North State Parent magazine

Preschool Storytime - Redding Library
2026-08-21 10:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Redding Library, 1100 Parkview Ave, Redding, CA, United States
Join us Fridays at 10:30am for stories, songs, and more. Learn early literacy skills and activities you can take home to help your little one get ready for school and develop a love of reading. This program is geared towards three to five year olds and their adults. (30 minute program)

Fantasy Fountain (Redding)
2026-08-21 10:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-20 10:00 - 20:00 | Kids Kingdom, 4000 Victor Ave, Redding, United States
Weekend goals: Visit Fantasy Fountain at Enterprise Park! With temperatures expected to reach the 90s on Saturday and Sunday, it’s a great time to enjoy one of Redding’s most popular amenities.

Fantasy Fountain is currently open on weekends only, from 10 am to 8 pm, through Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

Beginning Memorial Day, Fantasy Fountain will be open daily from 10 am to 8 pm through Labor Day.

From Labor Day through the end of September, Fantasy Fountain will return to a weekends-only schedule, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Forebay Aquatic Center Rentals: Open for the 2026 Season
2026-08-21 10:00 - 19:00 | Forebay Aquatic Center, 930 Garden Dr, Oroville, CA, 95965, United States
We are currently accepting Spring 2026 reservations for private parties, special events, river trips, and fieldtrips.
We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 7pm for boat and equipment rentals through Labor Day!
We have a wide variety of boats and equipment available as well as packages for larger groups and parties.
Check out our website for full list, pricing, and details and follow us for on social media for upcoming events and promotions!

Historic Homestead Tour
2026-08-21 10:00 - 16:00 | William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park, 21659 Adobe Road, Red Bluff, CA, 96080, United States
Step Back in Time at the Historic Homestead! Join us for a guided tour inside our historic adobe home and explore what life was like for early pioneers.
Tour Details:
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Available upon request during visitor center hours
• No extra charge for tours!

Visitor Center Hours:
Friday–Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Parking Fees:
• $6 for regular vehicles
• $5 for seniors

Come explore history with us this weekend!

Dance or Gymnastics Summer Passes
2026-08-21 09:30 - 20:00, 2026-08-20 09:30 - 20:00 | Kinetics Academy of Dance and Gymnastics, 627 Broadway St. Ste. 100, Chico, CA, 95928, United States
Get your move on all summer long with our exclusive unlimited pass. Choose from a variety of dance options with our All-You-Can -Dance Pass or get lots of gymnastics practice with our All-You-Can Flip Pass. Enjoy the freedom to drop into any or all available classes throughout the season. Changes in class availability can happen. Any updates will be conveniently emailed to you. Class appropriate attire must be worn. Please check our website for attire for each class.

Sacramento River Discovery Center Field Trips
2026-08-21 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-20 09:00 - 13:00 | Sacramento River Discovery Center, 1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, 96080, United States
Looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience that’s both fun and educational? Look no further than The Sacramento River Discovery Center Inc in the Red Bluff Recreation area! The entire family will love learning about nature and finding out facts about plants and animals and ways to help take care of the environment.
Our center is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that offers a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening in our native drought-tolerant garden and water conservation, while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to camp, play disc golf, or picnic with family and friends, we have something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the stunning local beauty of nature at the Sacramento River Discovery Center Inc. and learn how to conserve our precious resources.
Call today to book your field trip! 530-527-1196 Mon-Fri 9am-1pm.
Bird Walk – 1st Saturday of the month at 9am. Meet Mr. Ben Hughes & Dr. Danke in the parking lot by the visitor’s center.

Friends and Family Nature Walk: Sensing the Seasons - Summer Water Wonder!
2026-08-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Singing Rock Ranch, 1620 Lombardi Road, Mount Shasta, United States
Join us for a morning of exploration around the waterways at the beautiful Singing Rock Ranch through hands-on observation, looking for macroinvertebrates, and spending time relaxing and nature journaling by the creek. All ages are welcome!

Swim Lessons (Chico)
2026-08-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD), 545 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
Whether you have a first-time swimmer or competitive athlete, we’ve got something for everyone to splash about! Explore Private Lessons where your swimmer will have individually tailored one-on-one swim instruction or Group Lessons where your swimmer will join a class of 4-8 swimmers of their same age and level to participate in fun, engaging swim activities together.
If your swimmer does not meet both the age and skill prerequisites for any group class, you may be a good fit for our private lessons!
We have a fin-tastic lineup of classes so you can find the perfect fit for your swimmer:
Private Adaptive Swim Lessons (Ages 3–12)
Private Swim Lessons (Ages 3+)
Preschool Level Swim Lessons (Ages 3–5)
Level 1 (Ages 5–9)
Level 2 (Ages 6–10)
Level 3 (Ages 7–11)
Level 4 (Ages 8–12)
Ready to dive in? Register online or stop by 545 Vallombrosa Avenue — we can’t wait to see you in the water!

