Summer 2026 Activity Guide (English)

Parks and Recreation

Activity Guide SUMMER 2026

Woodies on the Wharf 30th Anniversary Page 7 Juneteenth 35th Anniversary Page 10 Surfing Museum 40th Anniversary Page 44

Guía de Actividades en Español

Registration Opens on Saturday, April 11

Register Online santacruzca.gov/register

Visit Loch Lomond Recreation Area Your Mountain Lake Escape, Open Now Through October!

Tucked in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Loch Lomond offers fresh air, forest trails, and sweeping lake views. Hike shaded paths, fish from the shore, rent a boat, or join a guided tour to explore the watershed that supports our community.

MONTHLY PONTOON BOAT TOURS

Free guided tours aboard the Newell Jewell pontoon boat are offered the second weekend of each month through October, 11 am–12 pm.

Space is limited. Check with staff upon arrival to reserve your spot.

LOCH LOMOND LEARNING SERIES

Join free, expert-led Loch Walks and boat tours aboard the Newell Jewell floating classroom, exploring wildlife, native plants, watershed science, and conservation. Space is limited. Call (831) 335-7424 in advance or check with staff upon arrival to reserve your spot.

2026 LEARNING SERIES SCHEDULE April 25 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Guided Walk Native plant and tree identification.

July 11 | 11 AM – 1 PM | Boat Tour Watershed protection and Secchi Dip In.

May 16 | 9 – 11 AM | Guided Walk Spring birding.

August 8 | 11 AM – 1 PM | Boat Tour Western pond turtle conservation.

June 13 | 11 AM – 1 PM | Boat Tour Aquatic invasive species.

September 12 | 9 – 11 AM | Guided Walk Fall birding.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

City of Santa Cruz Water Department | santacruzca.gov/lochlomond

TABLE OF CONTENTS Director’s Letter................................................ 3

Harvey West Pool........................................... 47

Little & Junior Guards......................................12

Santa Cruz Wharf...........................................48

City Summer Camps........................................15

Surfing Museum............................................. 49

Sports.............................................................. 17

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History........... 50

Dance & Theater............................................. 26

Nueva Vista Community Center...................... 50

Arts & Crafts................................................... 28

Delaveaga Park................................................51

STEM & Technology........................................ 32

Registration Information................................. 52

Special Interest............................................... 35 Adult Sports Leagues..................................... 37 Santa Cruz Teen Center.................................. 38 Teen Programs............................................... 39 Civic Auditorium.............................................40 London Nelson Community Center..................41 Active Adults 50+ Drop-in Activities...............43 Park News, Event Permits & Reservations...... 45 Sister Cities.................................................... 46

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Additional class descriptors Class title

NEW OUTDOOR Class Title Be excited! This is where youth and adults learn about what activities take place during a class session.

No class on 2/19 & 4/9.

Location Instructor Ages Duration Fees

LNCC Basketball Court, 301 Center St Manuel Minzer 2-3.5 6 days $125 Residents/$156 Non-Residents

#313901-01

Sa

9:05am – 9:30am

01/14 – 02/19

#313901-02

Sa

9:05am – 9:30am

01/21 – 02/26

Description of class Class closure notes Descriptive icons – see page footers for definitions.

Class specifics

Class dates, days and times

Class registration code

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

1

Planning An Event?

You Might Need a Permit!

If your event includes one or more of the following components, you are required to submit a special event permit application.

Open to the public Large attendance anticipated Walk or run event (5K, 10K, marathon) Festival or cultural event Profit or revenue generating Hosting carnival games or activity booths Reserving picnic tables, park spaces for private events (5-7 Days prior) Closure of street/block party

Application Deadline

Completed applications are due at least 60 days before your proposed event date.

For More Information santacruzca.gov/eventpermits

Questions

(831) 420-5270 parksandrec@santacruzca.gov

City of Santa Cruz Fire Department Marine Safety Division Santa Cruz City Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10 am – 6 pm as well as pre/post season weekend service depending on local weather conditions.

SC City Lifeguards provide coverage from Cowell Beach to the San Lorenzo River, as well as citywide aquatic emergencies.

The City of Santa Cruz provides an accessibility ramp on Cowell Beach for persons with limited mobility, wheelchairs and strollers from April - September. There is one beach wheelchair available for use on a first come, first serve basis during business hours. It is kept at Lifeguard Headquarters or on Cowell Beach at Lifeguard Tower #1.

Santa Cruz Fire Administration

230 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 9560 Phone 831.420.5280 Hours Mon – Thurs, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed from 12pm - 1pm for lunch)

Lifeguard Headquarters

#1 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone 831.420.5716 Hours 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Summer Only)

DIRECTOR’S LETTER Build Together, Play Together: At the Heart of our Santa Cruz Community This year’s National Park and Recreation Month theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” perfectly reflects the work happening across our community every day.

In Santa Cruz, our parks and recreation system includes neighborhood parks, beaches, trails, and community facilities that serve thousands of residents annually. These spaces are more than amenities; they are the foundation for connection, health, and belonging. This year alone, we supported thousands of program registrations, welcomed youth and older adults into classes and leagues, and maintained acres of parkland that remain open and accessible to all.

We build together by investing in our shared spaces.

In 2025 and continuing in 2026, we advanced critical capital improvement projects, strengthened preventative maintenance efforts, and continued environmental stewardship work to protect natural resources and enhance climate resilience. From restoring landscapes to improving facilities, each investment reflects our commitment to longterm care of community assets.

We also build together through people. Our dedicated staff, recreation professionals, and seasonal teams deliver essential services year-round—maintaining parks, coordinating programs, and ensuring safe, welcoming environments. Volunteers and community partners further amplify this work, contributing thousands of hours that strengthen neighborhoods and expand access.

And we play together, because play is powerful. Recreation programs foster confidence in youth, support wellness for older adults, and create opportunities for neighbors to connect. Parks provide everyday gathering spaces where families celebrate milestones, friends meet after work, and residents find moments of joy and renewal.

90% of U.S. adults say parks and recreation is an essential local government service.

Nearly 9 in 10 support strong public funding to ensure equitable access for all.

In Santa Cruz, thousands of residents participate in programs each year, with parks, beaches, and facilities open and accessible to the entire community.

4 in 5 agencies nationwide provide out-ofschool-time programs serving millions of children.

“Build Together, Play Together” reminds us that strong communities are shaped through shared effort and shared experience. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, partners, and residents who make this work possible. Together, we will continue to invest in spaces and programs that bring our community together.

Tony Elliot

Director, City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation: Local Impact, National Values statistics source: National Recreation and Park Association — “Parks and Recreation Is Essential” https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/building-a-movement/parks-and-recreation-is-essential

CIT Y ADMINISTR ATION

DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP

Matt Huffaker | City Manager Michelle Templeton | Assistant City Manager Erika Smart | Communications Manager Bonnie Lipscomb | Deputy City Manager

Tony Elliot | Director of Parks & Recreation Tremain Hedden-Jones | Superintendent of Recreation Mike Godsy | Superintendent of Parks Lindsay Bass | Principal Management Analyst Joyce Blaschke | Community Relations Specialist

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

3

PLAY MORE THIS JULY!

CELEBRATE PARKS & RECREATION MONTH WITH FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS Join us for a month of FREE activities, fitness classes, tours, concerts, and community fun happening throughout July.

01 JUL

Hearts in the Parks Blood Drive | 10AM - 3PM

Kick off the month by giving back at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Backstage Tour – Civic Auditorium | 6PM

Go behind the curtain and explore hidden spaces, production secrets, and historic stories.

EVERY TUES EVERY WEDS TBD JUL

Local Tuesday – Santa Cruz Wharf | All Day

Enjoy 2 hours of FREE parking with validation plus specials at Wharf businesses.

Free Pilates Sculpt Classes | 12PM - 1PM

A fun full-body workout blending strength, Pilates, and stretching. Drop ins welcome, registration recommeded

Open Rec Swim – Harvey West Pool

Cool off and enjoy a refreshing day of swimming. @CityOfSantaCruzParksAndRecreation @SantaCruzParksAndRec Full Event Calendar on www.SantaCruzParksandRec.com

12 JUL

14 & 18 JUL 14 & 16 JUL 18 JUL

21 - 25 JUL 27 JUL

Santa Cruz Archers Day | 10AM - 1PM

Try archery with beginner group lessons. Registration Required.

Tuesday Night Live Concerts – Santa Cruz Wharf | 6-8PM

Live music on the Wharf with FREE parking during the concert.

Coastal Watershed Guided Riverwalk | 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Explore the San Lorenzo River on a guided nature walk. Meet at Mimi De Marta Dog Park.

Downtown Significant Tree Walk | 9AM – 12PM

Join Urban Forester Leslie Keedy for a tour of Santa Cruz’s notable trees.

London Nelson Community Center Open House | Time Vary

Tours, art exhibit, drop-in classes, games, and more.

Free Lawn Bowling Lessons | 12:30 PM

Try lawn bowling at San Lorenzo Park with the Santa Cruz Bowls Club.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION ALL MONTH LONG!

Scan the QR code to view the full online event calendar.

Visit santacruzparksandrec.com for more listings and details. Some activities require registration.

@CityOfSantaCruzParksAndRecreation

@SantaCruzParksAndRec

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Big Equipment. Big Skills. Big Fun. STEP INSIDE THE MACHINES THAT KEEP SANTA CRUZ MOVING Join us for an action-packed afternoon! Climb aboard and explore the heavy equipment that builds, maintains, and powers our community.

Celebrating National Public Works Week!

WATCH crews compete in the Equipment ROAD-EO. EXPLORE interactive booths.

MEET the operators who keep our city running.

Wednesday, May 20 | 12-2 PM Day’s Market Parking Lot | 526 Seabright Ave. Scan to learn more or visit santacruzca.gov/touch-a-truck

Free. Family-friendly. All ages welcome. | Hosted by City of Santa Cruz Public Works

FRIENDS OF PARKS & REC SANTA CRUZ

James Durbin and

the LOST BOYS

KICK-OFF SUMMER IN STYLE! Saturday, June 27 • 10:00am – 4:00pm

Ducky Derby April 25, 2026 • 10:30am – 3:30pm In Person at Harvey West Park

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

duckyderbysantacruz.org

Singles July 28th

SANTACRUZCA.GOV

PING PONG TOURNAMENT 12 PM - 4PM

Doubles July 30th

w w w . s a n t a c r u z w h a r f . c o m

RSVP HERE

Presented by The Santa Cruz Wharf Tenants, Economic Development & the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Departments

2026 CONCERT SERIES

Tuesday Night Live Wharf Concert Series Join us May - September

#SantaCruzWharfTNL

s

2 Hour

with Stamp tion Valida

ng rki

Live at the Common's Stage 6PM to 8PM

Free Pa

uesday

Local T

RETRO RAINBOW PROM: GLAM!

The Retro Rainbow dance party is a fabulous evening of glitter, glam, and joy in celebration of over 50 years of Santa Cruz Pride!For LGBTQ+ and Allied Older Adults Saturday, May 30, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

London Nelson Community Center

SantaCruzCa.gov

No Cost Tips encouraged

SAVE THE DATE:

OUR BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR

JUL 26

BOLDLY PRESENTING THE

through NEWEST

SATURDAY, JUNE SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 6, 2026 2026

AUG 9 MUSIC

2026 AT THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Check out all of our events

WITH WORLD-CLASS MUSICIANS Many Concerts - including our free Family Concert Daily Open Orchestra Rehearsals Workshops, Talks & Forums Free Summer Youth Program

INFO @ CABRILLOMUSIC.ORG

santacruztrails.org

Curious Kids?

Big Questions?

! s r w s e n t A o e G ’v We FREE Recycling Center Tours

Fridays at 10 am, June-August 2026 605 Dimeo Lane, Resource Recovery Facility Registration required Ages 8 and up santacruzca.gov/Tours

SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER TODAY!

38th Annual Japanese Cultural Fair Saturday, Saturday, June 6 11:00am – 6:00pm Postponed to October 10 Mission Plaza (in front of Holy Cross Church) FREE ADMISSION

September 19, 2026 8:00am – 12:00pm

Celebrating 38th anniversary with traditional performance of folkdance, shamisen, shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Taiko, martial arts, Ikebana (flower arrangement), Bonsai, Kimono Workshop, and more.

www.jcfsantacruz.org 831.462.4589

Outrigger Racers Wanted!

Register at santacruzparksandrec.com Register starting in July

Liberation Paddle-Out Black Surf Santa Cruz (BSSC) will host a Liberation Event in celebration of Juneteenth

June 19, 2026

Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz

Ride a Wave Ride A Wave provides children with special needs the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding a wave and enjoy a safe, fun day at the beach. The program serves children who are physically, developmentally, or economically challenged in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Since 1998, Ride A Wave has helped over 5,000 children have a life-changing surfing experience at no cost. While primarily serving the California Bay Area, participants have traveled from across the U.S. and internationally to attend its beach camps.

July 11, 2026 Cowell Beach A fun day of beach activities for those with disabilities!

