Things to do (that we recommend)

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) has had a revitalization in recent years. Even if you are not normally a “museum person” (and especially if you are), we highly recommend checking this place out. This is not your normal, quiet, look-and-leave type of museum. There is a huge focus on interactivity and human connectedness. They are also kid-friendly. Please check out their website at http://www.santacruzmah.org/

 

If a thrift store that is full of magic and surprise sounds like your kind of place, go to Thrift Center on Water at Morrissey Ave, affectionately known as “The Fitty” due to the fact that it’s always 50% off. There is a Goodwill closer, on 41st Ave, a great place to find something you may have forgotten to pack, or just a random treasure.

 

There is a climbing gym called Pacific Edge, off Seabright Ave. in Santa Cruz. They have long hours, and kid classes. You can drop in with kids at certain times, and an instructor will belay them if you don’t know how.

 

There is tidepooling at Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz, at the north end of West Cliff Drive. It can be nice to combine that with seeing the butterflies (usually there October-ish until the beginning of spring), also at Natural Bridges State Park.

 

Also on the west side of Santa Cruz is the Seymour Center, also known as Long’s Marine Lab. They have small sharks you can pet, hands-on activities, lots of different sea life to see, and a cool touch tank. You can also sign up while you’re there to go on the dolphin tour and hear about some of the dolphin research they do there.

 

A stone’s throw from the Seymour Center is the Homeless Garden Project. They do amazing things for the homeless in our community and they grow lots of organic food that you can buy and enjoy, supporting the homeless in the meantime. If you have even just an hour, and want to do some kind of service project on your vacation, stop by or give them a call, and you can help out.  http://www.homelessgardenproject.org/

 

We’re assuming you already know about the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. If you want rides, games, loud, fun, crazy, go there! They have much cheaper rates Mon-Thurs after 5pm. Check their website for details. Also, on Wednesdays throughout the summer they have a free movie night on the beach starting at 9pm. You can check out the listing at http://beachboardwalk.com/mobile/movies.html

Bring warm clothes and blankets.

Simpkins swim center is about a 10-15 minute drive. They are open many hours for lap swim and fewer hours for the warm water pool and lots of kid fun. You pay a fee each time you go, but do not need to be a member to enjoy the pool. Check out their website for the schedule.

 

Like trains? Check out Roaring Camp railroad at Henry Cowell in Felton! Old steam trains can take you up through the redwoods or down to the boardwalk. So fun!



Specifically for kids

In Capitola (about 10 minutes away) is Junebugs Gym, where there are a multitude of open gym and drop-in classes. It’s for children crawling through 8 years old, and you can drop your child off.

 

Also in Capitola at the Capitola Mall is the new MOD, Museum of Discovery. It’s full of hands on interactive exhibits for kids of all ages, as well as classes and workshops.