Learn about the area’s heritage through a variety of educational programs offered to groups of all ages. Programs focus on history, frontier lifestyles, performing arts, pioneer crafts, early railroading and forest eco-systems.

Education Programs Brochure

Contact group sales at 831.335.4484 Extension 135 or use our Contact Form.


LIVING HISTORY PROGRAMS – TBD


EDUCATION COMES TO LIFE

Big Trees by Rail History Program

Local history is brought to life by a special rail history program. Students board vintage passenger coaches for an hour train excursion exploring the history and ecology of the famous Welch Big Trees Grove and San Lorenzo Valley. Retrace the steps of President Theodore Roosevelt when he visited 100 years ago. Included in the program is a guided walk among giant coastal redwoods along the Redwood Grove Nature Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Minimums of 100 paid participants are required for this package.


HALLOWEEN PROGRAMS

Pumpkin Train

October

Combine learning with a day of old-fashioned fun. Schedule your class to ride a vintage steam train through a majestic redwood forest to Cathedral Grove and Bear Mountain. At the summit, passengers holding a pumpkin ticket may select and take home a pumpkin of their choice. The Pumpkin Train operates Mondays through Fridays during the month of October.


HANDS-ON LEARNING PACKAGES

Gold Panning Package

Students stake their claim and experience how “pay dirt” got its name. Learn gold panning techniques. Flakes and nuggets are yours to take home. Steam train included in this program.

Country Western Dance Package

Social activities were a treat for the hardworking pioneers. Learn how to dance, as they would have at a social gathering in the 1840s. Steam train included in this package. A minimum of 40 paid participants is required for this package.

Candle Making Package

Students make their own hand-dipped candles and learn first-hand how much time and effort was required for the pioneers to have a little light at night. Steam train included in this package.

One Room Schoolhouse Package

1800’s school life is re-created in a one-room country schoolhouse. Students are cautioned to mind their manners when addressing the local school marm. Students will read from the McGuffy Eclectic Reader. Steam train included in this package. A minimum of 20 paid participants is required for this package.

Allow approximately 20 minutes for activities and 1 1/2 hours for the train ride.


SNEAK TO THE BEACH

Santa Cruz Beach Train

Sneak to the beach and retrace the route of the Picnic Line, which ran between Felton and the beach during the 1880s up to the early 1900s. The Beach Train departs from Roaring Camp, travels along the scenic and spectacular San Lorenzo River Canyon, and arrives at the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Allow a minimum of three hours for the round trip. Or relax in the sun and spend five hours at the beach, a seven-hour excursion with train rides. Riders may originate from Santa Cruz for a three-hour round trip to Roaring Camp and back.

A minimum of 25 participants is required for group rates. Program available on regularly scheduled beach train. Call for public schedule.


ADD-ONS TO PACKAGES

Engineer Talk: No Charge (15 min. prior to first train of day)
Gold Panning
Candle Making
Schoolhouse Lesson
Student Group Rate

Roaring Camp school packages are available Monday-Friday (August 21-December 15, 2023 and January 2-June 7, 2024) for regularly scheduled train departures and only to enrolled K through 12th grades, in-session, and California state schools.

Advance reservations and deposits are required. Group minimums vary according to the program offered. 80% of the group must be less than 18 years of age. Cash or credit card, purchase order, or one check per group reservation. Bus drivers are given complimentary admission. As a service to schools, we are pleased to provide FREE PARKING to school groups (buses, vans, or cars).

Student groups desiring times and dates other than those offered should contact Roaring Camp’s group reservation office at (831) 335-4484, extension 135, for alternative group rates, group minimums, and availability.

Prices subject to change without notice