FRIENDS O F PA R K S & R EC SANTA CRUZ

Volunteers Wanted!

Camp Dates: April 25th & 26th May 9th June 6th & 7th June 20th & 21st

Scholarships Available for Summer Programs Applications Due April 3

Friends of Parks & Rec (Formerly FOPAR) offers partial scholarships to help youth from limited-income families in the City of Santa Cruz participate in Parks and Recreation programs.

Applicants must live in the City of Santa Cruz and have a household income below Santa Cruz County’s median ($102,032). Proof of residency is required.

Applications are available at the Parks & Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz, or online at cityofsantacruz.com/scholarships. Please submit your application by April 3, 2026.

If your child receives a scholarship, a credit will be applied to your Parks & Recreation account for the approved amount. Parents or guardians are

responsible for registering their child in the selected program(s) — online, in person, or by phone at 831-420-5270. Scholarship credits must be used by July 31, 2026.

Special appreciation to Friends of Parks & Rec and Omega Nu for their generous contributions and commitment to making these scholarships possible.

Your support can transform a child’s life—give today to help ensure every child in our community has access to vital recreation opportunities! Donate online at friendsofparksandrec.org/donate, mail your gift to Friends of Parks & Rec, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, scan the QR code, or donate when registering or attending a Parks & Recreation event.

We are a 501(C)(3) non-profit & 100% volunteer run and funded by generous sponsors & donors.

Get involved info@rideawave.org

• Available to limited income families • Must be a Santa Cruz City Resident • Applications are at Parks and Rec offices or online • Applications due before April 3, 2026

OVER

$100K

GIVEN LAST YEAR!

Donate Here

LITTLE & JUNIOR GUARDS

Tryouts Information

CAPTAIN CORPS I

Monday, May 4 Check in: 3:30pm at LGHQ • Physical test : 4:00pm.

Saturday, April 25 Check in: 8:00am at LGHQ • Physical test: 8:30am 500–meter ocean swim in 10 minutes or less.

Interviews – TBD

Volunteer Program for 15–17 year olds

Candidates who successfully pass the physical test will be scheduled for an interview. Interviews are at the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church St.

Captain Corp volunteers function as role models for Junior and Little Guards participants and assist instructors with marine safety through participation, education and creating a positive learning environment.

Additional interviews • TBD at the Parks and Recreation Office.

Requirements

JR. GUARD BOOSTER CLUB

Applicants MUST register and pay in their appropriate age group for Junior Guards (A’s or AA’s). Successful candidates will receive a refund if selected as a Captain Corps I. • Captain Corps I: 1 year Jr. Guard participation experience required.

• Must attend five mornings and three afternoons a week per session (June 8 – July 2 and July 6 – July 31).

• Uniform provided (t-shirt and sweatshirt). Black trunks or swimsuits required by participant.

• Completed Captain Corps application packet due at tryout check in. Returning Captain Corps members must tryout and provide a swim waiver.

All Captain Corps candidates

Mandatory Training – First week of June.

Volunteers are needed to help with local competitions, the Regional JG competition, snacks, raffle prizes, fundraising and the end of summer JG banquet.

Follow the JG Booster Club on Instagram @scjgboosters.

For more information visit santacruzca.gov/guards.

Jr. Guard gear on sale at Pacific Wave, 1502 Pacific Ave. All proceeds go to FOPAR JG scholarships & equipment.

JUNIOR GUARD EVENT DATES JG Parent Kickoff at Cowell Beach Date and Time – TBD JG Awards Banquet and Raffle Friday, July 31, 6:30pm – 9:00pm, Harvey West Clubhouse

must submit the following materials at the time of tryouts: 1. Swim test waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

2. CitySERVE Jr. Volunteer Application and CitySERVE Release of Liability forms.

3. At least one letter of recommendation from a nonfamily member who has knowledge of the candidate’s character.

Thank you for summer beach storage!

4. Copy of valid state ID or DL card.

Application Packets Application packets available at santacruzca.gov/ guard (see Captain Corps) or at Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 323 Church St.

Thank you for providing Jr Guard gear sales!

12 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

13

JUNIOR GUARD COMPETITIONS

Little Guards No class on 6/19, 7/3, 7/16, and /24.

Capitola Competition at Capitola Beach Little Guards – Tuesday, June 23 Jr. Guards – Wednesday, June 24 Jr. Regional Competition Jr. Guards – Friday, July 24. Invitation only.

NorCals at Main Beach Little Guards – Wednesday, July 15 (no Jr. Guards this day) Jr. Guards – Thursday, July 16 (no Little Guards this day) For more information and/or Parent Handbook santacruzca.gov/guards

Cowell Beach Mobility/Accessibility Cowell Beach will have mobility/ accessibility mats from the ramp over the soft sand from late March/ early April to late September/ early October.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Age 6-8 Cowell Beach JG Instructors $310 Residents / $403 Non-Residents

229101-01

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229101-02

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229101-03

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229101-04

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229101-05

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229101-06

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229101-07

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229101-08

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229101-09

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229101-10

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229101-11

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229101-12

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

Junior Guards

NOT a learn-to-swim program.

Daily workouts include running, ocean swimming and training for beach competition events. Participants will gain confidence in the beach and ocean environment through games, activities, conditioning workouts and competition. Swimming areas are subject to change due to tide, weather, and environmental conditions. Uniform t-shirts are provided to all participants.

C’s = Ages 9-11; B’s = Ages 12-13; A’s = Ages 14-15; AA’s = Ages 16-17. No class on 6/19, 7/3, 7/15 and 7/24.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Ages 9-17 Cowell Beach JG Instructors $310 Residents / $403 Non-Residents

• Must know how to swim in the ocean to register. This is Not-a-learn to swim program.

229001-01

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229001-02

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

• All participants must provide their own transportation to and from all-day local beach competition

229001-03

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229001-04

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229001-05

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229001-06

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229001-07

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

6/8 – 7/2

18 day(s)

229001-08

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229001-09

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229001-10

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229001-11

M-F

9:00am – 12:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229001-12

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229001-13

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

229001-14

M-F

1:00pm – 4:00pm

7/6 – 7/31 18 day(s)

• Red swim suits (two piece athletic swimwear okay.)

• Little Guards- Daily participation and entering and exiting through ocean waves and conditioning activities required • Junior Guards – Must be able to swim 200-500 yards in the open ocean, run 500+ yards in the sand, ocean paddle 500+ yards, participate in the beach games and ocean competitions

Junior Guard Registration Hours 8:00am 9:00am

Returning City-Resident JG Participants New City-Resident JG Participants (this includes new 6-year-olds) 10:00am Returning Non-City Resident JG Participants 11:00am Open Registration for all

14 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

CITY SUMMER CAMPS

Junior Explorers

Beach Camp Beach Camp is the place for your child to experience sand, sun and ocean fun all summer long! Experienced staff lead beach and ocean themed games, art, activities and walking field trips from the convenience of Main Beach. Campers will enjoy all the beauty and wonder the marine environment provides while learning to respect and conserve it. Camp times coincide with Jr Guards times and campers will be walked to or from those programs if registered -- please inform Site Supervisor of Beach Camp on the first day of session. Choose from morning or afternoon sessions (discount available for registrants in both am and pm Beach Camp in the same session.) A material fee of $10 cash is due to the Site Supervisor on the first day of camp. *No camp on 6/19 & 7/3.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 – 12 Main Beach Summer Camp Staff *$284 Residents / $369 Non-Residents $315 Residents / $410 Non-Residents 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/8 – 7/2

*18 days

238006-02 M – F

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 6/8 – 7/2

*18 days

238006-03 M – F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

7/6 – 7/31

20 days

238006-04 M – F

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 7/6 – 7/31

20 days

Camp Cruz Camp Cruz is our largest and most versatile camp. With all day to spend together, Camp Cruz provides a wide variety of session-themed games, arts, crafts, and field trips (both local and out of county). The fun, active structure of Cruz allows for large group experiences as well as smaller group activities, these smaller ‘Crews’ allow your camper to choose which interest they would like to pursue! Crews give your child the opportunity to spend time around other campers with similar interests; examples of Crews from previous summers include: Cooking Crew, Sports Crew, Building Crew, and Art Crew.

Camp Cruz also includes a charter bus field trip out of the county and pool days. A material fee of $7 cash is due to the Site Supervisor on the first day of camp. Camp sessions fill quickly. *No camp on 6/19 & 7/3.

7–9 Harvey West Park, Redwood Picnic Area Summer Camp Staff *$230 Residents / $299 Non-Residents $255 Residents / $332 Non-Residents

238002- 01 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238002-02 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

238002-03 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

238002-04 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

PREREQUISITE: MUST BE REGISTERED IN JUNIOR EXPLORERS. Go above and beyond your Jr. X experience! If your child needs supervision before and after Junior X, sign up for JUNIOR EXPLORERS EXTRA. Children may arrive as early as 7:30 am and leave as late as 5:30 pm. More of the same fun and games that you’ve come to expect from Junior Explorers.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7–9 Harvey West Park, Redwood Picnic Area Summer Camp Staff *$148 Residents / $192 Non-Residents $164 Residents / $213 Non-Residents

238012-01

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238012-02

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

238012-03

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

238012-04

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

Helpful Tips for Parents Sending Kids to Day Camp

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 – 12 Harvey West Clubhouse Summer Camp Staff *$270 Residents / $351 Non-Residents $300 Residents / $390 Non-Residents

238005-01

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238005-02 M – F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

238005-03 M – F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

238005-04 M – F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

Handicap Ramp

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Junior Explorers Extra Care

238006-01 M – F

Handicap Parking

Junior Explorers is the place for your active adventurer. Fun, energetic, nature-minded staff lead campers on field trips throughout the county to discover the beauty and natural wonder of our area. The beach, the forest and the fields are all within reach. Campers will take one chartered bus trip. This on-the-go camp will have your little explorer excited about each new daily experience. A material fee of $7 cash is due to the Site Supervisor on the first day of camp. See JUNIOR EXPLORERS EXTRA if you need supervision before and after day camp. *No camp on 6/19 & 7/3.

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Look for this icon throughout the classes section and get helpful tips to help your kids get the most out of their summer camp and class experience.

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

15

Super Camp

The Spot

This is a super way to introduce your youngster to the world of Summer Camps; it is the perfect beginner day camp for your little one who is ready for summer fun. Our caring, nurturing staff leads activities and games that are tailored to the theme of each session and your little guy or gal. Super Camp meets in Kids’ Kottage which is perfectly fit for small campers.

Campers will take field trips to local beaches and parks and one chartered bus trip each session. A material fee of $7 cash is due to the Site Supervisor on the first day of camp. See SUPER CAMP EXTRA if you need supervision before and after day camp. *No camp on 6/19 & 7/3.

This camp continues to evolve! Days at The Spot are full of creativity, fun and adventure with an excellent mix of high energy atmosphere and mellow activities to satisfy everyone. Every day we’ll keep your 9-12 year old interested by giving them choices and splitting into smaller groups allowing like-minded Spotters to pursue shared interests together. Daily activities include: obstacle courses, cooking activities, dance parties, pool days, team building, trips to local skate parks & pump tracks as well as out of county field trips & fun community service projects. Spotters will learn to appreciate our beautiful community while learning the value of preserving it and giving back, earning 5 community service hours each session (volunteer certificate included). In addition to all the adventuring, The Spot has a “wheels” day at Harvey West’s Pump Track each week! Campers will take one chartered bus trip. A material fee of $7 cash is due to the Site Supervisor on the first day of each session. See THE SPOT EXTRA if you need supervision before and after day camp. *No camp on 6/19 & 7/3.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–6 Harvey West Park, Kid’s Kottage Summer Camp Staff *$216 Residents / $281 Non-Residents $240 Residents / $312 Non-Residents

238001-01

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238001-02

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

238001-03

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

238001-04

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

LABEL EVERYTHING From water bottles to backpacks, labeling items helps prevent lost belongings.

Super Camp Extra Care PREREQUISITE: MUST BE REGISTERED IN SUPER CAMP. Go above and beyond your Super Camp experience! If your child needs supervision before and after Super Camp, sign up for Super Camp Extra. Children may arrive as early as 7:30 am and leave as late as 5:30 pm. More of the same fun and games that you’ve come to expect from your Super Camp.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–6 Harvey West Park, Kid’s Kottage Summer Camp Staff *$144 Residents / $187 Non-Residents $160 Residents / $208 Non-Residents

Ages Location Instructor Fees

10 – 12 Harvey West Scouthouse Summer Camp Staff *$230 Residents / $299 Non-Residents $255 Residents / $332 Non-Residents

238003-01

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238003-02 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

238003-03 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

238003-04 M – F

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

The Spot Extra Care PREREQUISITE: MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE SPOT. Go above and beyond your Spot experience! If your child needs supervision before and after The Spot, sign up for THE SPOT EXTRA. Children may arrive as early as 7:30 am and leave as late as 5:30 pm. More of the same fun and games that you’ve come to expect from the Spot.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

10 – 12 Harvey West Scouthouse Summer Camp Staff *$148 Residents / $192 Non-Residents $164 Residents / $213 Non-Residents

238013-01

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238013-02

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

238011-01

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

*9 days

238013-03

238011-02

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

*9 days

238013-04

238011-03

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/17

10 days

238011-04

M–F

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/31 10 days

16 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

SPORTS

Baseball Summer Camp Do you love baseball? Want to get ahead of everybody else?

