Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to get explore and engage with the outdoors — or discover new worlds altogether in the pages of a good book!
Whether you’re looking for nature camps, reading programs, arts and crafts workshops, swim lessons, outdoor concerts, or family movie nights under the stars, local parks and recreation departments and libraries have you covered.
No matter where you live in Santa Cruz County, there’s a summer adventure waiting for you!
ACTIVITY GUIDES
Each city as well as the County of Santa Cruz and our local State Parks curate their own unique lineup of events and programs for kids, teens, adults, and families. Here’s your one-stop guide to what’s happening this summer:
Check out the activity guides linked above and start planning your next activity or outing!
Summer READING PROGRAMS
Looking for a fun and enriching way to keep the whole family engaged this summer? Both the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) and Watsonville Public Library are offering dynamic Summer Reading Programs for 2025, filled with exciting activities, reading challenges, and fantastic prizes for all ages.
Santa Cruz Public Libraries: Color Our World
From June 1 to July 31, SCPL invites readers of all ages—from infants to adults—to participate in the “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program. Track your reading through the Beanstack app or with a paper log, and earn virtual badges, books, and raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.
Watsonville Public Library: Level Up at Your Library
From June 2 to August 1, Watsonville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program encourages readers of all ages to “Level Up” their reading habits. Participants can register online via the Beanstack app or in person at the Main Library or Freedom Branch, choosing between digital tracking or traditional paper logs. All participants receive a free book upon registration (while supplies last).
SUMMER MEALS FOR YOUTH
This summer, families across Santa Cruz County can access free, nutritious meals for children and teens through local school districts and community programs. These initiatives aim to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months.
Countywide Meal Sites
The California Department of Education (CDE) offers a list of summer meal service sites throughout Santa Cruz County. These sites provide free meals to children and teens during school vacation periods. To find a meal site near you, visit the CDE’s 2025 Summer Meal Service Sites page (Note: Not all available sites are listed. See PVUSD Summer Feeding Program for additional sites).
Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) Summer Feeding Program
PVUSD is committed to serving the community by offering free breakfast and lunch to all children aged 1–18 during summer school days. From June 10 to June 27, 2025, meals will be available at various open meal sites. No registration is required; simply visit during the listed times. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and meals must be consumed on-site. For more details and a list of locations, check the PVUSD Announcements page.
Shop for Groceries with SUN Bucks
Families in Santa Cruz County may be eligible for SUN Bucks, a Summer EBT program that provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child to help cover the cost of food when school is out. Benefits are automatically loaded onto a card for qualifying families—no application required for most. It’s a great way to ensure kids stay nourished and ready to learn all summer long.