Youth Carnival | Aug. 1 (1-4 p.m.)

BBQ, games, crafts, face painting and educational presentations from community businesses, service groups and government.

Brommer Park, Live Oak
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Day Out With Thomas | Aug. 3-5

Join Thomas The Tank Engine™ on his train ride through the Big Trees. Meet Sir Topham Hatt™ and have at the Thomas play area. There are many and activities, a big Thomas store, and much more Thomas fun.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets: 866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html
Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

12th Annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival | Aug 3-5 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The festival serves up a menu of delectable strawberry delights, nonstop live entertainment for all ages, arts and crafts activities, a carnival and much more. Everything is themed with strawberries including eating contests, relays and other activities. Free parking.

Ramsay Park, Watsonville
831-566-1230, www.watsonvillestrawberryfestival.com

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Aug 3 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Mike Cecil 50 Lap IMCA Modified Race, American Stocks, Micro 600, Dwarf Cars, 4 Bangers.

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466, www.oceanspeedway.com

9th Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bike Ride | Aug 4 (6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

Limited to 500 riders and features two challenging rides: 100M & 100K. Reg. fee $45/$55.

Scotts Valley High School
831-460-1818, www.santacruzcycling.org

Farm and Wilderness Exploration Camp, Age 11-14 | Aug. 6-10 (9 a.m.- 3 p.m.)

Youthful campers, age 11-14, engage in farm and cooking activities such as grinding wheat to make pizzas, exploring soil and plants, harvesting and preparing a family feast. Science themes are explored by studying ponds and rivers, conducting kitchen chemistry experiments and hiking in local open spaces. Registration fee: $230-$260.

UCSC Campus - Life Lab Garden Classroom
831-459-2001, www.lifelab.org

First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | Aug. 7 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our hands-on family programs!

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Aug 10 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

Destruction Derby, American Stock, Ocean Late Models, Micro 600, Dwarf Cars.

Santa Cruz Country Fairgrounds
2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville
831-476-9466, www.oceanspeedway.com

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Aug. 11-12 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Travel just a few miles off the coast to the Monterey Bay's 6,000 foot deep canyon where more than 70 bird species travel from both hemispheres to feed on these rich waters. Monterey Seabird Tours are available during peak migration seasons, limits the number of travelers on a tour, and are led by expert naturalists and birders.

Monterey Boat Charters, Monterey Wharf
831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com

Summer Gathering of Mountain Men | Aug. 11-12

Wander through wilderness encampments of trappers and traders at this 1830s summer rendezvous of wild and wooly mountain men is re-created.

Roaring Camp, Felton
831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com