Santa Cruz County Parks Department - Quail Hollow Ranch

Activities at Quail Hollow

Interpretive Programs Day Camp Birthday Parties

Public Interpretive Programs
Are you interested in learning more about the area's natural and cultural resources? Sunday's and occasional Friday evenings are the times for the general public to enjoy interpretive programs at Quail Hollow Ranch. Topics range from stargazing, sandhills hikes, snake handling, and bat programs, to art classes, house tours, fiber arts demonstrations and history hikes. Most programs are free and are offered to a variety of ages. Check upcoming INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS for specific times and dates.

Field Trips
If you know a group of people who like to go on field trips, then this is the place for you. Special programs are offered to school and community groups Saturday and Sunday on any subject that has to do with the natural and/or cultural resources of the park. Examples of topics include bug hunts, orienteering programs, bird walks, habitat hikes, and house tours. A minimum of two weeks notice is required for these free programs. Call the park at 831-335-9348 to book a tour for your class, home school, scout troop, hiking organization or other group of 5 to 35 people. All ages are welcome. For more information, please click here to read more in the brochure!

Time Traveler & Science Sleuths Summer Day Camps
These programs offer children ages 6 to 11 a chance to learn about California history, life science, and visual arts using hands-on, fun-filled, educational activities. Each two-week program runs Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a fee of $326 for residents and $359 for non-residents. For more information, check out the DAY CAMPS or call the park at 831-335-9348 Saturday and Sunday. To register, call 454-7941.

Educational Birthday Parties
Are you looking for something new and different to do for your child's birthday? Try our unique and entertaining educational birthday parties for children ages 5 to 11. Groups of up to 15 children can learn about science, nature, or history while celebrating their birthday. Bring the food and beverages, presents, and the kids – we'll do the rest! Choose from nine themes. For specific party themes see the BIRTHDAY PARTIES . The cost is $138(resident) or $152(non-resident) for a two - three hour party. At least one adult must remain with the group. Call the park at least two weeks in advance at 831-335-9348 to sign up.

Science Enrichment

Chemistry Fun

Print Flier

When: Saturday, March 13, 1-2:30 p.m. #7602

Fee: $10 Res. / $11 Non-Res.**
**Plus $10 materials fee due to the instructor

Did you know that chemistry can be loads of fun? Join Phyllis Endicott for her last science class of the season and learn about Ph balance, cooking chemistry and other chemical reactions in this hands-on, engaging class. Each student works with their own experiments as they learn about the basics of chemistry. Ages 7 and up are welcome to attend. Class size is limited to sign up now!

Volunteer Opportunities
Do you like talking to people? Do you enjoy that feeling of success after completing a project? Are you interested in learning more about the natural and cultural history of the area? The Quail Hollow Ranch Volunteer Program offers you a chance to do any or all of these while being involved with your local parks. There are two options of volunteer service: helping with programs as a Docent or helping with projects as a Volunteer.

Docents are involved with the weekend interpretive programs, day camp, and/or birthday parties. Your personal interests in fields like birding, plants, knitting, history, geology, gardening or any other topic that relates to the park can lead to opportunities to teach and interpret hikes, tours, classes, and workshops. Sharing your knowledge in these fields allows you to meet people with similar interests, gives you an incentive to expand your knowledge through the process of teaching, and promotes a sense of connection to others.

Volunteers are involved with the “behind-the-scenes” projects at the park. This includes trail maintenance, French broom removal, researching the natural and cultural history of the park, assisting with interpretive displays and publications, flora and fauna surveys, habitat restoration, gardening, staffing the visitor center, and other projects as they arise. Your willingness to roll up your sleeves to help offers an opportunity to keep the park healthy and keeps yourself happy through a sense of accomplishment. If you are interested in becoming a docent or volunteer at Quail Hollow Ranch, contact the park at 831-335-9348 Saturdays and Sundays or 831-454-7926 Wednesday through Friday.