A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | | Spring has sprung and so have a plethora of spring events. | |
Rise, dress, make the bed, have breakfast, do chores, go outside and have a glorious day!
If you are one of the fortunate ones to secure a spot for a Sandhill adventure, be sure to take photos. Get close and capture rare flora and fauna. We would enjoy seeing your closeup photos!
If I were a child, I would be clamoring to go to a fairy and elf building event (scroll down).
When I wasn't building little villages, I would be reading mysteries under the old maple tree. Ask the library to get copies of the National Park Series. (How to get the ISBN) These adventure mysteries are so good. Email them or ask your librarian for a book purchase request form.
Enjoy the weekend , Parmalee
| | How did Sand and marine fossils end up in our mountains? | | |
"The Santa Cruz Sandhills are a unique community of plants and animals found only on outcrops of Zayante sand soil in the central portion of Santa Cruz County, in central coastal California.
The Zayante soils are derived from sediment deposited over 15 million years ago when the region was under a vast sea. As evidence of their origins, the inland Sandhills contain a variety of marine fossils, including deep beds of sand dollars." Read more about the Sandhills > >
"Don’t miss your chance to see the unique Santa Cruz Sandhills at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park- this month only!!
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This chaparral habitat is home to several rare species of plants and animals, including the Santa Cruz wallflower, Bonny Doon manzanita, Ben Lomond spineflower, Santa Cruz kangaroo rat, and the endangered Mount Hermon June beetle.
Sundays in April, join us for a Trek to the Forbidden Sandhills!
Take advantage of the only time to visit this habitat by registering now at scparks.com/register for a guided hike with Park Docents to see and learn about the wonders of the sandhills. If they fill up, you might consider begging for more dates.
Due to the sensitive nature of the area, group size is limited to 10, with a morning group from 10 am to 12 pm and an afternoon group from 1 pm to 3 pm. Wear good walking shoes, and bring a hat, and water.
April 6, 13, 20, & 27, 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
Ages: 8+ (Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult)
| | First Chores for Kids ... Where to Begin | | |
While some families don’t have their kids doing chores, in our family of six, it is really helpful for the kids to help out around the house. We began with our First Chores for kids and now they help every day.
I started our kids on chores pretty early on, because then it just becomes another part of their life and they won’t really know anything different. Plus, it lets them feel valued and part of the team. Read more > > >
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If all our teachers in every class, and parents at home once a week showed one of Kindness 101's free, short stories, I believe we would swell the hearts of our children and empower them to think of and act upon ways to incorporate kindness into their lives.
Perhaps, without naming or shaming a bully, we could gently lead to changes. Is it worth a try?
Of course we parents can share these stories in our homes and model empathy, kindness and charity for our children. This is non-political, something we can all agree upon. ontheroad@cbsnews.com
Kindness 101 ~ On the Road with Steve Hartman
| | A Phone Is Not a Chew Toy | |
And other thoughts on parenting in the digital age
by Suki Wessling
Recently I read an excellent piece about toddlers and smartphones and it led me to think about my own family’s experience with digital media. In a way, we were lucky: our kids were born in 99 and 02, so I didn’t even have a smartphone until they were well past toddlerhood.
But I shared the same struggles as parents today do, because the more things change, you know, the more they stay painfully the same. The particulars of parenting change, but the challenges tend to follow the same worn-out plot lines. Continue > > >
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ABRA Cadabra – A Tribute to ABBA, Thursday, April 10, 7:30 – 9:30pm, Don’t miss this , all ages and family friendly stage extravaganza that has been receiving rave reviews from coast to coast! Featuring a captivating live band, powerful vocals, dancers, dazzling costumes and engaging multi-media, this interactive stage show will have you moving, laughing and singing. Move, laugh and sing along to your favourite ABBA hits such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Take A Chance, SOS, Waterloo, Fernando, Gimme Gimme Gimme and more! Tickets
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STEM Explorers: Build Your Own Computer! April 2 – May 7, Join us for an exciting six-week STEM adventure designed for kids 8-12! Participants will assemble and explore Piper computers, gaining practical experience with computer engineering, coding, and problem-solving. Details
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Fairy & Elf House Building, Friday, April 11, 1 – 3pm, Where Magic Meets Learning! Transform twigs, pine cones, and stones into enchanted homes at our Fairy & Elf House program! As children create these magical dwellings, stories naturally emerge—who lives here? What adventures await the tiny residents? This special space nurtures both building skills and storytelling abilities. Your child will solve construction challenges while developing rich narratives, enhancing language skills and creative thinking in one magical activity. No templates or rules—just pure creative freedom where imagination reigns and stories come to life with every natural treasure. Details
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Healthy Families: Parents’ Role in Preventing Abuse, Thursday, April 10, 7:30 – 9pm, Details
Triple P Seminar: Raising Responsible Teens, Thursday, April 10, 6 – 7:30pm Details
Teen Poetry Workshop, ACT Workshop: Tinkering with the Tarot
April 12, 2-4pm, Details
Learn How to Improve Your Self-esteem, Workshop for Adults
Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:30pm, April 15, Details
Triple P - Teaching Children to Clean Up, Wednesdays, April 16 – May 7, 6 – 7:30pm, Zoom, Details
