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Arts & Entertainment

Grab and Go Kids Planner: Boardwalk bonanza, a Santa Cruz scramble, a play and a museum special

Kiick off the summer season at the Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk, play in the Santa Cruz Scramble, see a play, a three-for-one museum special, sign up your child for an illustration class, or clean a beach: our suggestions in this week's Kids Planner.

Where/When: , 301 Center St, Santa Cruz, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and again next week, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Thursday's Show will be offered as a 2 for 1 student night - student ID required.)

Why Go: You are bound to thoroughly enjoy this play. Here's the show synposis as provided by the Louden Nelson Center:  "If you've ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, 'Dear Lord in heaven, please let it be good,' this is the show for you!  It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. 

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pricing: $12 to $20

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where/When:  , 1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz; The Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz; Saturday, Sunday(except for the Museum of Natural History, which is closed Sunday).

Why Go: What a deal! Pay to enter one museum, and get admission to two others. Each of the museums will offer free admission to visitors who pay for an admission at any of the museum. Each will accept the others' membership cards. Treat you and your family to a day or weekend of fun and learning.

Pricing: $2 to $6

Where/When:  , 301 Center St. Santa Cruz, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Why Go: Here's how you play the game and how you win the prizes.  Thirty locations are circled on a map. On foot or bike, how many can you visit in 90 minutes? in 3 hours? Score points by visiting checkpoints in any order, and answer a simple question to prove you were there. Those who score the most are the winners!  For families, individuals, walkers, runners, cyclists or anyone who wants to explore on this Saturday. Awards and refreshments at the close.

Pricing: $15--$45

Where/When: , 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. 

Why Go: This is the kick-off event for the boardwalk's 2011 summer season with a preview of what's to come. The lineup includes a performance by Cirque Polynesian at 1 p.m., Skydivers land on Main Beach at 5 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. you get the Famiy Stone concert featuring Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson, original founding members of Sly & The Family Stone. On Sunday, the Cirque Polynesian will offer repeat performances at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: , Highway 1, Moss Landing, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Why Go: Support the students at Kirby School with their campaign to clean up one of our nearby beaches.  Pick-up equipment will be provided, but volunteers are also welcome to bring their own gloves, buckets and reusable bags. You and your kids can do your  bit to keep this treasure, a treasure!

Pricing: Free

Where/When:  , 1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, NEXT Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign-up deadline: THIS Friday

Why Go: We are telling you about this event now, because if you don't sign up this week, your child won't be able to attend next week.  This one-day class on Science Illustration for kids is a great opportunity for your budding artist, especially one with an interest in art and science. Scientific illustrator Christine Elder is the instructor.  Participants will learn about the materials and techniques used in illustrations like those on exhibit for the Museum’s Art of Nature exhibit.  For kids, aged 10 to 14.

Pricing: $40 museum members; $55 non-members

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