Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Ojai Valley
Have you recently moved here or are you coming for a visit?
Let us give you the lay of the land and some ideas on how to use the site so you get the most out of it!
Start with the RESOURCES and click on "Activities & Family Fun" to see all the things to do. If you are looking for child-friendly places to eat, visit the Restaurant section.
You can find babysitters on our Classifieds and under Childcare. Click here for a list of Parks.
Historic Downtown Ventura
Downtown is thought of as Main Street, between Ventura Avenue and Laurel Avenue, and all the streets that intersect it. It is a great place to spend a day walking around with the kids, exploring little shops and even historical sites. The Museum of Ventura County at 100 E. Main St. is a good place to start, and then you can just walk across the street to the (free!) Albinger Archaelogical Museum. One block down is Mission San Buenaventura where you can explore the gift shop, sanctuary and peaceful grounds. Keep walking down Main Street and you may be able to find Ortega Adobe (free) where you can see how ordinary people lived in 1857. Just across the street from the Mission, kids especially enjoy the fountains in Figueroa Plaza which are connected by a rivulet that my kids insist on walking in. Continue down Main St. and turn left on California Street to see the historic Ventura City Hall. We like to take our kids to Nature's Grill (across from the Century theatre) for a healthful meal or delicious smoothie. From April to October, there is a small Farmers' Market on Thursday evenings from 5-8:30 p.m. on Main and California Streets. A larger Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday morning on Santa Clara & Palm Streets from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Oceanfront
Take a walk, bike ride or run with the kids on the mile-long promenade. You can park at the Crowne Plaza parking structure, or for a longer walk, park on San Pedro St. (off of Harbor Blvd.) and begin at State Beach. There is a playground on the sand next to the pier. If you walk north on the promenade, you will come to Seaside Park which hosts the Ventura County Fair every August and hundreds of other special events during the rest of the year such as concerts, dog shows, and rodeos. The Amtrak stop is at the edge of the Seaside Park's parking lot. One of my favorite parks in Ventura, Marina Park (at the south end of Pierpont Blvd off of Seaward) has an amazing view of the coastline and islands; kids of all ages love to slide down the rope that is suspended from a large cement sailing ship.
Ventura Harbor Village
Drive out to end of Spinnaker (from Harbor off of Seaward) and start at the Channel Islands Visitor's Center, a fun place to explore and learn about the Channel Islands. From here, you can walk across the street and find Harbor Cove Beach--a popular spot for families as it is protected from strong currents by the jetty and marina. Walking from the Visitor's Center to the Village, you will pass a large grassy area which is great for flying kites on a windy day. There are many places to eat a meal, or just get ice cream at Coastal Cone. Kids love the carousel and the arcade where you can earn tickets to "buy" a prize. You can also tour the Ventura Keys with Bay Queen Harbor Cruises, or rent a kayak or peddle boat and paddle around the marina on your own.
Midtown and East End
Pacific View Mall (on Mills and Main) has a fun outdoor fountain, a children's play area, and family restrooms in addition to all the great shopping. Gymboree, Limited Too and Gap Kids are favorite kids' shops. A large number of shops cater to teens and young adults, such as Hollister, American Eagle Outfitters, and Abercrombie & Fitch. The food court is kid-friendly as is Red Robin and California Pizza Kitchen. Every Wednesday morning at 10:30am, see a kids' show in the food court!
From Mills Rd., take Dean Drive to Camino Real Park, a huge park boasting 3 playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a dog park! In the fall and winter, you can view the monarch butterflies in the eucalyptus trees. Arroyo Verde Park (Foothill and Day Rd.) is another beautiful park with playgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. Our newest park is Ventura Community Park (Telephone and Kimball), home to the Ventura Aquatic Center (654-7511).
By the Sea
Oxnard has beautiful beaches for spending time with your family. Along Harbor Blvd., you'll find Mandalay Beach, a broad strip of white sand beach, and beautiful Oxnard Beach Park, where you can fly a kite or have a picnic on the sweeping green lawns, play volleyball at the courts or skate/stroll/cycle along the great paths. Other lovely beaches are Hollywood Beach, located at the end of Harbor Blvd., and Silver Strand Beach, located at the end of Victoria Ave. Port Hueneme Beach Park (directions) is a newly landscaped 50-acre park with a mile-long strip of soft white sand; you can even take your family fishing off the pier-no permit required!
