Whether you’re a local or just passing through for that yearly vacation- Humboldt County has an abundance of opportunities to keep your little ones busy and get exploring as a family. Check out the list below for fun daily activities and educational/support programs geared towards children and families.
FUN THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY!
ARCATA
We host a variety of Youth Programs that take place throughout the year at the Playhouse and at local schools and include theater workshops, a teen program, artists in schools program and a family fun performance series.
BEGINNING BIRDWATCHING AND PROJECT FEEDER WATCH
10A-12P Drop in to watch and learn about birds in an informal, family-friendly setting. Bring binoculars. A few pairs available. Happening the 3rd Saturday through April 15th. Happens at the Jacoby Creek School Garden.
Bring dice and books if you have them, but it isn’t a requirement. $10 per player includes supplies, snacks and adult supervision. 9 years and up, all are welcome, no previous experience required. Mondays, 3-4:30 at Septentrio Winery. Call Devin for details 707-832-3147
At the Arcata Community Center, Multiple classes/levels offered. Through the Arcata Recreation Division, check the link for full details and to register online. New sessions posted regularly.
Offering on going classes for youth as well as children 5 & under, what you learn from training Martial Arts goes with you your whole life! At Humboldt Jiu Jitsu, we pride ourselves in having the best Martial Arts instructors on the North Coast of California. Our Kids/Youth Class Instructors are Red Cross-CPR Certified and are lifelong martial artists themselves. They know firsthand the value this kind of practice has in a young person’s life. Follow this link for the full line up of classes.
Through Arcata Recreation Division – Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu is a traditional/progressive Japanese system composed of locks and escapes, striking, judo style throws and groundwork. We take in components of other arts and practice a traditional Japanese sword style as well. The art lends itself readily to practical self defense on a basic and advanced level. Class emphasis will also be placed on physical conditioning, character development and community. No previous martial arts experience required. The Thursday class, for returning students only, focuses on Kenjitsu, Japanese for sword. It is the study of an art from the 16th century. Wooden swords (bokuto) are used to practice the kihon (fundamentals).
KIDS IN THE HIVE @ THE ARCATA FARMER’S MARKET
COME PLAY! Join *kids in the hive* at the Arcata Plaza Farmer’s Market!
We will have a table & some fun animal activities for 2-7 year olds 
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF CAL POLY HUMBOLDT
This local gem is open to the public at various Tuesday-Saturday 10A-5P. They also host special events like Workshops, Discovery Days, a Monthly Speaker Series, School Visits and also have a great educational store as a gift shop.
REDWOOD COAST CHILDREN’S CHORUS
A non-profit organization offering children the opportunity to sing in a chorus.
REDWOOD RAKS WORLD DANCE STUDIO
Click the link to see the full schedule of how this local organization is “Continuing to Celebrate a World of Dance in Arcata’s Creamery Building” Ongoing and drop-in classes available for adults and children.
M/W/F 3:30-5P – Far North Climbing Gym’s after school program for kids ages 7-11
11A-1P Tiny Tots meets in person on Saturdays! We hope to see you there: 1761 11th in Arcata
Explore Arcata’s parks and playgrounds together. Please leave your personal toys at home. We will have some items in multiples to share. Ms. Susan from the Arcata Library joins us every 2nd and 4th Tuesday for songs and stories. Day/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00A-12:00P – Playdates may be cancelled due to weather. See Arcata Play Center Facebook Page or Call 707.822.7091 for updates.
BLUE LAKE
Public Skate is Fridays and Saturdays 6-9P. Check the Facebook page for special events!
Blue Lake/Fieldbrook Little League offers instructional and competitive baseball for children ages 5 through 12. Iorg Field at Perigot Park is home for the teams ranging from Tee Ball to Minors to Majors, as well as post-season play in the Tournament of Champions and All-Stars. Contact Jeramy Sargent – 407-5137 – for more information.
