Question: When you have an afternoon to take your kids and play in a stream somewhere near Santa Cruz, where do you go? We always end up at Henry Cowell, which is great, but I’m wondering if there are more places we are missing. We love to skip rocks, wade, explore, etc. Also, if you want to do the same thing, but have a full day to take a day trip up to two hours away, where would you go then?
Thanks Santa Cruz Mamas, a supportive FB group of moms, for these great suggestions!
Fall Creek is great!
The Junction in Boulder Creek has a calm hole, perfect for kiddos
Aptos Creek Park
Glenwood Preserve in Scotts Valley is nice.
Garland Ranch Regional Park is fun. The Carmel River passes through it, the visitors center is small, but fun and the hikes there are beautiful. My fav place of all is point lobos. We also love to go to Lovers Point and tidepool. Or bring hammocks and hang them on the trees in Esplanade Park. There’s a picnic table there too. It’s usually so quiet and peaceful. And the deer are roaming around sometimes too.
Molera Big Sur has Carmel River and the ocean. Shaver Lake accessed through Dora Bell Camp Ground might be a little out of range but is an absolutely stunning lake. Right now wildflowers abound.
DeLaveaga has a creek running through it and is great for rock skipping afternoons!
Nisene is fantastic. I’ve gone there since I was a baby. Never the same hike or stream. It’s the best.
For a day trip, Andrew Molera for sure! It’s the best! You have to wade through a river to get to a trail that takes you to a beach and once at the beach, you can play near the ocean or near the same river. So beautiful and adventurous and safe and fun!
Highlands Park is good too.
Fall creek is nice too!
Nisene is great, as is Aptos Village Park (same creek)
Day trip idea – Portola Redwoods State Park!
Nisene Marks, by the George picnic
I love the Soquel Creek by the elementary school.
Wilder Ranch behind the old barn
I sometimes just take my kids to the stream at Highlands Park, or just behind the Tannery if I want to stay in town.
Nisene… My daughter and I love to open up rocks and see fossils.
If you have a day- Castle Rock in Saratoga is great if they want to climb rocks. It’s one of the top destinations for bouldering, and there are trails too. Pinnacles is beautiful if you can get there early.
Butano, Pompono, Gazos Creek and a bunch more great spots almost every parking lot up the 1 past Davenport has awesome creeks and lovely woods!
Highlands Park is a great swimming hole! Walk back towards the playground and the path to the river spot is on the right. Easy access and stays sunny for longer than most spots
Day trip to the Pinnacles National Park! Fun hiking through bear cave up to a little lake…
We welcome more ideas with photos (jpg)! info@santacruzparent.com
