Come join a docent from StrollerHikes.com on the first Monday of Every Month for a mildly rugged Healthy Trails hike on the Tularcitos and Calera Creek Trails. Dogs welcome (6 foot leash required). Meet at the dog park. Joggers/Strollers not recommended. Bring an infant carrier if your child does not walk. For more information call 408-355-2240. For any updates on this hike you can join the strollerhikes.com mailing list.
Wednesday, August 1
Full Moon Paddle, Coyote Lake, 7:30pm-10:00pm
Discover history and nature on a paddle tour of Coyote Lake. Experienced paddlers only, no instruction or equipment is provided. Meet at reservoir launch ramp with your kayak/canoe, life jacket and 2 glow sticks per person. Reservations required. (408) 846-5622.
Friday, August 3
In the Park After Dark Movie Night, Hellyer, 8:30pm-11:00pm
Meet at the playground and enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends. Watch a short film about County Parks and then a family-friendly FREE feature movie on a giant blow-up screen. Bring a flashlight and low lawn chair or blanket. Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank gladly accepted. Food vendors available. (408) 225-0225
Saturday, August 4
Majestic Redwood Hike, Mt. Madonna, 9:00am-11:00am
Join a Park Ranger for a breathtaking 2-mile hike through beautiful, towering coastal redwood groves. View historic logging areas and look into the future as we tackle issues related to the survival of these majestic trees. Meet at the Park Office with sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing, water and snacks. (408) 842-2341
History Tour By Van, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-1:30pm
Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy in the park. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. Cost is $5 per person. (408) 918-7773
In the Park After Dark Movie Night, Hellyer, 8:30pm-11:00pm
Meet at the playground and enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends. Watch a short film about County Parks and then a family-friendly FREE feature movie on a giant blow-up screen. Bring a flashlight and low lawn chair or blanket. Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank gladly accepted. Food vendors available. (408) 225-0225
Monday, August 6
Healthy Trails Stroller Hike and Toddler Trek, Ed Levin, 9:00am-11:00am
Join a Strollerhikes.com Docent on a mildly rugged hike on the Tularcitos, Calera Creek and Aqua Caliente Trails. Meet at the dog park. This outing is geared for families with young children. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and a stroller or backpack carrier. (408) 355-2240
Saturday, August 11
History Hike: “History Through A Changed Landscape”, Almaden Quicksilver, 10:00am-2:00pm
Take a 4-mile hike and travel through time with a Park Interpreter. Learn about the mining history that has helped shape the landscape of this historic park. Meet at the Wood Rd. entrance off Hicks Rd. with a bag lunch, water, sun/rain protection, and sturdy hiking shoes. Not recommended for children under 5. (408) 918-7774
Wash Day And Old Time Games, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch 2:30pm-4:00pm
Come out for a fun-filled afternoon. Experience Granny’s “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The Ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453
Sunset Tricks & Exploration Hike, Grant 6:30pm-8:30pm
Bring your dog out for a sunset adventure! Have a safe and enjoyable time as you find out about the native canines that live in the park. Test your dog’s agility on a special dog course and enjoy the sunset on this 1.5-mile hike. Meet at the Rose Garden group area next to the Ranch House. Bring water and a leash for your dog. (408) 274-6121
The Difference Is Like Night and Day, Mt. Madonna, 7:30pm-10:00pm
Join a Ranger and her canine companion on a nighttime adventure in the forest. Take a glimpse into the nocturnal world and discover how some animals thrive in the darkness. Meet at the Redwood Grove picnic area with sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, water and snacks. (408) 842-2341
Micro-Zoology Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:00pm
Join experts for a show and tell about microscopic creatures. Look at life under a drop of water. Afterwards, munch on popcorn while watching the microbe gone mad movie “The Blob.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453
The Sky Is Falling, Or Is It?, Calero, 8:30pm-11:30pm
Come spend an evening under the shooting stars! Learn about Perseus (a Greek hero of mythology) and stay after to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Reservations required. (408) 268-3883.
