Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Aug. 19 (1-3 p.m.)

Create fun crafts that feature the cool creatures of the tidepools. Make a seastar suncatcher, or create your own sea anemone! There are activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and a take home souvenir of your day.

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

Animal Adaptations | Aug. 19 (2-4 p.m.)

Dress up as animals and play games that have to do with animal adaptations. Learn about banana slugs, snakes, birds and other animals. Free. Ages 5-12.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Race through the Redwoods | Aug. 19 (8-10:30 a.m.)

What a setting... this annual event has appeal for the avid runner and those who just enjoy a lush forest atmosphere. The main 10K and Kids' mile races begin and end at the Henry Cowell picnic area. Participants are invited to a pre-event pancake breakfast held at the City's Covered Bridge park and prepared by the Felton Fire Department. Advance registration on line at www.active.com or onsite day of the race.

Henry Cowell State Park, Felton
www.racethrutheredwoods.com

Shakespeare Fringe - The Mock-Temest | Aug. 21 (7:30 p.m.)

SSC's Fringe production is an opportunity for the season's interns to perform in a thematic play of their own. The seasons Fringe production is a "mash-up of Tempest-related materials" taking its cue from the spirit of The Mock-Tempest by Thomas Duffett. One of the earliest parodies of Shakespeare's play.

UCSC Festival theater, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.shakespearesantacruz.com

Twilight Concert at Esplanade Park | Aug. 22 (6-8 p.m.)

Free concert featuring Orchestra d'soul - High Energy Salsa, R&B. A family event. Bring your own beach chairs and picnic. No alcohol.

Esplanade, Capitola Village
831-475-6522, www.capitola.com

Car Races at Ocean Speedway | Aug 24 (Gate 4:30 p.m. Race 6 p.m.)

American Stock, Ocean Late Models, Micro 600, Figure 8, IMCA Modifieds.

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

Full Moon Madness | Aug. 25 (6:30-9:30 p.m.)

Join a moonlit guided tour of the redwoods and moon gaze through telescopes. Activities include music, multi-media presentation about the park's nocturnal critters, crafts for kids and refreshments.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Hwy 9 @ North Big Trees Rd., Felton
831-335-7077, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Public Safety Officers Weekend | Aug. 25-27

Special ride prices for public safety officers and their families.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz
831-460-3342, www.beachboardwalk.com

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Aug. 26 (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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Aug. 26 (1-3 p.m.)

Create fun crafts that feature the cool creatures of the tidepools. Make a seastar suncatcher, or create your own sea anemone! There are activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and a take home souvenir of your day.

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