Fisherman's Wharf, Harbor Landing and Marine Emporium Landing are all located at Channel Islands Harbor; many of Oxnard's festivals and events take place here, including the Tall Ship visits and the Holiday Parade of Lights. At Fisherman's Wharf (S. Victoria Ave. at Channel Islands Blvd.), you'll find the Maritime Museum and Channel Islands Marine Floating Lab. Harbor Landing (2800 S. Harbor Blvd.) offers shopping and a food court with a harbor view. At Marine Emporium Landing (3600 S. Harbor Blvd.), you can rent kayaks from Channel Islands Kayak, rent an electric boat for a harbor cruise, or join Island Packers for a trip to the Channel Islands or whale watching. Be sure to visit the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center. And don't miss the Farmers' and Fishermen's Market on Sundays, 10am-2pm.
Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown, across from Plaza Park and the Carnegie Art Museum, is Oxnard's newest entertainment complex Centennial Plaza, featuring a 14-screen movie theater as well as specialty restaurants and chain eateries (between Fourth and Fifth and 'A' and 'B' Streets). Nearby is Gull Wing's Children's Museum (Fourth past C St.) which features over 15 hands-on exhibits for children and their parents. The Oxnard Public Library (251 S. 'A' St.) is a modern library of 72,000 square-feet! Heritage Square (on Seventh St. between 'A' and 'B' Streets) is a lushly landscaped square of Victorian and Craftsman-style houses once owned by Oxnard 's pioneer families. Heritage Square is also home to the Petit Playhouse and Oxnard's award-winning Elite Theatre Company.
Camarillo is a great family-oriented town located 16 miles south of Ventura. The weather is near perfect, and you will find all that you need in this quaint town. Every Saturday, rain or shine, you can buy fresh produce from our local farmers at the Camarillo Farmers Market. The market is from 8:30-Noon rain or shine. A portion of the proceeds go towards Camarillo Hospice. You may also find unique artwork, jewelry, and live music. This makes for a great Saturday morning with your family.
If you feel the urge to shop you can stroll down Ventura Blvd. in Old Town Camarillo. There are many great boutiques, restaurants, and the beautiful historic St. Mary Magdalen Chapel (Click here for information). You may also feel like a little wine tasting and catching up with old friends at one of the wine bars. Also, be sure to stop by the Camarillo Premium Outlets (on Ventura Blvd.) to complete your shopping trip. You will find more than you need and even a food court to grab some lunch and rest a little. There are two movie theatres in town: Edwards Theatre (located right next to the outlets on Ventura Blvd.), and the new Roxy Theatre in Mission Oaks off of Adolfo Rd.
If you feel like doing something that entails history and education, take a drive to the Camarillo Ranch (Click here for directions and information). This is an old Victorian home where Camarillo's founder Adolfo Camarillo once lived. Take a tour with the docents dressed in the clothing Adolfo and his family wore in the 1800's. Another place rich in history is the Confederate Air Force/World War 2 Aviation Museum. This museum is located at the Camarillo Airport. (Off of Las Posas Rd.) Take a look at the vintage planes and memorabilia. Be sure to visit the Pleasant Valley Historical Society Museum (off of Las Posas Rd.) which is home to many local historical artifacts; on the same site is the Charles Honn Botanical Garden. It is a beautiful place to take a walk and appreciate Mother Nature.
California State University Channel Islands (off of Lewis Rd.)is a great college campus to see. It used to be the Camarillo State Hospital, and is filled with mature trees, an ocean breeze, and old Spanish-Style buildings.
Camarillo has many great parks to choose from. Valle Lindo Park is located on Coe St., and has a great playground, benches, bbq facilities, and plenty of shade for those warm summer days. You may also want to bring your tennis racket and play a game of tennis. This park does have restroom facilities for those with kids being potty trained! Edith Loekker Memorial Park is located on Cerro Vista St. off of Las Posas Rd. This park has two playgrounds, one for older children and one for younger children. There is a sand volley ball pit, basketball court, and exercise equipment. So, bring a blanket and make a day of it. Note: There are no restroom facilities at this park... For those on the other side of town you can visit Mission Oaks Park. This park has equipment for kids of all ages, bbq's, tennis courts, baseball fields, restrooms, and a snack bar during baseball season! Take your pooch to the Camarillo Dog Park, located off of the Camarillo Springs exit--it has a gated area just for dogs to run and play and a small children's playground. This park is really cute and kind of a hidden treasure.
If you are looking for a place to swim year-round, visit the Pleasant Valley Pool, a heated indoor pool on Temple Drive that offers swim lessons.
The Ojai Valley is a paradise for outdoor recreation and nature lovers, but also offers first-class spas, shopping and galleries.
Getting there: From Ventura, take the 101 North to the 33 North. You will pass the towns of Casitas Springs, Oak View, Mira Monte, and Meiner's Oaks. To get to Downtown Ojai, veer right at "The Y" (150 / Ojai Ave.) Once you pass through Downtown Ojai and Soule Park, you will go up the Dennison Grade and enter Upper Ojai Valley. Continuing on this road takes you to Santa Paula.
