Annual Events

Google Science Fair
Google
Google Science Fair is an online science competition, open to students between the ages of 13 and 18 from around the world.
Date: Every day (Sep 13-Dec 12)

Google Science Fair is an online science competition, open to students between the ages of 13 and 18 from around the world.

 

You can sign up starting September 13th 2018 by visiting googlesciencefair.com and clicking on the Start your project button. If you're not sure where to start, you can get help by taking a look at our Student resources and checking out some out some of our previous winners.

 

 

This competition is open to full-time and home-schooled students around the world, between ages of 13 and 18 (these ages are slightly different in a few countries like Israel, South Korea and Europe). See the Official Rules for more details.

You can win amazing prizes.

 

Submissions close December 12th, 2018

Global finalists announced May 2019

Pumpkin Patch, You Pick Pumpkins
Rodoni Farms
Great local place to pick your pumpkin right from the field and have fun in the corn maze!
Date: Every day (Sep 22-Oct 31)

Special Instructions: 4 miles North of Santa Cruz, California on Hwy. 1

Pumpkins are HERE!!

Pumpkins and fun are what it's all about! Come roam through the fields of pumpkins. There are so many varieties to choose from! We have hay bales, scary cutouts, and a 5 acre corn maze! We also have fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk, artichokes, corn stalks, and gourds.
**Pumpkins are priced by size, not weight.

 

Choosing your pumpkin:
There are two methods of choosing your pumpkin to carve. The first way is my favorite. As you stroll through the pumpkin patch a certain individual pumpkin will jump out at you! That's the ONE! The other method is to have a pattern or face in mind and look for a pumpkin that will work with your design. Usually a large stem makes a nice addition to the pumpkin.
Remember!. The more unusual the better!

 

• Bring your camera! There are many fun photo spots!
• Come spend the day by the California coastline and hand pick your Halloween pumpkin!
• We are open every daily, 9 AM - 6 PM from October 1st through Halloween. After Halloween we will remain open on the honor system until Christmas.
• We are dog friendly. We kindly ask that you keep them on a leash at all times and pick-up after them, if need be.
• CASH OR CHECK ONLY PLEASE.

To schedule Pumpkin Patch field trips click here

Directions:
Our Pumpkin Patch, U Pick Em Pumpkins, is located at 4444 Coast Rd. (Hwy 1)

4 miles North of Santa Cruz, California on Hwy. 1. Take Mission Street through the center of town and continue on to Hwy. 1 towards San Francisco/ Halfmoon Bay. We are on the right side just after Dimeo Lane.

Arata Farm Hay Maze
Arata Pumpkin Farm
Hey everyone, it's that time of year again! Come on out to the farm and enjoy the world famous Minotaur's Labyrinth Hay Maze, or
Date: Every day (Sep 25-Oct 31) from 9:00am to 7:00pm

Welcome

You can lose yourself in our 6 acre corn field and pumpkin river. Try to challenge yourself intellectually and physically in our 2 acre world famous Minotaur's Labyrinth Hay Maze. Take a walk on the wild side and adventure into our Haunted Barn. Relax and enjoy yourself on our Hay Ride.

 

Or you can let the kid's play in our Play Land playground with Miniature Hay Maze, on the Children's Train Ride or have fun with our animals in the Petting Zoo. We also have many picnic areas throughout the farm, at Arata Pumpkin Farm we have something for everybody.

 

We also have dozens of varieties of pumpkins and sizes. We have a special pumpkin for everyone in your family! Feel free to give us a call, send us an email or just come to the farm. We would love to see you.

 

Our Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 9am - 8pm

 

Family Package $15 per Adult ~ $20 per Child Attraction
A minimum of one paid adult and one paid child, age 10 and under are required to qualify for this package

Brainfuse - Homework Help
Libraries
Brainfuse: Free online homework help for students of all ages.
Date: Every day

Free Academic Help at All Levels.

 

Brainfuse offers live online tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and adult education.

 

Live Tutoring: Students draw or type their question in our online classroom and receive live homework assistance from a Brainfuse-certified tutor. Our tutors don't simply give answers but help students master underlying academic concepts.

 

SkillSurfer: SkillSurfer includes an extensive library of Brainfuse-created lessons, video tutorials, and practice tests in a wide range of academic subjects, and further integrates them with live tutoring.

