MULTIPLE COUNTIES

Museums for All. Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,400 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. Search their website by museum name or state to find a participating museum near you. museums4all.org. Chico Children’s Museum and Gateway Museum in Chico both participate in this program.

BUTTE COUNTY

Chico Air Museum; Chico Municipal Airport. Great fun for all ages. Educates and inspires about aviation and the history of flight. Features outdoor and indoor displays of aviation artifacts, full-sized historic aircrafts. World Class Aviation Speaker Series. Special events by arrangement; group visits, school field trips. Open Thu-Sun: June-October, 9am-2pm, November-May, 10am-3pm. Free. chicoairmuseum.org. 165 Ryan Ave. (530)345-6468.

Chico History Museum. Housed in the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Chico. Features both prestigious traveling exhibits and exhibits focusing on Chico and Butte County history. Group rates and tours available. chicohistorymuseum.org. 141 Salem St. (530)891-4336.

Chico Children’s Museum. With almost 7,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum is focused on encouraging children and their caregivers to connect with imaginative play. Over the fall and winter, visitors will find an updated sensory room for a calming, therapeutic space for children; improvements to the camping room and a new play area. Walk-in admission Tue-Thu, 10am-1pm; Fri-Sun, 10am-4pm. Two-hour private group visits available Mondays. Special overnight trips and after-hours private events available by request. Birthday parties Sat & Sun, 10am-noon & 2-4pm by reservation.  info@chicochildrensmuseum.org, chicochildrensmuseum.org, 325 Main St. (530)809-1492.

Chinese Temple & Museum Complex; Oroville. Built in 1863, the temple is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is both a museum and active temple. The complex includes 3 temples, a Tapestry Hall displaying an extensive collection of embroidered tapestries, costumes and more; the Fong Lee Company Building displaying artifacts from the medicinal herb sales and shop of the Chan family. Group and classroom tours available. Children ages 12 & under free. Search Chinese Temple on cityoforoville.org. 1500 Broderick St. (530)538-2496 or (530)538-2497.

Gateway Science Museum; Chico. Gateway inspires the exploration of science and natural history in our region and beyond. Through hands-on and minds-on exhibitions that change seasonally, discovery galleries for young learners, a native plants gardens bursting with biodiversity and dynamic public and school programs, Gateway provides visitors of all ages many ways to connect with science and the natural environment and with each other. Family memberships available.csuchico.edu/gateway. 625 Esplanade. (530)898-4121.

Gold Nugget/ Depot Museum; Paradise. This friendly little museum located in the beautiful Paradise Community Park is focused on the history of the Butte County Railroad and the logging industry on the Paradise Ridge. The museum currently offers rotating mini exhibits in the lobby while they work toward re-opening their exhibition hall. Come take a look at the new and exciting changes being made. gnmuseum.art. 475 Pearson Rd. (530)762-2613.

Lott Home; Oroville. The C.F. Lott Home in Sank Park was built in 1856 by Charles F. Lott, gold rush pioneer, California senator and judge. The house and garden encompass an entire city block. Take a guided tour of the Victorian home, hear captivating stories of the Lott family and their importance to early California history. View original furnishings, paintings, clothes, silver and more. Group and classroom tours available. Children ages 12 & under free. cityoforoville.org. 1067 Montgomery St. (530)538-2401.

Museum of Northern California Art (monca); Chico. Housed in the former Veterans Memorial Hall, this new museum displays rotating exhibits to make art accessible and promote awareness of Northern California artists. $5/adults; children free. monca.org. 900 Esplanade. (530)487-7272.

National Yo-Yo Museum; Chico. This small world-class museum houses Big Yo, the world’s largest working wooden yo-yo, and the biggest public display of yo-yos and yo-yo memorabilia. Includes a vintage toy display. Free. nationalyoyo.org. Inside Bird in Hand toy store, 320 Broadway. (530)893-0545.

Oregon City School; Table Mountain. The oldest one-room school in Butte County. A California Historical Landmark, Oregon City was one of the 1st mining camps in the county, established in 1848 by a party of Oregonians who came to California. Also visit the nearby Oregon City covered bridge and tour the Cherokee Museum (by appt.) buttecountyhistory.com. 2100 Oregon Gulch Rd. (530)533-9418.

Patrick Ranch Museum; Durham. Dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the area's rich agricultural heritage. Tour the beautiful 1877 Glenwood Farmhouse Museum and visit our Gift Shop and Visitor Center exhibits. Annual events include the California Nut Festival, Country Fair & Tractor Show, Artisan Fair & Craft Show, and Autumn Fest. School and group tours  patrickranchmuseum.org

10381 Midway, halfway between Chico and Durham. (530)342-4359

Pioneer History Museum; Oroville. First opened in 1932 by the Native Sons & Daughters of the Golden West and now operated by the City of Oroville, this museum was built as an oversized replica of a 49er’s cabin. The original building has been enlarged to hold 6,000-sq.-ft. of historic treasures. cityoforoville.org. 2332 Montgomery St. (530)538-2529.

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology; Chico State. Free admission Tuesday – Friday 11-3 (plus first Saturday of month). Exhibits, lectures and programs designed to inspire and encourage self-reflection and dialogue in broadening the understanding of the human experience on the CSU Chico campus and beyond. csuchico.edu/anthmuseum. In the Meriam Library on the Chico State University campus, room 180. (530)898-5397.

