leadership abilities, and acquire college extracurricular experience. Also, ACT is a great outlet to meet great friends and most importantly, have fun with other like minded individuals.
Questions? Contact Librarian Jackie Danziger, danzigerj@santacruzpl.org

Important: teens under 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign the attached waiver in order to participate.

Participant_Waiver_for_Event_11.15.22_1_2es.docx
Participant_Waiver_for_Event_11.15.22_1__2_.docx

Dash of Dance Day
2025-09-13 14:30 - 15:30 | Crescendo Dance Academy, 1855 41st Avenue Suite G07, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Dash of Dance Day
Saturday, September 13, 2:30-3:30
Join us and try five different dance styles in one class!
What to know what a lyrical/jazz class is all about but don’t want to commit to a whole class? Dance Acro? Ballet? Leaps and Turns? Come try them all in tiny snippets!
Ages 6-10

Crescendo Dance Academy
Capitola Mall Suite G07

Paint and Play Saturdays
2025-09-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Paint and Play Saturdays
Saturdays 10:30am

Unleash creativity and have a blast with colors at MOD’s Paint & Play!
Recommended for ages 4 and up, this informal class is perfect for anyone who can independently use a paintbrush. Learn a variety of fun painting techniques, from basic strokes to more advanced styles, while letting your imagination run wild as you create unique and colorful masterpieces!
No pre-registration required
Free with museum admission

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.