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
A moveable feast of fresh, locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and poultry, baked goods, music and good comp
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed and Sa
Ages: All

Our family of five farmers' markets showcases the best in regional organic produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs and dairy, sustainably-harvested seafoods and artisan-made goods.

 

Purchasing your food through the area's farmers' markets ensures that you are getting the freshest, healthiest and tastiest foods while supporting local jobs, increasing local spending and promoting the region's strong farming tradition.

 

We provide direct access to sustainable sources of fresh produce and other unique foods and education about food issues, both local and beyond.

 

Santa Cruz/Downtown	Weds 2:30-6:00	Lincoln & Cedar	Year-round
Santa Cruz/West Side	Sat 9-1	2801 Mission	Year-round
Scotts Valley	Sat 9-1	King's Village Dr	April - October
Live Oak/East Side	Sun 9-1	15th & Eastcliff Dr	Year-round
Felton	Tues 2:30-6:30	120 Russell Ave	May - Oct

Hikes at Castle Rock
State Park Castle Rock
Discover expansive views, marvelous rock formations and great rock climbing opportunities
Date: Every day (Jun 1-Sep 30)

Special Instructions: Located on Highway 35, just 2.5 miles southeast of the junction with Hwy 9

EASY HIKES
Castle Rock Loop  Sat & Sun 11am
Trailhead: main parking lot; 1 mile loop; elevation gain 300 feet    
Ascend through Douglas-fir, madrone, and tanoak to see the park’s imposing namesake peak—a good spot for bouldering and roped climbs. The surrounding smaller rocks are a great playground for children.

Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike  Saturdays at 2:30pm

Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We’ll discuss Castle Rock’s unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

 
   
MODERATE HIKES 
Ridge/Trail Camp Loop 
Trailhead: main parking lot, 5.15 miles, elevation gain 1,190 feet
Hike through the forest and past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and glimpses of Monterey Bay. Learn about history, wildlife, and habitats at the Interpretive Shelter. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter.  
  
Skyline/Loghry Woods/Saratoga Gap Loop
Trailhead: main parking lot; 6.1 miles roundtrip; elevation gain 750 feet 
Head through the forest past Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock. Enjoy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Lorenzo River with glimpses across to Monterey Bay if there’s no fog. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water, and a rain shelter. 
  
STRENUOUS HIKES  
Middle of the Park from the Gap Loop
Trailhead: Saratoga Gap; 9 miles roundtrip, elevation gain 1,530 feet. 
This challenging hike or run through the forest takes you past mountain and valley views with some glimpses of Monterey Bay on a clear day. Castle Rock Trail Camp has picnic tables, pit toilets, water and a rain shelter. Begin at Saratoga Gap and either go down Saratoga Toll Road Trail or across Skyline Trail (Bay Area Ridge Trail). Close the loop on the Loghry Woods and Travertine Springs trails.
   
Gap to Gap Loop
Trailhead: Saratoga Gap or Waterman Gap; 16.4 miles round trip, elevation gain 1,860 feet
A good workout for strong trail runners and hikers. You can also backpack and stay overnight at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp (reservations required). Trails are mostly wooded, with occasional views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. 
   
Skyline to the Sea Trailhead: dropoff at Saratoga Gap or park at main parking lot, pickup at Waddell Beach, 25.2–28.2 miles; elevation from 1,660–2,130 feet. 
One of the region’s most rewarding backpack options. Start on the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains and descend to the ocean in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Camp at trail camps along the way. Two to four days of backpacking or four to eight hours of trail running.

 

Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook Hike

Saturdays at 2:30pm

Join us on a 3-mile, 2.5-hour hike to Castle Rock, Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock Overlook. We'll discuss Castle Rock's unique geology, rock climbing history, human impacts and important preservationists that helped give Castle Rock State Park the protections we have today. Please bring plenty of water, hiking shoes, snacks, a camera, and binoculars if you have them. Event is free; day use fee for vehicles is $8. Meet at the kiosk. Event made possible by California State Parks in partnership with Portola and Castle Rock Foundation.

 

30 Days of Doing
4-H
Inspire Kids to Do. We believe in empowering kids with the skills they need to succeed. In 4-H, mentors inspire kids to be True
Date: Every day (Sep 1-Sep 30)

30 Days of Doing is a chance for kids across the nation to do with purpose through hands-on learning. Through activities in agriculture, STEM, community service, healthy living and more, 30 Days of Doing will help kids gain the skills they need to be successful in life-and have fun along the way.