Come join us for a week-long baseball camp at Harbor High’s awesome, turf, baseball field! This camp is designed to instruct players of all skill levels in catching, throwing, hitting, running and baseball appreciation. Individualized instruction will be the focus at skill stations and wiffle ball games will provide added fun. All campers will receive a baseball camp t-shirt and pizza will be provided on the last day of camp.

BASEBALL

Baseball Beach Camp It’s baseball and the beach. Baseball camp and beach play are the hit of the summer, so bring your swimwear and get ready to have fun. Campers will practice throwing, hitting, running and game play (Wiffle ball and Over the Line). We’ll divide into teams, play games and end in a championship game between the two with the best record. Instructors vs. Campers AllStar game on the last day! It’s the most popular camp of the summer, so sign up QUICK!

5 – 14 Harbor High School, Baseball Field Joseph Allegri $258 Residents / $329 Non-Residents *$213 Residents / $270 Non-Residents

214010-01

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/15 – 6/18 *4 days

214010-02

M–F

7/13 – 7/17

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

5 days

BASKETBALL

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 – 14 Main Beach, Cocoanut Grove Bob Kittle $198 Residents / $251 Non-Residents *$168 Residents / $212 Non-Residents

214003-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/1 – 6/5

5 days

214003-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/8 – 6/12

5 days

214003-03

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/15 – 6/18 *4 days

214003-04

M–F

6/22 – 6/26 5 days

214003-05

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/29 – 7/2

*4 days

214003-06

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

7/6 – 7/10

214003-07

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

214003-08

M–F

214003-09

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Basketball - Parent & Me This parent-child class develops gross motor skills and coordination pertinent to the game of basketball. Fun games will be played in each class. Participants should wear sports clothing and bring a bottle of water. A ribbon award is included at the end of the program.

5 days

Ages Location Instructor Fees

2 – 3.5 Grant Street Park, Basketball Court Manuel Minzer $85 Residents / $104 Non-Residents

7/13 – 7/17

5 days

213901-01

Sa

9:15 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.

6/6 – 6/27

4 days

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

7/20 – 7/24

5 days

213901-02

Sa

9:15 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.

7/11 – 8/1

4 days

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

7/27 – 7/31

5 days

Baseball Hitting Instruction Camp Let er’ rip! These sessions will focus on individualized hitting plans, fundamentals and technique. The camp will be entirely focused on improving hitting ability. Campers will leave this session with a better understanding of their own swing and how to continue to work on it for the future.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 – 14 Santa Cruz High School, Baseball Field Bob Kittle $208 Residents / $264 Non-Residents

214004-01

M – Th 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

6/22 – 6/25 4 days

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

17

Basketball - First Shots The fundamentals of basketball are learned in a fun, recreational environment. Fun games will be played in each class. Participants should wear sports clothing and bring a bottle of water. A ribbon award is included at the end of the program.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

3.5 – 5 Grant Street Park, Basketball Court Manuel Minzer $95 Residents / $117 Non-Residents

213902-01

Sa

9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

6/6 – 6/27

4 days

213902-02

Sa

9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

7/11 – 8/1

4 days

Basketball Training The class emphasizes the basic basketball skills in offense and defense through fun exercises. Team concepts are presented in games and scrimmages to give participants a strong foundation while moving to the game level. Participants should wear sports clothing and bring a water bottle. A ribbon award is included at the end of the program.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

8 – 14 Grant Street Park, Basketball Court Manuel Minzer $115 Residents / $143 Non-Residents

213904-01

Sa

11:15 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. 6/6 – 6/27

4 days

213904-02

Sa

11:15 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. 7/11 – 8/1

4 days

First Basketball Skills Learn and practice basic basketball skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting in each class. The class includes appropriate age activities and emphasizes basketball skills.

Fun games will be played in each class. Participants should wear sports clothing and bring a water bottle of water. A ribbon award is included at the end of the program.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–7 Grant Street Park, Basketball Court Manuel Minzer $105 Residents / $130 Non-Residents

213903-01

Sa

10:25 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. 6/6 – 6/27

4 days

213903-02

Sa

10:25 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. 7/11 – 8/1

4 days

18 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

DRESS FOR ACTIVE PLAY Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are a must for a fun, safe day.

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

SK ATEBOARDING

Basketball Summer Camp Basketball Camp encourages participants through games!

Rebound Basketball Academy coaches provide a positive environment with lots of fun. Our goal is to build in each child confidence and skills while fostering a lifelong passion for basketball. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, athletic shoes, snacks, and a water bottle. A ribbon award is included at the end of the program.

Instructor Manuel Minzer $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents Fees *$225 Residents / $286 Non-Residents Ages 5 – 8 Location Bay View Elementary School, Basketball Court 213912-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

213912-05

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

Location

Gault Elementary School, Basketball Court

213912-03

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/2

*4 days

Ages 8 – 14 Location Westlake Elementary School, Basketball Court 213912-02

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/18 *4 days

Location

Parks and Recreation Facility, TBD

213912-04

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

Skatedogs Summer Camp Learn the fundamentals, ramp riding and tricks, make friends, play games, earn prizes & have fun right inside our private skatepark! Skateboards and safety pads available to borrow, if needed! Please bring your own helmet (skate or bike helmet is okay). This program is designed for skaters of all skating experience.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5 – 13 Mike Fox Skate Park Erik Thomas $353 Residents / $452 Non-Residents *$287 Residents / $367 Non-Residents

213613-01

M–F

213613-02

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/18 *4 days

213613-03

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/2

*4 days

213613-04

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

5 days

213613-05

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

5 days

BIKING

Intro to Technical Mountain Biking Learn the fundamentals to mountain biking and transfer those skills to the trails. This class will be catered to your specific needs as a beginner-level mountain biker. Focus may include downhill, climbing, cornering, roots, rocks, wheel-lifts.

End the class will toolbox full of skills you can rely on and have fun doing it! For more information, please visit: www.

KristaKcoaching.com.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 77 DeLaveaga Park, Ball Field 2 Lot 2 Krista Kaschalk $233 Residents / $296 Non-Residents

215617-01

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/6

1 day

215617-02

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/13

1 day

215617-03

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/20

1 day

215617-04

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/27

1 day

215617-05

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/11

1 day

215617-06

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/18

1 day

215617-07

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/25

1 day

215617-08

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 8/1

1 day

PACK SMART Send kids with a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for changing weather.

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

19

SKYHAWKS

Skyhawks Mini Hawks Camp

Skyhawks Multi-Sports Camp Our multi-sport camp is designed to introduce athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program we combine Baseball, Flag Football, and Soccer in one funfilled week. Athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of each sport along with vital life lessons such as respect and teamwork. All participants will receive a t-shirt and a merit award. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, a lunch and snack, a water bottle, running shoes, a baseball glove (optional), and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 DeLaveaga Elementary School, Field Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213625-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

This multi-sport program was developed to give children a positive first step into athletics. Baseball, basketball and soccer are taught in a safe, structured environment filled with encouragement and fun. Through games and activities, campers explore balance, hand/eye coordination, and skill development at their own pace. All participants will receive a t-shirt, ball and a merit award. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, two snacks, a water bottle, running shoes and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

4–7 Gault Elementary School Skyhawks Sports $225 Residents/ $286 Non-Residents

213624-01

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/18

4 days

Skyhawks Lacrosse Camp Suit up and find out why lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Lacrosse combines the basic skills used in soccer, basketball and hockey into one fast-paced, high-scoring game. Athletes will learn all the fundamentals of stick handling, cradling, passing, and shooting in a fun, nonchecking environment. All participants will receive a t-shirt and a player evaluation. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, a lunch and snack, a water bottle, running shoes, a mouthpiece, protective gloves, a helmet with full mask (or goggles for girls’ lacrosse), a lacrosse stick, and sunscreen.

Limited lacrosse sticks available for use.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 - 12 Gault Elementary School, Field Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213623-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

NEW! Skyhawks Cheerleading Camp Skyhawks Cheerleading teaches the essential skills to lead crowds and support the home team! There is no stunting in this entry level program -- just a big focus on fun while each cheerleader learns proper hand & body movements and jumping techniques. The week concludes with a choreographed performance. All participants will receive pom-poms, a t-shirt, and a merit award. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, two snacks, a water bottle, running shoes, and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 Parks & Recreation Facility, TBD Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213632-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/8 – 6/12

20 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

5 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

NEW! Skyhawks Dodgeball Camp Join our Dodgeball Camp for a fun-filled, high-energy week of skill-building and friendly competition! Perfect for all levels, campers will improve agility, teamwork, and throwing techniques while having a blast. Make new friends, stay active, and become a dodgeball pro! All participants will receive a t-shirt and a merit award. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, a lunch and snack, a water bottle, running shoes, and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 Bay View Elementary School, Blacktop Area Skyhawks Sports $225 Residents / $286 Non-Residents

213633-01

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/2

4 days

Skyhawks Flag Football Camp Flag Football is the perfect introduction to “America’s Game.”

Campers learn skills on both sides of the football including the core components of passing, catching, and defense -- all presented in a fun and positive environment. The week ends with the Skyhawks Super Bowl, giving participants a chance to showcase their skills on the gridiron! All participants will receive a t-shirt and player evaluation. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, two snacks, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 DeLaveaga Elementary School, Field Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213621-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

Skyhawks Track & Field Camp Skyhawks Track & Field combines technical development, fundamental techniques, and safety with a major focus on fun!

Using special equipment, our staff teach the fundamentals of body positioning, stride, proper stretching, and cooldown techniques. Participants put it all together for one fun-filled day at the Skyhawks track meet! All participants will receive a t-shirt and a merit award. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, snacks, water, running shoes, and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 Westlake Elementary School, Field Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213626-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

5 days

APPLY SUNSCREEN AT HOME Apply sunscreen before drop-off and pack extra so staff can help with reapplication.

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

21

SOCCER

Skyhawks Badminton Skyhawks Badminton focuses on skill refinement and match play to develop well-rounded badminton players. Players learn proper grips, footwork, strokes, shuttlecock positioning and serves during a series of drills designed to teach skills in a dynamic way. Athletes will learn the rules and etiquette that make badminton a fun game to play. All participants will receive a t-shirt and player evaluation. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, two snacks, a water bottle, tennis shoes, and sunscreen. Limited Badminton rackets available for use.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 Bay View Elementary School, Blacktop Area Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213631-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/20 – 7/24

World Cup Soccer - Junior Academy The Junior Academy builds fundamental skills and introduces team concepts in a fun, supportive setting. With a 1:12 coachto-player ratio, campers enjoy skill-based games in the morning and small-sided matches in the afternoon. This camp provides a balanced, engaging experience designed to help young players grow their confidence and love for soccer.

Ages 5–6 Instructor World Cup Soccer Staff Fees $295 Residents / $377 Non-Residents *$395 Residents / $507 Non-Residents Location Depot Park Scott Kennedy Field 5 days

213807-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

213807-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*5 days

Location

Mission Hill Middle School, Turf Field

213807-03

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

213807-04

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

213807-09

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

213807-10

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*5 days

Location

DeLaveaga Elementary School, Field

213807-05

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

213807-06

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location

Bay View Elementary School, Field

213807-07

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

213807-08

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

6/1 – 6/5

6/22 – 6/26 *5 days 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

7/13 – 7/17 *5 days 5 days

7/27 – 7/31 *5 days

Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp Participants will learn the fundamentals of swinging, putting, body positioning, etiquette, and keeping score. The program is specifically designed for the entry-level player, simplifying instruction so that young players can make an easy and effective transition onto the golf course. All equipment provided. Participants should wear appropriate clothing and shoes. All participants will receive a t-shirt and a merit award.

Participants should bring two snacks, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–8 DeLaveaga Elementary School, Field Skyhawks Sports $275 Residents / $351 Non-Residents

213622-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

PREPARE FOR MESSY FUN Expect dirt, paint, and water play—pack an extra set of clothes just in case.

22 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

World Cup Soccer - Development Academy The Development Academy is ideal for players with at least 1-3 years of experience. Mornings focus on technical skill training, while afternoons emphasize performance in match play. Coaches track progress throughout the week and provide a detailed evaluation at the end of camp to help each player advance to the next level.

10 – 13 Ages Instructor World Cup Soccer Staff $302 Residents / $377 Non-Residents Fees $395 Residents / $507 Non-Residents Location Depot Park Scott Kennedy Field 213808-01

World Cup Soccer - Classic Skill Camp Designed for all skill levels, this camp groups players by ability to ensure the right challenge. With a 1:12 ratio, coaches emphasize core skills and teamwork through morning drills and fun afternoon matches. Campers apply what they learn in real-game situations, building confidence, improving understanding, and enjoying a dynamic soccer experience.