Friday, August 17
In the Park After Dark Movie Night, Hellyer, 8:30pm-11:00pm
Meet at the playground and enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends. Watch a short film about County Parks and then a family-friendly FREE feature movie on a giant blow-up screen. Bring a flashlight and low lawn chair or blanket. Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank gladly accepted. Food vendors available. (408) 225-0225
Saturday, August 18
Healthy Trails Challenge Hike, Joseph Grant, 9:00am-11:30am
Join a Park Docent on an easy 2.6-mile hike through the riparian corridor of Halls Valley and along San Felipe Creek. Meet at the Stockman’s picnic area with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks and a camera. (408) 355-2240
History Tour By Van/Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-1:30pm
Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy in the park. Tour includes an easy hike of approximately 3 miles. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. Cost is $5 per person. (408) 918-7773
Nature Foray Hike, Sanborn, 10:00am-12:00pm
Explore local plants and animals in this leisurely 1.5-mile hike along park trails. Look for signs of animal life and learn to identify local forest plants. Meet at the Ranger office. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water and snacks. (408) 867-9959
History Walk, Grant, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Join a park historian on a leisurely walk to learn about the history of Halls Valley from the Ohlone days to the more recent past. End with a tour of the Ranch House. Meet at the Ranch House with walking shoes and water. (408) 274-6121
In the Park After Dark Movie Night, Hellyer, 8:30pm-11:00pm
Meet at the playground and enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends. Watch a short film about County Parks and then a family-friendly FREE feature movie on a giant blow-up screen. Bring a flashlight and low lawn chair or blanket. Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank gladly accepted. Food vendors available. (408) 225-0225
Star Party, Grant, 8:30pm-11:00pm
Join the Halls Valley Astronomical Group for a night of star gazing fun. Knowledgeable volunteers will provide you with a chance to look through high-powered telescopes and ask questions about the night sky. Meet at Halley Hill, across from campsite 22. Park entrance gate closes at 10pm. (408) 274-6121
Sunday, August 19
Geocache Adventure in the Park, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 8:00am-12:00pm
Discover hidden treasures on a 4-mile hike around Mummy Mountain using GPS technology. Meet at the campfire center by RV campground. Bring handheld GPS units, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. (408) 842-7800
Thursday, August 23
Healthy Trails Stroller Hike and Toddler Trek, Alviso Marina, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Join a Strollerhikes.com Docent for a hike on an easy 1-mile adventure along the Alviso Slough Loop Trail with your kids! Enjoy the shore birds and cool breezes as you explore the baylands. Meet in the marina parking lot with sun protection, water, and snacks. (408) 355-2240
Saturday, August 25
Climate Change Hike, Ed Levin, 9:30am-12:00pm
Discover how our climate is changing on this semi-strenuous hike with a Ranger. Learn what you can observe now and what might be in store for the future. Meet at the Sandy Wool parking lot by the dog park with hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. (408) 262-6980
Living with Wildlife-Raptors, Sanborn, 10:00am-12:00pm
Join a Ranger on a short hike to discuss and look for winged hunters in the sky. Learn about a raptor’s role in the environment and how to easily identify hawks, falcons and eagles. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Field guides and binoculars recommended. Meet at the park office. (408) 867-9959
Hula Hoop Fitness Class, Hellyer, 2:00pm-3:00pm
No longer just child’s play, hula hoop has evolved into a fun form of fitness! Join us for a low impact yet energizing class using adult-size hoops. Learn the basics of moving the hoop around the torso as well as incorporating your feet and arms. Meet at the West Cottonwood Parking lot. Reservations required. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=185 or call (408) 355-2240.
Wildlife Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm-7:30pm
Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy panoramic views and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=186 or call (408) 355-2240.
Thursday, August 30
Safety in the Wilderness Hike, Ed Levin, 7:00pm-9:30pm
You have life insurance, auto insurance…how about hiking insurance? Get it here! Learn how to be safe and get prepared to fully enjoy hiking adventures on this 3-mile hike with a Ranger. Meet at the Sandy Wool parking lot by the dog park with hiking shoes, flashlight or headlamp and water. (408) 262-6980
Full Moon Paddle, Calero, 7:00pm-9:30pm
Discover history and nature on a paddle tour of Calero Reservoir. Experienced paddlers only, no instruction or equipment is provided. Meet at the reservoir launch ramp with your kayak/canoe, life jacket and 2 glow sticks per person. Reservations required. (408) 846-5622.