GLENN COUNTY

Honeybee Discovery Center; Orland. The Honeybee Discovery Center teaches the importance of pollinators, especially honeybees, in the environment. One out of every three bites we eat is thanks to a bee! Learn more about the history of beekeeping and pollinators’ vital role in our food supply through our immersive bee experiences. Our NEW exhibit, BEE-NATOMY 101is now open. Visit us on social media or at honeybeediscoverycenter.org for hours or to book a field trip or tour. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for kids ages 6-12 and Free for kids 5 and under. 501 Walker Street. (530)805-BUZZ.

NEVADA COUNTY

Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park; Nevada City. Visit the 3,000-acre park which encompasses the town of North Bloomfield and the historic Diggins site and is home to California’s largest hydraulic mine. There are many hiking, camping and fishing opportunities in the summer months and snowshoeing in the winter. Check the website for updated weather restrictions and guidelines. sierragoldparksfoundation.org/page/malakoff-diggins-state-historic-park . 23579 North Bloomfield Rd. (530)265-2740.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum; Nevada City. Dedicated to the preservation of local transportation history and artifacts from the narrow-gauge railroad era. Docent-led historical tours of the museum, railyard and restoration shop. See wooden rail cars and more, including an 1875 Baldwin locomotive that hauled lumber, passengers and freight, then became a movie engine at Universal Studios in Hollywood. School and group tours available. Check website for most up to date hours. Free admission. ncngrrmuseum.org. 5 Kidder Ct. (530)470-0902.

OREGON

Medford Railroad Park; Medford. Four railroad clubs operate this 7-acre site featuring full-size train cars, caboose, hopper car, locomotive, HO scale model track and trains and operating outdoor garden railway. Free train rides to see bridges, waterfalls, tunnels and hills. Children love the Thomas the Train loop led by Thomas and Percy. Private train parties available. Open the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month from April thru October. facebook.com/Medfordrailroadpark. 799 Berrydale Ave. (541)613-1638.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center; Baker City. This center tells the story of Oregon Trail pioneers, explorers, miners and settlers of the frontier west Living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits, multimedia presentations, special events and more than four miles of interpretive trails. 1723 Madison St. Free. oregontrail.blm.gov. (541)523-1843.

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum; Ashland. Hands-on exhibits and displays promoting the exploration of science and the arts. A multi-sensory environment for all ages. Summer camps, field trips, birthday parties and other educational programs. scienceworksmuseum.org. 1500 E. Main St. (541)482-6767.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon; Medford. Features exciting indoor exhibits geared towards children ages 13 & under. Offers camps, classes and preschool. tcmso.org. 413 W. Main St. (541)772-9922.

PLACER COUNTY

Maidu Museum & Historic Site; Roseville. Houses interactive exhibits, displays and two art galleries showcasing contemporary California Native American art that changes throughout the year. Hosts a variety of special events, including art receptions, campfires, cultural speakers, petroglyph tours, live music and movie screenings. School programs and group guided tours by reservation. roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum. 1970 Johnson Ranch Dr. (916)774-5934.

PLUMAS COUNTY

Western Pacific Railroad Museum; Portola. Sit in the engineer’s seat of the largest diesel locomotive built, tour vintage passenger cars, climb aboard a restored caboose, tour freight cars and other locomotives. Rent a vintage diesel locomotive to operate on the museum grounds with instruction from private instructor. wplives.org. 700 Western Pacific Way. (530) 832-4131.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY

California Museum; Sacramento. A wide, dynamic range of exhibits about California’s rich history, its diversity and its unique contributions to the world through ideas, innovation, the arts and culture. Interactive experiences. californiamuseum.org. 1020 O St. (916) 653-7524.

California State Railroad Museum; Sacramento. Restored locomotives and train cars along with exhibits reflecting California’s rich railroading history. Tour a Pullman-style sleeping car and a dining car complete with railroad china table settings. Try out a high-speed train simulator and “experience” piloting a modern high-speed train. Train rides, excursions and fun special events. Located within Old Sacramento State Historic Park (National Landmark) with original and reconstructed buildings from the gold rush days. californiarailroad.museum. 111 I St. (916)323-9280.

SHASTA COUNTY

Behrens-Eaton House Museum; Redding. Depicts the life and times of the Victorian and gold rush eras in Northern California, featuring a library of historical data, photos and vintage books, plus antique clothing, furnishings and more. Free. eatonhousemuseum.org. Main House at 1520 West St., Display Museum at 1939 Butte St. (530)241-3454.

Courthouse Museum; Shasta. Part of Shasta State Historic Park, this former county courthouse is restored to its 1861 appearance and filled with historical exhibits. Includes a notable collection of early California artwork. View the remains of brick buildings that were once the center of intense activity during the gold rush era and visit historic roadways, cottages and cemeteries. parks.ca.gov. 15312 Highway 299 W. (6 miles west of Redding). (530)243-8194.

