Indoor Play Places In and Around Ventura County

There are hundreds of parks with play areas throughout the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County compiled at THIS LINK, but if you are looking for an indoor playtime experience with your little ones, from toddlers to teens, here are a number of options to check out.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks and Ventura has both classes for various age groups as well as open play at designated times.

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area is a small area open for kids up to age 5 anytime the mall is open. Located on the first floor, adjacent to the Food Court area and near JC Penney.

• Jumpify Indoor Playground is located at The Oaks Mall on the 2nd floor. Inflatables, bounce houses, ball/foam block pits and more. Geared towards ages 1 to 12.

• Jump n’ Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard in January 2020. Fun indoor place with similarities to Kids World in Oak Park.

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at Simi Valley Town Center is for kids up to age 7 for open play seven days a week.

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills has open play for kids up to age 13 on weekdays and weekends when there are no special events planned.

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park is open daily for open play, geared towards ages 2 to 15. Huge play structure, climbing tubes, slides, foam balls and much more.

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura offers open jump and toddler time on designated days and times.

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park Thousand Oaks at Janss Marketplace offers wall to wall trampolines, ball pits, foam block pit and much more.

• Imagymnation Gymnastics in Simi Valley offers open play on designated days and times.

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills is a 3100 sq ft facility that opened 2/16/24. Geared towards little kids.

• How could we leave Chuck E. Cheese’s off this list for indoor play! A local staple for young set birthday parties and drop-in play.

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting and Arcade in Thousand Oaks has karts for kids that go up to 20 mph as well as an arcade.

This is just a small sampling of kids' activities highlighted here on Conejo Valley Guide.

FUN FOR THE KIDS AT LOCAL VENTURA COUNTY AREA SHOPPING MALLS

The three story foam ball projectile and climbing area at Kids World in Oak Park.

Ten Things To Do in the City of Moorpark

The City of Moorpark has the distinction of being the youngest city in Ventura County,  incorporating July 1, 1983.

According to the Moorpark Historical Society, the city originated when land investor Robert W. Poindexter of Los Angeles and his wife Madeline purchased the plot of land that is now Moorpark after Southern Pacific Railroad announced plans to relocate its tracks Los Angeles to San Francisco route from the coast to Chatsworth.

For many years, Moorpark was mostly farmland, with dry land crops including apricots, hay and lima beans, then later, walnuts and citrus when irrigation systems were improved. Moorpark became known as the "apricot capital of the world" and held an annual apricot festival by the late 1920s

So where did the name Moorpark come from? Apparently, Poindexter named the community after the Moorpark Apricot. Simple as that. Heck, he could have named it Poindexter!

So in any case, Moorpark is now a full-fledged city of 12.8 square miles with a population of approximately 35,000. Here is a selection of things to do within the City of Moorpark.

• America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is a 5 acre zoo housing 200 exotic animals as part of the Exotic Animal Training & Management program. Great place for a quick weekend wild animal fix right here in our backyard.

• Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park is a 3,000 acre wilderness area with over 12 miles of trails.

• Ambush Paintball and Airsoft Park

• Moorpark City Library

• Underwood Family Farms offers fresh produce, kids' activities, special events, farm animals and more.

• High Street Arts Center

• Poindexter Skate Park

• Tom Barber Golf Center Driving Range

• Arroyo Vista Recreation Center

• 18 community parks in Moorpark

For more things to do in Moorpark, visit the Do Something, Kid Fun and Fitness & Sports sections of the site. And of course the Events Calendar highlights daily goings on around the county.

A DOZEN FUN THINGS TO DO IN SIMI VALLEY

Learn About the Channel Islands at the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura

For a fun, educational and local family field trip, visit the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park at the Ventura Harbor. This visitor center is free of charge and features a bookstore, marine aquatic life exhibits, a nicely done 25 minute movie, "A Treasure in the Sea" and friendly National Park Service staff to answer your questions.

Located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, the visitor cneter is open 8:30 am until 5 pm daily. On weekends and holidays (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) at 11 am and 3 pm, rangers offer a variety of free public programs covering the resources of the park. Click here for programs and events scheduled at the visitor center. Call 805.658.5730 for more information.

