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California History & Art Program 

The California History and Art Program at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park ignites student imagination as they learn California history.

This on-site field trip provides a window into the past with lessons that reveal the experiences of the people who lived on this land: Luiseño Indians, European homesteader, and a Hollywood star recreating a Spanish Rancho. A creative art project hosted by the city’s Cultural Arts Division reinforces the experiences and introduces art appreciation to the students.

This award-winning program is offered free of charge to fourth grade classes located within the City of Carlsbad. The program is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and includes the following activities:

  1. View pre-tour information, videos, and virtual activities available!
  2. Live virtual or in-person tour of the historic ranch including the new Bunkroom exhibit.
  3. Art supplies and project instruction inspired by the history of the park and taught by City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division.  

Program information

To Register:

  1. Visit www.carlsbadconnect.org
  2. Create an account or use your account from a previous year – we recommend using your school assigned email and the school address
  3. Select the “Teacher Portal” tab
  4. Select “CA History & Art Program”
  5. Select the time date that works best for your class
  6. Check out answering all prompts and schedule
  7. Following your registration, we will contact you to confirm the time and date.

Questions?

Contact Sara Kelly, Leo Carrillo Ranch at 442-339-5498 or sara.kelly@carlsbadca.gov.

The California History and Art Program at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a partnership of the City of Carlsbad’s Parks & Recreation Department, Library & Cultural Arts Department and the Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc.

 

Explore More!

Children participating in art activities

 

Explore More! is a free Arts Education program designed to provide multiple arts based educational experiences for second and third grade students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Each session's theme coincides with the current exhibit in the William D. Cannon Art Gallery.

 

 

 

The program:  

  • Teaches students about art appreciation – engaging with Artful Thinking routines encourages students in understanding how to interact with a work of art and become familiar with questions to ask themselves to draw from their own experiences and engage with artwork on their own.  
  • Allows students to explore their creativity through art experiences inspired by the current exhibit and focused on key artistic elements. 
  • Introduces students and their adult chaperones to an art gallery. Many have never visited an art gallery before this field trip and this introduction to an art exhibit sets a foundation for student inquiry to art. Students and their families are encouraged to seek out other art, exhibits and museum experiences because of it. 
  • Supports teachers in the arts within our community - especially those that do not have an art background - to help provide their students with art on a regular basis.

Explore More! Fall Session Second Grade Timeline

  • Pre-lesson: A brief visual introduction featuring select images from the exhibit, along with conversation prompts for teachers to facilitate before the field trip.
  • Gallery Experience: Art Educators host a 50-minute Gallery Experience based on the Artful Thinking routine See, Think, Wonder and Visual Thinking Strategies.  
  • Studio Experience: Art Educators host a 50-minute Studio Experience based on Studio Habits of the Mind and California standards. 
  • Post-lesson: Teachers will receive an activity designed to extend field trip learning and continue art exploration back in the classroom.

Click here to register for the Explore More! 2026 Spring Session

Explore More! Spring Session Third Grade Timeline

  • Pre-lesson: A brief visual introduction featuring select images from the exhibit, along with conversation prompts for teachers to facilitate before the field trip.
  • Gallery Experience: Art Educators host a 50-minute Gallery Experience based on the Artful Thinking routine See, Think, Wonder and Visual Thinking Strategies.  
  • Studio Experience: Art Educators host a 30-minute Studio Experience based on Studio Habits of the Mind and California standards.
  • Library Tour: Library staff conduct a 20-minute tour of the Dove Library with an option for student library card registration prior to the tour; cards will be given to teachers at the conclusion of the tour.
  • Post-lesson: Teachers will receive an activity designed to extend field trip learning and continue art exploration back in the classroom.

 For questions about the Explore More! program, email Vietca.Do@carlsbadca.gov.