 

Plus, starting September 1 you could win a $10,000 scholarship for your kid - and your state 4-H program could receive $10,000 to inspire kids in the community!

 

Submit a photo that shows how your child inspires themselves or others to do with purpose for themselves, their family, their community, their country or the world. Check back September 1 for more details!

Usegi Farm for Fall Fun
Uesugi Farms
Pumpkinville Railroad, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Blasters and Pumpkins for Sale
Date: Every day (Sep 25-Oct 31)
Admission Fees: free to enter, fees for ticketed rides

Ride the Pumpkinville Railroad!  Take a nostalgic ride aboard our Allan Herschell Iron Horse or our blue and yellow Arrow Streamliner trains. Visit Morgania, where our scarecrows live.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

Get Lost in Kayla's Korn Maze.  Try to find your way out of this 2 acre corn maze with interactive trivia cards.  Fun for the whole family.

 

Hay Jump  Have the kids jump on this gianormous jumper made of giant haybales. What a great way for the kids to burn some energy!

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Pumpkin Pete's Enchanted Hayride  Meet Pumpkin Pete and travel through some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring lands of Uesugi Farms. Visit Pumpkinland, our gorgeous Sunflower Gallery, and the spectacular Marigoldland, filled with over 100,000 hand-sown flowers. This one of a kind hayride is completely narrated and complimented with charming music. It's a must see!

Operates 9am-6:30pm daily.

 

The Cow Train  This may be the silliest fun you have all year! A favorite with the kids!

Operates 9am-closing daily.

Pumpkin Blasters
Come and shoot targets with mini pumpkins out of this gun... at 90mph. What a blast!!  Safe for all ages.

Pumpkins for Sale

We have tons of pumpkins to choose from.  All sorts of sizes, shapes and varieties.  We also sell haybales, corstalks, indian corn, different squashes, gourds and flowers.

 

Butterfly Valley  Take a stroll along this path and learn about the fascinating lives of butterflies through interactive storyboards.

Operates 9am-6:30pm daily.

 

Bootsie The Bee  Follow the corn path to discover all of Bootsie’s colorful, textured friends, and learn fascinating ‘bee-facts’ too. Be sure to visit Bootsie at night. All the storyboards are lit up with blacklights.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Carousel  Everyone can remember riding a carousel as a youngster, and this one rivals the best.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Pumpkin Blasters  Come and shoot targets with mini pumpkins out of this gun… at 90mph.
What a blast!! Safe for all ages.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Pumpkin Pyramid  It takes over 4000 pumpkins to cover our pyramid. A splendiferice site of epic proportions. Have your picture taken while sitting in our king or queen thrones.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Fees

One-on-One Tech Tutoring
Library Aptos
A tech savvy librarian will provide instruction in the use of a wide range of technology services
Date: Every Wed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Admission Fees: Free

One-on-One Tech Tutoring

Trying to play with technology and getting frustrated? A tech savvy librarian will provide instruction in the use of a wide range of technology services: How to use free downloadable content available from your library in a number of formats (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming video) Introduction to SCPL databases (i.e. Consumer Reports, Community Information, etc...) Creating an email account Downloading and attaching files Word processing direction and support.

 

Drop-in weekly appointments, 20 minute slots available. To best support learning, please bring the following items: devices (i.e., laptops, tablets, and/or smartphones), necessary passwords (Google Play, App Store), and library card!

 

First-come, First-served. FREE

Hablamos Juntos/Together We Speak
Pajaro Valley Arts Council
Experience how our artists give voice to and navigate: daily life, current events, social, political and cultural issues, commun
Date: Every Su, Wed, Th and Fri (Aug 8-Oct 7) from 11:00am to 4:00pm

Special Instructions: Reception August 12

Hablamos Juntos/Together We Speak
August 8 - October 7, 2018

 

 

Curated by Juan R. Fuentes and Michelle P. Mouton, Hablamos Juntos explores visual dialogs created by prominent California Latinx artists at the Pajaro Valley Arts gallery in Watsonville. In this extraordinarily rich exhibit, you will experience how our artists give voice to and navigate: daily life, current events, social, political and cultural issues, community, ethnicity, as well as personal narratives, myths, and history. Click here for a virtual tour. Visit our Facebook page for additional photos.