Nice scale model of the Channel Islands on display at the Visitor Center

Indoor tidepool in the Visitor Center always grabs the kids' attention, along with other displays.

Deck on the 2nd floor of the Visitor Center has views towards Ventura Harbor and the ocean.

This placard on the second floor viewing deck of the visitor center reads as follows:

On a clear day you can see two of the five islands that compose the Channel Islands National Park - Anacapa and Santa Cruz. The park boundary also includes the waters one nautical mile out around the islands. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary extends an additional five nautical miles out.

The Anacapas: When you look through the telescope (on the deck...or from other locations in Ventura County) you can see that Anacapa actually consists of three small islets. The Chumash Indians called Anacapa "Anyapa" meaning "ever-changing." It is an appropriate name as changing weather conditions modify the island's appearance. If you look at East Anacapa Island you may be able to see the lighthouse and the hole in the middle of arch rock.

Santa Cruz Island: Santa Cruz is the largest and topographically the most diverse of the Channel Islands. The highest point of Santa Cruz is Mount Diablo. It is nearly 2,400 feet high and is the highest mountain found on any of the Channel Islands.

Distance from Ventura (in miles): Anacapa (15), Santa Cruz (21), Santa Rosa (47), San Miguel (63) and Santa Barbara (52).

Residential Holiday Light Displays in the Conejo Valley and Surrounding Areas

Once again we expect numerous spectacular residential holiday light displays throughout the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas this 2023 Christmas season! We've compiled this list of displays that are synchronized to music and/or are particularly bright, eye catching or noteworthy. This list is growing daily, after we confirm a display is up and running.

Click the links below for more detailed information about each display. Since these are residential displays, timing can and will vary and of course be impacted by rain, wind and other factors.

HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT VENTURA COUNTY

CONEJO VALLEY DISPLAYS

Entertaining residential display at 2768 Baywater Place in Thousand Oaks is simulcast to music on 87.9 FM. Learn more and vote for your favorite songs at www.baywaterlights.com.

See a festive display with plenty of cartoon characters at 3337 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks. The residents will be hosting Santa and elves on Fridays, December 8th and 15 from 7-9PM. Hot chocolate will be served.

A visually appealing holiday light display at a residence on Flaming Star Avenue and Shenandoah Street in Thousand Oaks (take Lynn Road to Avenida de las Flores and head west) is back again this year for the holiday season. Light, bright and fun!

Residential 50,000 light and music display on Via Patricia (cross street Via Ricardo) in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park is back up and running this year. Simulcast to music on 89.7 FM. Perennially one of the most entertaining displays around town. Worth going out of your way for!

Beautiful and extremely bright and colorful holiday display is back up at a residence at 982 Golden Crest Avenue at Antelope Place in Newbury Park. Also features talking Santa Claus. Toy drive 11/24-12/25. Fire department visit on 12/8 at 6:30PM. Live Santa Claus photos on December 8, 15, 16 and 23 at 6:30PM. Questions? 805-813-3999

Fun, festive, colorful, synchronized light display at 538 Brisbaine Avenue, Newbury Park 5PM-10PM nightly through 12/31. Simulcast to music on 100.5 FM.

Neat display at a home on Montgomery Road, just south of Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. This is a perennial display that has been up like clockwork for the holiday season for many years.

Gigantic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and other fun decor at a home on Via Coronado, west of Borchard, in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park.

Outstanding high-tech light show set to music will be back again this year starting Saturday, December 2nd at a home on Doone Street (cross street Warwick) in Thousand Oaks. Several nearby homes are nicely decorated with holiday cheer too. A local must see!

Bright, colorful display is back yet again this year at a home at the corner of Holloway Street and Wendy Drive in Newbury Park.

There is a pretty and bright display that populates the entire front yard of 1170 Earlham Court in Oak Park, south of Pathfinder Ave. Dozens of lighted snowmen and other cartoon characters. On weekends, they have two snow machines, Elf movie on, and dancing Santa and reindeer. Accepting donations for local charity, James Storehouse.