The Museum at Turtle Bay; Redding. The Museum at Turtle Bay is where art, science, history, forestry and horticulture meet with permanent exhibits about our region and changing exhibitions from around the world. Our special Exhibitions Halls have hosted interactive, interesting displays from around the country. Year-round at Turtle Bay you can get up-close and personal at the Visible River Aquarium, take a walk through a reproduction of the Shasta Caverns and learn about the rock formations that make caves unique. Discover more about the lives of the Wintu people that call this area home by visiting the Cedar Bark House in the center of the Museum. Learn more about the Sundial Bridge’s debut on the Sacramento River and take a walk through our Local History Gallery. The Boardwalk between the Museum and Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp winds through a forest of cottonwoods and oaks, well above the seasonal wetland and year-round riparian habitat. Keep an eye out for some of the wild native creatures not part of Turtle Bay’s animal family. Fall/Winter hours until end of April: Wed-Fri 10am-4pm. Closed Sat & Sun. Spring/Summer hours begin May 1: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm. turtlebay.org. 844 Sundial Bridge Dr. (530)243-8850.

Wintu Museum & Cultural Resource Center; Shasta Lake City. A one-of-a-kind community project designed to provide a comprehensive immersion into the Wintu history and culture. Features include a historical timeline, artwork from Native Americans, traditional dug-out canoe, honor wall for Native American veterans and unique activities for children. Field trips available. wintutribe.com. 4755 Shasta Dam Blvd. (530)605-1726.

SISKIYOU COUNTY

Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum & Historical Society. This small museum showcasing Dunsmuir’s history is located in the former Southern Pacific Railroad dispatcher’s office. Features historical artifacts, railroad memorabilia, photographs and a model of the Dunsmuir Roundhouse. Hours are limited. Please check the website for updated information. Free. dunsmuirdepot.com. 5750 Sacramento Ave. (530)235-0839.

Fort Jones Museum Hundreds of artifacts depicting the lives of local tribes, trappers, miners, pioneers and soldiers. Includes fossils, unusual rocks, vintage guns and one of the finest basket collections in Northern California. See carriages, buggies and vintage farm equipment in the carriage house. Free. fortjonesmuseum.com. 11913 Main St. (530)468-5568.

Heritage Junction Museum Of McCloud. Located in a historic 1904 building, the museum offers a large collection of artifacts, including the giant Corliss steam engine that powered the McCloud sawmill from 1903-1979. Features a photograph collection depicting the history of the town and surrounding area. Open from Memorial Day weekend to the end of September, weather permitting. Free. facebook.com/McCloudHeritageJunctionMuseum. 320 Main St. (530)964-2604.

Lava Beds National Monument; Tulelake. The largest concentration of lava tube caves in North America. nps.gov/labe/index.htm. 1 Indian Well HQ. (530)667-8113.

Siskiyou County Museum; Yreka. The Siskiyou County Museum was built in 1950 by the county to preserve the history of the area for future generations. Includes a collection of articles donated by the descendants of early pioneers along with exhibit galleries and an outdoor museum with original and recreated buildings from all over Siskiyou County. co.siskiyou.ca.us/museum. 910 S. Main St. (530) 842-3836.

Mount Shasta Sisson Museum; Mount Shasta. Located in a charming building at the Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery site. Displays, exhibits and special events focused on local history are updated regularly. Children’s activities include a vintage fire truck, a model railroad setup with a locomotive control panel, a lava tube to explore, old-fashioned toys and more. Gift shop features a great book selection, unique gift items and children’s toys. Class field trips available by appointment. Open Thur-Mon 10am-4pm until Dec 15.  mtshastamuseum.com. 1 N. Old Stage Rd. (530)926-5508.

Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum. Logging and town memorabilia, a jail cell and many interesting artifacts. weedlumbertownmuseum.org. 303 Gilman Ave. (530)938-0550.

TEHAMA COUNTY

Gaumer’s Mineral & Mining Museum; Red Bluff. Learn about gold mining, fossils, Native American artifacts, rocks, crystals and fluorescent minerals. Free. gaumers.com. 78 Belle Mill Rd. (530)527-6166.

Tehama County Museum; Tehama. Exhibits of artifacts that represent the cultural heritage of Tehama County. Private tours and group tours by appt. Free. facebook.com/tehamacountymuseum 275 C St. (530)384-2595.

William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park; Red Bluff. The park memorializes pioneer William B. Ide and other settlers who contributed to California history. Visitor center, old adobe home, blacksmith shop and fun historic reenactment events and hands-on educational programs. StoryWalks scheduled throughout the summer and fall. Enjoy a picnic along the Sacramento River. Search William B. Ide Adobe SHP on Facebook or parks.ca.gov. 21659 Adobe Rd. (530)529-8599.

 

BUTTE COUNTY

Cathy’s Sew & Vac; Chico. Lessons in machine sewing, quilting, machine embroidery and more. cathyssewandvac.com. 2418 Cohasset Rd. (530)895-8055.

SewClassy; Chico. Individual or group sewing lessons for children and adults. Start with the basics of pattern-reading, fabric cutting and construction or get more advanced coaching. facebook.com/SewClassyChico/about/?_rdr. (530)513-8412.

SHASTA COUNTY

Redding Fashion Alliance; Sewing classes from beginning (learn all the basics) to advanced (tailoring). They provide the materials, you provide the creativity. Students are also welcome to bring their own fabrics. reddingfashionalliance.org/classes– workshops.htm. 1698 Market Street. 530-276-0458.

BUTTE COUNTY

Birdcage Theatre; Oroville. Training & education for young people and adults in the performing arts and theater tech. birdcagetheatre.org. 1740 Bird St. (530)282-5603.

