Would You Like Slides with That? Fast Food Places in Ventura County with Play Areas!

Sometimes it's fun to take the kids out where you know they'll be able to burn off some steam after their chicken nuggets and fries. Mind you, my kids much prefer going to a park to play, but sometimes it’s nice to eat and play at these (mostly) indoor play areas.

Here are places to eat that have play areas.  Know of other places?  Well then, give me the scoop (the news, not the fries).

McDonalds Locations with Play Areas

• 1730 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805.777.9162)

• 501 New Los Angeles Avenue, Moorpark (805.532.2043)

• 3120 South Saviers Road, Oxnard (805.486.1245)

• 401 West Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme (805.985.3298)

• 1495 East Los Angeles Street, Simi Valley (805.527.9975)

• 2375 Tapo Street, Simi Valley (805.526.2222)

Carl's Jr Locations with Play Areas

• 411 South Reino Road, Newbury Park (805.499.0014)

• 1208 Madera Road, Simi Valley (805.522.8627)

Chick-fil-A Locations with Play Areas

• Chick-fil-A Ventura at 1321 Eastman Avenue (805.339.0977)

• Chick-fil-A Thousand Oaks at 449 N. Moorpark Road (805.379.1611)

• Chick-fil-A Simi Valley at 2460 Sycamore Drive

Other Places with Play Areas

• Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks and Ventura of course have big time play areas and small/big kids' arcades.

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park has an eatery you can chow down at while your kids play in the massive play structures.

• Most of the local Ventura County shopping malls have kids' play areas, some inside, some outside, and there is always food close at hand.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Options for Thousand Oaks Residents

The City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department's "GoGreen" website has hundreds of conservation tips relating to composting, energy conservation, hazardous waste disposal, recycling and trash, reuse programs, water conservation, living green advice, and much more. Check it out at www.toaks.org/GoGreen.

Like me, you may have a lot of junk lying around the house that you'd like to get rid of but are not allowed to place in the trash. 

Since May 2014, the City has run a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located next to the Service Center at 2010 Conejo Center Drive, Newbury Park.

Residents of Thousand Oaks and unincorporated areas of Ventura County may sign up to drop off items at this facility on Fridays/Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, except certain holiday weekends, at toaks.gov/hhw. Advance registration is required.

Items accepted at these monthly collection events include acids, motor oil, antifreeze, asbestos, nail polish/remover, automatic switches, oil filters, batteries, paints, cement, paint thinners, chlorine, fertilizers, pool chemicals, fluorescent lights, propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, rodent poison, garden chemicals, smoke detectors, gasoline, solvents, used frying oil, household cleaners, weed killers and more. They do not accept tires, medications. business waste and other items.

One person's hazardous waste is another's gold! The City's Hazardous Waste Material Reuse Program allows residents to take away certain items previously disposed of, such as cleaners, paint, pool chemicals, motor oils, adhesives, etc. Selection obviously will vary. No appointment needed. Just stop by the Reuse Store (same location as waste collection facility) on Friday/Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information at toaks.gov/hhw.

The ReUse store will be closed weekends associated with the following holidays: President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

There are also convenient hazardous waste disposal for other items:

Batteries: Community Centers at Borchard Park, Dos Vientos and Thousand Oaks (next to TOHS), Goebel Senior Center, Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park Libraries, City Hall and Thousand Oaks Transportation Center.

Motor Oil/Filters: See toaks.gov/hhw

Electronic Waste: Best Buy, Goodwill Industries, PC Recycle, Waste Management and Gold Coast Recycling Center. More info at THIS LINK.

Fluorescent Lights/CFL's: You may bring any size or type of fluorescent and LED bulbs to the City's Hazardous Waste Facility.

(See www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-lightbulbs/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901b263d806 for more information on what to do with light bulbs of various types.)

Unwanted and/or expired medications can be dropped off throughout Ventura County at designated police stations, such as the East Valley Police Station Lobby at 2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm.

Visit toaks.org/GoGreen for updates.