Lake Casitas - 11311 Santa Ana Rd., near Oak View (left at the 33/150 intersection)
At Lake Casitas, your whole family will want to visit Casitas Water Adventure (formerly known as the Blue Heron Water Playground), open daily in the summer and weekends only in late spring and late summer. Casitas Water Adventure includes a water playground, a lazy river and a zero depth pool for the youngest tots! At the lake, families can also rent kayaks or flat bottom boats to explore the nooks and crannies of the lake itself or to fish from. You may also enjoy camping in a tent or RV.
Exploring beautiful Ojai on foot or bicycle
Downtown Ojai - Ojai Ave.
Libbey Park is a wonderful park with a playground, picnic tables, lots of trees and a water fountain where kids love to dip their feet on hot days. It is also the site of the music festival, the Ojai Tennis Tournament, and a host of community events. Libbey Bowl is in the park, a one-of-a-kind outdoor ampitheatre. Visit The Ojai Valley Museum to learn about the Chumash Indians and early settlers of the Valley. The Skateboard Park is a great place to go skateboarding. For high quality toys, stop at Serendipity Toys.
Santa Barbara is 28 miles north of Ventura. To get there, take the 101 North.
http://www.santabarbara.com/
To find more information about what to do in Santa Barbara, go to Tourists & Newcomers on SBParent.com and scroll down past Carpinteria and Montecito to see Santa Barbara.
Carpinteria is located 15 miles north of Ventura, about half way between Ventura and Santa Barbara. To get there, take the 101 North.
http://www.ci.carpinteria.ca.us/index.shtml or http://www.carpinteria.com/
Linden Avenue: Linden hosts the Christmas Parade of Lights, the Avocado Festival, the Antique Car Show, and the 4th of July festivities. You can catch a movie or play, shop and eat. Enjoy Farmers Market every Thursday afternoon.
Rincon Beach is known world wide for its surfing. Great parks for kids: El Carro Park, Monte Vista Park & Memorial Park have playground facilities. Visit Tar Pits Park and explore the walking trails, numerous birds, vegetation, spectacular views. You may get a chance to see seals and dolphins in the water. The Salt Marsh, also known as El Estuaro, is one of the most important wetlands in Southern California. Home to rare and endangered plants and birds and a haven for migrating birds. Located on Ash Ave. The Carpinteria Bluffs offer you another opportunity to see amazing birds, great views and more. The Skate Park is open from 8am to sunset daily.
Carpinteria City Pool is a community pool with plenty of activities for the kids, seniors and adults. There are after school programs, group and private lessons, aqua aerobics and swim teams.
Other activities: Spend your Sunday afternoons at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquetball Club. You can attend games without being a member of the Club. (Spring, Summer, Fall) Visit the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History Tuesday through Saturday.
Santa Claus Lane is a fun place to stop on your way to Santa Barbara with restaurants, shops and beach access. Great toy store and a candy store for the kids. Eat at the Beach Grill at Padaro if you want great food and a relaxing outdoor atmosphere with the kids. There is even a sandpit with toys for the kids. Summerland has wonderful antique shops, galleries, and hamburgers on Lillie Avenue.
Santa Barbara Zoo - 500 Ninos Dr. (805) 962-5339
SB Zoo is located on 30 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is home to more than 500 animals. The Zoo is open 10-5 every day except Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Fillmore & Western Railway Co. - Fillmore & Western Railway brings back the child in all of us with its vintage trains. These restored trains take visitors through the Heritage Valley on rides that include: Weekend Scenic rides, Murder Mystery Trains, Pumpkin Liners, North Pole Express, Day Out With ThomasTM, and many more special events.
J. Paul Getty Museum - Besides being a wonderful museum, they have great family activities, music concerts, art weekends, storytelling and more. Call for more information. (310) 440-7300 or http://www.getty.edu/
Los Angeles Zoo - They are open from 10am-5pm every day of the year except for Christmas. Visit www.lazoo.org. SB Zoo members get a reciprocity discount.
Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. 101 to the 126 to the 5 exit Magic Mountain Pkwy. Fun for the whole family. http://www.sixflags.com/.
America's Teaching Zoo, Moorpark College. Every Saturday and Sunday, America's Teaching Zoo is open to the public. You can explore the zoo, introduce kids to all kinds of exotic animals, watch zoo personnel feed lions and hyenas, and attend 15-minute demonstrations that focus on particular animals or groups of animals--like reptiles, parrots and South American mammals. The zoo is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The demonstrations are at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. The carnivore feeding is at 3:45. 7075 Campus Rd Moorpark, (805) 378-1441
RSS