PLAYGROUPS FOR PARENTS AND KIDS
Through Parks & Recreation and Blue Lake Community Resource Center at Prasch Hall & Perigot Park, 312 S. Railroad Ave., Come join caregivers, parents and children of all ages for fun and socializing -meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10A-12N at Prasch Hall/Perigot Park, Free – Sponsored by Humboldt First Five. 707-668-5932
EUREKA
COMMUNITY ACCESS PROJECT FOR EUREKA
Through a continued assessment of needs, C.A.P.E. works with partnering agencies to provide new opportunities and unique quality of life programming that directly meets the needs of the populations served by its partnering agencies. C.A.P.E. provides programs such as Winter Holiday Gift Program, Halloween Costume Drive and Giveaway, Nature Quest, Shop with a Cop, Music and Arts as well as a Summer Series.
Come join the monthly kids Lego club at the Humboldt County Library! We bring out a giant amount of Legos to all the tables of the Children’s Room from 1-2pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The creations kids make get to go in the display case to inspire others all month long! Legos are designed for ages 5 and up, but we also have plenty of Duplos and MegaBlox available so everyone can get into the building spirit. Parents are welcome to build with kids, but as more kids arrive, parents usually have to give up their seat to let kids have the best spots. Sorry grown-ups!
Ongoing program for youth ages 12 to 26 offering the tools to help them express themselves creatively in visual art, audio and video production. Meets via Zoom by appointment. Email in link, call 442-8413 or contact them on social media.
MAINSTAGE HUMBOLDT YOUNG PERFORMERS COMPANY
Young Performers Company is Main Stage Youth Division’s school year musical theatre education program. Performers with or without prior experience may audition for performance groups corresponding to their age, skill level, scheduling preferences and personal goals. The mission of the program is to provide performance training to Humboldt County youth through first hand experience of participating in a musical production. Company members have opportunities to perform in either a full length or Family Series musical each fall and spring. As an education program, the production experience is enriched by show specific musical theatre training taught by local and guest teaching artists. Being a part of a production experience also allows students to learn responsibility, flexibility, focus, and teamwork, in a tight knit family environment.
The mission of North Coast Dance is to provide quality training, education, and performance in Dance for the North Coast. NCD is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and appreciates your support. NCD is the resident ballet company of the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts, presenting at last two major productions per year featuring both Company members and students. North Coast Dance’s Academy provides instruction in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop to students of all ages. You can find our class schedule HERE. If you need financial assistance, a limited number of scholarships may be available. Please contact Eliza Klinger, Managing Director for more information.
In addition to major productions, NCD hosts events including: Summer Intensives for serious dance students looking to build on their success, Children’s Summer Dance Camp, Passport to Dance, where children with no dance experience can make a potentially life-changing step into the Arts world
Celebrate early literacy at our weekly story time. We’ll talk, sing, read, write, and play together in the children’s room. This program is just right for children 2 to 6 years old with their caregivers, but other family members are welcome to join as well. Children who often hear stories read aloud learn how to listen, learn new words and how to use them, and absorb new facts and ideas. In the adventure of story, kids also grow in imagination, problem-solving and creativity. Also, it’s fun!
The Discovery Museum is a non-profit children’s center that offers interactive exhibits and STEAM- based preschool, programs and camps. Our exhibits and programs promote open-ended exploration in the areas of science, art, culture and technology. (707)-443-9694, 612 G St, Ste 102 Eureka [email protected]
- KIDS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM – Every Friday 5:30-8:00, and includes crafts, science experiments, snack, and fun in the museum! Call Redwood Discovery Museum to secure space for your little one.
- KIDS ALIVE – Drop-off event for kids age 3.5-12 years old. First Saturday of every month 5:30-8P. Call or email to pre-register
We are located in Samoa, Ca – just over the bridge from Old Town and open Weds/Fri/Sun year-round, weather permitting. Riders of all ages, 1-100, come out and ride and race BMX as a healthy fun way to “get off of the couch” and stay active. Please follow our Facebook and/or Instagram page at Redwood Empire BMX for the most current updates.
YOUTH ART CLASSES AT THE MORRIS GRAVES MUSEUM OF ART
The Morris Graves Museum of Art is the perfect place to sign your child up for art classes! With talented and inspiring art educators, and small class sizes, these classes are designed to help your child explore the arts and get specialized attention as they create works of art that expand their creativity and their artistic skills.
- Second Saturday Family Arts Day, 2P – Create colorful works of art inspired by this year’s “Best in Show” winner of the Member’s Exhibition. Tour the exhibition and gather inspiration for the day’s project. After the tour, come down to the Youth Classroom to create with assistance and guidance from Genevieve Kjesbu. All materials supplied.
