First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | May 1 (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

Kite Classic at Capitola Beach | May 5 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)

A fun event for the family. Open kite flying and judging in several categories. Prizes. All ages may participate and kite styles vary from homemade to elaborate commercial designs. Only restriction, the kites must be a tethered heavier-than-air craft that only depends on natural wind for its lift.

Capitola Village
831-475-6522, www.capitolachamber.com

Bug Day | May 5 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Come on kids, let's go buggy! Make new discoveries about a wide variety of bugs through interactive games, puppet shows, art projects, nature walks, and displays. Kids can earn a degree in "Bugology" as they find out about the diversity of wildlife found in this park.

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

Bird Walk | May 5 (7:30 -11 a.m.)

Expert birder Rick Fournier will lead a group of 15 on a birding adventure through the wetlands at the Sea Mist property, located adjacent to Moro Cojo Slough. Priority given to Elkhorn Foundation members.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reerve
1700 Elhorn Rd.
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org

Cinco de Mayo Celebration | May 5 (11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

Independence Day celebrations on Main St. include Mariachi bands, vendor booths, food, dancing and other activities. The Watsonville Youth Center has a program for teens (15-19 years). For details call 831-763-4091. Other Cinco de Mayo events information is available from Fiestas Patrias de Watsonville and La Alianza del valle Pajaro at 831-761-0861.

Downtown Plaza and Main St., Watsonville

In Search of Herps | May 6 (1-4 p.m.)

Herpetologist, Paul Haskins leads the search for amphibians at the park's ponds and chaparral trail. Help with the search and spotting of various species of reptile and amphibian. Free. All ages.

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

Spring Dog Parade & Festival | May 6 (10 a.m.- 2 p.m.)

"Work like a Dog" theme is carried through this day of doggie costume parades, frisbee toss, weenie bobbing, trick competitions and dog and owner survivor contests. There are agility, police dogs, frisbee, herding demonstrations, displays by rescue groups, vendors and food and beverage stands.

Aptos Village Park
831-476-9065, www.coastaldogs.com

Birding Walk at Castle Rock State Park | May 6 (6:30 a.m.)

Group departs from 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz (6:30 a.m.) or meet at main parking area of Castle Rock State Park.

Santa Cruz Bird Club
www.santacruzbirdclub.org

Audubon guided tours of Fort Ord | May 12 (7 a.m.)

Participants tally bird species that are spotted on a path that begins in the Salinas River area and leads north and west across Fort Ord. Group leader: David Styer. Contact: 831-633-2590.

Meet: Creekside Parking Lot, Fort Ord
Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society
www.montereyaudubon.org

Birding Walk at Rancho del Oso & Coast | May 13

Group departs 2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz (7 a.m.)
Meet at Waddell Beach, Hwy. 1 (8 a.m.)

Santa Cruz Bird Club
www.santacruzbirdclub.org