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Parent Nest: A guided play and connection series, Fridays, April 7 – 28, 9:15 – 10am, 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. Details
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“Steel Magnolias”, through April 13, Mountain Community Theater, Last few days, Details
Threads of Wonder, MOD, April 7 & 9 - 11, Details
Zentangle Art, Saturday, April 12, 10 – 11:30am, Details
Live Like Coco Seeks Volunteers for Read Run Repeat, April 26, Details
Lego Brick Builder Fridays, Fridays, 3-4pm, Details
Pokemon at Live Oak Annex, Thursdays 3-5pm, Details
The Way We Calculated at San Lorenzo Museum, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, 1 – 4pm through June 15, Details
Lego Robotics, Thursdays 3:30 – 5pm, April3 – May 15, Details
Free Magic Show at Kennolyn Camp, Sunday, April 27, Details
Jazz at the Library, Friday 12 – 1pm, May 2, Details
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Walk with a Doc, Thursday, April 17. 10 – 11:30am, Do you live in a world that contributes to stress and “dis-ease”? Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life! Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program. Details
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Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola, Friday, April 11, 11am-12pm, Baby Story Time features songs, rhymes, stories, and lap play designed to help babies develop early literacy skills. This program is designed for children ages birth to two and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome! After Baby Time, stay for Stay & Play to reinforce early literacy skills through play and create connections with other families. Details | | | |
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The Nature Club for Grades 6-8, Saturdays, May 10, The Museum’s Nature Club invites young explorers (6th-8th grade) to discover local habitats and learn about the living world around us! Guided by Museum staff, kids build a connection to nature through hands-on activities, observation, and new friendships. Details
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West Cliff Spring Fling Outdoor Market, Saturday, 12 April, 10 – 6pm, This one-of-a-kind market takes place along West Cliff Drive in beautiful Santa Cruz, overlooking the iconic Steamers Lane surf spot—a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. The West Cliff Spring Fling market features unique local artisans, specialty food, food trucks all while overlooking the surfers at Steamers Lane. Come enjoy a Santa Cruz Tradition! Details
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MOD’s Teddy Bear Clinic, Saturday, April 12, Open 11:30 – 1pm & 2:30 – 4pm, Check-ups are fun, not a bore, keep your teddy healthy to the core! Does your teddy bear have a mysterious tummy ache? Did your unicorn lose a horn in a daring adventure? It’s time for a check-up at MOD’s Teddy Bear Clinic. Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffy and come play doctor alongside Cabrillo College Nurses in training. Make sure your fuzzy friend is feeling ‘paws’-itively great. Details
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High Tea with Harry Potter, Saturday, April 12, 1 – 3:30, If you want to come in costume, please do! A magical gathering for High tea and Harry Potter fans to enjoy classic tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts! Special Guest baker Colly Cruczelak will demonstrate how to make scones. This is a wonderful inter-generational event, bring a grandchild or other friends. Attendees are welcome to wear their favorite Harry Potter character costume (but not required). Details
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Teen Poetry Workshop, ACT Workshop: Four Types of Poetry: Tinkering with the Tarot Alongside Madeline Aliah, April 12, 2-4pm, North County Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) will feature a poetry workshop with teen poet and 2024/25 Youth Poet Laureate Finalist, Madeline Aliah. For the first half hour, we will learn about ACT, have our regular meeting updates, and find out about volunteer opportunities in the library. The rest of the time will be dedicated to creating poetry! Details
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Santa Cruz Symphony Danny and Friends, Sunday, April 13, 2pm (doors open at 1pm), Brahms Zwei Gesänge for Alto voice with Viola & Piano; Richard Reed Parry Duet for Heart & Breath, Violin & Piano
Jaron Lanier and Daniel Stewart Improvisation; Daniel Stewart Tribeca Triptych; Brahms, Quartet for Piano & Strings in G minor Details
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Family Biking Lunch and Learn, Tuesday, April 15, 12pm, Join GO Santa Cruz and Ecology Action for at the Civic Auditorium or virtually via Zoom. For in-person attendees, lunch from Pizzeria La Buffala is on us! Register, Details
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Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange, Sunday, April 13, Newcomers’ intro 2:30pm, dance 3 – 5:30pm, Come kick your heels up contra dancing at Live Oak Grange with some amazing local talent and fun and friendly dancers! Family fun for tweens and up! Details
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Crochet for Kids 8 – 11, Saturday, April 12, 1:30 – 3pm, Learn how to crochet! A different crochet project is offered each month. For April we learning slip knots and chaining. More experienced kids may begin to make a granny square. No experience needed. Recommended for ages 8-11. Registration is required. Details
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Jr Rangers for Families at the Garfield Park Library, Once a month 4 – 5pm: April 17, May 15, June 18, July 17, Come join us for a collaboration between California State Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries! Discover California’s Natural and Cultural History at these free programs at the Garfield Park Library through stories, games, crafts, and other hands-on activities.
Parents/caregivers and siblings welcome to join! Participating 7 – 12 year olds can earn Junior Ranger badges & stamps. Adult assistance may be required for younger participants. Details
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Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! April
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