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

213808-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*5 days

Location

Mission Hill Middle School, Turf Field

213808-03

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

213808-04

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

213808-09

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

213808-10

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*5 days

Location

DeLaveaga Elementary School, Field

213808-05

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

213808-06

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location

Bay View Elementary School, Field

213808-07

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

213808-08

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

6/1 – 6/5

6/22 – 6/26 *5days 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

7/13 – 7/17 *5 days 5 days

7/27 – 7/31 *5 days

Ages 7–9 Instructor World Cup Soccer Staff Fees $295 Residents / $377 Non-Residents *$395 Residents / $507 Non-Residents Location Depot Park Scott Kennedy Field 213804-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

213804-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*5 days

Location

Mission Hill Middle School, Turf Field

213804-03

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

213804-04

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

213804-09

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

213804-10

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*5 days

Location

DeLaveaga Elementary School, Field

213804-05

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

213804-06

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location

Bay View Elementary School, Field

213804-07

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

213804-08

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

6/1 – 6/5

6/22 – 6/26 *5 days 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

7/13 – 7/17 *5 days 5 days

7/27 – 7/31 *5 days

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

23

STAND UP PADDLE

Beginner Stand Up Paddle Discover SUP at Santa Cruz Harbor—you’ll be riding the board in minutes! Cruise through glassy waters as curious seals surface right next to you, vibrant boats surround you, and epic harbor views blow your mind. This is Santa Cruz at its finest!

Total beginners welcome. Stop dreaming, start paddling! Book your adventure NOW and feel the stroke! Required: Must have knowledge of and can swim in ocean waters.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

16 – 60 SUP Shack Santa Cruz, 2214 East Cliff Drive Trudie Ransom $113 Residents / $140 Non-Residents

216918-01

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/6

1 day

216918-02

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/13

1 day

216918-03

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/20

1 day

216918-04

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/27

1 day

216918-05

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/11

1 day

216918-06

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/18

1 day

216918-07

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/25

1 day

216918-08

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 8/1

1 day

SUP Yoga Flow on the Stand UP Paddleboard Flow into bliss with SUP Yoga on Santa Cruz Harbor! Our stable, buoyant boards make it easy to stretch through vinyasa, sink into downward dog, and float into the most peaceful savasana ever. The gentle harbor waters rock you as you breathe and move—it’s pure magic! Perfect for beginners.

No experience needed, just bring your Zen. Book now for floating yoga bliss! Requirement: Must have knowledge of and can swim in ocean waters.

SEND NUTRITIOUS LUNCH & SNACKS Pack healthy, easy-to-eat foods and check camp policies on allergies and food restrictions.

24 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Ages Location Instructor Fees

16 – 60 SUP Shack Santa Cruz, 2214 East Cliff Drive Trudie Ransom $78 Residents / $95 Non-Residents

216919-01

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/7

1 day

216919-02

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/14

1 day

216919-03

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 6/28

1 day

216919-04

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/5

1 day

216919-05

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/12

1 day

216919-06

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/19

1 day

216919-07

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 7/26

1 day

216919-08

Su

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 8/2

1 day

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

SUP Shack Ocean Explorers Adventure Camp SUP Shack Summer Camp award-winning summer camp at Santa Cruz Harbor! Days begin at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast, followed by 2 hours of stand-up paddleboarding to build skills and confidence. After lunch and recess, afternoons feature beach activities including kite flying, bodyboarding, and swimming. Weekly highlights include tie-dye workshops and ice cream parties. All activities supervised by experienced instructors. Includes snacks, equipment, instruction, and camp t-shirt. A $25.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class. Required: Student must possess knowledge of and is capable of swimming.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

10 – 16 SUP Shack Santa Cruz, 2214 East Cliff Drive Trudie Ransom $518 Residents / $667 Non-Residents *$473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

216917-01

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

6/1 – 6/5

5 days

216917-02

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

6/8 – 6/12

5 days

216917-03

M – Th 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

6/15 – 6/18 *4 days

216917-04

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

6/22 – 6/26 5 days

216917-05

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

6/29 – 7/3

5 days

216917-06

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/10

5 days

216917-07

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

7/13 – 7/17

5 days

216917-08

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

7/20 – 7/24

5 days

216917-09

M–F

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

7/27 – 7/31

5 days

VOLLEYBALL

Youth Beach Volleyball Youth players build confidence in a supportive and empowering environment with basic skill development in passing, setting, hitting, and serving. Emphasis is equally divided between FUN, improvement, and skill development.

Skills, drills, techniques, and a variety of beach volleyball games and activities each day. Meet at Court 8.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

8 – 11 Main Beach, Volleyball Courts 7, 8, 9 & 12 Liz Fowler $203 Residents / $257 Non-Residents

214215-01 M,T,Th,F 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/8 – 6/12

4 days

214215-02 M,T,Th,F 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 4 days 214215-03 M,T,Th,F 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

4 days

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

25

DANCE & THEATER

Youth Theatre - Summer

Mom/Dad & Me Ballet Introduce your child to the joy of dance! Through basic ballet technique, children will develop gross motor skills, rhythm and the ability to follow directions while working within a group.

Children will be enchanted with lots of wings, wands and tutus. A material fee of $15.00 is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

2–3 London Nelson Community Center, Room 4 Jeani Mitchell $148 Residents / $186 Non-Residents

210803-01

Tu

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

6/2 – 6/23

4 days

210803-02

Tu

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

7/7 – 7/28

4 days

ARRIVE ON TIME Being prompt for drop-off and pick-up ensures a smooth start and end to your child’s day.

Pre-Ballet I Children will discover the joy of dance and appropriate age technique in a positive and nurturing environment. Emphasis will be placed on proper posture and alignment. This class is designed to develop grace, coordination and creativity.

Children will learn valuable skills, build self-confidence, make new friends while finding the joy of discipline and dance.

There is a time for creative expression and children will be able to create their own dances. Lots of wings, wands and tutus! The instructor will allow an appropriate time or pictures.

A material fee of $15.00 is due to the instructor on the first day of class. Leotard and ballet shoes are required for class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

3–8 London Nelson Community Center, Room 4 Jeani Mitchell $148 Residents / $186 Non-Residents

210801-01

M

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

6/1 – 6/22

4 days

210801-02

Sa

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 6/6 – 6/27

4 days

210801-03

M

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/27

4 days

210801-04

Sa

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 7/11 – 8/1

4 days

26 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Parks and Rec Youth Theatre presents Poe: Dreams of Madness. Join Edgar Allen Poe in a collection of weaving stories of insanity and fright. Featuring many of Poe’s most famous stories brought to life by young actors. There are plenty of mysteries to solve and juicy roles for all. No previous theatre experience is necessary, and all who audition will receive a part. Tech week is Aug 3-7. Performances will be held Friday Aug 7 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday Aug 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A $20.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 London Nelson Community Center Josephine Czarnecki $200 Residents / $253 Non-Residents

240601-01

M & W 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

6/15 – 7/29 14 days

Teen Theatre - Summer Parks and Rec Teen Theatre presents Paxton, VL-621d. A space colony abandoned by its corporation many years in the future. Paxton, a city with no working ships to leave from, but where all basic needs are met. VL-621d, a planet whose orbit experiences a two Earth-week cycle between day and night.

What ills could there be in this society? And what do they do when electric night falls into total darkness? Join another original play by Rios and Josephine to inhabit this world and find out! No prior experience is necessary, and all actors who register will receive a part. Tech Week is scheduled Aug 10-14 with performances Friday Aug 14 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday Aug 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A materials fee of $20 will be due on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

12 – 16 London Nelson Community Center Josephine Czarnecki $200 Residents/$253 Non-Residents

240602-01

Tu & Th 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

6/16 – 7/30 14 days

Storytellers Kids Theater Camp Explore children’s theater in this fun camp! Students engage in a playful, low pressure format, focused on imagination & exploration, acting warm-ups & theater games spark the creative spirit & inspire confidence on the stage. Campers create scenes/short play - dialogue, singing & dancing, culminating in an end of the week show for friends & family. If your child has wanted to try theater, or conventional theater is too high pressure, this is the perfect, fun & easy way for them to dive in!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5 – 10 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

210607-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

Stage Makeup for Theater Camp

“Superhero Academy” Learn to Fly!

Learn stage makeup skills in this fun & interactive summer camp! Each day we will explore a different type of makeup application theory & do a step-by-step tutorial along with creation of a professional face chart for future use. Impress friends, teachers & directors with your stage makeup knowhow and add to your theater resume! Topics include: (1) Basic application & theory, (2) Female glamour makeup, (3) Masculine makeup, (4) Injury stage makeup, and (5) Old age makeup. After registration, students will receive a list of required supplies (makeup and tools) and have the option to either bring their own supplies or pay a $50.00 materials fee to have a kit provided for them.

Build strength, confidence, and dynamic movement while training like real-life dance superheroes. A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

12 – 17 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $323 Residents / $413 Non-Residents

212567-01

M–F

11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

SUMMER DANCE CAMPS

“For Good”: Magic, Wizards, and Witches Explore expressive movement, magical storytelling, and ensemble performance through spell-binding dance adventures. A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210748-01

M–F

Ages

6–9

210748-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/8 – 6/12

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/8 – 6/12

5 days

“Dance Party Cruise” Pirates, Princesses & Pop Stars From royal elegance to high-energy pop, dancers explore character, performance quality, and musical style. A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Hope Jamieson $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210749-01

M–F

Ages

6–9

210749-02

M–F

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/19

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/19

5 days

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210750-01

M–F

Ages

6–9

210750-02

M-F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

“Magical Quest Maze” Unicorns, Fairies & Dragons An imaginative journey using pathways, levels, and storytelling to guide dancers through a magical world. A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210751-01

M–F

Ages

6–9

210751-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/3

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/3

5 days

“Under The Sea” Narwhals, Mermaids & Aloha Flowing movement, rhythmic patterns, and expressive dance inspired by ocean adventures and island vibes. A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210752-01

M-F

Ages

6–9

210752-02

M-F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

CHECK FOR SPECIAL THEME DAYS Some camps have dress-up days, water play, or field trips—stay informed so your child is prepared.

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

27

ARTS & CRAFTS

“Frozen in July” Snowflakes, Icicles & Popsicles Cool off with ballet-inspired movement, lyrical expression, and winter fun — even in summer! A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210753-01

M-F

Ages

6–9

210753-02

M-F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

5 days

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE Teach kids how to take care of their belongings and communicate with camp staff if they need help.

“Huntrix Honmoon” Together We’re Glowing Join Huntrix and friends to strengthen the Honmoon with your song and dance! A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4–5

210754-01

M–F

Ages

6–9

210754-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/20 – 7/24

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/20 – 7/24

5 days

“Lights of Broadway” Your Time to Shine!

A musical-theater-inspired camp focusing on stage presence, expression, and performance confidence. A $35.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Location Instructor Fees Ages

International Academy of Dance Studio Paris Cannon $450 Residents / $579 Non-Residents 4-5

210755-01

M–F

Ages

6-9

210755-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

28 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Art Outside at the Tannery Nature and art come together at the Tannery Arts Center.

Young artists will visit live art studios, sketch and learn about the San Lorenzo River and plant habitat, make paint from natural sources, create large sidewalk murals, build sculptures & mandalas from natural findings, and learn observational drawing techniques with real animals. A $10.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 - 13 Tannery Arts Center Linda Cover $198 Residents / $251 Non-Residents

212544-01

M-F

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

212544-02

M-F

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 6/29 - 7/3

5 days

212544-03

M-F

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

Fab Fabric Scrap Art Unleash your creativity in this eco-friendly class for ages 7-10! Young artists will turn fabric scraps into canvas masterpieces - no painting experience needed. Learn design basics, experimenting with texture and layering, and use scissors, glue and fabric like a brush. This hands-on course also explores sustainable art practices, teaching students to reduce waste while creating one-of-a-kind artwork to take home. A $20.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class. No class on 6/19 & 7/3.

Ages Instructor Fees Location

7 – 10 Ellen Wagner $273 Residents / $348 Non-Residents Parks and Recreation Facility, TBD

212556-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 6/8 – 6/12

5 days

212556-02

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 6/15 – 6/22

5 days

Location

Gault Elementary School, Classroom

212556-03

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 6/29 – 7/6

Location

DeLaveaga Elementary School, Classroom

212556-04

M–F

Location

Bay View Elementary School, Classroom

212556-05

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 7/13 – 7/17 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days 5 days 5 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

Youth Sewing and Fiber Arts Camp

Youth Summer Sewing Essentials Camp

Learn the art of sewing by experimenting with materials, dyeing, painting, cutting, and basic sewing machine skills.

This class is designed to give students an introduction to sewing, machine safety skills. This class is designed to give students an introduction to sewing, machine safety, basic stitching, fabric types, dye stuffs, and fiber arts. Students will create 6-7 fabric projects that challenge their abilities and take them through the entirety of the making and sewing process. A $40.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class. If you own a sewing machine, students are encouraged to bring it. Basic tools and sewing machines will be provided for use. Student is expected to use machines & tools in a safe way and be able to follow directions.

