California Rodeo Salinas | July 18-22

This is the state's oldest rodeo and one of the top five rodeo money events in the world. There are pre-rodeo activities which includes "Grand Bulls on Fire," 7/18 at 7 p.m.. This is a PBR USSTC Challenger Tour Event, paying a $40,000 winner purse. The rodeo opens each day with a traditional horse parade through downtown Salinas, there is entertainment, a cowboy poetry event on Sat. night at Sherwood Hall, and a carnival open 7/13-22 from 4 p.m.-closing.

Salinas Sports Complex
(Info.) 800-771-8807, (Tickets) 800-549-4989. www.carodeo.com

Starlight Evening Train | July 21 (6-11 p.m.)

Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a 2-hour, round-trip railway excursion from the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | July 22 (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

"Back 40" Celebration | July 27-29

A 40th anniversary celebration of the Student Garden Project at the Alan Chadwick Garden.

Alan Chadwick Garden, UCSC Campus Farm
831-459-3240

Full Moon Madness | July 28 (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

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | July 29 (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

Creepy Crawlies: A Bug Hunt for Kids | July 29 (10 a.m.- noon)

A fun way to learn about insects, spiders and other creepy crawlies found along park trails. Free. All ages.

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