Fun cast of characters, including The Grinch and others, at a bright display at a home on Orangewood Avenue, north of Felton, in Newbury Park.

Gorgeous display is back again this year at a home on Middle Crest Drive, south of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, in Agoura Hills.

Another display full of colorful lights and decorations at a home on Camino Dos Rios, west of Lynn Road, on the right (north) side

Fun animated residential display simulcast to music at a home on Mapleleaf Ave (cross street Madrid) in Newbury Park. Music simulcast on 97.7 FM.

Residential light show is back at 1062 Sheffield Place in Thousand Oaks. Open 5:30-10PM daily through December 31st. Music simulcast on FM 87.9. Vote for your favorite songs at www.sheffieldlights.com.

Once again this year, there's a particularly festive, brightly lit residence on Shetland Place in the North Ranch section of Thousand Oaks. While you’re there, drive Upper Ranch Road and Golf Course Drive for some festive lighting on some beautiful trees.

Christmas spirit on display at two homes on Verde Vista Drive (across from Cambria St) in Thousand Oaks (near CLU, north of Olsen).

Fun display with several dozen inflatables of all types and plenty of flashing lights at a home at the corner of Briarcliff Road and Windsor Drive in Thousand Oaks.

Lots of lights, lighted figures and about 11 lighted palm trees at a home at the corner of Bernadine St and Wauneta St in Newbury Park.

Festive, colorful and bright displays at several homes on Yew Drive in Newbury Park. Take Borchard, turn south on Carob, then an immediate left on Yew.

Fun residential Christmas display simulcast to holiday tunes at a home at 1455 Valley High Ave in Thousand Oaks, between La Granada and Sapra. Will be open sunset to 10PM daily through the end of the month.

A fun residential display is back again this year with music and brightly lit cast of cartoon characters at a home on Donald Avenue, just east of Wendy Drive, in Newbury Park.

Bright display with a tremendous cast of characters at 3337 Frankie Drive in Newbury Park. There’s also a talking Santa Claus, in fact, multiple Santa Clauses, reindeer and more.

Fun holiday display at a home at the end of the cul de sac on Summerfield Street off of Mountclef across from CLU in Thousand Oaks. This whole neighborhood area located east of Mountclef between Olsen and Arboles is a good family drive-through, with a nice assortment of displays...access from Summerfield and Hetherglow.

Beautiful Christmas light display at a home on Kingham Court in Agoura Hills (north of T. O. Blvd, off of Grey Rock Road).

Brisbaine display in Newbury Park. Was up before Thanksgiving this year!

NEARBY CITY DISPLAYS

Huge and awesome neighborhood display in the area of Timberdale and Pinedale Roads in Moorpark (just west of Moorpark High School, off of Countrywood Drive). Dozens of homes decorated in bright lights and decorations.

Fantastic multi-family residential holiday light display on Gemini and Waverly Ave and Saturn Street in Camarillo is taking shape. Great one to bring the kids to….lots of cartoon character decorations and a great area to park the car, stroll and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed. Take Arneill to Dunnigan St, east to Gemini Avenue.

12/10-12/26: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane along F & G Streets between 5th and Palm in the Downtown Oxnard Historic District is a perennially great display you need to experience. Nightly 6PM-10PM.

Candy Cane Lane is a group of homes located in the vicinity of Lubao Avenue at Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills that has been fun to drive through for over 60 years.

Auburn Lane Community at Summerwood Avenue in Simi Valley has thousands of Christmas lights strung from house to house over the streets of the entire neighborhood and most every home is decorated. Santa will make an appearance from 6-9PM on Sat 12/9. (Overflow parking at Church of LDS at 5028 Cochran St (at Summerwood). See www.facebook.com/auburnlane.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Display at 469 Highland Road in Simi Valley has well over 100, maybe 200 figurines and happy characters throughout the yard. Cross street Sinaloa, south of Royal. Also see their Facebook page for updates.

Christmas light display with music synced to music at a home on Fieldcrest Drive in Camarillo.