Learn the art of sewing while creating essential summer pieces. Students will create 3-4 fabric projects, designed to take the student through the entirety of the making and sewing process. This class is ideal for students who have taken a sewing course or have been practicing sewing skills with a basic level of comprehension and ability. A $40.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class. If you own a sewing machine, students are encouraged to bring it. Basic tools and sewing machines will be provided for use.

Student is expected to use machines & tools in a safe way and be able to follow directions.

Ages Instructor Fees Location

9 – 14 Lisa Rupp $403 Residents / $517 Non-Residents DeLaveaga Elementary School, Classroom

213238-01

M–F

Location

Westlake Elementary School, Classroom

213238-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/8 – 6/12

5 days

7/13 – 7/17

Ages Instructor Fees Location

9 – 14 Lisa Rupp $403 Residents / $517 Non-Residents Gault Elementary School, Classroom

213239-01

M–F

Location

Bay View Elementary School, Classroom

213239-02

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

6/22 – 6/26 5 days 7/20 – 7/24

5 days

5 days

SEVEN DIRECTIONS INSTITUTE

Camp Tannery Arts Camp Tannery Arts is a week-long summer art camp for young & aspiring artists aged 7-15. At Tannery Arts, we have over 15 teaching artists offering workshops such as African dance & drumming, conceptual art, Poetry, modern dance, printmaking, mural arts, and jewelry making. Our workshops focus on not only building artistic awareness, but also cultural awareness of the history of each art form. Students will engage with art from around the world and get to know how our artists inspire and nurture their artistic journeys to then nurture their own artistic journeys. As our classes are small, centering on community and artist support, students will get to explore their artistic calling as they spend each day focusing on hands-on art disciplines and gain deeper understanding of what being an artist truly means. A $20.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7-15 Tannery Arts Center Linda Cover $448 Residents / $576 Non-Residents

212704-01

M-F

Outdoor Art Camp at Wilder Ranch Meet us at Wilder Ranch for a week of art & games outside!

We will complete an acrylic painting of the beautiful views around us and do drawing challenges every day! Hangout in the sunshine with other campers, play games and learn about Santa Cruz wildlife and nature! A fantastic way for kids to get outdoors while learning in a fun and creative way.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

8 – 12 Wilder Ranch State Park Seven Directions Institute Staff $433 Residents / $556 Non-Residents

212542-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

Prehistoric Animal Art Camp

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/19

5 days

Explore some of the most bizarre and fascinating creatures lost to time in this brand-new prehistoric spin-off of our most popular camp, Animal Art! Unearth stories about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Earth and swam in ancient oceans and create art in a variety of mediums based on scientists’ best guesses as to what those creatures looked like. Each day starts with a creative drawing challenge & ends with Animal Time, where we interact with one of our 30+ live exotic animals!

TALK ABOUT THEIR DAY Ask open-ended questions about their favorite activities and new friends to keep them excited about camp.

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–9 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

212565-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 6/1 – 6/5

5 days

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

29

Fairy Art Camp

Natural Bridges Outdoor Art Camp

Join us for a week of fun, imagination & art for kids who love fairies! Campers will get to create their own fairy world through a variety of crafts, games, creative writing and art projects while making friends and playing make believe. Each day we’ll do a different fairy-themed major project that campers get to take home. The week will end with a fairy-themed costume tea party complete with fairy snacks. Each day starts with a creative drawing challenge and ends with a meet-and-greet with one of our 30+ live exotic animals. A $30.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Meet us at Natural Bridges for a week of art and games outside! We will complete an acrylic painting of the beautiful views around us and do drawing challenges every day!

Hangout in the sunshine with other campers, play games and learn about Santa Cruz wildlife and nature! A fantastic way for kids to get outdoors while learning in a fun and creative way!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5-9 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

212540-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 6/8 – 6/12

5 days

Anime Academy Camp for Beginners Explore the exciting realm of Anime Art in this class for Beginning to Intermediate anime artists! Using Copic Ciao alcohol-based markers and Micron Fineliners, campers will learn how to shade and blend colors to create vibrant anime characters and learn about dynamic poses, dramatic eyes and highlighted hair! Level up your anime art skills and socialize with other campers who love the same shows, comics and characters. Each camp day will begin with an imaginative drawing challenge and end with a meet-and-greet with one of our 30+ live exotic animals!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 11 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

212509-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 6/15 – 6/19

5 days

Join us for a relaxed & fun approach to learning to draw from life. Instructors will support building technical art skills to translate what they see onto paper in creative ways. We will explore outdoor locations with visual themes such as architecture, plants and more. Students will get their own sketchbooks and gain skills to continue to fill them after camp ends. Each day ends with Animal Time, where we hold and interact with one of our 30+ live, exotic animals!

11 – 16 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $423 Residents / $543 Non-Residents

212566-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6/15 – 6/19

30 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

8 – 12 Natural Bridges State Park Seven Directions Institute Staff $373 Residents / $478 Non-Residents

212543-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Rainbow Art Camp for LGBTQ Teens Join us for a week of art & fun with other LGBTQ+ identified teens! This camp is for teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or otherwise to meet a community of other teens just like them! Paint, make t-shirts, buttons & friendship bracelets in a safe and welcoming space. We will lead discussions & art challenges, and we will also be walking to Mission Park to play games outside, as well as doing daily animal time meet and greets with our resident animals!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

12 – 17 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

212529-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Nature Adventure Camp

Sketching Our Surroundings: Drawing from Life

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Camouflage in the forest like a squirrel, use echolocation like a bat, and walk like a fox during Nature Adventure Camp! We will weave learning, playing, art, stories and hiking each day with different themes including animal adaptations, using our senses, plant identification, nature scavenger hunts and more!

Henry Cowell State Park will be our classroom and playground for the week. Come with an eagerness to learn, explore, play and make new friends.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–7 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Seven Directions Institute Staff $433 Residents / $556 Non-Residents

214909-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/3

5 days

5 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

Digital Art Character Creation Camp

Journaling for Collage Workshop

Join us for an innovative digital art camp experience! Learn to design characters using Procreate for iPad, an intuitive and easy-to-use drawing program. In this camp, students will learn to create memorable characters using techniques from cartoonists and character designers. Learn the basics of the program. Procreate first, then implement them with daily drawing challenges that inspire students to go beyond pen and paper. Together we will create our own characters and a background to place them in, informed by shape language and color theory! *iPads will either be provided for use during camp for a material/rental fee, or you may bring you own. Rental fee is $50.00; only required if the camper does not have an iPad and stylus.

Fantastic for artists of all levels, journaling is a great way to document your life, develop art skills, process thoughts, feelings & experiences. Explore observational drawing/collage with found & collected materials. Students can include writing, as well as paints & colored pencils. The possibilities are endless! Students can customize their experience to interests!

Students will walk away with an understanding of a variety of journaling methods for the skills needed to continue on their own!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

11 – 17 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $408 Residents / $524 Non-Residents

212555-01

M–F

5 days

Animal Art Camp Learn exciting facts about some incredible creatures & make art! Instructor will share amazing animals from all over the world with students & support them in creating art in a variety of mediums including pencil, pens, charcoal, watercolor & acrylic paint. A fun way to prevent summer loss & a course in the fundamentals of art. Each camp starts with a creative drawing, includes an animal themed craft & ends with Animal Time, where we interact with one of our 30+ live animals!

5–9 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

212502-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 7/6 – 7/10

5 days

Forest Fantasy Art Camp Let the magic of the redwood forest inspire your creativity in this exciting new camp that combines art, imagination and nature appreciation! Explore the many ecosystems of the Henry Cowell State Park while learning about a variety of fantasy creatures and making art based on them: Build fairy houses, invent your own cryptids and more! Each day starts with a fantasy drawing warm-up challenge, includes art, games and creative journaling through the lenses of mythology and lore, and ends with play time at the river.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

8 – 12 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Seven Directions Institute Staff $433 Residents / $556 Non-Residents

212554-01

M–F

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

11 – 16 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $383 Residents / $491 Non-Residents

212551-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 7/20 – 7/24

5 days

Pokémon Art Camp

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/3

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Ages Location Instructor Fees

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 7/20 – 7/24

Pokémon Art Camp is a fun-filled week of Pokémon art activities! Create a Pokéball Terrarium with a Pokémon friend inside! Campers will be given Pokémon drawing challenges that inspire them to create their own unique Pokémon-themed artwork. By the end of the week the campers will have created their own Pokémon Gym, decided what type of trainer they will become and “captured” different Pokémon in their Pokédex! At the end of each camp, students get to meet a live animal from our studio!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–8 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $253 Residents / $322 Non-Residents

212508-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 7/27 – 7/31

5 days

Tween Pokémon Art Camp Each camper will create a Pokéball Terrarium with a Pokémon friend inside! Campers will be given Pokémon drawing challenges that inspire them to create their own unique Pokémon-themed artwork. By the end of the week, campers will have created their own Pokémon Gym, decided what type of trainer they will become and “captured” different Pokémon in their Pokédex! At the end of each camp, students will get to meet a live animal from our studio!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

9 – 12 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $253 Residents / $322 Non-Residents

212564-01

M–F

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/27 – 7/31

5 days

5 days

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

31

STEM & TECHNOLOGY

BrickCraft: A Tabletop LEGO® Minecraft Adventure Game

Minecraft Engineering with LEGO® Materials Venture into the world of Minecraft in our unique LEGO® experience. Get ready to build your base, craft your tools, use your Minecraft to harvest raw resources, and battle to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. Come explore the endless possibilities of LEGO® with a trained Play-Well instructor.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–7 Bay View Elementary School, Classroom Play-Well TEKnologies Staff $285 Residents / $364 Non-Residents

217720-01

M–F

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Minecraft Master Engineering with LEGO® Materials Bring your favorite Minecraft adventures to life with our enthusiastic Play-Well instructors. In a Minecraft world powered by LEGO® resources, we will build shelters to keep out Creepers, craft mystical items that only true masters can wield, and perfect our crossbow skills to stop the Wither from taking over! If you can imagine it, we can build it.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 Bay View Elementary School, Classroom Play-Well TEKnologies Staff $285 Residents / $364 Non-Residents

217737-01

M–F

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Sharks and Mermaids Camp It’s Shark Week at Challenge Island and what better way to celebrate than by bringing our Bridge to Sharktooth Island book to life? Our STEAM Teams will join characters Daniel, Joy, Kimani, and Davinci on their Sharktooth Island adventures from bridge-building to pirate ship exploring to mixing up spectacular slime seas. They’ll drive into the fascinating world of SHARKS and tackle an ocean full of shark-inspired challenges! This cool camp is perfect for shark fact FINatics.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6–9 Parks and Recreation Facility, TBD Challenge Island Staff $423 Residents / $543 Non-Residents

217829-01

M–F

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

32 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Unleash your imagination in a tabletop Minecraft-themed roleplaying adventure! Join our enthusiastic Play-Well gamemasters and journey into a LEGO® world powered by your creativity. You’ll roll the dice to gather resources, craft powerful gear, and construct bases to stay safe. This fun game will take you on an epic quest where your creativity go a long way. Do you have what it takes to accept this challenge to defeat the Ender Dragon and restore peace in the world of Minecraft?

Ages Location Instructor Fees

5–7 Bay View Elementary School, Classroom Play-Well TEKnologies Staff $233 Residents / $296 Non-Residents

217738-01

M – Th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/29 – 7/2

4 days

BrickCraft: A Tabletop LEGO® Minecraft Survival Game In a world where very brick matters, how will you survive?

Join our enthusiastic Play-Well gamemasters as we journey into a LEGO® Minecraft world, powered by your creativity.

You’ll roll the dice to gather resources, construct epic bases, and battle hostile mobs. Go on a thrilling quest in this game where creative thinking and a roll of the dice can change everything. Are you ready to join your fellow adventurers and stop the Ender Dragon from turning every biome into The End?

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 12 Bay View Elementary School, Classroom Play-Well TEKnologies Staff $233 Residents / $296 Non-Residents

217739-01

M – Th 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

6/29 – 7/2

4 days

Islandmon STEAM Quest® Join us for a mini-monstrous journey into the Challenge Island® wild! Our adventurous STEAM Teams® are on a quest to catch, collect and train all of the island’s mini monsters. They’ll visit gyms, earn badges, go on treasure hunts, and even engage in a battle or two. With the help of their Islandmon ally STEAMaroo and her adorable joey, STEAMpuff,, our STEAM Teams will tackle an island full of engineering challenges as they evolve into true STEAM Champions. Ready? Let’s go!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 – 12 Parks & Recreation Facility, TBD Challenge Island Staff $373 Residents / $478 Non-Residents

217830-01

M – Th 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6/29 – 7/2

4 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

VIRTUAL

Jurassic Island Camp Calling all budding paleontologists! Set up camp on Jurassic Island, uncover a land forgotten by time, and unearth the incredible secrets of the dinosaurs and their ancient ecosystem. Walk in the footprints of the gentle giant brachiosaurus, race against the velociraptors, soar through the skies with the pterodactyl, and battle the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. This STEAM-fueled camp is sure to be the learning adventures of all time!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 - 12 Gault Elementary School, Classroom Challenge Island Staff $423 Residents / $543 Non-Residents

217831-01

M–F

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/6 – 7/10

5 days

STEAM Tank Entrepreneur® Inspired by the Shark Tank TV Show, this camp is a true experience in STEAM and entrepreneurship. Our STEAM Teams will learn about target markets, logo and slogan creation, and more as they become PIZZApreneurs, PETrepreneurs, HAUNTrepreneurs and SLIMEtrepreneurs.

