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Things To Do

Animals

There are many opportunities to visit with or observe animals in their habitats. Check out some of the local spots to check out with your youth!

  • Horse Whispers Ranch
    830 Dorothy Rd, Aromas, CA 95004

    Come experience the joy and connection of spending time with our gentle horses, Tessa and
    Smoothie! You’ll be guided by an experienced, knowledgeable, and caring group of volunteers.

    Youth and their CASAs are invited to visit by appointment to enjoy meaningful, hands-on time at
    the ranch. Appointments are offered every Saturday and can be made online, the “Scheduling”
    page of the Horse Whispers Group website.

    If you’re new to horses and interested in building your knowledge and skills, we can teach
    haltering, leading, tying, grooming and more. For those with prior experience who are interested
    in riding, we also offer free lessons.

    We tailor each visit to the needs of every guest—whether they’re eager to learn all there is to
    know about horses or simply want a positive, uplifting experience at the ranch.

    Sibling groups are welcome! There’s no limit to how often you can visit—we value building
    relationships, so come as often as you’d like.

    Come ready to relax, connect, and enjoy the moment!

  • As Santa Cruz County’s only open-admission shelter, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) provides animal rescue, regulation and humane care that protect the health, public safety and welfare of people and animals in Santa Cruz County. We currently rescue and assure safe, temporary shelter, veterinary and humane care for over 5,000 stray, unwanted, abandoned, mistreated, neglected and injured animals each year.

    Want to learn more about your local animal shelter and get a behind-the-scenes look at animal rescue? Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter offers shelter tours of the Santa Cruz center for groups who are interested in learning about our work with animals. The tour starts with a discussion about our services, the different kinds of animals received, and ways people can help them. We love to show our community all the wonderful things we are up to and our life-saving programs through guided tours of the shelter. These tours can be tailored to any level of interest or age group. Contact Erika Anderson at Erika.anderson@santacruzcounty.us or call (831) 454-7229 to schedule your tour.

  • The Redwings Horse Sanctuary

    Visiting the sanctuary includes getting up close and personal with the horses and learning how they got there. You can sponsor a horse for a fee and receive a photograph of your new friend. Tours – Open: M-F 10:00. 3:00; by appt. only on Saturday Phone: (831)386-0135. 47240 Lockwood-Jolon Road, Lockwood, CA. about 2 hrs south of Watsonville (use directions off their website. not GPS) www.redwings.org

  • Tales to Tails

    Tales to Tails is a literacy program where children can sign up for a private twenty-minute slot to read to an attentive certified therapy dog at a local library. Research shows that children who have frequent reading experiences such as reading aloud become more eager, skilled readers. Studies also show that therapy dogs provide a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment for children to practice.
    For a list of times and locations, click here!

  • UCSC Long Marine Lab & Seymour Marine Discovery Center

    Touch sea stars, anemones, and an 85-foot blue whale skeleton. Learn about research in progress. Whale watching telescopes are on-hand. Tours available to see dolphins and sea lions. Daily Tours: Tues-Sun 10:00. 5:00, Closed Mondays and some holidays. Reservations for special tours required on weekends. Check website for entry fees and “FREE days”100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz. Phone: (831)459-3800 http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/

  • Riding lessons, trail rides on the beach, horse camps. get acquainted with horses of all types at this special facility. Call for a special tour or to set up lessons. 783 San Andreas Road, Watsonville (on the Monterey Bay Academy property) Director: Anne Phipps (831) 761-1142

    Summer Lessons: If a child is interested in attending the summer lessons (4 lessons total) it costs $200 total. The best time to inquire about summer scholarships is March of each year. Scholarships are taken up fast, so the sooner the Advocate inquires about summer riding lessons and scholarship the better chance their child may get it. Waiting last minute won’t guarantee for the child to get the scholarship.

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