The 2025 Lookout List: Family & Pets

Santa Cruz County is full of local businesses that make family life, and pet life, easier, brighter and more fun. From summer camps and tutoring programs to musical classes, veterinary clinics and pet grooming, Lookout readers picked the places that keep kids learning, pets pampered and families smiling. The 2025 Lookout List: Family & Pets winners and runners-up are the local favorites everyone trusts to make everyday life a little more joyful. Find more Lookout List winners here.

Favorite Place to Celebrate a Child’s Birthday

Winner: Santa Cruz Roller Palladium

1606 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Parents say that at Santa Cruz Roller Palladium, the birthday-party experience stands out with lively skating, retro charm and an atmosphere kids remember for years. Many voters also highlighted that it is an affordable option with a fun music selection that everyone, young and old, can enjoy.

Runner-up: Boardwalk Bowl

115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz 95060

Favorite Store for a Kids Birthday Gift

Winner: Childish

1127 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062
1122 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Childish is a local favorite thanks to the “helpful and inclusive” staff alongside the store’s abundant mix of toys, games, puzzles and plush items ideal for birthday‑gifting. They also appreciate the huge, curated selection that brings the fun for all ages.

Runner-up: Wonderland Toys

19 Rancho Del Mar AB, Aptos 95003

Favorite Place to Take Your Kids on a Rainy Day

Winner: Seymour Marine Discovery Center

100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz 95060

Parents say that at Seymour Marine Discovery Center, their kids stay deeply engaged on rainy‑day outings thanks to delightful docents and marine discovery touch‑table. They point out that the museum‑style setting provides a safe, weatherproof activity for kids looking to remain active and curious while staying dry.

Runner-up: The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

855 41st Ave. #10, Capitola 95010

Favorite Summer Camp for Creative Kids

Winner: Redwood Music Camps

220 Cloister Lane, Aptos 95003

Parents say that Redwood Music Camps offer an amazing, fun and educational experience, where young musicians can develop skills, explore their creativity and enjoy music in the redwoods with world-class faculty. They also praise the camp’s inclusive, supportive environment that fosters friendships, a lifelong love of music and a sense of community for kids of all ages.

Runner-up: All About Theatre

1010 River St., Santa Cruz 95060

Favorite Summer Camp for Outdoorsy Kids

Winner: Santa Cruz SPCA Camp

2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz 95065

Parents say that at Santa Cruz SPCA’s summer camp the outdoor‑focused animal and nature experiences keep kids active and engaged, whether they’re meeting rabbits, chickens, dogs or learning animal‑shelter operations. Voters also highlight the hands-on programs as ideal for outdoorsy kids seeking a meaningful summer adventure.

Runner-up: Mount Hermon Adventures

17 Conference Dr., Felton 95018

Favorite Surf School for Kids

Winner: Surf School Santa Cruz

3548 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz 95062

Parents say that Surf School Santa Cruz gives kids a safe and fun introduction to surfing, with skilled instructors who keep beginners confident and engaged. They also appreciate the full‑service setup, including wetsuits and boards, and the personalized attention that helps each child enjoy their first waves.

Runner-up: Capitola Surf & Paddle

Capitola Beach, Capitola 95010

Favorite Youth Music Program

Winner: MusicalMe

Offering classes throughout Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties

Families love MusicalMe’s warm, fun teachers and an environment that genuinely nurtures their love for music. Lookout List voters also highlight the program’s developmentally appropriate curriculum from infant to teen and convenient multiple locations.

Runner-up: Community Music School of Santa Cruz

Favorite Youth Art Program

Winner: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center

9341 Mill St., Ben Lomond 95005

Parents say that at the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, kids and teens thrive in a welcoming, creative community where instructors support kids of all ages and skill levels in painting, ceramics and more. They also highlight the annual youth exhibit opportunities, scholarship access and the inclusive setting that fosters confidence and a lifelong love of art.

Runner-up: Art Factory Studios

7960 Soquel Dr., Suite D, Aptos 95003

Favorite Youth Volunteer Program

Winner: Teen Kitchen Project

2890 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Volunteers and their families say that the Teen Kitchen Project gives teens real‑world experience by teaching them to plan, cook and deliver meals to neighbors facing critical or chronic illness. The nonprofit helps teens make a tangible impact in their community while learning teamwork and kitchen skills they can carry throughout their lives.

Runner-up: Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz 95062

580 Airport Blvd., Freedom 95019

Favorite Bank or Credit Union for a Teen’s First Account

Winner: Bay Federal Credit Union

Multiple locations

Families appreciate that the staff at Bay Federal Credit Union make teens feel genuinely welcome when opening their first account. Lookout List voters also highlight the combination of a no-monthly-fee teen checking account with a Visa debit card and the robust online financial-wellness information center available on its website.