FORTUNA/FERNDALE
BEAR RIVER FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
A one stop shop with fun for the whole family. Enjoy activities like bowling, laser-tag, an arcade and even the option to rent it out for birthday parties and celebrations. (707)733-1880
¡La Biblioteca de Fortuna los invita! Vamos a celebrar la alfabetización temprana con cuentos y canciones en español. El programa es diseñado para niños de edades 0-5 y sus padres pero también nos pueden acompañar otros miembros de la familia. Los Viernes a las 3:30 pm, empezando el 20 de Enero.
The Fortuna Library invites you to join us in celebrating early literacy with stories and songs in Spanish. This program is designed for children ages 0-5 and their parents or caregivers but other family members are welcome to join in the fun. Fridays at 3:30 pm, starting January 20th.
1:30P-4P, Family skate Sunday- Hosted by Fortuna parks and recreation department.
Since 2003, Laura East’s Ferndale Dance Academy has been a vibrant center for dance in Humboldt County. Dance classes are ideal for developing strength, discipline, concentration, and coordination. It’s about more than dance; it’s about developing the confidence and character that lead to success no matter what the pursuit. The Ferndale Dance Academy provides a warm and supportive environment for students to build self-esteem, stretch their bodies and minds, and express their individuality. Classes cater to a range of age and skill levels and incorporate excellent training with creativity, musicality, and fun. Please call, text, or email us today to visit one of our classes.
Tutus for Tots • Ballet & Pointe • Jazz, Hip Hop & Contemporary • Tap
• Tumbling for Dancers • Private Lessons
FORTUNA LIBRARY WEEKLY STORY TIME
Join us for a weekly story time at the Fortuna Library. Grow early literacy skills with stories, songs, and fun! Every Friday at 10:30A. All children and their families are welcome! This storytime is best suited for children ages 2-6.
WINTER/SPRING JUNIOR GOLF CLINICS
At The Redwood Empire Golf Club, Clinics will run from 11AM-12PM *Please signup in the Pro Shop *Members and up to 2 guests *Ages 8-17 *$15 Entry Fee. Begins 1/21-5/20.
MCKINLEYVILLE
TRINIDAD
Make time for a stop at the HSU marine laboratory where a self guided tour is available, in addition to several view and touch tanks!
9A-4:30P Mon-Fri, 12N-4P Sat-Sun.
GREATER HUMBOLDT
Two local children’s book author/artists will be reading their books.
Third Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. Art and nature exploration activities for all ages and abilities. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. Rain or shine. There’s a different theme each month. (707) 733-5406
Da’luk Tribal Youth Program promotes healing through culturally rooted lessons, to develop social/emotional competency, and to support training and development of youth advocates on policy, systems, and environmental change.
DREAMQUEST YOUTH PARTNERSHIP (WILLOW CREEK)
This organization has an amazing line-up of classes and programs to engage and educate your youth aged children. If you have children and live in the Willow Creek area DreamQuest can be an amazing asset to your family. Please check out their website for a full list of seasonal offerings which range from gardening, cooking, crafting, self defense, homework help, sports/fitness programs and more- there is just TOO MANY to list out here one by one.
Other services include the distribution of commodities like produce boxes, firewood and a free Summer lunch program for families with children ages 0-18.
Class for ages 7-11 at 4:30 p.m. Class for ages 12-18 at 5:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Happening in Willow Creek. Call 530.629.3564 for more info.
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30A – n Kids, bring your parents to the Loleta playgroup. Every Wednesday 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Come and have fun with other kids your age! (For kids ages 0-5, older siblings are welcome)
Mateel Aikido program provides low cost training for children and adults in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Led by Sensei Russell Wisby, 707-986-7054
Most weeks Monday and Wednesday, 4P-6P
A local program where families get out into nature together and complete outdoor quests. Kids get badges for completed quests. It’ll get you all over Humboldt County and might encourage a reluctant adventurer!
DID WE MISS ANYTHING?
P.S. Do you know of any good camps or children’s activities that are not listed here? Feel free to email us at [email protected] with your suggestions to act on this simple opportunity that can help the other youth in our Community have a safe and fulfilling Summer. Thank you!
