Youth Programs

Did you know? Santa Cruz County Parks also offers pool parties, birthday party facility rentals, and much more! Click on the links below to find out more:

After School Programs

ACE offers a fun-filled and safe environment afterschool for children ages 6-12. Organized games, field trips, special events, cooking, arts and crafts, sports, as well as a daily structured homework time with tutor assistance are provided by dedicated and experienced recreation professionals. ACE is offered at Mar Vista Elementary and the La Selva Beach Clubhouse from school release until 6:00 p.m. Part-time and full-time registration options are available.

La Selva Beach ACE
La Selva Beach ACE takes place at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse. Rio Del Mar and Valencia Elementary schools offer bus transportation to the program (contact school for more details).

Mar Vista ACE
Mar Vista ACE takes place at Mar Vista Elementary School.

Kinder Enrichment
The Kinder Enrichment program provides a safe & enjoyable recreational/educational experience for kindergarteners.  Participants will enjoy stories, art, music, science, creative play, active games, sport basics and a balance of individual and group activities, indoors as well as outdoors.  The staff will focus on assisting the children in developing respect and acceptance of themselves and others.  Kinder Enrichment takes place at Mar Vista Elementary School.


Kreative Kids Programs

  Programs and Activities for kids ages 3-9

Kreative Kids Preschool Program
Located at Wilder Hall in Ben Lomond Park, Kreative Kids continues to offer year-round enrichment programs for children ages 3-6. Participants enjoy art, music, creative play and a balance of individual and group activities. Nature crafts, outdoor fun and monthly field trips round out this popular program. Kreative Kids is held Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Several enrollment options are available.

Kreative Kids Classes and Events
Kreative Kids specialty classes and a variety of events are offered throughout the year for children ages 3-9, including monthly Kids' Night Out events, offering parents the opportunity to have a night out of their own!


After-School Enrichment Classes                                                            

Classes for kindergarten - 6th Grades
A wide variety of affordable after-school enrichment classes for ages 5-13.  Please see each course description for more details.        Mar Vista        Tierra Pacifica        Valencia       Simpkins 

                Soquel Elementary        Main Street Elementary


Summer Camps

Renaissance Camp & La Selva Beach Summer Camp offer a 10% discount to returning campers!  A 15% sibling discount applies to all camps.  Scholarship assistance for up to 50% of one session is also available.  Call 454-7941 to register and receive your discount(s) today!.

Renaissance Camp
Now in its 23rd year! This innovative and exciting program for children ages 6-10 brings together art and science in an atmosphere of recreation. Participants receive hands-on art and science instruction each day from trained and experienced staff. In addition, participants will have fun taking part in special events, playing organized games and sports, cooking, music, open house, staying overnight once each session, and making new friends. Local and out-of-county field trips are included in registration fees.

La Selva Beach Summer Camp NEW SESSION ADDED 8/9/10 - 8/20/10
Register your 6-12 year old child for a fun-filled summer of games, arts & crafts, sports, cooking, field trips, and SUMMER ADVENTURE TRIPS! Participants will be divided into groups for age-appropriate activities. The staff to child ratio is 1:14 or less on site and 1:8 for field trips.

Time Travelers Day Camp
Have you ever wondered what life was like 50, 100, or 500 years ago? Find out in this innovative day camp for children ages 6 to 11 years.  California history and life science are combined, providing hands-on, fun-filled, educational activities that allow children to experience times past.  Activities include dressing in historical attire; enjoying historic food, crafts, and games; and recreating cultural activities.    Visits to normally closed portions of the park, field trips, guest speakers and more will be enjoyed during the 2-week session.  The 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 CAMP or call the park at 831-335-9348 Saturday and Sunday.  To sign up, call 454-7941 from 9AM-4PM, Monday-Friday or click here.

Science Sleuths Day Camp
The best scientists are the ones who are curious about their world.  Join the staff and volunteers of the popular Time Travelers Day Camp for two weeks of hands-on, fun-filled science experiments and engaging wildlife studies.  Physical and life sciences are combined as 6 to 11 year olds explore, discover, and learn about chemistry, physics, geology, biology, botany, and ecology through experiments, microscope viewing, predator-prey games, nature art and more.  Appreciation of the natural world is emphasized while unlocking the scientific secrets that are found at Quail Hollow Ranch.  The 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 CAMP or call the park at 831-335-9348 Saturday and Sunday.  To sign up, call 454-7941 from 9AM-4PM, Monday-Friday or click here.


Cancellation and Refund Policy




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