Butte College Theatre; Oroville. Butte College’s Drama program strives to offer as many opportunities for students to study and experience the theater arts as possible. The program is dedicated to providing a high-quality education with a safe and supportive center for artistic development. Diverse curriculum emphasizes the discipline of teamwork and prepares students for academic and professional transfer. butte.edu/drama. 3536 Butte Campus Dr. (530)893-7444.

CSU Chico Music and Theatre Dept; Chico. The mission of the Department of Music and Theatre is to provide our students with opportunities to excel through disciplined study and practice in high-quality facilities, classes, performance ensembles and productions. csuchico.edu/muta/. (530)898-5152.

Chico Theater Company. Community theater for youth & adults. Special children’s plays. chicotheatercompany.com. 166 Eaton Rd., Suite F. (530)894-3282.

Not Your Garden Variety Theatre Company; Chico. Geared for children and teens with autism, a 6-wk summer program helping ages 4-17 learn new ways to express and interpret emotions, build friendships and strengthen group participation skills. littleredhen.org/pages/lifespan-center. 2418 Cohasset Rd, Suite 150. (530)897-0900.

StageCoach Youth Theater at Theatre on The Ridge; Paradise. Ages 7-14. Students explore the creative process in a theater arts program offered by Theatre on the Ridge, the oldest California community theater north of Sacramento. Basic and advanced classes build skills in acting, music and dance while promoting self-expression and collaboration. totr.org. 3735 Neal Rd. (530)877-5760.

SHASTA COUNTY

Axiom Repertory Theatre; Redding. Children’s Summer Program. axreptheatre.com. 2613 Bechelli Lane. boxoffice@axreptheatre.com. (530)605-0500.

Redding Performing Arts Center; Redding. Offers semester-long theater programs for a variety of age groups, kindergarten through high school. Courses are designed for beginners and experienced young actors. Fosters a nurturing and supportive classroom environment where students are asked to take risks and step outside their comfort zones. Improvisation, audition technique and beginning scene work are used to expand students’ acting and character development skills. Through rehearsal and performance of plays and musicals, students establish their own work within the larger framework of storytelling and develop skills to tell stories that are meaningful, connected and worth telling. This experience and exposure to storytelling through theater is designed to foster a life-long appreciation for the arts, and develop life skills that extend beyond the classroom. reddingpac.com. reddingpac.com. 3274 & 3266 Bechelli Ln. (530)276-8283.

The Redding Arts Project – School of Theatre and Dance; Redding. Offers performing arts education in theater (including a summer theater academy) and dance disciplines, including musical theater, ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and folk. Official training school of Redding Ballet Theatre and Redding Theatre Company. All levels and ages. TheReddingArtsProject.com. 1726 Market St. (530)245-1019.

SISKIYOU COUNTY

Kenneth W. Ford Theatre; Weed. The COS Theatre program is dedicated to the advancement of the theater arts, through traditional study and performance, and to the development of new theatrical ventures. We prepare students for further study and for an ever-changing profession. siskiyous.edu/theatre. College of the Siskiyous; 800 College Ave. theatre@siskiyous.edu. (530)938-5206.

Shasta Studios & Mount Shasta Children’s Theatre; Mount Shasta.  All ages. A professional academy for music, dance and children’s theater. Voice lessons, children’s theater classes, summer camp and performance opportunities. shastastudios.net. 108 Old McCloud Rd. (530)235-6222.

BUTTE COUNTY

Ama Posey Studios; Chico. All ages and abilities. Weekly kids classes and art camps.  Progressive visual arts program for kids TK-18, all abilities. Adult art events, Paint + Sips and art workshops. amaposey.com. 325 Main Street. hello@amaposey.com. (530)736-3673.

Chico Art Center; Chico. All ages. Weekly art classes offered year-round. Students learn the basics of drawing and painting using different mediums, with an emphasis on fun. Drop-ins welcome. chicoartcenter.com. 450 Orange St., Suite 6. (530)895-8726.

Chico Art School & Gallery; Chico. Enjoy creating art in a fun and supportive environment. Students will learn the basics of drawing and painting working with various mediums, including charcoal, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil or pastel. Summer camps, birthday parties. Teacher, Janet Lombardi Blixt, has been voted Best Local Artist for over ten years. Age 7+. All levels. Weekly art lessons offered year round. chicoartschool.com. Visit us at facebook.com/ChicoArtSchoolandGallery.  261 E. 3rd St. janet@chicoartschool.com. (530)570-3895.

Paint Parties by Dawn; Paradise. Dawn will help you and your friends/family “blend” your way to a masterpiece. Both in-studio and mobile paint parties. All types of surfaces; canvas, wood, porch leaners, door hangers, tumblers, screens, make and take ceramics, wood cuts and more. Something different for a girls’ night out, birthday party, school or work event. paintpartiesbydawn.com. 5923 Clark Road Suite 1. (530)570-8372.

SHASTA COUNTY

Art Lab at Turtle Bay Exploration Park; Redding. Every person is a creative person! Join us for Art Lab, an exciting art-inspired program held on the 4th Saturday of every month at Turtle Bay Exploration Park hosted by the education department. Drop-in activities are available from 11a. – 2pm in Zubie’s Classroom. Free for members, included with paid Park admission. 844 Sundial Bridge Dr. fieldtrips@turtlebay.org. (530)242-3108.

