Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park

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Knott's Berry Farm is a 160 acre amusement park in Buena Park that originally opened in 1940, 15 years prior to the grand opening of Disneyland (the parks are about 7 miles apart). I like Knott's because it is low key and has a fun combination of old time Western motif with modern amusement park rides. This overview of Knott's is current as of March 2012 and of course subject to change.

The areas of the park include, Ghost Town, with over 50 themed shops, eateries and attractions, Indian Trails, Camp Snoopy, Fiesta Village, Boardwalk and more.

Knott's Resort Hotel is a 320 room hotel with 16 Snoopy-themed rooms adjacent to the park and California Marketplace, just outside of the park entrance, has over a dozen shops and restaurants outside of the main park that include Pink's Famous Hot Dogs, TGI Friday's and other businesses.

Higher intensity roller coasters at Knotts include Boomerang, GhostRider, Jaguar, Montezooma's Revenge, Pony Express, Sierra Sidewinder, Silver Bullet, Timberline Twister and Xcelerator.

Thrill rides include La Revolucion, Rip Tide, Screamin' Swing, Supreme Scream and WindSeeker.

Family rides include Butterfield Stagecoach, Calico Mine Ride, Calico Railroad, Dragon Swing, Hat Dance, High Sierra Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, Sky Cabin, Waveswinger, Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars and Wipeout.

Camp Snoopy has about a dozen rides geared towards kids.

Water rides include Bigfoot Rapids, Perilous Plunge and Timber Mountain Log Ride.

Live shows and entertainment include a Wild West Stunt Show, Mystery Lodge, Calico Saloon Show, Native American Dancers, Peanuts Character Show and Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang.

Visit www.knotts.com or call 714.220.5200 to learn more. Knotts is located at 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park.

Pierce College Farm Center in Woodland Hills (CLOSED)

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Pierce College Farm Center at 20800 Victory Blvd. in Woodland Hills has a beautiful farm and agriculturally themed birthday party setting with animals, pony rides, farm activities, a 50 foot inflatable jumping pillow, hayrides, cow trains, mechanical rides and more along with a covered eating area. 

Farm Market open daily from 10am to 6pm. Farm Center Activity Area open 10 AM - 4 PM Saturday - Sunday beginning April 1st each year.

Onsite birthday coordinator provided for the 2 1/2 hour party. For more information please call Katherine at 818 999-6300 xt. 21 Or for more information go to www.piercefarmcenter.com.

The New Children's Museum in San Diego

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We visited The New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego (200 West Island Avenue at the corner Island Avenue and Front Street) the day after Thankgiving with our young boys.  We have taken our kids to a lot of different places and have to say that this place is very unique.  I've never seen anything like this museum.

The NCM opened in May 2008.  It is a very modern, open, airy building with lots and lots of windows.  The museum offers all sorts of sensory exhibits and activities that encourage kids of all ages to experience creativity and the arts.

In the 2 hours that we were there our kids painted, worked with clay, painted (both with paintbrushes and hands) a VW Bug that was completely slathered with paint (quite unusual...and messy...though the paint was washable and they provided washing stations in close proximity of the exhibit).  The kids crawled through tunnels, climbed climbing walls, ran around in an oversized playhouse and an igloo, frolicked in beanbags and couches, and much much more.

We were told that all of the materials used in the exhibits of this 50,000 square foot, 3 story building were made out of recycled materials.  That made for some quite unusual and unconventional looking exhibits.  The building is one of the first completely "green" museums in California.

Across the street from the museum is a new park with plenty of room to run, play, swing, teeter-totter and spin. 

So if you are looking to do something completely different and unique with your kids, check it out!  Admission as of January 2022 is $15 for ages 1+, $10 for seniors 65+ and military with ID.  For more information, visit www.thinkplaycreate.org or call 619.233.8792.

Ojai Art Center

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The Ojai Art Center (formerly Ojai Center for the Arts) is the oldest multi-purpose, non-profit art center in California.  Its mission since 1939 has been to support and advance the interest of the arts within the Ojai community.

The center offers seven branches: art, theater, music, literary, photography, film and dance.  Monthly art and photography shows feature local juried exhibits as well as artists from around the country.  The theater branch puts on eight yearly productions, including a popular children's show and musical.  Chamber music concerts are offered through the music branch, monthly literary events and a variety of classes and workshops in the visual and performing arts. 

For more information, visit www.ojaiartcenter.org or call 805.646.0117.  Located at 113 S. Montgomery Street in Ojai, right next to Libbey Park.