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The fun single home cartoon Disney character display at the corner of Timberlane Ave and Fearing St in Simi Valley has retired, according to a sign posted on the side of the house. SEE PHOTOS AT THIS LINK.

The Giant Sand Dune on PCH Across From Thornhill Broome Beach in Point Mugu

One of the many unique things to see in Ventura County is the gigantic sand dune located on the east end of Thornhill Broome Beach in Point Mugu.

Driving north up PCH, you'll see the sand dune on the east side after passing by Sycamore Canyon/Sycamore Cove Beach and before reaching the entrance to the Thornhill Broome Campground. 

Park on the shoulder off of PCH. There's plenty of room, though you may be partially parked in the sand. You can also park on the beach side of PCH but rather than taking your life in your hands jaywalking across PCH, you're better off parking on the mountain side of the highway.

The mysteriously large sand dune is the result of "Aeolian transport," or the wind's movement of particles, in this case, sand. Quite steep this hill is, but your effort will be rewarded with some beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Plus, you get a nice bird's eye view of Mugu Rock.

We noticed that the southern-most portion of the sand dune seems to have more large rocks in the sand from erosion of the mountains above. The northern hill, at least the several times we've now been there since originally posting this, has somewhat less rocks, leaving the sand smoother and more comfortable to walk on.

Going down the hill is certainly a lot easier than coming up!

DOZENS OF LOCAL AREA BEACHES

Pick Your Own Produce at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark

For a fun, inexpensive local family activity, stop by Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark for some "Pick Your Own" fun. Open most of the year, weather and farm conditions permitting. They've got everything from avocados, beans, beets, blackberries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, onions, cucumbers, on through spinach, squash and tomatoes, depending on time of year.

Underwood offers pull wagons, bags and containers for you to stash your haul. Then of course you pay for it. And if you can't find what you want in the fields, they may have it in their Farm Market.

• Weekday Admission: $7 (as of June 2023)

• Weekend and Holiday Admission: $10 (as of June 2023) (subject to change during spring, fall and Christmas festivals)

• Children under 2 and parking free.

• Wagon rides included with admission.

• Seniors (65+), Military, Veterans and 1st Responders w/ID get $2 off.

Learn more at underwoodfamilyfarms.com/pick-your-own.

Hike to the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park in Agoura Hills

One of the most popular destinations in Malibu Creek State Park is the Rock Pool, a picturesque place that is easily accessible for all ages.

As seen in the photo above, it can be stunning to see after solid rains but can also dry up. One fun way to get to the Rock Pool is via the Grassland Trail, accessible on Mulholland Highway just west of Las Virgenes Road, where street parking is available.

Take the Grassland trail, with moderate hills, .7 miles to the Crags Road main fire road/trail in Malibu Creek State Park, and turn right. Alternatively, you can park in the Park's lower parking lot, pay $12 for a bit more secure parking, and take the main trail into the park.

The scenery along the Grassland Trail can be quite beautiful, particularly after the rainy season.

Soon you'll see the sign where you can see the Visitor Center is on the left. That's the direction you'll be taking to get to the Rock Pool. Veering to the right gets you to another popular site at the Park, the old M*A*S*H television series set.

You'll see a bridge over the creek (seen below after the winter rains) that takes you to the Visitor Center (open weekends noon to 4pm). The Rock Pool is the trail on the right (west) before reaching the bridge. Look carefully and you may see the little sign that says "Rock Pool."

Malibu Creek free flowing after some decent winter rainstorms

Well known Rock Wall used by rock climbers seen in the original Planet of the Apes (1968)

You'll walk through a shaded area with picnic benches through to a Rock Wall that is popular with local rock climbers. The video above shows scenes from the movie Planet of the Apes (1968) shot in Malibu Creek State Park. From there, the Rock Pool is a short walk further.

California State Parks, which manages the Park, warns visitors not to jump or dive into the Rock Pool as it is dangerous. But it is certainly fun to explore and is quite a beautiful area.

All told, getting to the Rock Pool is only about 3 miles round trip and worth it. I would put this hike on par with hiking to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks' Wildwood Park in terms of ease of access and family enjoyment. Learn more about Malibu Creek State Park at this link.