Runner-up: West Coast Community Bank

Multiple locations

Favorite Dentist for Kids

Winner: Dr. Seth Reder, Santa Cruz Pediatric Dentist

2001 40th Ave., Suite G, Capitola 95010

Parents praise Dr. Seth Reder of Capitola Kids Dentistry for his calming, kind-humored approach that makes even anxious children feel safe and engaged throughout their visits. They also highlight the upbeat, child-friendly environment – with a bright play area, ceiling-mounted TVs and staff who take time to explain every step to parents and kids.

Runner-up: Dr. Alison Jackson, Pediatric Dentistry

7545 Soquel Dr., Suite A, Aptos 95003

Favorite Hair Salon for Kids

16 Victor Square, Suite B, Scotts Valley 95066

Families say that at Cookie’s Cutters in Scotts Valley, their children feel instantly at ease thanks to the friendly, patient stylists and a fun, kid-focused environment with “adorable” car seats, TVs and video games. They also appreciate the efficient service for busy families, with clear explanations and no fuss as their youngsters, including those with sensory challenges, get a great haircut.

Runner-up: The Nook

920 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Favorite Kids Dance Studio

Winner: Dancenter

810 A Bay Ave., Capitola 95010

Parents say that at Dancenter their children thrive in a nurturing, expert‑led environment where teachers support kids of all ages and skill levels. Lookout List voters highlighted the studio’s inclusive atmosphere, fun choreography and summer camps as why Dancenter stands out as a local favorite.

Runner-up: International Academy of Dance

320 Encinal St., Santa Cruz 95060

Favorite Kids Movement/Gymnastics Studio

Winner: June Bug’s Gym

3910 Portola Dr., Suites 2 & 3, Santa Cruz 95062

Families say that at June Bug’s Gym, their kids get to explore trampolines, foam pits and obstacle courses in a truly fun and high-energy setting. Voters also highlight the attentive coaches who learn each child’s name and make a point of building confidence through movement and play.

Runner-up: Santa Cruz Gymnastics

2750 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 95062

Favorite Kids Clothing Store

Winner: Hopes Closet

2555-2557 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz 95065

Hope’s Closet stands out for its wide selection of gently used kids clothing, toys and gear, along with easy donation drop-offs that support local families. Lookout List voters also praise the nonprofit’s “Bundles of Hope” program, which provides clothes to children in foster care or whose families are experiencing homelessness or other hardships.

Runner-up: Lively Kids

1528 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 95060

Favorite Tutor Service

Winner: Kumon Math and Reading Center

740 Front St., Suite 150, Santa Cruz 95060

Kumon Math and Reading Center is a local favorite for helping children build strong study habits, boost confidence and become more independent learners. Voters also appreciate that the dedicated team invests focused attention in each student’s growth.

Runner-up: Birds of a Feather

Favorite Photographer for Family Portraits

Winner: Alicia Telfer Creative Studio

511 G Swift St., Santa Cruz 95060

Families say that at Alicia Telfer Creative Studio, their photo session felt effortless and fun, thanks to Alicia’s warm, professional approach and knack for engaging kids of all ages. Lookout List voters note the studio’s beautiful attention to detail and one parent shared that “she is a wizard with kids! And an all-around outstanding person!”

Runner-up: Beaming Birth Photography

Favorite Pet & Feed Store

Winner: Pet Pals Discount Pet Supplies

3660 Soquel Dr., Suite A, Soquel 95073

Pet parents say that Pet Pals is a local favorite because of its friendly staff who are helpful and knowledgeable, whether shoppers are picking out a new pet harness, bird toys or cat food. They also praise the store’s wide selection and great value, from exclusive brand-name foods to accessories.

Runner-up: Mountain Feed and Farm Supply

9550 Highway, Ben Lomond 95005

Favorite Pet Boarding

Winner: Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales

2625 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz 95065

Pet owners say that at Bed & Biscuits, their pets are greeted by a friendly front‑desk team in an extremely clean, secure facility. Lookout List voters appreciate the mix of traditional kennels and VIP suites, and praise the caring staff who are “deeply kind and professional.”

Runner-up: WOOFPACK

Santa Cruz 95060

Favorite Pet Grooming

Winner: Aunties Pet Grooming

224 Cardiff Place, Santa Cruz 95060

At Aunties Pet Grooming in Santa Cruz, groomers are praised as “so kind” and true professionals who handle all breeds and temperaments with skill. Reviewers also highlight the studio’s warm atmosphere, with one noting, “they even made my bath-hating pup excited to go to the groomer. She loves them and comes home looking great.”

Runner-up: Pawsitive Styles Mobile Grooming

Favorite Veterinarian

Winner: Coast Veterinary Services

4788 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley 95066

Pet owners say that at Coast Veterinary Services, their animals are treated with genuine care and compassion, and praise the friendly, patient staff who clearly love pets. They also highlight the clinic’s modern, well‑equipped facility and “amazing rehab services.”