Seven Flat, Stroller and Family Friendly Hikes in the Conejo Valley

There is a ring of about 15,000 acres of open space with 140 miles of trails for public use surrounding the Conejo Valley. All too often on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page we hear requests for which trails are "stroller friendly" and/or suitable for young children. Here is a sampling of some of the more popular ones in the area.

Wildwood Park to many is the single greatest spot for family hikes and stroller-friendly trails. With 14 trails covering 17 miles, including the popular hike to Paradise Falls and the teepee as well as some wide, relatively flat sections along the Mesa Trail towards Lizard Rock.

It takes a bit of driving via the Norwegian Grade and Santa Rosa Road to get there, but the Conejo Canyons Open Space in the Western Plateau section of the Conejo Open Space leads to several miles of nice, flat, well-maintained family-friendly trails leading to tree-canopied picnic areas. The Hill Canyon Trail and Hawk Canyon Trail are very easy to navigate.

Shaded picnic area off the Hawk Canyon Trail from the Conejo Canyons Bridge.

The one mile Spring Canyon Trail is a mostly flat trail that runs from Lynn Oaks Park, 359 Capitan Street, Newbury Park to the Los Robles Trail.  There are some moderate hills but with the park nearby, this makes for a fun little excursion with the little ones. (No restrooms, however.)

The main access point to the Los Robles Trail at the southern endpoint of Moorpark Road at Greenmeadow Ave starts out with a reasonably flat section that is a nice, easy family stroll.

Speaking of the Los Robles Trail, another great little hike to take with the kids is the Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail. The first 4/10th of a mile of the trail, accessible off of Greenmeadow Avenue in Thousand Oaks, is the Oak Creek Canyon Whole Access Interpretive Trail. This is a nice, shady, flat trail with benches and picnic benches along the path. The remainder of the loop is not quite as stroller friendly, with a couple moderately steep sections that can be navigated on foot.

Picnic trails and shade abound at the Oak Creek Canyon Interpretative Trail.

The Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area managed by the National Park Service in Newbury Park has several miles of trails to explore, most of which are flat and stroller-friendly. The Satwiwa Loop Trail takes you around the area and the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center makes for a fun stop with the family when open on weekends.

The Chumash home, or “‘Ap,” in the background. The one pictured has since been replaced.

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons offer great family hiking opportunities. While there's definitely hills surrounding these canyons, try the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail, the 4 to 5 mile main artery into the park. Flat and kid/stroller friendly it is. Also try the Doubletree Trailhead connector to the Palo Comado Trail. Flat, fun and scenic.

The Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks is a short trail, half of which is pretty flat and tree lined, if you’re looking for a short excursion with a toddler. A seasonal creek makes it even more interesting as you may hear froggies in the spring.

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Although the trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space in Thousand Oaks are NOT FLAT and indeed quite HILLY, they are worth checking out with the kids because they wide and have some interesting sandstone rock formations. If you are really strong, strollers are possible here, but do know that you will encounter some hills like the hill shown in the image below.

This hill in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space at the Autumn Ridge Trail is a bit daunting but worth the climb.

We're going to throw a bonus trail into the mix. The several miles of hiking trails in the Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is an outstanding place for a flat, picturesque and oak-tree canopied place for a short hike with the kids.

For a more comprehensive compilation of trails in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County, visit THIS LINK.

Eleven of My Favorite Things to Do In and Around the City of Ventura

Incorporated in 1866, the City of Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County. The official name of Ventura is the city of San Buenaventura. Mission San Buenaventura was founded by Franciscan priest Junipero Serra on March 31, 1782 and was named after Saint Bonaventure. Enough with the history lesson...here are some of my favorite things to do in this beautiful city!

You can't miss the 1,600 foot long Ventura Pier, with its panoramic views, fishing and ocean breezes. There's a cool little playground area in the sand just west of the pier, bicycle rentals nearby, miles of beachfront bike path and Surfers' Point. San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier down south past the homes of the Ventura Keys. Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.

