With the help of a walking tree, the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department Tuesday announced a lineup of free activities this summer, a much-needed respite, some families said, from the high costs of summer camps and programs.
This summer's lineup includes a night of glow in the dark volleyball for teens, free movies every Wednesday on the beach, a stand-up paddle clinic, a free swim day, a hike on a trail and wacky water fun.
It's part of a national month devoted to Parks and Rec.
Here's the list and you can link to the city's site here.
FREE MOVIES ON THE BEACH
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (also June 26 and August 7 and 14)
Wednesdays, 9:00 pm
Main Beach, by the Boardwalk
There’s nothing quite like watching a classic movie on the beach with the world-famous Giant Dipper Rollercoaster lights twinkling overhead and the smell of kettle corn, hot dogs, and salt water taffy filling the air! Bring the family and your blanket or low back chair and join us for the fun! Visit beachboardwalk.com/movies for movie schedule. FREE!
GAME DAY
July 6, Saturday, 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center St
If you’re a gamer, this is the event for you! Players can bring games of their own or join a game group. Groups that are accepting players are designated by a brightly colored cone. This event happens the first Saturday of each month. FREE!
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STAND-UP PADDLE CLINIC WITH CLUB ED SURF SCHOOL
July 7, Sunday, 10:00 am - Noon
Cowell Beach
Come join us and check out Stand-Up Paddling (aka SUP). It’s great exercise, a new way of enjoying the water, and too much fun not to try! This clinic will introduce you to SUP fundamentals, etiquette, equipment design, function, safety, maneuvering and proper paddling techniques for kids 10 years old and up. Adults are welcome too! Bring bathing suits, wetsuits, and give it a go! Meet at the blue Club Ed beach trailer, on Cowell Beach on the right side of the Santa Cruz Wharf. Please email or call to reserve your spot, clubed@sbcglobal.net or 831-464-0177. Also lessons and rentals available daily. Check out our website at www.club-ed.com for class schedules and reservations. FREE!
KAISER PERMANENTE ARENA TOUR
July 12, Friday, 11:00 am - Noon
140 Front St
Tour the new sports arena, “Home of the Santa Cruz Warriors!" No reservations required. FREE!
TEEN GLOW IN THE DARK BEACH VOLLEYBALL
July 12, Friday, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Main Beach Volleyball Courts
Show up for glow-in-the-dark volleyball with music and fun under the stars on the beach. Teen Center staff will be on hand to organize games and officiate. Glow-in-the-dark net and volleyballs will be provided. Glow necklaces or bracelets for all players. Call 831-420-5337. FREE!
FREE REC SWIM DAY AT HARVEY WEST POOL
July 14, Sunday, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Harvey West Pool
Everybody in the pool! Rec swim is free on July 14 in honor of Parks and Recreation Month. Come enjoy one of the most beautiful pools in the area and bring the family for an afternoon of fun. FREE!
INTRODUCTION TO EMMA MCCRARY TRAIL
July 19, Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Pogonip
Meet at Pogonip entrance at Clubhouse Dr
Enjoy the city’s newest multi-use trail in Pogonip. Join Chief Park Ranger Heather Reiter for this scenic 1.5 mile out-and-back hike Bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water. FREE!
DOWNTOWN TREE WALK
July 20, Saturday
Downtown Santa Cruz
Meet at City Hall Courtyard at 9:00 am
See Santa Cruz’s most unique and grandest trees on a tour with the City’s urban forester, Leslie Keedy. No reservations required. FREE!
WACKY WATER FUN IN LAUREL PARK
July 20, Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Louden Nelson Community Center - Laurel Park
Bring the family for a fun day of water games in Laurel Park. Summer camp leaders will have kids slipping and sliding, water balloon tossing and splashing in the summer sun. Kids should wear swim suits and bring towels and sunscreen. FREE!
DOGGIE FUN AT MIMI DE MARTA DOG PARK
July 26, Friday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
100-176 Broadway
The City of Santa Cruz has five off-leash dog areas! Bring your pooch to our newest off-leash dog park, Mimi de Marta for an afternoon of fun! We will have games, treats and giveaways for your four-legged family member. Free information will be provided on dog park etiquette, canine tips for good health and a dog trivia challenge presented by our Parks and Recreation staff. This off-leash area is completely fenced and open sunrise to sunset daily. FREE!
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