Parent Powered Texting: Evidence Based Family Engagement
2026-08-21 | CA
First 5 Siskiyou, in collaboration with Siskiyou Behavioral Health – MHSA, is excited about our partnership with
ParentPowered Texting — providing a FREE resource for families with children from birth to 14 years!
ParentPowered is designed to empower parents, caregivers, and educators with simple, accessible insights that they can integrate into everyday teachable moments. This evidence-based text messaging program provides engaging tips for families to help students continue to learn at home. Parents and caregivers receive fun facts and easy ideas on how to promote their children’s development by building on existing family routines. The curriculum is designed to strengthen the protective factors, which are five characteristics or strengths that act to mitigate risks and
buffer the effects of trauma.
SIGNING UP IS EASY! Just text SISKIYOU to 70138
For more information, visit our Event Website link.

Whitt Hall Fire House Museum Tours
2026-08-21 | Whitt Hall Fire House Museum, 835 Cedar Street, Red Bluff, 96080, United States
Schedule a tour of Red Bluff’s very own historic firehouse – complete with vintage fire trucks and tons of historical items. This is a treat for the whole family!
Tours are free, donations are appreciated.
To schedule your tour, please call (530) 527-1126. We look forward to seeing you!

Family Dynamics Resource Center
2026-08-21 | CA
Family Dynamics Resource Center (FDRC) is a non-profit organization that provides multiple services to the Shasta County community. FDRC has multiple locations and offers counseling services for individuals, couples and children. Additionally, Family Dynamics provides Triple P parenting classes, teen group and FRESH classes for the community.
Our mission is to reduce incidences of child maltreatment through positive parent education and interventions; to help strengthen the bonds between parents and children.
*Multiple locations in Redding and Weed — visit our Event Website link for more info and resources today

Downton Chico Thursday Night Market
2026-08-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Chico, 338 Broadway St, Chico, CA, 95928, United States
The Thursday Night Market returns to Downtown Chico, bringing warm evenings to life with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the community. Each week, downtown transforms into a vibrant open-air marketplace filled with local vendors, farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and live entertainment.
Stroll through the lively streets, meet friends for dinner, shop local makers, and enjoy everything downtown Chico has to offer.
When: Every Thursday, April 10 – September 25Where: Broadway (2nd–4th Street), surrounding side streets, and City Plaza
Highlights Include:
100+ local vendors
Certified farmers market (Broadway between 2nd & 3rd)
Art Block featuring local artists (3rd Street between Broadway & Salem)
Locals Lane with downtown businesses (3rd Street between Broadway & Main)
Live entertainment, including musicians and performers
Handmade goods, art, clothing, and jewelry
Family-friendly activities in City Plaza
Downtown shops and restaurants open late
This is a rain-or-shine event (canceled only if temperatures exceed 110°F). Per California health regulations, pets are not allowed; service animals are permitted.
Make it your weekly tradition to connect with the community, discover something new, and celebrate everything that makes Chico special.
For more information or vendor details, visit downtownchico.com.

Northstate Ukulele Club (Redding)
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Fairway Oaks Mobile Estates, 20350 Hole in 1 Dr, Redding, 96002, United States
Strum, sing, and jam with us at Ukulele Club! Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned player, all ages and all instruments are welcome. We meet every first and third Thursday of the month to practice, collaborate, and create music together in a fun, relaxed setting.

Water Wonders
2026-08-20 14:30 - 15:00 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
Explore the wonders of our local Sacramento River. Animal Trainers will guide you into the ecosystem of this Riparian habitat through fun interpretive talks with animals who call it their home. Come hear a different topic each time. Topics include river ecology, beaver, salmon, turtles, and amphibians.

Every Wednesday and Thursday in front of the Visible River Aquarium.
2:30-2:45 Now through Sept 3
Free for Members | Included with admission

Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed
2026-08-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
For the first time, Gateway welcomes Dinosaurs to the Museum!
This nationwide traveling exhibit explores the bones and fossils belonging to giant creatures who once roamed the Earth. Visitors are invited to touch full dinosaur skeletal replicas including a Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor. Replica skulls, arms, legs, eggs, footprints and a 6-foot-1 Apatosaurus femur continue the exploration. Dig boxes offer budding paleontologists the tools needed to unearth dinosaur bones in an interactive way.
Opening August 14, 2026! Until January 2, 2027
Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed was conceptualized by the Arkansas Discovery Network and comes to us from the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock Arkansas. Your donation goes directly to the exhibit rental fee and associated educational programs we are planning for fall.
Sponsorships Available
We thank our Legacy Sponsors William Hassenzahl, Marcia Moore, and the Judy Sitton Family. Additional contributions from Joan Stewart and Jeff and Diana Lobosky.
We invite you to join them!
Donate now!

Gateway Museum at California State, Chico
2026-08-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926, United States
Ever changing and engaging science exhibits. Check their website for current and upcoming exhibits.
Visit Gateway Gardens, a thriving “biodiversity hotspot.” Immersive native plant exhibits highlights California’s diverse flora and habitats, demonstrates drought-tolerant systems in one of the warmest spots on campus, provides resources for local wildlife, and serves as a study-ground for university and high school student researchers. Edible Garden showcases small-scale food-growing strategies. Discover nearly 200 species thriving in Gateway Gardens, a gem and refuge in the community!

