Have you ever noticed how places in nature around Santa Cruz are different from each other? In this camp, young adventurers can join us on a journey to study the many incredible and interesting habitats you can find here. Campers will become more observant of the connections in nature around them and deepen their appreciation...
Biomimicry is an engineering concept that uses ideas from nature to create sustainable solutions. We invite kids to spend the week exploring and drawing inspiration from nature to solve design challenges and engineer their own solutions to help humans live more sustainably on Earth. The week leads up to completing an engineering project and an...
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the art and science of seaweed pressing with marine scientist and artist Kaila Pearson! Inspired by centuries-old botanical traditions, participants will learn how to arrange and preserve beautiful local seaweeds into striking natural artworks to take home. Perfect for artists, beachcombers, naturalists, and curious beginners alike, this workshop...
CAMP FULL - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST Do you love flipping rocks and logs and studying our invertebrate friends? This summer, young naturalists join us on a journey to investigate the animals of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay that do not have a backbone, ranging from tiny creatures to some of the biggest...
Vertebrates are the incredibly diverse species of animals that have a backbone to support their body. Kids will learn all about different branches of the tree of life and how they connect to all the other life on the planet. Campers will explore the Museum’s specimens and surrounding habitats to learn more about the wonderful...
Dive into the mysterious world of the deep sea with marine scientist Kaila Pearson. Journey beyond the reach of sunlight to explore one of Earth's least understood environments, where bizarre creatures have evolved remarkable adaptations to survive crushing pressure, perpetual darkness, and scarce resources. Kaila will introduce the different zones of the deep ocean and...
Join geologists from University of California, Santa Cruz to share your mineralogical marvels and get them identified inside the Museum’s galleries! Price: This special event is Free with Admission. $5 Adults | $3 Students and Seniors | Free for Youth Under 18 | Free for Museum Members. What can you bring: Rocks, fossils, gems, and...
CAMP FULL - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young explorers can join us on a journey to investigate symmetries, patterns, and curiosities in the natural world. Spend the week exploring nearby beach, creek, and garden habitats, and making all sorts of art inspired by...
Are you a future scientist? We invite kids to join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for Experiments in Nature camp to perform experiments and studies in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, ocean studies, and climate science. Explore nature while learning more about how scientists study the natural world that surrounds us. Times:...
CAMP FULL - CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST Are you a green thumb or a budding botanist? Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for the Beginning Botany camp this summer to learn about the natural world by studying plants, trees, and much more. Campers will build friendships while investigating nature, playing games,...
Birds are fascinating and charismatic animals and the study of them is both fun and scientific. Campers will use scientific tools to study the many species of birds that visit the Museum and the surrounding habitats to study the great diversity of birds that call Santa Cruz home during the summer. Join us to dive...
Free Admission Day! Discover the wonders of nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History with free entry for everyone. Explore fascinating exhibits, connect with local wildlife, and make it a day of learning and fun for all ages. PLAN YOUR VISIT OUR EXHIBITS
Join us for an evening celebrating the wonders of our local coastline at August First Friday! Seaweed Summer highlights the beauty, ecology, and hidden life of seaweeds found along the Santa Cruz shoreline. Enjoy food, drinks, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn from local partners and naturalists about the important role seaweed plays in marine...
Free Admission Day! Discover the wonders of nature at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History with free entry for everyone. Explore fascinating exhibits, connect with local wildlife, and make it a day of learning and fun for all ages. PLAN YOUR VISIT OUR EXHIBITS
Join geologists from University of California, Santa Cruz to share your mineralogical marvels and get them identified inside the Museum’s galleries! Price: This special event is Free with Admission. $5 Adults | $3 Students and Seniors | Free for Youth Under 18 | Free for Museum Members. What can you bring: Rocks, fossils, gems, and...
