Summer Nature Cub | June 13-15

This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their parents. Pretend, sing, play and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Hwy 236, 9 miles from Boulder Creek
831-338-3944, www.bigbasin.org

Santa Cruz Birders’ outing | June 13 (7-10:30 a.m.)

There's still a possibility of unusual spring migrants, plus a variety of breeding birds. Directions: Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the southern end of the trail to the canyon (Grandview Street just west of Escalona).

Meder Canyon, Grandview St. near Escalona
Santa Cruz Bird Club, www.santacruzbirdclub.org

Campfire Program at Big Basin | June 13-14 (8 p.m.)

Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest, or park issues while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows at 8:00 p.m. and the campfire program begins at 8:30 p.m. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome!

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Hwy 236, 9 miles from Boulder Creek
831-338-3944, www.bigbasin.org

Summer Bugs by Night | June 13 (8:45-10 p.m.)

Meet at the Campfire Center at the Campground Graham Hill Rd. entrance. A fun evening for families. Take a short walk to the bug observation tower and learn about the nighttime bug life at Henry Cowell A special night-light shows many creatures not normally able to see.

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

Marine Mammal Research Tour | June 14 (2:15-3:30 p.m.)

Head behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited - reservations suggested. Free with admission.

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

Researchers Anonymous: Pogonip Tour | June 14 (10 a.m.-noon)

Join Joan Gilbert Martin & Colleen McInerney-Meager, authors of Pogonip: Jewel of Santa Cruz, for a walking tour of historic sites on this open-space preserve. Location: Pogonip, 10 a.m.–12 noon. Cost: free, donations welcome.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Full Moon Madness | June 14 (6-9 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

Marine Mammal Research Tour | June 14 (2:15-3:30 p.m.)

Head behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Reservations required. Call (831) 459-3800.

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

Marine Science Camp at the Seymour Center | June 16-20

Ocean Explorers’ Marine Science Summer Camp - experience the thrill of scientific discovery at a working marine lab during these week-long camp programs. Students actively learn from field explorations, hands-on activities, games, and crafts.

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

Henry Cowell Campfire Program | June 17-18 (8 p.m.)

The Campfire Center is located at Graham Hill Rd Campground. Celebrate Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! Each week a different aspect of the cultural and natural history of the park will be highlighted through songs, skits, stories, and a slideshow.

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