Adults: $10.00
Youth (ages 3-17): $5.00
Ages 0-2: free admission!
Chico State and Butte College students: free admission!
Gateway members: free admission!
Museums for All Beneficiaries: $3.00

Gateway Science Museum is a proud participant in Museums for All a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Visitors receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits pay reduced admission of $3.00 per person with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and valid photo ID (up to four visitors per card).

Group Rate:

$5 per person, minimum of 15 people in the group

Siskiyou Play Group
2026-08-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Montague Library, 230 South 13th Street, Montague, CA, 96064, United States
Join this fun and welcoming play group for young children and their caregivers! Enjoy a safe, engaging environment with age-appropriate toys, play spaces, and opportunities for social connection. Great for building early friendships and supporting child development through play.
Facilitator: Tiffanie Morales

Homeschool P.E.
2026-08-20 10:30 - 11:15 | Shasta Family YMCA, 1155 N. Court St., Redding, CA, 96003, United States
A fun and engaging class designed to help homeschool students learn physical literacy, confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits through a variety of age-appropriate games, sports and fitness activities. Each class focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, coordination, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of being active in a positive, supportive environment.

Playgroup and Storytime (Lake Shastina)
2026-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Shastina Community Center, 15244 Driftwood Lane, Lake Shastina, United States
Our Play Groups and Story Times are filled with interactive and hands-on activities: sensory and messy play, art, stories, and cooperative games. At each Play Group, we will have animated story times together as a group. Each child will receive an age-appropriate book weekly. Come meet other parents and caregivers and make special memories!
*This playgroup is held at Lake Shastina Community Center.

Playgroup and Storytime (Happy Camp)
2026-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Happy Camp Community Center, 38 Park Way, Happy Camp, CA, 96039, United States
Our playgrounds and story times are focused on gardening and filled with interactive and hands-on activities: sensory and messy play, art, stories, and cooperative games. At each Play Group, we will have animated story times together as a group. Each child will receive an age-appropriate book weekly. Come meet other parents and caregivers and make special memories!
*This playgroup is held at the Happy Camp Community Center.

Little Explorers: Exploration Space!
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA, United States
More than just a program—it’s a journey through the cosmos that inspires young explorers to reach for the stars. Little Explorers is a weekly educational program for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. This play-based environment encourages children to explore, discover, investigate, and create.

Free for members | Included with admission
Thank you Barr & Mudford for presenting Little Explorers!

Knitting Club - Anderson Library
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Anderson Library, 3200 West Center St., Anderson, CA, 96007, United States
Join the Knitting Club at the Anderson Library. Come down to the library and knit with our Knitting Club! Bring your current knitting project or start a new one and enjoy socializing along with a quiet space to work.

This is a self directed program open to all abilities from beginners to experienced knitters. Come relax create and connect with fellow knitters.

Shasta College Art Gallery - Bob McGill: Retrospective
2026-08-20 08:00 - 16:00 | Shasta College Art Gallery, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, 96003, United States
Shasta College presents Bob McGill: Retrospective, an exhibition commemorating the life and work of former Shasta College art faculty member Bob McGill.
McGill was Professor Emeritus of Art at Shasta College, a second-generation Post-Painterly Abstractionist and an accomplished exhibiting artist. His work is included in numerous permanent collections, including the Oakland Museum of California and the Crocker Art Museum.
An artist lecture by John Harper will be held on Thursday, August 20, from 11–11:50am in Lecture Hall 801, followed by a reception from noon–1pm in Building 300.
Gallery Hours:Monday–Thursday, 8am–4pmFriday, 9am–noon
Contact: claw@shastacollege.edu

Poetry & Spoken Word Open Mic
2026-08-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall, 1504 Market St., Redding
Share your voice at this welcoming open mic night! Read your original poetry or spoken word, or share a favorite piece (with permission). All experience levels are encouraged—everyone is welcome.
When: 3rd Wednesday of every month | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMWhere: 1504 Market St., Conference Room, Redding
Hosted by Words for All (Shasta County Arts Council).
Stay up to date and learn more at: shastaartscouncil.org/wordsforall

Community Fire Education: Wildfire Preparedness
2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Mount Shasta Library, 515 East Alma Street, Mount Shasta, 96067, United States
Learn practical wildfire preparedness strategies, including Firewise USA principles and ways to improve your home’s resilience.

Red Bluff Summer Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
2026-08-19 17:00 - 20:00 | 600 Block of Washington Street, Red Bluff, 600 Washington Street, Red Bluff, 96080, United States
Get ready, Red Bluff! The Wednesday Night Downtown Farmers Market is returning this June and you do NOT want to miss it!

13 weeks of community fun
Fresh produce, local vendors and handmade goods
Delicious food and sweet treats
Live music and great vibes every week

Whether you’re coming to shop, eat, connect, or just enjoy a beautiful summer evening downtown this is THE place to be!

Bring your friends, bring your family and come experience the energy, the community and the fun!