Redding Performing Arts Center Kids Art Classes; Redding. Students can explore and discover their own creativity in one of our all-inclusive kids’ art classes. Classes for first through eighth grades. reddingpac.com

Shasta County Arts Council; Redding. All ages. Shasta County Arts Council sponsors Artists on Market, a weekly arts & fine crafts street fair held April through October outside Old City Hall every Friday, 10am-2pm. Shastaartscouncil.org. Old City Hall Arts Center, 1313 Market St. (530)241-7320.

SISKIYOU COUNTY

Bella Art Works & Ice Cream Parlor; Yreka. Offers glass-fusing classes and ceramics painting (glaze your own premade ceramic pieces). Mosaics and canvas painting classes. Great for kids’ parties or girls’ night out. Ice cream parlor, gourmet grilled cheese, salads and soups. bellaartworks.net. 117 W. Miner St. (530)842-5411.

Liberty Arts Explorations Program; Yreka. Grades K-12. 90-minute educational arts program with gallery experience. Providing binders full of art materials for Siskiyou students to enjoy from home. libertyartsyreka.org. 108 W. Miner St. (530)842-0222.

Siskiyou Arts Museum; Dunsmuir. Art gallery and gift shop. Strives to enrich the lives of artists, residents and visitors to Siskiyou County through exhibition, sale and interpretation of the visual, literary and performing arts by presenting programs and events that will educate, strengthen, serve and sustain our community. siskiyouartsmuseum.org. 5824 Dunsmuir Ave. siskiyouartsmuseum@gmail.com. (530)235-4711.

TEHAMA COUNTY

Tehama County Department of Education Makerspace; Red Bluff. Built around the belief that learning can be meaningful and fun, provides hands-on activities to engage students while practicing their 21st century skills (focusing primarily on the engineering design process with emphasis on persisting, thinking flexibly, creating, imagining, innovating and thinking interdependently). Field trips for teachers throughout the school year and community workshops during school breaks. bit.ly/tcdemakers. 1135 Lincoln St. squigley@tehamaschools.org. (530)528-7310.

Red Bluff Art Gallery; Red Bluff. Currently offering free and accessible online exhibitions, including local artists. redbluffartgallery.com. director@redbluffartgallery.com. (530)529-1332.

City of Chico Arts Commission; Chico. Works to maintain Chico as an arts and culture destination through a public art program, arts funding, arts promotion and marketing. Provides Mini-Arts grants to artists, sponsors Artoberfest; a month long celebration of arts and culture. chico.ca.us/arts-culture. 411 Main St., 3rd Floor. (530)896-7251.

Chico Visual Arts Alliance (ChiVAA); An umbrella art organization dedicated tosupporting  artists and building community. Hosts the Chico ART Festival Mother’sDay weekend and  publishes an artists map & directory. chivaa.org.

Museum of Northern California Art (monca); Chico. Housed in the former Veterans Memorial Hall, displays rotating exhibits to make art accessible and promote awareness of Northern California artists. $5/adults; children free. monca.org. 900 Esplanade. (530)487-7272.

Shasta County Arts Council (SCAC); Redding. Supports arts education and events for all ages in Shasta County. Projects include the SCAC Gallery & Art Center, SCACtv, First Fridays with live music, art-related workshops, children’s art classes & events and more. shastaartscouncil.org. Old City Hall, 1313 Market St. (530)241-7320.

Siskiyou County Arts Council; Mount Shasta. Cultivates strong and creative communities in Siskiyou County through programming such as the SCRAPS Art Cart, Poetry Out Loud, Emergency Preparedness in the Arts, Art RADIO, Art Drop which drops art supplies in remote communities, USPS Collaborative Arts Project, California Creative Corp and supporting grassroots community initiatives through fiscal sponsorship. siskiyouarts.org. contact@siskiyouarts.org. (530)918-8380.

The Tehama County Arts Council (TCAC); Red Bluff. Supports and promotes the arts in Tehama County, networks with artists and art organizations and sponsors events to inspire art ists of all ages. Offers children’s performances with the Missoula Children’s Theatre, Poetry Out Loud, and a Student Art  Contest.  Sponsors free memberships for young artists.  Community events include the annual Art Walk, Cowboy Poetry Recitations and Holiday Art Show. A variety of art  classes offered in the art studio. Monthly art  exhibits and receptions held in theTehama Art s Gallery, 328 Oak St.,Red Bluff. http://www.tehamaarts.org ,tcacarts@gmail.com, (530) 278-5691.

Velvet Elephant Art Center and Fair Trade Emporium; Mt. Shasta.  Offers a full line of fine art supplies, an ever-changing variety of Fair Trade handcrafts and a selection of award-winning board games, puzzles, coloring books and creative activity kits. We also offer a selection of ethically produced handcrafted merchandise from around the world, including woodcarvings, metalwork and small sculptures, clothing and accessories, handmade puzzles, toys, housewares and much more. Fair Trade items are not only beautiful, high-quality and affordable, but they allow the conscious consumer to promote greater economic justice and dignity for artisans and producers in small communities worldwide. When you buy Fair Trade, you give others the opportunity to earn the real value of their labor while supporting community development and environmental sustainability. velvetelephant.com/store_and_gallery 207 North Mt. Shasta Blvd. (530) 926-2297.

Butte County

Athletic Horizons Gymnastics Center; Chico. Your party participants will have a bouncing good time enjoying a variety of energetic games and activities facilitated by a trained gymnastics instructor. Obstacle course, trampolines, music, tables and chairs provided. Parties available Saturday and Sunday. athletichorizons.com. 415 Otterson Dr., Suite 70. (530) 893-4967.