 

Artists:  Susana Arias,  Eduardo Carrillo,  Yreina D. Cervántez,  Pablo Cristi,   Amy Díaz-Infante,  Juan R. Fuentes,  Daniel Galvez,  Lorraine García-Nakata,  Carlos Jackson,   Carmen León,  Jose Lozano,  Dionicio Mendoza,  Amalia Mesa-Bains,  Viviana Paredes,  Pancho Rodriquez,   Michael Roman,  Ivan Rubio,  Manuel Santana,   Linda Vallejo,   Cruz Ortiz Zamarron

 

A collaboration between Pajaro Valley Arts, Museo Eduardo Carrillo, and the Young Writers Program, this project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

The Hablamos Juntos exhibit is also presented in partnership with the San Jose Museum of Art, New Terrains collaboration. Through New Terrains: Mobility and Migration, South Bay arts organizations band together to present a series of cross-disciplinary exhibitions, programs and experiences that explore how bodies move through spaces-social, political, literal, and figurative. Projects address timely topics such as transportation and urban planning, navigation and orientation, public protest, immigration and migration, and mobility in its many forms. For more information on New Terrains: https://sjmusart.org/new-terrains/connect

Family Story Time
Library Boulder Creek
Date: Every Wed from 11:00am to 12:00pm

Bee Talk
Watsonville Wetlands
Topics include biology of non-managed bees, their habitats and conservation, similarities and differences among the different t
Date: 09/26/2018 at 6:30am

Honey bees are in the news and at the center of attention because of their crucial role as crop pollinators; however, we don't hear much about our native bees who also play an important role in pollination. Join Ornella Bonamassa as she explores basic bee biology and ecology with us. Topics include biology of non-managed bees, their habitats and conservation, similarities and differences among the different types of bees, how to provide pollinator habitat, the impact of pesticides, diseases, and pests, and basic plant biology.
 
This talk is perfect for beginners to the world of bees who want to begin to delve-in and expand their knowledge base. Please note, we will not be touching on beekeeping itself. 
 
The presentation is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center at the top of the Pajaro Valley High School campus located at 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA 95076. is limited. Attendance is free, but you must reserve a seat at https://www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/events/upcoming-events.
 
Please arrive early for sign-in and seating in order that the presentation can begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!

ABOUT ORNELLA: Ornella Bonamassa was born and raised in Rome, Italy and worked as a seismologist in Rome before coming to Menlo Park to work for the U.S. Geological Survey. She then attended UC Santa Cruz to complete a PhD in Earth Science and has taught math, general science, environmental science, physics and business analytics in San Francisco at USF and the Art Institute. Ornella loves native plants and enjoys learning the differences between what she grew up learning about in Europe with the native species we have in the U.S. She is currently enrolled in a Master's Degree Program in Beekeeping at UC Davis. Ornella is also Watsonville Wetlands Watch's esteemed Administrative Manager.

Sea Otter Awareness Week
Seymour Marine Discovery Center (at Long Marine Lab)
Sea Otter Awareness Week
Date: Every day (Sep 22-Sep 30) from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Ages: All ages. Admission Fees: $7 for children and $9 for adults

Sea Otter Awareness Week is an annual recognition of the vital role that sea otters play in the nearshore ecosystem. Each year, zoos, aquariums, natural history museums, marine institutions, filmmakers, researchers, academics, educators, and the public participate in various events and activities highlighting sea otters and their natural history and the various conservation issues facing sea otters. Join the Seymour Center as we celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week from September 22 - 30, 2018.

Introduction to Mindfulness
Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Introduction to Mindfulness
Date: Every Wed (Aug 31-Oct 17) from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Ages: Adults Admission Fees: Free

FREE, no registration and drop-ins welcome.

 

This course introduces the student to the practice of mindfulness in daily life. It is informed by theories and practices that draw from contemplative traditions and the disciplines of medicine, psychology, and education. Six themes will be covered: mindfulness of the breath, body, thoughts and feelings; loving kindness and compassion; emotions, and integrating the practices. Each class will follow a similar format: welcome & check-in; short guided meditation; talk by the instructor; mindfulness exercise; processing the exercise (sharing) and Q&A; closing words, homework (not written), and short sit.