Trails in the Conejo Open Space

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The Conejo Open Space Foundation was formed in 1995 to promote and maintain the open space and trail system of the Conejo Valley and to educate residents as to their roles as custodians and protectors of the open space and the environment. COSF is a non-profit organization that is supported by donations.

The COSF website has detailed information about Conejo Valley trails, maps and educational information.

A particularly useful section of the site details a number of local trails in Wildwood Park, Los Robles, Lang Ranch/Woodridge, Dos Vientos and other local trail systems.

Visit www.cosf.org to learn more.

The Derby Club at Ventura County Fairgrounds

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The Derby Club at Ventura County FairgroundsBet the ponies from across the country in a beautiful setting by the Pacific Ocean.  And I'm not talking Del Mar.  The Derby Club located at Ventura County Fairgrounds features full service bars and restaurants combined with the ability to watch races and bet on them through satellite wagering. Have a snack, a drink or a meal while you watch your favorite horse at your favorite track. There is no membership.

Located at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. Visit http://venturacountyfair.org/pages/3780/ or call 805.653.2533 for more information.

Open Wednesday through Monday. Hours of operation and admission vary according to the area to be enjoyed, the type of racing to be simulcast (thoroughbred, harness, or quarter horse) and whether racing is during the day or the evening. Information and pricing below was last updated in Summer 2012:

The Island View Room is open for any racing on Saturdays, Sundays and special race days. Admission is $12 (seniors 62 and older and military personnel $10.00)

The Surfside Room is open for all southern host track thoroughbred racing. Admission is $8.00 (seniors 62 and older and military personnel $6.00)

The Shore Room is open for all racing, day and night. Admission is $4.00 (seniors 62 and older and military personnel $2.00)

Admission for nighttime quarter horse and harness racing is free, except when southern host track thoroughbreds are racing. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to the Derby Club.

Special Events: Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Breeder’s Cup

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Programs in Camarillo

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The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District serves an area of approximately 44 square miles and has grown from one park to 29 parks since its inception in 1962. Within the District, numerous recreational facilities exists, including indoor swimming pool, lighted ball fields, tennis courts, racquetball courts, skate park, senior center, a running track at Arneill Ranch Park, children's play equipment, picnic shelters, barbecues and much more.

Visit www.pvrpd.org for more information and for the PVRPD's latest Recreation Magazine with hundreds and hundreds of community classes, special events, summer camps and programs.  Or call 805.482.1996.

LEGOLAND Park in Carlsbad

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LEGOLAND® California in Carlsbad is a 128-acre park geared towards kids ages two through 12. With over 60 family rides, "hands-on" attractions and shows, LEGOLAND California provides education, adventure and fun in this first park of its kind in the United States (the 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida, 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa, opened on October 15, 2011). LEGOLAND is only a 2 1/2 hour drive from the Conejo Valley.

There are over 15,000 LEGO® models in the park created from more than 35 million LEGO bricks. These models range from a Brontosaurus named Bronte (made of more than 2 million LEGO bricks) to a tiny rabbit in a magician’s hat in Miniland Las Vegas made of just four bricks.

The park is divided into various sections in a full circle, with the amazing Miniland USA in the middle. Sections going clockwise from the front gate are The Beginning, Dino Island, DUPLO® Village, Fun Town, Pirate Shores, Castle Hill, Land of Adventure and Imagination Zone. My family's favorite treat are Granny's Apple Fries in the Castle Hill section. Apple fries with whipped cream and milk (or coffee in my case). Mmmmm.

This is a no-brainer for anyone with young children. My kids are thrilled with this park up to at least ages 8 to 10. There are rides and activities for all ages and while geared towards kids, the park is certainly amazing for adults to experience too. Learn all about LEGOLAND California at california.legoland.com.

Plan ahead and get discounts on your tickets. Currently AAA has discounts (either in advance or in person) as well as Metrolink Rewards.

In addition to LEGOLAND, the world's first LEGOLAND Water Park opened on May 28, 2010. It is located at the north end of LEGOLAND® California adjacent to Fun Town. The entrance is located between the Factory Tour and the Adventurer’s Club. There is a 45 foot tall water tall with 4 slides and all sorts of fun water play. Only a $12 upgrade (as of October 2011) to LEGOLAND admission.

Additionally, the SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium opened adjacent to LEGOLAND. I walked through quickly with the family. Pretty cool though not nearly as substantial as the Aquarium of the Pacific. Gotta see it though if you go to LEGOLAND. You can buy a park hopper pass or a separate ticket.  More info at www.visitsealife.com/California.