Azad’s Martial Arts; Chico. Parents can relax while kids enjoy a fun, action-packed birthday with high-energy martial arts, games and team challenges. Party options include setup, invitations, entertainment and cleanup. azadsmartialarts.com. 313 Walnut St., Suite 150. (530) 892-2923.

Caper Acres in Bidwell Park; Chico. This fairy tale-themed playground near Sycamore Pool features the Crooked House play structure, pirate ship playground and Humpty Dumpty sandbox. Two fairy rings can be reserved free of charge in three-hour increments for birthday parties. No bounce houses are allowed. chico.ca.us/Our-Community/Parks-Recreation-and-Experience-the-Outdoors/Bidwell-Park/Caper-Acres. 500 South Park Drive. (530) 896-7200.

Chico Art School & Gallery; Chico. Children can celebrate with a two-hour art lesson in a fun, supportive environment. Partygoers learn the basics of drawing or painting and create a finished watercolor painting. Party themes are encouraged. Up to eight children; rates start at $150. chicoartschool.com. 261 E. 3rd St. (530) 570-3895.

Chico Cat Café; Chico. Celebrate with wonderful rescue cats, take home some cat ears and perhaps meet a new best friend. See the website for details; some age restrictions apply. ChicoCatCafe.com. 1725 Esplanade. (530) 855-0542.

Chico Children’s Museum; Chico. A private party space of more than 500 square feet lets you host the celebration your way. Bring decorations, food and party props; refrigerator, tables and chairs are provided. Guests also have access to the museum. Saturday and Sunday parties are available at selected times and after hours. chicochildrensmuseum.org. 325 Main St. (530) 809-1492.

Chico Creatives; Chico. Create and celebrate with canvas painting, watercolor, beading and other fun crafts. Each artist leaves with a masterpiece, with time for snacks and cake in a colorful creative space. Chico-Creative.com. 305 Wall St. (530) 213-3713.

Chico Creek Dance; Chico. Ballet-themed parties can include a 45-minute ballet class, a visit from a ballerina in a beautiful tutu, story time, a craft and use of a party room. Art-themed parties are also available in the Art Room, with options for different party sizes and budgets. chicocreekdance.com. 1144 W. 1st St. (530) 893-9028.

Chico Creek Nature Center; Chico. Birthday parties for ages 3–11 include a Meet Our Animals experience inside the Living Animal Museum, where children meet three different animals, learn about them and enjoy an up-close look. Reserve online or call. chicorec.com/birthday-parties. 545 Vallombrosa Ave. (530) 891-4711.

Chico Princess Parties; Chico. Professional character entertainment serving Butte and Tehama counties, with event photography, face painting and princess hair stations. Call the fairy godmothers to book. chicoprincessparties.com. Chico Marketplace. (530) 809-5464.

Chico Racquet Club; Chico. Private parties can use a large outdoor, lighted covered party area and enjoy club amenities including the pool, giant hot tub, bocce ball, beach volleyball, tennis and dedicated pickleball courts. Days and times are limited. chicoracquetclub.com/party-rentals. 629 Manzanita Avenue. kevincrc@att.net. (530) 895-1881.

Durham Community Park; Durham. This 24-acre park shaded by valley oaks includes picnic tables, a playground, basketball courts, riding arena and two baseball fields. Reservable picnic sites include two tables and a small barbecue and start at $55 for 20–30 people. durhamrecreation.recdesk.com. 1847 Durham-Dayton Hwy. DurhamRecAdmin@Durhamrec.com. (530) 345-1921.

Forebay Aquatic Center; Oroville. Birthday packages can include kayaks, hydro bikes, floating islands and a beach cart stocked with toys and games for a beach party. Staff can help plan an aquatic gathering at North Forebay State Recreation Area. forebayaquaticcenter.com. North Forebay State Recreation Area, 930 Garden Drive. aqautics.education@gmail.com. (530) 774-7934.

Funland & Cal Skate of Chico; Chico. Party packages for kids of all ages can include a party room, decorations and party specialist, with options such as roller skating, miniature golf, batting cages, arcade time, glow/black-light themes, bounce house, treat bags, pizza, ice cream cake and more. funlandchico.com. 2465 Carmichael Dr. (530) 343-1602.

Kinetics Academy of Dance; Chico. Two-hour parties include a hostess, take-home craft, guided activities, setup and cleanup. Options include themed dance and tea parties, princess, fairy, Fancy Nancy and hip-hop themes, plus gymnastics parties with a short lesson and free-play time. kineticsacademyofdance.com. 627 Broadway St., Suite 100. (530) 345-2505.

Oroville YMCA; Oroville. Celebrate with a heated outdoor pool, indoor facility or both. A lifeguard is included with pool rental and staff is on site for assistance. Pool parties are available on weekends; indoor facility rentals are available Friday evenings and weekends. ymcasuperiorcal.org/OrovilleYMCA. 1684 Robinson St. (530) 533-9622.

Paint Parties by Dawn; Paradise. In-studio and mobile paint parties offer projects on canvas, wood, porch leaners, door hangers, tumblers, screens, make-and-take ceramics, wood cuts and more. paintpartiesbydawn.com. 5923 Clark Road, Suite I. (530) 570-8372.

