Shop and plop yourself down while your kids get entertained or better yet, entertain themselves.  Here is a roundup of kids activities and play areas at local shopping malls.  In addition to these ongoing activities, seasonal/holiday events are posted regularly here on Conejo Valley Guide.

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks offers a kids' club on selected Wednesday mornings.  The Lakes has nicely appointed outdoor playground with swings, slide and sandbox, large grassy area, two lakes and waterfall.  Great place for the kids to run around while you down a coffee.

Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks has Kids Fun Zone arts and crafts on the last Saturday of the month.  There is a small outdoor kids play area for the little ones and an impressive outdoor water fountain. Other kid-friendly activities at Janss include movie theaters, make your own cookies, paint your own ceramics and karate training.

The Commons in Calabasas used to offer a Kids Club for kids 10 and under but that was moved to The Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas in January 2010.  This sounds really great!  My Gym activities are offered from 4:30 pm to 6 p.m, then Kids Club activities are 6 pm to 7 pm.  And they also offer a Kids Eat Free deal!!

Simi Valley Town Center has a kids club on Wednesday mornings offering entertainment for your younguns.  The center also has a small outdoor kids play area, koi pond, dragon and $2 mini train rides.

The Oaks in Thousand Oaks just finished up a major upgrade and offers an indoor kids play area for small kids, has a brand new Muvico movie theater, Build-a-Bear and a Kids Club that meets monthly.

Pacific View Mall in Ventura has a nice kids' play area near the food court.  It may also have a kids club but it hasn't been advertised of late.

Camarillo Premium Outlets are expanding in April with the 220,000 square foot The Promenade, which will have a Spanish style courtyard area.  Separating the Outlet from The Promenade are the Edwards Theaters.

The Promenade at Westlake does not have a kids play area but they do have a nice fountain (actually 2 of them), live music on weekends, movie theaters and a koi pond.

Paraiso in Dos Vientos  Paraiso has a nice little playground and grassy area with a pond and bridge.  This is a nice set up for the kids to run around while you enjoy a meal and relax. Previously Paraiso had a kids club but with a recent change in ownership we shall see if they bring this back.

Lakeshore Learning in Ventura is a great store to buy learning toys and products for kids.  It offers free crafts every Saturday!