Can our STEAM Teams convince the island sharks that their new businesses belong in the new Challenge Island Mall?

Ages Location Instructor Fees

6 – 12 Gault Elementary School, Classroom Challenge Island Staff $423 Residents / $543 Non-Residents

217832-01

M–F

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7/13 – 7/17

5 days

Scratch Ninja - Units 1 & 2 In this fun and creative class, we introduce students to the wonderful world of coding using Scratch. Students will use colorful drag-and-drop blocks that are intuitive and easy to use to create stories, games, and animations. We cover essential coding concepts such as conditional, loop, and variables, while exploring the intriguing features Scratch offers such as motion, sensing, and cloning. Students must have a laptop or desktop device with Zoom, a Chrome browser, and high internet connectivity.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 11 Virtual Create & Learn, Inc., Staff $179 Residents / $226 Non-Residents

219210-01

M – Th 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.

6/8 – 6/18

8 days

Watch Your Favorite Sports Teams TVs, Taps, Spirits & Grub

Science Explorers Camp A fun and playful way to prevent summer learning loss, Science Explorers is full of art, games, interactive science & engineering! Each day of camp will dive into a new, interactive experiment: Grow your own crystals, explode volcanoes, dissect owl pellets and much more! We will start each day with creative problem-solving, engineering challenges and end each day with a meet-and-greet with one of the 30+ live, exotic animals that live in our studio!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

7 – 11 Seven Directions Institute Seven Directions Institute Staff $473 Residents / $608 Non-Residents

212503-01

M–F

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 7/13 – 7/17

5 days

(831) 423-1600

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

GRILL HOURS M – Tu, 3pm to 8pm W – Su, 8am to 8pm

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

33

Python for AI Units 1-3

Create with ChatGPT

Delve into the exciting world of mastering this essential computer programming language while having a blast.

Python unlocks a realm of programming possibilities, making it a must-learn skill! Our live online class not only covers the fundamentals of Python coding for kids and teenagers but also places a strong emphasis on the elements of Python most relevant to Artificial Intelligence, including data structures and libraries.

Demystify and learn how to use ChatGPT AI! With the right guidance, ChatGPT can be one of the best learning resources for students. It can also help them develop critical thinking, executive functions, and creativity. In this fun and informative course, students will start to learn how to use ChatGPT more effectively, understand its strengths and weaknesses, and develop important skills to master this very valuable tool.

Prerequisite: Students should have basic knowledge of coding (block-based coding such as Scratch Ninja is fine). Students must have a laptop or desktop device with Zoom, a Chrome browser, and high internet connectivity.

Technical Requirements: Students must have a laptop or desktop device with Zoom, a Chrome browser, and high internet connectivity. For students grades 6 or lower, extensive prior coding experience in platforms like Scratch are required. For grades 7 or higher, you can start with Python without prior coding experience, as long as you are willing to spend moderate amounts of extra time to practice.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

10 – 17 Virtual Create & Learn, Inc., Staff $316 Residents / $404 Non-Residents

219215-01

M – Th 1:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

6/15 – 7/2

12 days

In this class, students master key coding concepts all while making awesome projects. They learn some of the coolest capabilities of Scratch such as using a camera to do an AR game, text to speech, and creating AI music, and cover the most advanced programming concepts that Scratch has to offer. Students must have a laptop or desktop device with Zoom, a Chrome browser, and high internet connectivity.

Students should have taken Scratch Ninja 1-2 (or the equivalent) before enrolling in this class.

7 – 11 Virtual Create & Learn, Inc., Staff $218 Residents / $277 Non-Residents

219225-01

M – Th 1:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

6/22 – 7/2

8 days

LABEL EVERYTHING From water bottles to backpacks, labeling items helps prevent lost belongings.

34 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

9 – 13 Virtual Create & Learn, Inc., Staff $123 Residents / $153 Non-Residents

219228-01

M–F

2:30 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.

6/22 – 6/26 5 days

Beginner Roblox Game Coding - Units 1-3

Scratch Ninja - Units 3 & 4

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Ages Location Instructor Fees

Does your kid love Roblox? With this coding class, your child will be able to create their own games for Roblox in no time.

The coding approach is similar to Scratch but is tailored specifically for developing Roblox games. Your child will learn and practice advanced coding skills, apply their imaginations, and create! Students must have a laptop or desktop device with Zoom, a Chrome browser, and high internet connectivity.

Prerequisite: Completion of Scratch Ninja Part 3-4, or equivalent advanced Scratch coding experiences. Need Windows or Mac computers (no Chromebook). Mechanical mouse is preferred.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

9 – 14 Virtual Create & Learn, Inc., Staff $316 Residents / $404 Non-Residents

219221-01

M – Th 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 7/6 – 7/23

12 days

Canva for Kids: Design, Video Creation, AI Art - Units 1 & 2 Does your child enjoy art or creative digital cards, posters or videos? Now they can make all these fascinating projects with Canva - a powerful graphic design platform with a simple interface. Your child will create their own designs and share these easily online. You will be amazed to see how creative your child can be with this digital design tool! Students must have a laptop or desktop device with Zoom, a Chrome browser, and high internet connectivity.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

9 – 13 Virtual Create & Learn, Inc., Staff $198 Residents / $251 Non-Residents

219226-01

M – Th 11:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. 7/13 – 7/23

8 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

SPECIAL INTEREST

“Let’s Cook!” for Teens

“Let’s Cook!” for Kids Do you love to cook? This cooking class is a fun, hands-on class where you’ll learn about cooking plant-based foods.

Create delicious recipes as a group, then eat and enjoy culinary creations together. Learn skills that you can use later at home or see if cooking is a career goal for you. All levels welcome. Wear closed-toe shoes, keep long hair back, and bring a water bottle. Cindy Lepore Hart is a chef, educator, nutritionist, and cookbook author. A $60.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

9 – 12 Parks & Recreation Facility, TBD Cindy Lepore Hart $298 Residents / $381 Non-Residents

218200-01

M–F

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

7/13 – 7/17

Do you love to cook? This cooking class is a fun, handson class where you’ll make delicious recipes that focus on plant-based cooking. Learn new techniques, knife skills and recipes that you can use later at home or see if cooking is a career goal for you. From the beginner to the more advanced, all are welcome. Cindy Lepore Hart is a professional chef, nutritionist, educator and cookbook author. Please wear closed-toe shoes, keep long hair back, and bring drinking water to class. A $60.00 material fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

13 – 19 Parks & Recreation Facility, TBD Cindy Lepore Hart $298 Residents / $381 Non-Residents

218201-01

M–F

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

7/20 – 7/24

5 days

5 days

SHARED ADVENTURES We are a non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for those with disabilities — we believe that recreation, fun, challenge, and access to the outdoors are essential to health and fulfillment All individuals are welcome — physical & cognitive disabilities are fully accommodated!

We provide over 150 activities per year — including archery, horseback riding, hikes and stRolls, sailing, camping, gardening, art classes, field trips and many more!

To sign-up for the weekly calendar of activities Visit our Website: SharedAdventures.org or contact us at: staff@sharedadventures.org 831-459-7210

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Check out the Santa Cruz Access Guide: SCAccessGuide.com

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

35

Beach Volleyball - Adult Beg/Int

Santa Cruz Archers Demo Day

Adult Beach Volleyball is a fun way to discover your inner athlete. Each class is active and emphasizes skill development, improvement and healthy competitive play.

Class focuses on conditioning, rules, basic serving, passing, setting and hitting drills are designed for adult beginning/ intermediate players. Meet on Court 10.

Join the Santa Cruz Archers for a free demo day to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month! Come out and learn about the Santa Cruz Archery Range and archery in general at this event This free opportunity includes two sections for lessons on Sunday, July 12th! Preregister to save your spot as this is limited to 15 participants at each lesson. Walk-ins are welcome but space is limited.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

18 – 80 Main Beach, Courts 7, 8, 10, 11 & 13 Liz Fowler $123 Residents / $153 Non-Residents

214201-01

Tu

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

6/9 – 7/7

5 days

214201-02

Tu

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

7/14 – 8/11

5 days

Beach Volleyball Skills & Drills - Adult Adult beach volleyball drills for players who want a beach workout. Designed for intermediate players who have some beach experience. Each class is very active and emphasizes skill development, improvement, and healthy competitive play.

We meet on Court 10 for skills, drills, and techniques.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

8+ Upper DeLaveaga Park, Archery Range Santa Cruz Archers Free.

280713-01

Su

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 7/12

1 day

280713-02

Su

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

1 day

7/12

Uniquely Yours: Exploring Creative Writing Voice Explore and strengthen your creative writing voice through guided prompts, in-class writing, and shared reflection in a supportive community. Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome. Grounded in the Amherst Writers & Artists method, participants learn craft through practice, attentive listening, and structured feedback guided by clear, respectful guidelines.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

18 – 99 London Nelson Center, Room 7 Peggy Simmons *$223 Residents / $283 Non-Residents

5 days

213410-01

Sa

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6/6

5 days

213410-02

W

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

18 – 70 Main Beach, Volleyball Courts 7, 8, 10, 11 & 13 Liz Fowler $123 Residents / $153 Non-Residents

214204-01

W

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

6/10 – 7/8

214204-02

W

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

7/15 – 8/12

6/10 – 7/1

1 day *4 days

Downtown Tree Walk

Beginning Beach Volleyball Welcome to the fastest, growing sport! Learn this amazing lifetime sport in a fun, organized and enthusiastic environment! We will cover all the skills and drills you will need to hit the beach with your friends and start playing this amazing game!

Ages Location Instructor Fees

18 – 70 Main Beach, Volleyball Courts 7, 8, 9 & 12 Todd Hollenbeck $143 Residents / $179 Non-Residents

214228-01

Th

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

6/4 – 6/18

3 days

214228-02

Th

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

7/9 – 7/23

3 days

Join us on a FREE tour of the city’s significant and historical trees in the downtown area! Be guided by the City Urban Forester, Leslie Keedy, as she takes you down a meandering path of foliage, fruit and flowers, in this annual tour of the city’s urban forest and gardens. Over 25 fabulous & unique trees will be showcased and discussed on the walking tour.

Ages Location Instructor Fees

All Ages Meet at City Hall Courtyard Leslie Keedy Free. Registration Required.

285301-01

Sa

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 7/18

1 day

Core Stability for Life Join Benny for a gentle, bodyweight mat class that strengthens your foundation for pain-free movement at any age! We will be revisiting the challenging journey we took as infants from the floor up to walking. Class will reignite deep core stability and bracing skill, improve strength, support injury recovery, and enhance long-term resilience.

Ages Location

15 – 85 200 Washington Street, Suite 109 Santa Cruz Instructor Benny Drescher Fees $143 Residents / $179 Non-Residents 211715-01

Tu

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 6/2 – 7/28

36 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

9 days

Popular Class

Merchandise Included

Homeschool Student Based

Guardian Required

Meal Included

Hearing Assistance

ADULT SPORTS LEAGUES LEAGUES OFFERED BY SEASON Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

Adult Sports Leagues Looking to register a team for one of our summer adult sports leagues, please see more information about the sports we offer below. Most of our leagues have 10 weeks of play, except for Fall Softball and Fall Kickball which run for five weeks. For more information, visit our website at SantaCruzCa.Gov/Sports or email Recreation Coordinator, Nick Tanza at ntanza@santacruzca.gov.

Want to play adult sports but don’t have a team – sign up as a free agent at SantaCruzCa.Gov/Sports and click the “Add to Free Agent List” link at the bottom of the page.

Summer Bocce League Join the fun of our Adult Bocce League! #224502-03 for summer season ADULT LEAGUE SCHEDULE Details Available Online at SantaCruzCa.Gov/AdultSports

A great opportunity to participate in an organized bocce league with the overall goal of developing fun, enjoyment, good sportsmanship and friendship. League is coordinated by volunteers!

Summer Season June 9 – August 6 Tue. & Thurs. (8 week season), 6:00 – 8:00 pm, (2 hour limit/match) Playoffs August 11 and/or August 13 (top four teams)

Teams 4 players minimum, 9 players maximum.

Teams provide their own set of bocce balls.

Team Registration Only: Team Captains must register their team first before adding players to their roster. Players residing outside the City limits of Santa Cruz pay a $20 nonresident fee when adding to roster.

Online Early Bird Discount team registration: May 11 – May 17, $50/team

Interested in Becoming a Sports Official?

Regular Team Registration: May 18 – May 24, $60/team

The Sports Division is always interested in hiring enthusiastic, knowledgeable sports officials for adult softball, basketball and soccer. Flexible hours available.

