Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura

Casitas Water Adventure is a water park at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area that is open throughout the summer, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (mid-Sept for weekend sessions).

There are two distinct areas. For younger children, there is an aquatic play structure designed for all ages, with two water buckets and five slides - two for kids and three for teens and adults.

The new Aquatic mega play unit Structure completed in 2023

The 1,200 foot long Lazy River offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays. The inner tubes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but usually there are plenty of them on hand.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river at Casitas Water Adventure is my kids' favorite.

For the very youngest tots, a zero-depth pool sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area.

Shaded decks, lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are available, but food is not allowed inside the park (though you can bring bottled water). Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available for a nominal fee.

Do take note that they don't heat the water here. It is a bit on the cold side for many, though on hot days this can be a good thing.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, make a left turn on Santa Ana Blvd, then a right on Santa Ana Road 3 or 4 miles to the park entrance.

Weekend morning sessions 10:30 am to 2 pm and afternoon sessions 3 to 6:30 pm. Weekday hours are 11am to 6pm. The cost for the 2024 season is $20 per person on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

Visit www.casitaswater.org/casitas-water-adventure for details.

Parking inside Lake Casitas is $20 on weekends/holidays and $10 on weekdays. There is parking available on Santa Ana Road if you don't mind walking.

This is the “old” (Pre-2023) aquatic Play Structure (for historical purposes)

Coach Patty's School of Gymnastics in Camarillo

Coach Patty’s School of Gymnastics is located near Old Town Camarillo at 300 S. Lewis Road, Suite E.  The school has programs for recreational artistic gymnastics, preschool gymnastics, competitive team gymnastics for boys and girls, tumbling & trampoline programs for both children and adults.

The facility is over 16,000 sq ft and is loaded with state of the art equipment, including 60’ Tumble Trak, trampolines, double Mini Trampoline, high bars, balance beams spring floors, vault systems and a 84 foot fiberglass rod floor for power tumbling and a ring tower.  Just for kids preschool equipment.

Coach Patty’s also offers fun-filled gymnastic birthday parties, gymnastic camps, and more.

For more information, visit www.coachpattyusa.com or call 805.383.9460.

Monarchs Gym - Newbury Park and Agoura

Founded in 1977, Monarchs Gymnastics has two 13,000+ sq ft facilities and provides professional athletic services to 1,500+ families with over 300 classes offered weekly for boys and girls, recreational or competitive, 18 months to adult.

Kids can enjoy gymnastics, ninja, parkour, tumbling, cheer and other physical activities at Monarchs.

Additionally, Monarch's offers monthly workout passes, camps, Parents' Night Out, open gym, birthday parties and field trips.

Locations at 3599 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park (805.375.4663) and 5331 Derry Avenue, Suites C-H, Agoura Hills (818.889.3634).  More information at www.monarchsgym.com.

Monarchs Gym Agoura Hills: www.monarchsgym.com/agoura

Monarchs Gym Newbury Park: www.newbury.monarchsgym.com

MonarX Parkour in Agoura Hills: www.monarx.monarchsgym.com

Skyhawks Sports Academy Programs in Ventura County

Skyhawks Sports Academy provides sports programs where children discover and develop athletic skills and life lessons, such as teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. Skyhawks offers children ages 18 months to 12 years a positive sports experience while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Each of their classes and camps focus on skills, safety, and fun.

Progression of classes, led by expert staff, is geared towards youth looking for a sports introduction or those who want to refine their skills.

Locations in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley, including Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Moorpark, Ventura, Simi Valley, Ojai, Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park and more.

SPORTS OFFERED:

• Skyhawks Flag Football

• Skyhawks Baseball

• Skyhawks Basketball

• Skyhawks Soccer

• Skyhawks Field Hockey

• Skyhawks Golf

• Skyhawks Tennis

• Skyhawks Volleyball

• Skyhawks Lacrosse

• Skyhawks Pickle Ball

• Skyhawks Cheerleading

• Skyhawks Track & Field

• Skyhawks Stem Sports®

• Skyhawks Multi-Sport

More detailed information and sign-ups at laventuraskyhawks.com.

Gold Coast Gymnastics in Ventura

Gold Coast Gymnastics, a 5,000 square foot facility located at 4005 E. Main Street in Ventura, offers classes for boys & girls 15 months to adult. Recreational through competitive gymnastics including open gym (Fridays 8-9:30PM), tumbling and trampoline, birthday parties, day camps, summer camps, field trips and more. 

