Dos Vientos Neighborhood Park in Newbury Park

Dos Vientos Neighborhood Park is a 5 acre park located at the corner of Lynn Road and Via Andrea in Newbury Park. This is a a low-key neighborhood park with some, but not a lot, of parking available along Via Andrea.  It has a large grassy area, sand volleyball court, playground area, basketball court, four picnic tables and BBQ grills and a small restroom.  More information at the Conejo Recreation and Park District website at www.crpd.org/parkfac/parks/dosvientosneighborhood.asp.

Rotary Dreamcatcher Playground at Old Meadows Park in Thousand Oaks

Old Meadows Park at 1600 Marview Drive, Thousand Oaks houses the Therapeutic Recreation Unit of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, which provides recreation programs for Conejo Valley residents with disabilities.

The park includes a one-of-a-kind "SensAbility Playground," an interactive play area stimulating senses and abilities. The playground contains mat surfacing, rolling turf hills, large shaded areas, tree log swings, seagull swings, harmony chimes, hammocks, pod seats, picnic tables and many other cool features.

The area also features a butterfly garden, physical development apparatus with features that encourage climbing, crawling, jumping and so on, sensory processing and calming features and features that encourage socialization.

There are active and passive play areas allowing children to engage in stimulating activities, and areas to which they can retreat and calm themselves after anxiety-producing experiences while remaining close by to other children, parents or caregivers.

The playground features many unique play pieces including "Playville" miniature village, elevated sand table, "Sand Works", one back hoe digger, Tenor Marimba (a xylophone-like musical piece), Talking Bob, talking horns, a sign language panel and several sensory panels. 

Rancho Tapo Community Park in Simi Valley

Located at 3700 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley, Rancho Tapo Community Park al is hidden away north of the 118 freeway between Sequoia Avenue and Tapo Canyon Road. The park has something for everyone, including several play areas, splash pad, covered area for gatherings, nicely appointed fitness circuit area, playfields, basketball and a peaceful Veterans' Plaza with pond in memory those who have served. Best of all, this is a very flat park with a nice, 1/2 mile walking path that the kids enjoy riding their scooters on. We like this park! Visit www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/parks/rancho_tapo_community_park_%28lemon%29.php for more information.

Veterans' Memorial

Splash pad

The Ant Hill at Thousand Oaks Community Park

The Ant Hill at Thousand Oaks Community Park is a small hill made with artificial grass covering that provides a fun play slide area for kids. Bring some cardboard! It is located adjacent to a nice playground area and the tennis courts. The park is at 2525 N. Moorpark Road. 

Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley

Santa Susana Park is a quiet park adjacent to the Santa Susana Railroad Depot in Simi Valley. There is a large play area, grassy picnic areas as well as a covered picnic area, restrooms and more. But of particular interest to my kid are the large sandstone rock formations they climbed into and onto. The park is located at 6503 Katherine Road, off of Kuehner. More information at www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/parks/santa_susana_park.php.

Sumac Park in Agoura Hills

Sumac Park is located at 6000 Calmfield Avenue in Agoura Hills. It is a small neighborhood park that was upgraded with a new play structure in 2010. There is a handful of parking spots and plenty of street parking, restrooms (these are pretty old style but functional) and a nice, flat grassy area. More information at www.agourahillscity.org/department/community-services-parks-recreation/parks-facilities/parks.

Parks In and Around Ventura County

There's dozens of local area parks highlighted at THIS LINK that have play areas for the kids.

The Do Something section of the site has even more parks compiled at THIS LINK. All told we have well over 300 parks to park ourselves in and around Ventura County and adjacent areas.

So grab that leash and see you at the park!

Rancho Simi Community Park in Simi Valley

Rancho Simi Community Park, located at 1765 Royal Avenue, is one of the largest parks in the area at over 33 acres. It has 2 playgrounds, 8 tennis courts, basketball, pool, horseshoe pits, a lagoon with ducks and plenty more. Visit www.rsrpd.org/simi_valley/parks/rancho_simi_community_park_%28duck_pond%29.php or call 805.584.4400 for more information.

Indian Springs Park in Oak Park

Indian Springs Park, located at the corner of Rockfield Street and Hawthorne Drive in Oak Park, is a nice sized, flat residential park with a number of amenities. The park has two playgrounds (bigger kids and little kids), tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball court, restrooms and more. Visit www.rsrpd.org/oak_park/parks/indian_springs_park.php or call 805.584.4400 for more information.

Indian Springs Park is located at the corner of Rockfield Street and Hawthorne Drive in Oak Park.

Tomol Interpretative Play Area at Carpinteria State Beach

Located at 390 Linden Avenue, Carpinteria, at the northern corner of Carpinteria State Beach Park, the Tomol Interpretive Play Area opened in 2011 through the cooperative efforts of California State Parks, the Morning Rotary Club of Carpinteria, and the City of Carpinteria.

The play area, universally accessible by all visitors, features a Chumash Indian village with slides, cave, sandstone boulders, a "tomol" plank boat, rainbow bridge and other play structures. Definitely something to stop by and check out with your little ones when you are in the area.

The interpretive play area was awarded the Universal Access Award by California State Parks for “outstanding achievement in increasing universal access” by all visitors regardless of physical limitations.