Rare Air Trampoline Park; Chico. Enjoy 10,000 square feet of trampoline space plus a rock wall, airbag pit and battle beam. Packages include a party room, napkins, plates, drinks, setup and cleanup, with extras such as pizza, additional jump time, tokens and goodie bags available. rareairpark.com. 1090 E. 20th Street. (530) 433-5557.

Stanley Stables; Chico. Birthday celebrations can include horseback rides, crafts, games, barrel-cart rides and time with the animals while also supporting the ranch’s community Equine Ministries. stanleystableschico.com. 1342 Stanley Ave. (831) 214-8960.

Terrain Park Climbing Center; Chico. Party packages include two hours in a reserved party room, access to the giant indoor play structure, rental gear for climbing walls, an upstairs game lounge and staff assistance. A dedicated toddler play area is available for younger climbers. terrainparkclimbingcenter.com. 931 W. 5th St., Suite 100. (530) 809-0796.

Glenn County

Lely Park; Orland. Orland’s premier park is home to the Splash Pad and Recreation Center, with reservable picnic areas, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, baseball and softball fields, public restrooms and a three-story children’s playground with a popular zip line. orlandrec.recdesk.com/Community/Facility. 975 East South Street. (530) 865-1630.

Lollipop Land Picnic Area; Orland. Four small round tables can be reserved for parties, with two barbecues, a playground and swing set nearby. Restrooms are available in neighboring Vinsonhaler Park. Reservations must be submitted at least five days before the event. orlandrec.recdesk.com/Community/Facility. Shasta Street and A Street. (530) 865-1630.

Orland City Pool; Orland. Open June through August, the pool is available for private rentals Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons and evenings. Reservations can be made online. orlandrec.recdesk.com/Community/Facility. 120 Roosevelt Avenue. (530) 865-1630.

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge; Willows. Begin with the six-mile auto loop from the visitor center, with wildlife viewing stops and a multi-level viewing platform. Tables and restrooms are available, along with a two-mile wetland walk and seasonal trails. A fun setting for a birthday scavenger hunt with a small group of children. fws.gov/refuge/sacramento. 752 County Road 99W. (530) 934-2801.

Shasta County

Bricks & Minifigs Redding; Redding. Celebrate in a world of creativity and fun with LEGO-themed parties designed to provide a memorable birthday experience. bricksandminifigs.com/redding-ca/. 60 Hartnell Ave. (530) 255-8112.

Caldwell Park; Redding. Features a free, lighted skate park plus baseball fields, basketball court, soccer and softball fields, walking trails, barbecue, benches, turf area, picnic tables and playground. Picnic tables can be reserved online. reddingrecreation.org. 58 Quartz Hill Road. info@reddingrecreation.org.

Charlew’s Tap House Pizza Pasta Grill; Anderson. Choose Charlew’s Adventure Room for a birthday celebration. Parties are available seven days a week in scheduled two-hour time slots. charlews.com. 1901 CA-273. (530) 378-1110.

Country Bowl; Redding. Host a birthday with bowling, food and drinks. Party packages offer unlimited bowling for strikingly good fun and memories for everyone. countrybowl.com. 2615 Bechelli Lane. (530) 223-1080.

Fantasy Fountain; Redding. Beat the heat with a summer party featuring an erupting fountain and other water features. The shaded pavilion can be reserved, with the fountain available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. cityofredding.org. Enterprise Community Park, 4300 Victor Avenue. (530) 225-4095.

Matrix Cards & Games; Redding. Offers catered Dungeons & Dragons birthday experiences, with no prior experience required. Call the shop about hosting an epic-level birthday. matrixcardsandgames.gg. 1185 Hilltop Drive. (530) 222-1436.

McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay; Redding. More than 200 acres of native and non-native trees and plants include the Children’s Garden and Mosaic Oasis, a whimsical water feature with ornamental fountain and play structure. First come, first served or call to reserve. turtlebay.org/gardens. 1125 Arboretum Dr. (530) 242-3111.

Ninja Birthday Parties; Redding. Two-hour private parties include a ninja trainer to demonstrate and supervise obstacles plus a party host. Plates, napkins, tablecloths and silverware are provided, and the birthday child receives an NCHQ T-shirt. ninjacoalition.com. Mt. Shasta Mall. (530) 605-3329.

Rare Air Trampoline Park; Redding. Active parties feature 10,000 square feet of trampoline space, an airbag pit and trapeze court. Packages include a party room, supplies, drinks, setup and cleanup, with optional pizza, extra jump time, tokens and goodie bags. rareairpark.com. 3625 Old 44 Dr. (530) 221-1206.

Redding Aquatic Center; Redding. Summer party-space rentals are available for families who already have their celebration planned and need a location. Rental does not include admission or staff assistance. reddingrecreation.org. 44 Quartz Hill Road. info@reddingrecreation.org. Office: (530) 225-4095; Pool: (530) 225-7247.

Redding Parks; Redding. The City of Redding has dozens of parks suitable for birthday parties, with amenities including picnic areas, benches, sports fields, green spaces, playgrounds, river walks and hiking. See the website for individual parks and reservation information. reddingrecreation.org. (530) 225-4095.

Redding Reptiles; Redding. An hour-long hands-on reptile adventure lets guests explore reptiles from around the world, including a Green Anaconda, Albino Burmese Python, Black Throat Monitor and more. Parties are held in-store and are fun for all ages. ReddingReptiles.com. 74 Lake Blvd. (530) 338-2446.

