Santa Cruz Parent

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2025-09-03 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
1st Wednesdays, 7-9pm, starting September 3
Join us on First Wednesdays for lively English country dancing in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange

No partner or dancing experience needed — dances are taught and prompted.
Everyone is welcome! Gender-neutral roles/calling (Odds/Evens)
Wear comfortable non-marking sticky shoes / sneakers (aka, not dance slicks)
Open community Band — Bring your instrument, dance and/or play! (Please let us know if you’d like the sheet music – the tunes are relatively easy) Open Band (come join us!) – we often have Fiddle, Banjo, Recorder(s), Drum, Bass, …
COVID policies — following county policy; please don’t come if feeling under the weather. Mask / vaccine not required, but definitely welcomeContribute what you can — we are looking to cover the costs of the hall / insurance ($10 – $20), but come even if you can’t help financially

Videos of many of the dances that we do are at https://www.youtube.com/playlist… — no costume required! We hope to see you there!

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100333273841072

Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You
2025-09-04 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You

Where will your California State Library Parks Pass take you?

With access to over 200 participating #CAStateParks, the hardest part is choosing where to go first!

Will it be a coastal escape? A serene redwood forest? A scenic desert landscape?

How to get your pass: Visit your local library and check out a free vehicle day-use pass.

You can find your library and eligible parks here: parks.ca.gov/LibraryPass.

Celebrate National Fossil Week with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
2025-09-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Celebrate National Fossil Week with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History!
Saturday, October 4, 11am-3pm
Join your friends at the Museum as we put the “pal” in paleontology with a free festival featuring fossils! Meet geologists, paleontologists, naturalists, and artists for an afternoon of family-friendly fun, activity stations, fossil interactives, and so much more.
Featured programs throughout the day include a fossil identification station, our Saturdays in the Soil garden program, a Rockin’ Pop Up meet-and-greet with geologists, and hands-on fossil kits. So, make sure to bring any mystery fossils and rocks from home for identification
Free to the public and open to dinosaur lovers of all ages!

Mah Jongg Club - Hong Kong Style
2025-09-04 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.

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2025-09-04 16:00 - 2025-09-06 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

Drop-In Drawing at MAH All Ages
2025-09-04 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

Wheelie Good Thursdays Open Skate
2025-09-04 18:30 - 21:30 | Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz County, CA, 95060, United States
Wheelie Good Thursdays Open Skate
Thursday, September 4, 6:30pm Let’s skate the Civic! Join the Civic Auditorium and Skater Things for open skate night Thursdays, offered on four nights throughout this summer.Admission Prices: Advance tickets NOT including skate rental: $12 Advance tickets with included skate rental*: $15 Price increases day-of show: Day-of-show tickets NOT including skate rental: $15 Day-of-show tickets with included skate rental*: $18 *Skate rental toddler sizes not currently availablePlease Note: Attendees will be required to sign a liability form upon entry to each event. General Admission, ID required to claim Will Call tickets.
Please review General Event Policies for exclusions. All sales are final. No refunds.

Wheelie Good Thursdays

Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
2025-09-05 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.

Little Discoverer Fridays
2025-09-05 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.

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2025-09-05 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

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-09-05 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!

Jazz at the Library
2025-09-05 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

Scrabble at La Selva Beach
2025-09-05 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
2025-09-05 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
2025-09-05 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
2025-09-05 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
2025-09-05 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.

Boulder Creek First Friday
2025-09-05 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

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2025-09-06 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

Westside Farmers Market
2025-09-06 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.

California Biodiversity Day Wildflower Walk
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
California Biodiversity Day Wildflower Walk
Saturday, September 6, 10 – 11:30 am

Join us to celebrate California Biodiversity Day with a hands-on park beautification project! Discover the beauty of native wildflowers and help support local ecosystems.
Participants will go on a native plant walk, learn about California flowers and pollinators, and the conservation efforts to restore fragile coastal landscapes through sustainable gardening. After the plant walk, participants will scatter wildflower seeds around the park as well as take home wildflower seeds to start their own native flower gardens.
REGISTER
Please note:

This event takes place outdoors. Gardening attire recommended.
This event is recommended for ages 8+. Please contact events@santacruzmuseum.org with questions.

Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
2025-09-06 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.

Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair
2025-09-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Skypark Scotts Valley, CA, United States
Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair

Saturday, September 6, 12 – 4pm

Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair

The Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair is a vibrant community celebration dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism and diversity.

Through engaging activities and cultural experiences, we aim to strengthen community connections by showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of Scotts Valley and the surrounding areas.

Mark your calendars! The FREE 4th Annual Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair returns on Saturday, September 6th, 2025 at Skypark.

On a phone? View the mobile-friendly video: https://fb.watch/zIly6SY7Gj/

Live Music, Dance, Grub, Fashion Show, Student Art, Booths

Volunteer

Celebrate diversity with us at the upcoming multicultural fair! Whether you’re an adult or a student, your volunteer efforts are essential in ensuring the success of this event. Not only will you contribute to the community, but students can also earn valuable community service hours by volunteering. From aiding with setup and cleanup to engaging with attendees, there’s a role suited for everyone. Join us in making a difference in your community by signing up to volunteer today!
Student Volunteers ~ Adult Volunteers

Science Saturdays
2025-09-06 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.
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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.

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2025-09-06 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

Lego No-So Simple Machines Aptos
2025-09-06 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

Paint and Play Saturdays
2025-09-06 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.

Free Workshop "Give Your Kids Wings to Fly"
2025-09-06 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)

Live Oak Farmers Market
2025-09-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Live Oak Farmers Market, 15th & Eastcliff Dr, Live Oak, CA, 95062, United States
Live Oak Farmers Market
Sundays 9am – 1pm year round
Started in 2000, Live Oak Farmers Market is a neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. A decade has past since this market became year round and here you will find an excellent selection of organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, fresh bread, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and more. The market is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing amazing Sunday brunch offerings like traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, dumplings, crepes and artisan hand pies. This is your Sunday destination.

Market Match
Market Match offers farmers’ market customers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 on their CalFresh (food stamp) cards at the Live Oak Market. If a customer swipes their CalFresh card for seven dollars, they get seven dollars in Market Match tokens for free. Swipe $10, you get $10. The goal of this project is to encourage CalFresh (EBT/SNAP) recipients to take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. By offering an incentive that lowers the price of fresh produce, we are helping shoppers stretch their food dollars while keeping their families healthy. SCCFM will be offering the Market Match program for the 2020 season. Locate the information booth and the market manager to redeem EBT coins and to participate in the Market Match Program.