Ventura Harbor Village is home to 33 acres of harborside activities, shopping and restaurants. There's an arcade with an antique carousel, boat rides, kayaking and sailing and quick access to family-friendly Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer's Knoll Beach. Also within a short walking distance is the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, an inspirational and interactive source of information about the Channel Islands National Park. Bring the kids!

Ventura Harbor Village is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

For some of the most spectacular views of Ventura, stop by Grant Park / Serra Cross Park. You can drive up there, or park above the historic Ventura City Hall building and walk to Grant Park via the Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail. This nice one mile trail will give you a nice little workout, with views along the way.

A view from the Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail near Grant Park in 2020.

Golf N' Stuff is a family favorite, especially when it's really hot in the Conejo Valley and you're looking for an outdoor alternative to the beach.  The kids never tire of the two 18-hole mini golf courses, bumper boats, large, nicely appointed arcade, go karts and bumper cars.

Mini golf fun at Golf N' Stuff Ventura.

Another popular family choice is oceanfront Marina Park in the Ventura Keys, a decent sized park with plenty of grassy area, a newer playground and path to adjacent picnic and viewing area Soter Point. We enjoy riding bikes from the park to the Ventura Beach Path.

Marina Park Beach

In Downtown Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County hosts a collection of over 30,000 pieces of fine art and historical items and a changing lineup of exhibits displaying items of local relevance. The Museum's Research Library houses over 150,000 resources related to the history of Ventura County. And the Museum regularly hosts public events geared towards all ages as well as free admission the first Sunday of each month.

The city closed off five blocks of Main Street in Downtown Ventura to create “Main Street Moves.” in 2020. This allowed many businesses to thrive with outdoor dining during the pandemic, but it also caught on as a great opportunity to roam the streets of Downtown Ventura in a leisurely way, without automobile traffic. City Council voted to extend Main Street Moves on a year-round basis in November 2024. Updates at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2165/Main-Street-Moves.

It doesn’t feel like it is in Ventura, but Lake Casitas Recreation Area, technically in Ventura (though it feels more like it is in Oak View), is a wonderland of outdoor fun - boating/kayaking on the lake (no swimming though…it is a water source), camping, disc golf, picnicking, bicycling, exploring and more.

Kayaking at Lake Casitas.

Something new! Moby’s on Main opened at 369 E. Main Street in Ventura, in late May 2024. Moby’s is Ventura’s first family-friendly arcade and bar, offering a collection of vintage arcade games, pinball machines, classic Thrifty ice cream, snacks and more. www.mobysonmain.com

Those are some highlights! But there's more!

Over 45 things to do in the City of Ventura

Over 40 kids activities in the City of Ventura

Nearly 50 sports and fitness activities in the City of Ventura

Vegetarian & Vegan Eateries in the Conejo Valley and Neighboring Areas

According to a 2023 Gallup Consumer Habits poll, 4% of U.S. adults consider themselves to be vegetarian and 1% say they are vegan. With a population of 829,590 in 2023, that translates to about 33,000 vegetarians in Ventura County. Here are some vegetarian and vegan dining options in the Conejo Valley and greater Ventura County that attract vegetarians and their meat-eating friends alike. Here’s a list of such eateries.

(Note that this particular list includes places that only serve 100% plant-based food.)

In the Conejo Valley

Vegan Thyme is located in the Park Plaza Shopping Center in Newbury Park at 2247 Michael Drive. This popular eatery opened its doors in March 2019. Vegan Thyme’s menu is 100% vegan, with primarily an Asian/Fusion theme. Their meat replacement options include organic tofu, soy chicken, soy beef, soy fish, soy shrimp and vegetables. Their menu also includes burger, wraps and Mexican cuisine. Open 11:30AM - 9PM Tuesdays through Fridays and 12 - 9PM on weekends. www.veganthymecafe.com (805) 716-3088

Namaste Spiceland is located at 821 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. This popular Indian grocery market also offers hot vegetarian Indian cuisine for takeout or onsite. Inexpensive, large portions and delicious! Open daily from 10AM - 9PM. namastespicelandthousandoaks.com (805) 373-6761

