Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley

/
BoysGirlsClub_GCV.png

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley is a non-profit organization that provides time-tested programs offering leadership training, character development, fine arts, academic support, technology, health and fitness.

Clubs feature Learning Centers, Games Rooms, Computer Technology Centers, Fine Arts Rooms, Multi-Purpose Rooms, and Character and Leadership Centers. For grades 5 through 8.  Visit www.bgcconejo.org for more information. Also spring/summer camps for grades 1 to 12.

Local Clubs:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley offers a variety of indoor spaces for rent for family events, fundraisers and meetings at the Sequoia, Colina and Los Cerritos clubs listed above. Contact individual clubs for more information about facility rentals.

Brandon's Buddies Free Kids Club in Calabasas

/
BrandonsBuddies_logo.jpg

Brandon's Buddies is a FREE KIDS CLUB that meets every month at Brandon's Village at Gates Canyon Park located at 25801 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Calabasas. This playground is the first fully-accessible playground in the region. The day may include integrated play, face painting, arts and crafts, entertainment and treats.  Feel free to bring a sack lunch.

All children with and without disabilities and their families who want to spend a great day playing in the sunshine and making friends are invited to participate!

Brandon's Buddies gives children with disabilities the opportunity to play with their typically-able peers, while giving their parents a chance to share experiences and advice with other parents/caregivers.  It gives children without disabilities the chance to get to know their peers and gain greater awareness and compassion.

For more information, visit The K.E.N. Project website at www.kenproject.com or call 818.222.8118.  Or visit the KEN Project calendar at www.kenproject.com/calendarofactivities.html. 

Note from Conejo Joe: The group meets USUALLY (some exceptions) the first Saturday of each month from 11 am to 1 pm. But make sure to check in advance.  Or just show up.

Upcoming dates (as of 9/11/16): 10/1, 11/5, 12/3

Chase Palm Park and Carousel in Santa Barbara

/

Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara is a huge park that sandwiches East Cabrillo Boulevard.  On the ocean side of Cabrillo the park consists of a palm-lined, narrow strip of park adjacent to East Beach with an oceanfront bike path and walkway from Stearns Wharf to East Beach.  This side of the park is host to Sunday/holiday arts and crafts shows.  The 14,600 square foot Skater's Point skate park is also located on this side of the park.

ChasePalmPark_SB.jpg

Call 805.564.5418 for more information or visit www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/parks/features/playgrounds/chase.asp.

On the other side of Cabrillo is a huge 10 acre parcel that features fountains, creeks, a lagoon, carousel, snack bar and a shipwreck playground modeled after an ocean schooner from the turn of the century.

The Chase Palm Park antique carousel is a beautiful, elegant throwback to another era. It is one of three machines produced by the Allan Herschell Factory in the 1915-1917 time frame; this one was built in 1916. The carousel is well maintained, plays fun music and is only $2.50 (as of Fall 2016) for a pretty darn long ride!  

This carousel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 2000 after it went through extensive renovations and moved to this location in June 1999. It is 40 feet in diameter, with a 19 foot wooden pole in its center, supporting 35 jumping, hand-carved wooden horses plus two hand carved art deco style wooden chariots.

This carousel originally operated outdoors on the east coast, where it was used for decades while not going through adequate maintenance. It was purchased in 1970 by Seaport Village in San Diego, where after 10 years in storage it was sold again to its current owners. 

The combination of Shipwreck Playground and the carousel makes this a can't miss Santa Barbara destination for they young set!  And the park is walking distance to Stearns Wharf, the beach, bike rentals, State Street, etc.

ChaseCarousel5.jpg
ChaseCarousel4.jpg
ChaseCarousel2.jpg

Moorpark Soccer Club

/
MoorparkSoccerClub.jpg

Moorpark Soccer Club, a member of the California Youth Soccer Association - South is for boys and girls ages 9 through 18.  Teams practice/play at Campus Canyon Park, Miller Park, Peach Hill Park and Arroyo Vista Park.  The mission of the club is to promote and encourage excellence in youth soccer without sacrificing sportsmanship and fair play. More information at www.moorparksoccerclub.com.

Kids Club at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks

/
KidsClubLakes.jpg

The Kids Club at The Lakes meets every Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. during the months of March through October. Geared towards kids 10 and under.

Call 805.497.9861 for more information. Events are outdoors; rain generally cancels events but call first.

Events vary from puppet shows to storytellers to musicians, petting zoos, arts and crafts, etc. for preschoolers and their parents. These are outdoor events and are weather permitting. Contact The Lakes for more information at 805.497.9861 or www.shoplakes.com.

