A resource for families in Santa Cruz County
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Make Your Halloween Safe!
Halloween and children's imaginations go together! Enjoy the final days of your family's Halloween fun before you begin the upcoming cooler weather and holiday celebrations.

Finding the balance between the security & comfort of the usual routine and the excitement of special events requires parent skill. We can do it!


Newest Halloween Events are on the Calendar

If you love the Fern Creek Garden Railroad and are going there Monday, October 31, get acquainted with them on YouTube first. If you drop by in the daytime, you might be fortunate enough to see the engineers getting ready for the Halloween show.

Irene van der Zande of KidPower has some great tips for a safe Halloween. This is a helpful MUST READ >>>

Enjoy the spirited events with the family! Parmalee
Watch the Plein Air Artists
5 days of 40+ Artists Painting Around Capitola
Capitola Plein Air Annual Art Festival, Oct 31 – Nov 6, Welcome to Capitola Plein Air! This November, forty professional artists will be in Capitola to paint the town…literally!

Tues, Nov. 1 through Sat, Nov. 5 Artists will be painting throughout Capitola including New Brighton Beach, Depot Hill, the Esplanade, and the Jewel Box.

Saturday, Nov. 5 10an - 2pm, All artists will be painting during this time. Come view the artists in action! A booth will be set up in the Esplanade near Capitola Beach with a map that shows where all the artists plan to paint that day. Come say hello!

Sunday, Nov 6, 11:00AM—4:00PM, Exhibition & Art Sale at Jade Street Community Center (4400 Jade Street) More than 100 framed paintings will be on display for the competition, exhibition, and sale. The public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Image: 2021 1st Place Winner: Barbara Tapp's "Steel Bridge"
A Good Read for the Adults!
Crafted in 2022, set in the 1960’s and reminiscent of adventurous, brilliant female heroines who bucked cultural norms in ages past, Lessons in Chemistry engaged me in protagonist Elizabeth Zott’s fight to be respected and treated as worthy, intelligent, and capable, in short "herself," in an era of corporate chauvinism. The book’s life lessons in the chemistry of relationships, food and rowing are inspiring for all of us adults. You will find several, pithy, quotable one-liners to hold close to your heart for that moment you need them.
A Fun Read for Teens!
Magic, witches, potions, spells, battles against evil...

If your family liked Hocus Pocus, check out the new sequel!

You yourself may even like these young adult books!
Walks with a Purpose!
Collect twigs, acorns, leaves, tiny pine cones, walnut shells, milkweed pods, pampas fuzzies, witches burr, eucalyptus pods, berries, milkweed pods, etc. plus glue for making Acorn People and Woodland Animals!

Collecting gives a focus to a walk and a project for cool/rainy days inside.

Thanks Pinterest for inspiration.
October Calendar November
Peter Pan, 7pm: Thursday - Saturday, October 27-29 & 2pm, Saturday, October 29, MVCS, J.M. Barrie’s classic tells the story of Wendy, John and Michael Darling’s adventures in Neverland with the inimitable Peter Pan, “the boy who did not grow up.” Details
Click on CALENDAR sections that interest you!
Halloween at the “Railroad House,” October 31, 6 – 9pm, Preview the trains running! Come trick or treat and experience the spooky grave yard set up at the FC&W! Complete with fog, creepy ghouls and candy for the kids, Event by Fern Creek & Western Garden Railroad, Details
Halloween Teen Night Grades 6+
Friday, October 28, 6 – 9pm, The Boys & Girls Club is hosting a Halloween-themed TEEN NIGHT for grades 6 & up this Friday from 6-9pm, Downtown Clubhouse with snacks & movie. "Chaperones:" Youth Action Network, CASA of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Teen Center, Teen Kitchen Project, Santa Cruz City Schools, B & G Club Staff, Details
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! October November
Fish and Chips at the Beach! Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 6pm, through November, Fish and chips spotted at Seacliff State Beach! Scrumptious Food Awaits us at the Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach. Details
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” Stream for Free Friday, October 28 to Monday, October 31, Costumes, candy, this classic special — some things just scream Halloween. Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle. Details
County of Santa Cruz Career Fair, Thursday, October 27, 4 – 7pm, The County of Santa Cruz will be hosting a career fair on Thursday, October 27th from 4pm-7pm. Come learn about the current career opportunities at the County. Details
Scotts Valley Genre Book Club, Last Thursdays, 7 – 8pm, The group meets virtually to discuss books from a different genre each month. Details
La Selva Beach Passionate Readers Book Discussion Group, 4th Thursdays, 10:30am – 12pm, All adults are welcome. Details
The Lost Boys Free Movie on the Beach, Saturday, October 29, 6:30pm, Enjoy a screening on the beach in front of the arcades! There’s nothing like watching it right where it was filmed with the smell of corn dogs and salt water taffy filling the air. Details
UCSC Arboretum Community Day: Free Admission, Tuesday, November 1, 10am - 6pm, The Arboretum is open without charge to visitors. The early bird gets the best parking space! Beautiful plants, Birds, Quail and Bunnies! Details
Scotts Valley Haunted House and Thriller Dancers, Friday-Sunday, October 28-30,
"Not Too Scary" Tours for families with young children (ages 2-9) available October 29-30, Family tours are scaled-down version intended for families with kids ages 2 to 9.
Tours for Ages 10 and Up: Welcome to our scary outdoor Haunted House walking tour, even if it’s raining… because Zombies are NOT afraid of water. Are you? Details
ALL Farmers Markets and farm activities! Details