Best Farms & Nature in Santa Cruz for Kids & Families

Looking for the best farms & nature in Santa Cruz for kids? As surf town with a vintage boardwalk and redwood forests, Santa Cruz offers animal farms, botanical gardens, and nature centers that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.

Farms and nature centers offer something screens can't — direct contact with animals and growing things. We flag petting zoo cleanliness, whether there are handwashing stations, and seasonal availability (many farms are seasonal operations). In Santa Cruz, expect mild year-round, foggy mornings, warmest in September-October. Pro tip: The Beach Boardwalk is free to walk — you only pay per ride. Henry Cowell Redwoods is 10 minutes from the boardwalk.

Below you'll find our curated list of farms & nature in Santa Cruz, CA — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.