Make a Play Date s anta Cruz County attracts visitors of all ages. From children who eagerly await summer break to grandparents who can recall fond memories of seaside beauty pageants of yore, Santa Cruz County is the perfect spot for multi-generational families to spend time reconnecting. santa cruz county has year around family fun 46 There are many year around family-friendly events hosted by the santa Cruz MuseuM of art and history, for the artistically- inclined. The admissionfree, legendary santa Cruz BeaCh BoardWalk - California's oldest seaside amusement park - has thrilled visitors for 107 years. 2014 official santa cruz county traveler's guide Check out the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Looff Carousel, two national historic landmarks. There is a friendly shark who greets visitors in a specially-designed tank at the seyMour Marine disCovery Center at long Marine laB (Guess what? It can also be gently petted!) See sea fossils embedded in the hillside as you ride roaring CaMp railroads' steam train up Bear Mountain. Millions of years ago, these forested trails were underwater. After the train ride, walk next door to henry CoWell redWoods state park, where a wide, stroller and wheelchair-accessible path offers a close-up view of the redwoods. Visit the technology-driven exhibits at the Monterey Bay national Marine sanCtuary exploration Center near the santa Cruz Wharf.