Officials needed year-round. Earn from $30 – $45 per game (depending on the sport).

SantaCruzCa.Gov/Bocce

For more information email: ntanza@santacruzca.gov

Handicap Parking

Handicap Ramp

Adaptive Learning

Materials Fee

Virtual

Donations

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

37

SANTA CRUZ TEEN CENTER

Ages 12-18 Basketball Court

PlayStation 5

Field Trips

Pool Table

Nintendo Switch

Special Events

Weekly TC Dinners

Computers

Daily Activities

Awesome Staff

Snacks

Wi-Fi

FREE

For more information, visit

38 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

@SantaCruzTeenCenter

@SCTeenCenter

TEEN PROGRAMS

Teen Job Fair Monday, April 6 3 pm – 6 pm London Nelson Community Center Auditorium • Paid Internships • Volunteer Opportunities • Mock Interviews • Resumé Workshop • Local Employers • Paper Applications • Refreshments & Prizes

Be a Summer Day Camp Recreation Leader Applications taken until jobs have been filled.

Return them to 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz.

Information and detailed job descriptions can be found online at santacruzparksandrec.com or in our office.

For questions email bbarbera@santacruzca.gov

Past years’ employers include City of Santa Cruz, Starbucks, Santa Cruz Warriors, Woodstock Pizza, Mystery Spot, Sun Shops, Santa Cruz Seaside Company

Summer Teen Intern Program Paid Internships* • • • • • • • •

For teens ages 16-19 12-20 hours per week Paid training Program runs 6/10 – 8/7 Gain work experience Create or improve your resumé Make professional connections Learn interview skills and valuable job knowledge

*Internship positions are within various departments of the City of Santa Cruz.

Application available on santacruzparksandrec.com or at 323 Church Street

For information, call 831-428-3259 or email bbarbera@santacruzca.gov

@ scteencenter

Junior Leaders are Back!

Have a Fun Summer Volunteering at Summer Camps!

• Valuable job training • Certificate of recognition • Earn volunteer hours for school requirements • Flexible schedule • Special ‘thank you’ field trip Details: Teens 13-17 years old welcome to apply Mandatory Training Dates: Week of June 1, 2026 Program Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026 Committment: Up to 20 hours per week. Staff meetings every other week.

Deadline to apply: May 1, 2026 Questions? bbarbera@santacruzca.gov

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

39

CIVIC AUDITORIUM

About the Civic The Civic opened in 1940 as an event and convention venue located in downtown Santa Cruz. Home to the Santa Cruz Symphony and Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music! We have hosted concerts, expos, conferences, and sporting events!

Reserving the Civic Reserve as much space as you need – one conference room for an hour or the whole 2000 seat auditorium for a week.

• Lobby/ Entrance • Auditorium • Dressing Room 1 • Dressing Room 2

• Event Room 1 • Event Room 2 • Stage

Upcoming Events Santa Cruz Civic 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-420-5240 civic@santacruzca.gov santacruztickets.com

Special Events at the Civic can be found on Pages 4, 6 & 9

• Lounge 1 • Kitchen

Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Box Office Hours Tues. – Fri.: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Tickets can be purchased 24/7 at santacruztickets.com The Box Office will open 90 minutes prior to events for event window slaes only.

• Lounge 2

40 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation

SCAN HERE

@SantaCruzCivic

LONDON NELSON COMMUNITY CENTER

About the Center

Home To

London Nelson Community Center is a hub for social, recreational, and cultural activities for the Santa Cruz community. Reserve spaces for classes, meetings, theatre performances, and special events. The Center strives to create a space that feels welcoming, safe, and accessible to all who use it.

• Downtown Senior Center

Art Gallery Featuring work by talented, local artists, the art gallery hosts monthly exhibits.

Artists receive free reception space.

@LondonNelsonCenter

• Santa Cruz Teen Center

London Nelson Community Center 301 Center Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-420-6177 nelsoncenter@ santacruzca.gov

Santa Cruz Juneteenth

• Community Bridges Meals on Wheels • London Nelson Community School • Youth Theatre • Juneteenth Celebration

Reserve a space

Saturday June 13, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Visit santacruzjuneteenth.com

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

41

JOIN THE FUN!

COMPUTER CENTER MEMBERSHIP

Active Adults 50+ Are Welcome!

Struggling to navigate your phone, tablet or computer?

The Downtown Senior Center aims to keep older adults active, engaged and connected with the community through recreation, education and technology. With a variety of classes, activities, trips and services for adults age 50+, there is something for everyone!

• We offer both exercise and creative recreational courses to keep the mind & body active.

• Try one of our many drop-in classes for suggested donation of $5 unless otherwise noted • Connect to support and resources • Volunteer and meet new friends • Don’t miss the fun dance parties and special events • Register for one of our day trips to explore our region’s museums and parks • Join our Computer Center and learn new ways to navigate your devices

42 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Don’t waste time—become a Senior Computer Center Member today!

The Senior Computer Center offers members (55 years & up) the opportunity to learn and troubleshoot technical issues on laptops, iPads, tablets, smart-phones and more, all led by volunteer instructors at the London Nelson Community Center.

Membership benefits include: • One-hour appointments with a tech tutor catered to YOUR tech device • Special interest groups to learn new skills

Memberships are $25 per year.

Sign up at the London Nelson Community Center.

Learn more at seniorcomputer.com.

ACTIVE ADULTS 50+ DROP-IN ACTIVITIES AT LNCC

Line Dancing Meet new friends, get some exercise and have a whole lot of fun. No partner needed! Taught by Helen Waller and Susan Miner.

Virtual and in-person Days/Hours Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:30am – 11:00am Beginner: Wednesdays | 9:30am – 10:30am

Try one of our drop-in classes for a suggested donation of $5.00 unless otherwise noted. Stop by the Front Desk to confirm room location.

Chair Yoga Join Instructor Nancy Holmes for this Chair Yoga Class that focuses on the body through breath and movement. All levels and physical conditions are welcome.

EXERCISE Days/Hours Wednesdays | 10:00am – 10:45am

Gentle Yoga Join a trauma-informed, beginner friendly class focused on healing, self-regulation, and empowerment. All are welcome.

Mats and other props are provided. Taught by instructors from the Yoga for All Movement.

Days/Hours Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays 10:00am – 11:00am

Cardio Drumming We will use an exercise ball as our drum, we mix in fun moves and it turns into a workout you won’t want to stop.

The benefits of this class can improve your mood, spatial awareness, stress relief, following cues, attention and shortterm memory. Led by instructor Nancy Holmes.

Days/Hours Thursdays | 11:15am – 11:45am

Chair Exercise Come enjoy gentle sitting and standing exercises for the entire body. This class is suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.

Days/Hours Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 11:00am – 11:30am

Qi Gong Qi Gong class inspired by the Five Animals Frolics. This class combines stretching, breathing, and mindful movements to increase strength and flexibility. Suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. Taught by Drew Ho. Virtual and in-person

Ping Pong Club Start your day with a rousing game of ping pong! Competition grade tables and volunteers are available to help newcomers get up to speed.

Days/Hours Tuesdays | 1:30 – 2:30PM Wang Ji Wu’s Sixteen Exercises for Health and Strength Training is a qi gong set which enhances the entire body as it is moved through a full range of motion. This class is suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. Taught by Drew Ho. Days/Hours

Days/Hours Mondays | 9:00am – 12:00pm Wednesdays | 12:00pm – 2:30pm Fridays | 9:00am – 2:00pm First Saturday of the Month | 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tai Chi Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise system benefiting the internal organs and joints, circulation and breathing. Practice restores and tunes agility, balance, flexibility, endurance, focus, power and zest. Taught by Dale Strawhacker.

Days/Hours Tuesdays | 11:15am – 12:30pm

@LondonNelsonCommunityCenter

Thursdays | 11:00AM – 12:15PM

Walking Adventure Group (WAG) The Walking Adventure Group plans outdoor adventures twice a week for active seniors looking to get some exercise and make new friends while enjoying the beauty of Santa Cruz.

Walks meet at 9:30am and aim to return by 11:30am.

Tuesdays: Enjoy a leisurely walk of a different area each week. The intention of this group is to get outside, move our body, and enjoy nature unfolding.

Thursdays: A slightly faster paced walk for people who enjoy walking 2-4 miles at various elevation gains and terrain types.

Days/Hours

@LondonNelsonCenter

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 9:30am – 11:30am

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

43

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SERVICES FOR SENIORS

Bocce on the Wharf Meet-Up

Meals on Wheels Dining Site

Meet up to play Bocce on the beautiful Santa Cruz Wharf behind Marini’s Candies. No experience necessary.

A delicious lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon in the dining room to persons ages 60 years and up for a suggested donation of $2.50. Call 831-427-0901 one day ahead by 1:00pm.

Days/Hours Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Seniors Share This weekly space is designed for self-identified seniors to gather and listen about the challenges of becoming older.

Modeled after successful 12-step programs and facilitated by Dick Lemon, allows for brief five-minute shares from those attending.

Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) Trained HICAP counselors available via appointment Monday through Friday. Unbiased free counseling of Medicare Parts A,B,C,D and Medigap supplements, long-term care insurance and claims assistance. Call 831-462-5510. FREE.

Days/Hours Thursdays | 11:00am – 12:00pm

Free Transportation to our Classes

ARTS & CULTURE

Lift Line has expanded their services to provide door-to-door transportation for seniors attending classes at the Downtown Senior Center, Monday through Saturday. To be eligible, the applicant must be 60 years of age or older and live in Santa Cruz County. Call 831-420-6180 for details.

Book Club Meet for an hour or so to discuss a previously selected book and choose future reads. The group works together to select and distribute books and book kits.

Days/Hours First Tuesday of the Month | 10:30am – 11:30am

EVENTS & TRIPS

Garden Club Do you have a green thumb or want to learn basic gardening techniques? Join our Garden Club with new, expanded garden beds! Learn about organic container gardening while utilizing worm and composting bins. All ages and levels of gardeners encouraged to join.

Days/Hours Wednesdays | 10:00am – 11:00am

Rock Art Painting Join this drop-in class for a meditative and creative expression of joy and kindness led by instructor Lorene Stewart.

Days/Hours Wednesdays | 1:00pm – 2:30pm

44 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

Filoli Gardens Join us for a visit to the beautiful Filoli Estate in Woodside. The property is considered one of the finest remaining country estates of the 20th century, featuring a 54,000+ square-foot Georgian revival-style mansion, 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens, a 6.8-acre Gentleman’s Orchard, and hundreds of acres of Natural Lands with 5 distinct ecosystems and a 1-mile Estate Trail. May is a wonderful time to see the glorious display of blooming flowers. We will stay for the day, so bring your own lunch for a picnic on the grounds, or visit the Cafe.

Location Fees

LNCC, Front of Building $66 (senior resident) $88 (non-senior resident) $92 (senior non-resident) $114 (non-senior non-resident)

459847-01

Mon

8:30am – 5:30pm

@LondonNelsonCommunityCenter

05/18

1 day

@LondonNelsonCenter

PARK NEWS, EVENT PERMITS & RESERVATIONS

Make your Reservation or Apply for an event permit today!

831-420-5270 santacruzparksandrec.com Reserve by phone Monday through Friday 9:00am – noon and 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Featured Spaces Lighthouse Point Lawn

DeLaveaga Park

701 West Cliff Drive • Ceremony site

850 Branciforte Drive • Picnic Areas (small and large) • Bounce house permits • Sports fields • Meadow

Harvey West Park 300 Evergreen Street • Picnic Areas (small and large) • Bounce house permits • Sports fields

Clubhouse & Scouthouse Great for weddings, reunions and parties • Decked patio • Barbecue pit • Full kitchen • Wet bars • Fireplace • Private restrooms • Indoor and outdoor seating • Alcohol permits available

Depot Park 119 Center Street • Open from sunrise to sunset • Soccer fields • Plaza • Public art • Bike park • Restrooms • Pay-by-space parking

London Nelson Community Center 301 Center Street • Dance studios • Auditorium • Large, multipurpose room • Small and large meeting rooms equipped with sound, monitors, tables and chairs

Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street • Host groups of 10 to 2,000 • Staff can assist with advertising to catering

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

45

SISTER CITIES

Purpose Statement

Upcoming Delegations

The purpose of the Santa Cruz Sister Cities program is to encourage the communities of Santa Cruz and its sister cities to nurture a mutual understanding of culture, individuals, and as members of the larger family of nations.

Biarritz, France Date June 2026 Type Outbound Junior Guard Date July 2026 Type Inbound Junior Guard

Welcome our newest Friendship City of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico (Est. 2026).

Support Sister Cities Get involved with Sister Cities by volunteering to serve on an official subcommittee, help at events and fundraisers, host incoming delegates, visit our sister cities, or make a donation that supports the continued work of the program. Your contribution enables successful programs that promote social, cultural, and educational needs of the community.