In addition to the kids club, The Lakes has a small playground area that is geared toward the younger kids, an expanse of grass and 2 beautiful lakes, waterfall, fountain, etc. This is a nice park-like setting that makes you forget the fact that you are looking straight out at Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

One more bonus: The Lakes is next door to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, which has an outdoor courtyard with trees and paths that are fun for the kids to explore.

Upcoming events:

Kids Club: Furry Friends Petting

September 7 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

We have the most adorable lineup of pocket-sized pets visiting such as chinchillas, dwarf rabbits, lop-eared rabbits, lion-head rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and more!

Kids Club: Magic And Comedy With Eddie

September 14 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Eddie brings a show full of the most unique magic gags and comedy on the kid’s scene! This polished performer will be needing lots of helpers to get everyone involved, so come ready to lend a helping hand!  

Kids Club: Juggling With Alex

September 21 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Alex visits with a good ol’ fashioned variety show filled with juggling, unicycle riding, balloons, laughs and a whole lot more!  

Kids Club: Puppet Musical – Jack & The Beanstalk

September 28 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Original songs and beautiful handmade puppets tell the classic hero’s tale of friendship, forgiveness and following your dreams. This interactive show features live singing in styles ranging from pop, ragtime, big band, opera and more.  

Build-a-Bear Workshop - The Oaks Mall

/
BuildABear_logo.jpg

Build-a-Bear Workshop, located on the 2nd floor of The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks, offers your little ones the ability to customize their own stuffed critters in a very experiential setting.

We've been to several birthday parties at Build-a-Bear (including our own son's 5th birthday party) and the process they take the kids through is enjoyed by all.

Birthday party way back when.

Birthday party way back when.

Kids get to choose the bear or other furry creature, add a "sound" or "voice," stuff it, choose a heart, stitch, fluff, name it, receive a birth certificate, dress it and transport the newborn home in a cute cardboard condo. And of course accessorizing the new family member requires follow-up visits. 

This is the only Build-a-Bear Workshop was completely remodeled in 2013. It is the only Ventura County Build-A-Bear BUT a new location is planned to open soon at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura.

For more information, visit www.buildabear.com or call 805.449.8704.  The store is open 7 days a week; 10am to 9pm, Mon-Sat, 11am to 6pm Sun.

BuildABearTheOaks.jpg

Kids Club at The Commons at Calabasas

/
Commons_logo.jpg

Join us every Tuesday nights at 6pm at The Commons at Calabasas (4799 Commons Way) for a weekly dose of fun, including music, dance, arts, crafts, entertainment and so much more! March through October.

Upcoming Kids Club Events

Kids Club: Furry Friends Petting

September 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

We have the most adorable lineup of pocket-sized pets visiting such as chinchillas, dwarf rabbits, lop-eared rabbits, lion-head rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and more!

Kids Club: Magic And Comedy With Eddie

September 13 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Eddie brings a show full of the most unique magic gags and comedy on the kid’s scene! This polished performer will be needing lots of helpers to get everyone involved, so come ready to lend a helping hand!

Kids Club: Juggling With Alex

September 20 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Alex visits with a good ol’ fashioned variety show filled with juggling, unicycle riding, balloons, laughs and a whole lot more!

Kids Club: Music With Nathalia

September 27 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Nathalia has some of the catchiest tunes out there! Join us for some head-bopping and hip-shaking songs from a performer destined for stardom  

For more information, contact The Commons at Calabasas management office at 818-222-3444 or view our full Calendar of Events at www.shopcommons.com.

Simi Valley Aquatics

/

Simi Valley Aquatics opened the first indoor swim school in Simi Valley in July 2016. The facility offers year-round swim lessons with two 90 degree pools for all ages, baby to adult. Offering group lessons, private lessons, semi-private lessons, "Baby & Me" classes and private parties. Located at 1263 Simi Town Center Way. Visit www.SVaquatics.com or call 805.443.SWIM for more information.

Rancho Simi Community Pool in Simi Valley

/

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District maintains the massive Rancho Simi Community Pool, located at 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley.

The pool is available year round for lap swimming, recreational swimming, swimming lessons, birthday parties, periodic events and more.

Hours vary for recreational swimming, so check website below for schedules. Current admission cost (as of August 2016) is $3 for ages 3 to 64, $1 for 65+ and free to 2 and under.

To learn more, visit www.rsrpd.org/recreation/aquatics.php.