JOi Café opened in late summer 2014 at 2855 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. JOi, named after co-owner Joi Stearns, offers a broad menu of organic, plant-based and gluten-free items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, matcha drinks, other drinks, smoothies, toasts, salads, breakfast goodies, plates and more Open daily from 7AM to 5PM. www.joicafe.com

Ma-Kin Vegan Sushi opened in August 2021 at 30313 Canwood St # 35, Agoura Hills in the Reyes Adobe Plaza. Ma-Kin offers unique plant-based, 100% vegan sushi dishes, along with gluten-free options. Open Tuesday through Thursday 2PM - 9PM and Friday through Sunday 11:30AM - 9PM. www.makinvegan.com (818) 699-6716

Jugo Wellness Bar is located in the Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks at 1772 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Suite I. Jugo offers organic smoothies, acai, toasts and more. jugowellnessbar.com

Other Parts of Ventura County

Vegiterranean Kitchen, located at Moorpark at 481 E High Street, offers fully vegan Mediterranean cuisine, including soups, salads, appetizers, pita wraps, entrees and desserts. Open Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 8PM. vegiterraneankitchen.com (805) 523-2209

Seed Ranger, located at 2950 Johnson Drive, Ventura, offers a vegan only memo that includes sushi, all-day breakfast entrees, burgers, pizzas and more, . Open daily 8AM - 8PM. www.seedranger.com (805) 765-4157

La Jenelle Natural Cafe is located at 2323 Roosevelt Boulevard #1, Oxnard at Silverstrand Beach. Open Monday through Friday 9AM - 5:30PM and 8:30AM - 5:30PM on weekends. Their menu offers only vegetarian/vegan options, including salads, a burrito, burger and more.. lajenelle.com (805) 263-6771

Hip Vegan is located 201 N Montgomery Street, Ojai. Open everyday 11AM - 8PM. They offer exclusively 100% plant-based items such as wraps, salads, bowls, sandwiches and more. hipvgn.com (805) 669-6363

Harvest Cafe is located 175 S.Ventura Avenue, Ventura, offering an organic, vegetarian, gluten-free menu that includes smoothies, breakfast items, pizzas, salads, and various entrees. Opens at 8AM daily (9AM on Sundays). www.harvestcafeventura.com (805) 667-8386

Café BōKU is located at 987 W Ojai Avenue, Ojai. Open daily from 8AM - 5PM. Their menu includes smoothies, breakfast items, sandwiches and more. www.bokusuperfood.com/pages/cafe (805) 650-2658

Farmer and the Cook is located at 339 W El Roblar Drive, Ojai, offering smoothies, breakfast items, lunch/dinner entrees and more. Opens at 8AM daily. www.farmer-and-the-cook.com (805) 640-9608

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Vegan No More

Amy’s Drive Thru opened on June 15, 2023 at 400 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks but closed its doors after a brief stint on February 9, 2024.

Veggie Grill Westlake Village closed its doors after a nine year stint in the North Ranch Shopping Center in May 2023.

Sage Vegan Bistro at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills opened in May 2020 and closed in June 2023.

Crossroads Kitchen at The Commons at Calabasas closed in late December 2024.

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is City Historical Landmark #5

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area is located at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks, south of the intersection of Avenida de los Arboles and Westlake Boulevard.

This 428 acre park is a designated historical landmark by the City of Thousand Oaks and County of Ventura. The Chumash inhabited this area going back as far as 12,000 years ago through the late 1800's. 

The park grounds are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There are flat hiking trails and a Chumash village reproduction available to explore. The oak trees provide a beautiful canopy for hikers. It is a peaceful place worth exploring. Note that dogs are prohibited from the property.

Located on the property is the Chumash Indian Museum, which contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/park/oakbrook-regional-park.

Hiking and Exploring in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

Entrance to Rancho Sierra VistaSatwiwa at Lynn Road and Via Goleta in Newbury Park

Located on the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is accessible in Newbury Park at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta. This area spans from Potrero Road on the north and connects to Point Mugu State Park on the south.