Our Sister Cities • • • • •

Shingu, Japan (Est. 1974) Sestri Levante, Italy (Est. 1980) Alushta, Crimea (Est. 1984) Jinotepe, Nicaragua (Est. 1990) Biarritz, France (Est. 2022)

Santa Cruz Sister Cities 323 Church Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-420-5270 sistercities@ santacruzca.gov Meeting Information

The Sister Cities Committee meets in Council Chambers on the second Monday of every other month starting in January.

Facebook

@CityofSantaCruzSisterCities

Instagram

@SantaCruz_SisterCities

Shingu, Japan Date March 2026 No Inbound delegation this year.

Sestri Levante, Italy Date July 2026 Type Outbound: Young Adult Date August 2026 Type Inbound Young Adult

Hans Christian Andersen

Writing Contest 2026

Winning Entries to be Announced in Spring 2026!

Fairy tale submissions are now closed, and we’re excited to share that the Sestri Subcommittee is carefully reviewing all the incredible pieces submitted. Each entry reflects the creativity and spirit of our community, and we’re grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s competition.

Winners will be announced in late spring— both online and during a City Council meeting—so stay tuned! Thank you for helping make this tradition a celebration of local voices and shared values.

Learn More

46 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

@CityOfSantaCruzSisterCities @SantaCruz_SisterCities

HARVEY WEST POOL

About Harvey West Pool

HWP Updates

Harvey West Pool was first opened in 1955 through generous donation of land and funds to support the growing community in Santa Cruz. Over the years, thousands of families were introduced the water and learned to swim safely in a fun environment. The facility features an instructional pool for swimming lessons and children’s aquatics, as well as a L-shaped lap pool with deep water well.

We’re excited to share all of the latest updates at the Harvey West Pool! We’ve converted our previously existing Bromine/ Chlorine system to a modern Chlorine system. Our boilers have been updated and replaced for a modern integrated heatpump system. The Lap Swim pool is set to 80 degrees and the smaller instructional pool is set to 95 degrees. For any additional updates and hours of operations, please visit our website at santacruzca.gov/Government/ City-Departments/ParksRecreation/Community-Spaces/ Harvey-West-Pool.

A Splash of Innovation and Improvement Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly and overcoming challenges to bring you a great aquatics experience. Our refreshed lobby has updated signage and an efficient layout that streamlines the check-in process. This renovation aims to create a welcoming and functional space for all visitors.

@HarveyWestPool

Harvey West Pool 275 Harvey West Blvd Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-420-6140

HWPool@santacruzca.gov

Website

Pool Programs Lap Swim Recreation/Open Swim Pool/Facility Rentals Lane Rentals Lap and Rec Swim passes available

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

47

SANTA CRUZ WHARF

Visit Us Today!

For over a century, the Santa Cruz Wharf has been an iconic structure in our community, serving as a gateway not only to the Monterey Bay but also as a primary destination for millions of visitors to Santa Cruz County.

Its views of the bay and the surrounding coastal mountain ranges are unsurpassed. Visit the “Gateway to the Bay” today!

Local Tuesday and Parking Passes FREE two-hour parking plus special discount offers from restaurants and shops. Did you know the Santa Cruz Wharf has a locals parking pass? Enjoy two hours of free parking, valid every day! (Limitations in Summer) Available at Wharf gate and Downtown garages.

City Residents.................. $20.00

Reservations & Rentals

Wharf Headquarters 21 Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-420-5725 SantaCruzWharf.com Open 365 Days a year, 5AM - 2AM! Special Events at the Wharf can be found on pages 4, 7, 8 & 10

A premier spot for your next event with the iconic Steamer’s Lane as your backdrop & view! Reserve the Wharf stage and/or Bocce Court by contacting the contact Wharf Headquarters at 831-4205727. Explore the Montrey Bay National Marine Sanctuary habitat by kayak or boat right off the Wharf.

SC Boat Rentals 831-423-1739 Venture Quest Kayaks 831-427-2267

Donate to Wharf Events and Recreational Programming

@SantaCruzWharf

County Residents..............$25.00

48 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

@SantaCruzWharf

@SantaCruzWharf

SURFING MUSEUM

About Overlooking internationally renowned surfing hotspot Steamer Lane, this little gem of a museum, opened in 1986, has photographs, surfboards, and other interesting artifacts tracing over 100 years of surfing history in Santa Cruz. The museum shop specializes in great surfing books and surfing related items.

Donations SCSCPS PO Box 5366 Santa Cruz, Ca 95063 EIN: 26-3685212

Hours Regular Hours Thursday - Monday 12:00PM - 4:00PM Summer (Memorial Day- Labor Day) Thursday - Monday 12:00PM - 5:00PM

@SantaCruzSurfingMuseum

The Original Surf City

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum 701 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-420-6289 ParksAndRec@ santacruzca.gov Join us for Live at the Lane

and celebrate the museum’s 40th birthday in style. More information on page 6.

Santa Cruz is the birthplace of surfing in North America, and the original “Surf City.” Historical evidence clearly documents its 1885 arrival and local adoption by 1896. In the summer of 1885 three Hawaiian Princes, David Kawananakoa, Edward Keli’iahonui and Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole introduced surfing to the world beyond Hawaii. They rode Santa Cruz waves. Crafted surfboards from our redwood lumber. The impact of their stay rippled from coast to coast and shaped the cultural identity of Santa Cruz County

World Surfing Reserve, Est. 2012 The World Surfing Reserve (WSR) identifies, designates, and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments, around the world.

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

49

SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Rediscover the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: a community-supported nonprofit organization across from Seabright State Beach. The Museum offers fun, interactive and educational experiences for children, families and adults. Explore our exhibits, attend our events and participate in our programs to better connect to the natural world, from the shoreline of Monterey Bay to the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Free admission for youth (under 18), Museum Members, and those receiving food assistance (CalFresh/SNAP/EBT).

Exhibits

The Art of Nature March 28 – May 31, 2026

Every year, The Art of Nature continues to reveal new wonders, just like nature itself, offering fresh inspiration through artwork and engaging programs. Explore the beauty and fine details of the world around us in this annual spring exhibit featuring works from local artists in a variety of mediums.

1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 santacruzmuseum.org | 831-420-6115 Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday through Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed Mondays Adults: $5 Seniors (60+): $3 College Students: $3 Youth (under 18): Free • Members: Free Admission is free the First Friday of every month, with special hours 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

NUEVA VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER Our Mission As part of Community Bridges, our mission is to deliver essential services, provide equitable access to resources, and advocate for health and dignity across every stage of life. Nueva Vista (711 East Cliff Drive) serves the community as a family resource center. Nueva Vista at 133 Leibrandt Avenue (Beach Flats Community Center) focuses on helping youth achieve academic success by providing much needed programs for historically underrepresented youth in Kindergarden-High School. This center is located in the heart of the largely low-income, predominantly Latinx neighborhood of Beach Flats in Santa Cruz.

Summer Programming Homework Club

Provides one-on-one in person homework assistance in a safe space for elementary and middle school youth.

Volunteer opportunities within our youth programs are available.

50 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

133 Leibrandt Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-5747 or 831-426-2322 Monday – Thursday, 1:00pm – 6:30pm Lunes a jueves, de 1:00 pm a 6:30 pm communitybridges.org/nvcr

Community Events/Activities

Family friendly events to come together with friends and neighbors including movie nights and art in the park. Call us on 831.423.5747 for dates and times!

Investing in tomorrow

Investing in Nueva Vista’s youth programs at the Beach Flats Community Center will help support prevention efforts and foster academic success. Partner with us and make a difference in your community at communitybridges.org/donations. Make checks payable to: Community Bridges / Nueva Vista 711 East Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95060, For more information on how you can get involved call us. facebook.com/nuevavista.cb

@SantaCruzMuseumofNaturalHistory @SantaCruzMuseum

DELAVEAGA PARK

Driving Range & Golf Lessons DeLaveaga’s driving range is the only lighted, all-weather facility in Santa Cruz County. This state-of-the-art range offers 40 stations, targets, adjacent parking, and restrooms. Small, medium and large buckets available.

Range Cards available Driving Range Hours: Monday – Sunday: Sunrise – 8:00 p.m.

Functional Golf Training Center • Nationally recognized as one of America’s top golf instructional facility and programs.

• Custom club fitting (831) 423-7214 (ext 115).

401 Upper Park Road

www.playdelaveaga.com (831) 423-7214

Instruction for: Junior golfers, new golfers, experienced golfers, executive golfers and more. Additionally, we offer specialized training in the short game, sand bunker techniques, and on-course instruction. For more detailed program descriptions and course schedules, visit ParkerHammondGolf.com (Parker Hammond Golf) (831) 423-7214 (ext 115) or dodiemazzuca.com (GolfPROformance) (480) 784-7376

Visit DeLaveaga Golf & Retail Shop • Golf, disc golf, apparel, gifts, accessories and more.

• Visit our Online Shop at delasantacruz.com.

• Open Monday – Sunday from 7:00 am to dusk.

Golf Shop (831)-423-7214

Golf Nestled along Upper Park Road, DeLaveaga Golf Course is one of California’s top-rated municipal courses. This par-70 championship course offers a lighted driving range, practice greens, and The Grille restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. A snack bar and beverage cart provide grab-and-go options on the green. The park also features The Muni, a professional 18-hole disc golf course integrated into the front nine. Accessibility: Ask about our SoloRider Golf Cart for accessible play.

Reservations & Policies Call the Golf Shop at (831) 423-7214 to book a tee time or visit us online at playdelaveaga.com. All participants must register at the Golf Shop and adhere to all course policies.

Non-golf activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling and bringing the family pet are not permitted on the golf course.

@DeLaveagaGolf & @TheGrilleAtDeLaveaga

@DeLa_Santa_Cruz

PGA Head Golf Professional – Tim Loustalot Golf Course Superintendent – Miles Hicks Golf Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7:00 am – Dusk Disc Golf Hours: Sundays & Wednesdays: After 1:30 pm Park hours: Sunrise to Sunset. Closed Christmas Day. Playdelaveaga.com – 401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 423-7214

Experience Santa Cruz’s Playground • Award-winning New California cuisine restaurant.

• Top-rated golf course • Book your next event with us: Team-building outings, weddings, memorials, birthdays, tournaments, and celebrations of all kinds.

– Reservations, Special Events and Parties: (831) 423-1600.

– Golf and Team-Building inquiries: (831) 423-7214.

Register at SantaCruzCa.gov/register

51

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Policies

There are 3 Ways to Register!

Advance registration is required for all classes.

1 Register Online with WebTrac starting April 11 Create your account at cityofsantacruz.com/register

Class Fees Santa Cruz City residents (R) pay discounted fee and nonresidents (NR) pay the higher fee.

Example: $43.00 (R)/$55.00 (NR).

Age level indicates the age the participant must be on the first day of class.

Refunds and Transfers When a registrant withdraws from a class, the following options are available:

Home address verification must be completed prior to registration to receive City of Santa Cruz resident rates and priority registration. Email document to parksandrec@santacruzca.gov.

Four (4) business days or more prior to the first class meeting:

London Nelson Community Center will have computers and staff available to help you on Super Saturday between 8:00am – 12:00pm.

2. WITHDRAW and receive a credit to your Parks & Recreation account with a $5 processing fee per participant, per class.

2 Register by Phone starting April 13 at 9:00 am Call 831-420-5270 Monday through Friday between 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

3 Register in Person starting April 13 Register at the Parks & Recreation Administrative Office 8:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 5:00pm Register at the London Nelson Community Center Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 8:00pm Saturday, 9:30am – 7:00pm

Important Dates Online Registration Opens Saturday, April 11 8:00am Residents • 10:00am Non-Residents

Phone and In-Person Registration Opens Monday, April 13 Registration tips and information available at

santacruzca.gov/regtips

Registration Q&A Hotline Saturday, April 11 • 8:00am – 11:00am Call 831-420-5270

52 City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Summer 2026 Activity Guide

1. TRANSFER to another Parks & Recreation activity with a $5 transfer fee.

3. WITHDRAW AND REFUND of class fee with a $20 processing fee.

Three (3) business days or less prior to the course start date, no refunds, credits or transfers will be given.

Ten (10) business days after registration, no refunds or adjustments for household account updated to City resident status.

Business days are defined as Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, excluding City holidays.

Credit balances can be used for all classes or facility reservations.

Please allow up to 5 weeks to receive a refund check in the mail.

Cancellations Outdoor class cancellations due to inclement weather may receive a prorated refund or a makeup session at the discretion of the class instructor and department. Refunds and/or makeup sessions will be processed after the last day of the scheduled class.

Cancellations due to low enrollment (e.g. not meeting the minimum enrollment set by the instructor) will be refunded to the original payment method.

See additional terms and conditions at santacruzca.gov/prpolicies.

City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation endeavors to make our programs and services accessible to all individuals, including those individuals that are cognitively or physically impaired, and will provide reasonable accommodations that ensure accessibility to individuals in need of such assistance. If you have an accessibility request or concern and would like more information or support, please contact us at 831-420-5270 or parksandrec@santacruzca.gov.

@CityofSantaCruzParksandRecreation @SantaCruzParksRec

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