Visit Discovery Museum (discovery-museum.org), a non-profit museum dedicated to children that features interactive exhibits and educational programs. Exhibits include the Optical Illusion Room, Animation Station and Wind, Water, Weather. Kids can design their own cartoon at the Animation Station or play in a glow-in-the-dark room at the Optical Illusion Room. Participate in the cost-free Young Discoverers summer program where preschool-age kids can visit twice a week for an an hour of scheduled activities including arts and crafts, story-telling, singing and dancing.
Founded in 1907, Sequoia Park Zoo (sequoiaparkzoo.net), is the oldest zoo in the state. Kids can view a wide array of animal species while participating in numerous educational programs and activities in the zoo. The zoo features a walk-through aviary where guests can view free-flying bird species. View and meet animals at the petting zoo including donkeys, goats and sheep or watch the spider exhibit and see black widows crawl along a giant web. Kids age 5 to 11 can participate in educational programs offered through the zoo's education department. The Jr. Zookeeper program teaches kids how to work with zoo animals. Activities include feeding, monitoring and caring for animals.
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area (blm.gov) is about 10 minutes west of Eureka. Kids can enjoy activities such as picnicking, birdwatching, fishing and beach combing at the the 300-acre scenic area. Walk along the sandy strip of land extending between the Pacific Ocean and Arcata and Humboldt Bays. As you stroll along the sandy shores, watch out for birds like brown pelicans, Brandt's cormorants, sparrows and great blue herons. Bring a picnic or grab a bite at the nearby Samoa Cookhouse.
Explore the trails of Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arcata (arcatamarshfriends.org), less than 10 miles away from Eureka. The sanctuary is located on the edge of Humboldt Bay and covers 307 acres. Walk through scenic trails surrounded by freshwater ponds, tidal mudflats and a salt marsh. Stop by the interpretive center and view wildlife art displays and interactive exhibits or shop at the gift shop. The sanctuary has a trail system with over 4.5 miles of paths that feature water scenery. Bicycling, walking and jogging are allowed on the trails. School children can participate in the Student Bird Art Contest by submitting a painting, drawing, collage or sketch of one of 40 selected birds.