Ranching in the area dates back to the early 1800s, when Spanish soldiers were granted 48,672 acres of land, "Rancho El Conejo," which through the years was subdivided and sold to other landowners. One of these ranchers was Carl Beal, who in 1937 named the area Rancho Sierra Vista "Mountain View Ranch." The last private landowner in the area was Richard Danielson, whose family farmed and ranched the area for 32 years. Danielson donated 5,585 acres of the ranch to the State of California, which became part of Point Mugu State Park, and sold 850 acres, including the horse ranch, to the National Park Service in 1980.

Sign at Danielson Monument accessible via Danielson Road/Old Boney Trail.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area is a bike/horse free area within Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa of roughly 60 acres. Located on the northwest corner of this area, just a short walk from visitor parking, is the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center.

The Culture Center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends with a park ranger or other staff. It is a small building that also hosts a variety of educational Chumash and wildlife items. NPS BROCHURE AND TRAIL MAP

Learn more about RSV at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm.

The area is a popular destination for hikers with a variety of well maintained trails. Note, however, that bicycles and horses are not allowed in the "Satwiwa Natural Area" section (see map below).

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

The Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy, 2 mile trail that starts at the Culture Center through grasslands, past the old windmill and back around, with several extensions for those looking to do a little more.

There's the Lower Loop Trail and the Upper Loop Trail that is a bit of a zig-zaggy trail with wooden footings placed by volunteers to help hikers navigate. The Upper Loop Trail runs past the "Old Windmill" pictured below.

Satwiwa Lower Loop sign at intersection of Danielson Road trail.

The old windmill at the northeast corner of the Satwiwa Loop Trail (Upper Loop). (Windmill was knocked down by high winds in December 2016 and is still down as of MAY 2024).

You can also park at the Wendy and Potrero trailhead and walk to the Culture Center via the Wendy Trail, about a mile each way.

Wendy Trail trailhead at the intersection of Wendy and Potrero in Newbury Park

It is pretty dry in here most of the year but after the winter/spring rains, the green stages a comeback.

Another trail to explore is the 1 mile Ranch Overlook Trail that takes you from just west of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, up a hill (where you can indeed look down toward the old ranch area, parking area and restrooms) to the main entrance and to the Palomino Trail in the Rancho Potrero Open Space.

Ranch Overlook Trail

One of my favorite trails in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail. This challenging, fairly steep trail branches off from the Satwiwa Loop Trail on the southeast, past the bench at the Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook, via the Boney Mountain Trail/Danielson Road.

The popular bench at Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook. Photo taken April 4, 2014, approximately 11 months after the devasting Springs Fire of 2013.

Roughly 700 feet past the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench is a juncture where you can either veer right into Point Mugu State Park and the Boney Mountain Wilderness, where you can walk down, over a stream (or a dry stream bed as the case may be), towards the popular "waterfall" (which in recent years has been not much more than a trickle) and the Danielson Monument. CLICK HERE for details.

If you veer left at the juncture, you'll see the Hidden Valley Overlook trail sign.

The trail is steep and rocky and reaches an end point in about half a mile. If you are up to the challenge, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Newbury Park, the Channel Islands, Sycamore Canyon and Boney Mountain.

Views from halfway up the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail towards the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area

At the end of the trail is the Hidden Valley overlook, where you will be able to peek into the not-so-hidden-anymore Hidden Valley and its peaceful ranches. As a final reward for your effort, it's all downhill the way back. Be sure to wear solid hiking shoes as the trails are a bit technical.

Peek at Hidden Valley at the end of the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail.

View of Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands, from Hidden Valley Overlook trail

To learn more, visit the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas or visit www.nps.gov/samo or call 805.370.2301.

Dogs are allowed in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. But please, pick up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed in the Point Mugu State Park / Boney Mountain Wilderness back country trails, though they are allowed on paved roads, such as the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail road.