Santa Cruz is full of fun possibilities for families and kids of all ages--29 miles of beaches grace this sunny, mild county, offering sunbathing and surfing, and that's just the beginning of the outdoor fun. Miles of trails, a small craft harbor with boat rentals, fine golf courses and more all wait nearby. But even if chilly weather declares that it isn't really a "beach day," there's always lots to do in and around Buck's Beach Bungalow.
A few of the many outdoor attractions:
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been a popular choice in the spring, summer and fall sinceopening in 1907. Its kid-friendly, carnival-like atmosphere features the oldest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast, laser tag, miniature golf at the fanciful Neptune's Kingdom and, across the street, twenty-six state-of-the-art lanes at Surf Bowl. Neptune's Kingdom and Surf Bowl are open year-round.
Be sure to catch one of the Boardwalk's free Friday night concerts on the beach during summer, featuring classic rock bands of the 60's, 70's and 80's!
Take a surf lesson from our friend and teacher, world-calls surf rider Richard Schmidt, who guarantees: Up on the Board the First Day! We've taken lessons from him and his staff and had a wonderful time. Call 831-423-0928 for indivdual or group lessons with all equipment provided. http://primitive.com/schmidt
UCSC's renowned Shakespeare Santa Cruz theater company offers three innovative and exciting productions every August and September at the University's outdoor theater under the redwoods, as well as indoors at the Mainstage. You've never seen Shakespeare like this before! Click their link above to preview this year's plays.
The mountains surrounding Santa Cruz have a rich history of mining, forestry and colorful pioneer characters, including the crusty "Mountain Men." Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow-Guage Railroad is pure fun for the kiddies, with its steam-train rides through the redwoods, living history town, and old-fashioned General Store and candy shop (yum!). Sometimes Civil War re-enactments and other fun events go on here; be sure to check the calendar.
Follow this link to check out Santa Cruz's County Parks and California State Parks. These inexpensive and sometimes spectacular parks preserve giant redwoods and historical landmarks. (Be sure to visit Wilder Ranch for a fun "kids' day out" at an old-fashioned dairy).
Discover puzzling optical and spatial illusions that seem to defy the laws of physics at the notoriously fun Mystery Spot in the woods north of town.
Tee off at the DeLaveaga Golf Course, or try a bit of "Frisbee golf" at their unique course (kids just love it!).
And let's not forget the 40 wineries, offering tastings and tours in the county's 100-year-old winemaking tradition. Also call the local Winegrower's Association at 831-479-9463 for more information on their winery passport program, which can get you into wineries that are not usually open to the public.
And some interesting indoor options:
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, an hour's scenic coastal drive to the south, is a must for kids and adults alike. Visit the friendly sea otters in their open tidal tank, explore the creatures of the kelp forest and the deep-sea trench, and stroke a live stingray at this exciting aquarium located on Steinbeck's historic Cannery Row.
Just a ten-minute bike ride to the south, the village of Capitola features its very own opera company, Bay Shore Lyric Opera, which features well-loved classics like Carmen and Die Fleidermaus in an intimate house located just off the beach.
Lovers of art-house and foreign films will gravitate toward the cozy, classy Nickelodean Theater, located just off Santa Cruz's humming downtown, Pacific Garden Mall. The large, modern Cinema 9 shows all the latest blockbusters in a spacious, clean theater in the center of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz boasts a thriving local music scene, where every style from rock to classical finds its niche. The Kuumbwa Jazz Center gives kid-friendly shows in a really intimate space downtown, and the Catalyst downtown always provides a variety of local and national acts (many shows are 21 and over). Be sure to check out the University's fascinating Arts and Lectures Series for some out-of-the-ordinary musical options (Tibetan throat singers, hurdy-gurdy players from Normandy, and gypsy music are typical offerings).
These are only a few of Santa Cruz's fun activities, mostly located within a ten-to-fifteen minute drive of Buck's Beach Bungalow. Don't forget the tempting sampler of art, wine, music and food festivals that occur here year-round. Check the phone book and the County website for many more venues and events.