 

Instructor: Sue Doherty Email: sue@storiesmatter.com

Play & Talk! Play Group
Live Oak Family Resource Center
Date: Every Wed from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Ages: Toddlers 18-30 months & Parents

Toddlers (18-30 months) & Parents Support Classes combine the elements of a playgroup, support group and a chance to learn more about your child's development.  Come meet other parents and children, observe and discuss child development and build confidence in your parenting skills.  Enjoy seeing your child interact with other children and explore an environment set-up with them in mind.  Classes are facilitated by experienced and friendly teachers.

The Great Big Boo!
Gilroy Gardens
Spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween event
Date: Every day (Sep 21-Oct 28) from 5:00pm to 10:00pm

There are lots of fun things to "BOO" during Gardens@Night Halloween at Gilroy Gardens! As the sun sets, a mysterious glow illuminates the park for this spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween event. Go trick-or-treating along the Boo Trail, "Do the Boo" at The Great Big Boo! live musical show, venture into the Spider's Lair (if you dare!), and enjoy your favorite rides in the dark. You'll also find fun food and Halloween treats plus craft beers and local wines at the Marketplace.

 

Buy Tickets Now: www.gilroygardens.org

 

The Great Big Boo!
Come "Do the Boo" with a charming cast of spooky characters in our all-new LIVE musical show playing nightly at Lakeside Amphitheater. Meet Vinnie the Vampire, Cranium the Mad Scientist, and Wendella the Witch on a wacky adventure to save Halloween.

 

Get your 2019 Premium Card now to enjoy Halloween@Night and all of the 2019 season: www.gilroygardens.org

Ride the Boo Train

Climb aboard for a 20-minute ride through the BOO-tiful park at night...with stops along the way to make this a very special BOO-tastic experience! Tickets available for an extra charge.

 

Open 5-10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, September 21 - October 28.

Yoga and Ethnobotany in the Arboretum
Arboretum
This fall the UC Arboretum & Botanic Garden is bringing the ancient practice of yoga and using plants as healing agents alive
Date: Every Tues and Wed (Sep 11-Nov 7)
Admission Fees: $17 for non-members and $8 for members
Special Instructions: Tues 5:30-6:45pm, Weds 7:30-8:45am

 

Yoga and Ethnobotany in the Arboretum

This fall the UC Arboretum & Botanic Garden is bringing the ancient practice of yoga and using plants as healing agents alive in an ongoing series!

Yoga connects the body and mind through physical practice. Native California plants, suitable to grow in our local climate, have long been known to impact and support health. This series blends the healing elements of yoga and native plants. In doing so, it enhances your knowledge of plant medicine and increases your mind-body connection. You will feel oneness, peace, and bliss in practice with other people while surrounded by a natural landscape.

 

Yoga and Yoga Breathing techniques will help you by reducing stiffness, increasing the range of motion, and instilling feelings of peace.

 

Plants, such as Yerba Buena, manzanita, and macadamia nuts, will be introduced to promote and support more profound healing.

 

Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm and Wednesday morning from 7:30 am - 8:45 am beginning 9/11 and ending 11/7 outdoors near the administrative offices. The class may take place indoors given weather conditions.

 

Yoga movements introduced will be accessible for beginners and advanced practitioners alike

We provide bolsters, straps, and blankets. Please bring your own mat.

You may sign up for one or as many sessions as you like.

Classes are $17 for non-members and $8 for members.

Salsa Dancing!
Louden Nelson Community Center
Popular Salsa Crash Course Cuban-style for Beginners.
Date: Every Wed (Sep 19-Nov 7) from 7:00pm to 8:15pm
Ages: 16+ Admission Fees: FREE

Popular Salsa Crash Course Cuban-style for Beginners.

This is a 7-week series class: Wednesdays, Sept 19 to Nov 7, 2018.
From 7pm to 8:15pm. No class Oct 31.

No partner required. Age 16+. Limited space.

This popular crash course offers everyone who wants to learn to dance Salsa a more relaxed but sizzling Cuban flavor.
Learn to dance partner dancing with easy and cool looking moves.
Towards the end of the seven week course we will also introduce Rueda de Casino.
Meet people, have fun and get a workout as your skilled teachers keep you moving in a friendly and non-intimidating atmosphere.

Class offered through the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.

Cost $70 (city residents)/$84 (non-city residents).
Age 16+. No partner is required. Maximum 18 people.
Need to pre-register at City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.

Registration open August 6, 2018. Look out for catalog or go online.
Class number: 311 401
www.santacruzparksandrec.com/register
More registration information here:
http://salsagente.com/cuban-style-salsa-classes-location-fees/#register