Sensory Innovations; Redding. Two-hour parties include setup assistance, refrigerator and freezer access, use of all sensory rooms and cleanup. Additional add-ons are available. Sensoryinnovations.org. 20 Hilltop Dr., Suite A. (530) 780-5559.

Serene Ranch; Cottonwood. Birthday dreams come to life with horses. Book a unicorn or knight-themed party for cowgirls, cowboys, princes or princesses. The ranch can bring a horse to you or host your group on site, and everyone gets to ride. 3871 Rancho Estates Road. sereneranchnorcal@gmail.com. (530) 440-1808.

Shasta Rock Club; Redding. Indoor rock-climbing birthday experiences for ages 5 and up feature energetic activities, games and challenges led by experienced staff. Packages include up to 1.5 hours of supervised climbing and a reserved table. shastarockclub.com. 2325 Athens Ave. (530) 691-4505.

Taste and See Creamery – Hilltop Drive; Redding. Celebrate with adventurous ice cream made from scratch using premium dairy and fine ingredients, with creative takes on traditional flavors. tasteandseecreamery.com. 930 Hilltop Dr. (530) 768-1900.

Taste and See Creamery – Market Street; Redding. Celebrate with adventurous ice cream made from scratch using premium dairy and fine ingredients, with creative takes on traditional flavors. tasteandseecreamery.com. 1419 Market St. (530) 605-0506.

The Redding Arts Project – School of Theatre and Dance; Redding. Parties can include a 45-minute themed dance class, story time, a craft, gourmet cupcakes and a balloon bouquet. Setup and cleanup can be handled for you, and studio spaces are also available for private rentals. thereddingartsproject.com. 1726 Market Street. (530) 245-1019.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park; Redding. Birthday parties can include animal shows, traveling exhibitions, towering playgrounds, indoor aquariums, the immersive Parrot Playhouse and more. Choose from multiple locations to reserve and use as your party home base while exploring the park. turtlebay.org. 844 Sundial Bridge Dr. events@turtlebay.org. (530) 319-3452.

WaterWorks Park; Redding. Birthday offerings include all-day reserved seating, express check-in, an exclusive shaded party area, discounted food and drink rates and a special surprise for the birthday child. Cabanas are also available. waterworkspark.com. 151 N. Boulder Dr. (530) 246-9550.

Siskiyou County

Bella Art Works & Ice Cream Parlor; Yreka. Guests of all ages can paint pottery or canvas and enjoy BJ’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream. Parties include two hours with a party assistant, themed backdrops and decorations, setup and cleanup, drinks and a souvenir for the guest of honor. bellaartworks.net. 117 W. Miner St. (530) 842-5411.

Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens; Dunsmuir. Located in Dunsmuir City Park, the gardens encompass 10 acres of wooded hillside and meadow. Playground and picnic sites border the Upper Sacramento River. Admission is free; call to reserve a picnic site for birthdays and special events. dunsmuirbotanicalgardens.org. 4841 Dunsmuir Avenue. (530) 926-2494.

Greenhorn Park; Yreka. The City of Yreka maintains parks and recreational spaces where picnic areas can be reserved for birthday parties. See the city website for reservation information. ci.yreka.ca.us/204/Parks-and-Resources. (530) 841-2386.

Siskiyou Ice Rink; Mount Shasta. Kids of all ages can enjoy birthday fun on the ice at this NHL-size rink at the foot of Mt. Shasta. Picnic benches are available for birthday goodies and snacks, with affordable skate rentals. The rink is seasonal; check weather and operating conditions before making the trip. msrec.org/ice-rink. Shastice Park, 800 Rockfellow Dr. (530) 926-2494; rink: (530) 926-1715.

Tehama County

Athletics Unlimited Red Bluff; Red Bluff. Two-hour birthday parties include a party room for treats and celebration plus the gym floor for children to run, play, climb and tumble. Upgrades can include light coaching and prizes. portal.iclasspro.com/athleticsunlimited. 446 Antelope Blvd. (530) 410-8863.

Corning City Parks; Corning. Nine city-maintained parks offer playgrounds, picnic facilities, walking trails, sports facilities and stationary fitness stations. See the website for individual parks and amenities, and call to reserve a party spot. corning.org/parks. (530) 824-7036.

Flare Dance and Acrobatics; Red Bluff. Rent one of two dance studios and customize the celebration with themed decorations, guest appearances from a favorite character, crafts, a dance lesson and more. igniteyourflare.com. 446 Walnut St. (530) 255-4180.

Mill Creek Resort; Mill Creek. Celebrate with an outdoor adventure where kids can roam, splash in the creek and enjoy nature. Birthday packages are available for different group sizes and can include outdoor activities, playful décor and planning support. millcreekresort.net. 40271 Highway 172. inquiries@millcreekresort.net. (530) 595-4449.

Tehama County River Park at Woodson Bridge; Corning. This 14-acre Sacramento River park has river access, accessible picnic tables, food-prep areas, barbecue grills, playgrounds, restrooms and parking. Power and a barbecue wagon are available at picnic areas for additional fees. Call or visit the website to reserve picnic tables. co.tehama.ca.us/government/departments/parks/tehama-county-river-park. 25340 South Avenue. (530) 528-1111.

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