Visit www.goldcoastgymnasticsclub.com or call 805.658.2825 for more information.

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center - Camarillo

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center is located at 1030 Temple Avenue, Camarillo. The center has the distinction of being the only indoor public swimming pool in Ventura County. The pool has eight 25 yard lanes, a one-meter diving board and 65 foot spiral water slide, outdoor patio and party area and locker rooms with full amenities. The pool is heated to about 81 to 83 degrees.

The Aquatic Center offers a wide variety of year round programs consisting of lap swimming, water aerobics, cardio sculpt, swimming lessons, diving lessons, water polo classes, parent and child classes, adult only swimming lessons, therapeutic swimming, lifeguard certification classes, special events and more.

The Aquatic Center is also available for rent, offering a variety of all inclusive party packages, or an hourly rental rate for your special celebration, fundraiser or competition.

As of August 2024, single entry fees into the facility are $4 for ages 4+, $3 for ages 60+ and free for 3 and under.

More information at www.pvrpd.org/aquatics.

The Aquatic Center is surrounded by 13 acre Bob Kildee Park, featuring picnic tables, play equipment, restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted ball fields, a soccer field and the Pleasant Valley Skate Park.

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER SWIMMING AND WATER PLAY OPTIONS AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

All Stars Athletics Indoor Batting Cages and Sports Training Facility in Newbury Park

All Stars Athletics, located at 711 Rancho Conejo Boulevard, Newbury Park, is a 14,000 sq. ft. indoor sports facility established in 2010 that provides training and instructional opportunities in baseball, softball, soccer and more.

There are seven Iron Mike pitching machines with speeds ranging from 35 mph to 80 mph, a 3,500 sq. ft. multi-sport astro turf training area, a team room area that seats up to 15 people, waiting area with wifi access and more. All Stars also offers party and corporate event packages with fully supervised and customized games and optional access to batting machines.

Visit www.allstarsathletics.com or call 805.498.6200 for more information.

'ololkoy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park)

The ‘ololkoy Beach Park* (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) is located on South Harbor Boulevard, South of Wooley Road and next to the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort in Oxnard.  The park has a large pirate-themed play area. There is a larger structure for 5 to 12 year olds and a smaller one for younger kids.

*Renamed after the Chumash word for dolphin in 2023.

This park is just a short walk to the beach, where you and the kids can spend time digging holes, building sand castles and running from the waves. The park is also in close vicinity to Channel Islands Harbor. 

The park has a large grassy area, restrooms, BBQ grills, bike paths, etc.  There is a parking fee at this park; just $1/hour or $5/day.

For more information, visit visitoxnard.com/directory/oxnard-beach-park.

The Arterie Art Studio in Thousand Oaks

The Arterie Art Studio at 2219 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 105, Thousand Oaks is an art studio for both kids and adults that offers art classes, camps, birthday parties and more.

Visit www.thearterie.org or call 805.379.1426 for more information.

Chuck E. Cheese's - Thousand Oaks and Ventura

The kids absolutely love it at Chuck E. Cheese's, there's plenty of things to do, and I am a fan of the grilled chicken sandwich, fries and, yes, a nice cold beer to wash them down.  And the kids ALWAYS wolf down the pizza there.  Chuck E. Cheese's is geared towards kids ages 2 to 12. www.chuckecheese.com

New Chuck E. Cheese’s facade in Thousand Oaks in 2024

Chuck E. Cheese's Thousand Oaks location front entry (before the 2024 remodel)

On the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, my 5 year old and I spent some fun time together at the Thousand Oaks Chuck E. Cheese's. You know what...adults can have just as much fun there as kids. Plenty of fun 1 token games. Colorful and noisy. My kid likes the pizza.

Here is a quick walkthrough of Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks to give a flavor as to all the fun stuff they have in there. It's actually pretty fun when it no't too crowded. Plus, they serve BEER there and ice cream bars are a bargain at only $1 apiece!

Chuck E. Cheese's is at 130 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805.497.2522) locations.chuckecheese.com/us/ca/thousand-oaks/130-w.-hillcrest-dr. and 4714 Telephone Road in Ventura (805.644.9777) locations.chuckecheese.com/us/ca/ventura/4714-telephone-rd.

We stopped by Chuck E. Cheese in Ventura today to burn off some steam on a rainy day. This is a large location packed full of games and a stage area for parties. This location uses token cards instead of actual tokens, which is more convenient but not quite as fun for my 5 year old.