Harley's Bowling Centers - Simi and Camarillo

I loved bowling as a kid but today bowling alleys are few and far between. The Ventura County Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, previously a Border's bookstore, prior to that was the 40-lane Conejo Valley Village Bowl in 1995 (can anyone tell me more about that alley?) but there are no bowling alleys in the Conejo Valley today.

The good news is that there are two alleys within 20 minutes of us. Harley's Bowling Centers (www.harleysbowl.com) operates alleys in Simi Valley and Camarillo. Simi has 24 lanes and Camarillo has 20 lanes.

There is another Harley's now called Harley's Valley Bowl on the east end of Simi Valley that was formerly Brunswick Zone.

There are leagues for kids ages 6 and up and for adults. There is the popular "Atomic Bowling" with loud music and black lights. These alleys also make great birthday venues too...try the bumper lane bowling for the little ones. You can rent a lane for open bowling by the hour or by the game

Harley's Simi Valley is at 480 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (exit Madera off the 118 freeway) (805.526.4212).

Harley's Camarillo is at 305 Arneill Road, Camarillo (Ponderosa Shopping Center, behind 99 Cents Store) (805.482.0747)

Aspire Dance Studio in Thousand Oaks

Aspire Dance Studio is located at 5700 Corsa Avenue, Suite 106, Westlake Village.

Aspire offers classes for ages 3 through adult, in various styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, improv and more.

Visit www.aspiredancestudio.com for more information..

Elvensar Horse Riding Academy - Moorpark

Elvensar Riding Academy at 15618 E. Tierra Rejada Road in Moorpark provides group and private horse riding training for adults and kids, camps and boarding.

For more information, visit www.elvenstar.com or call 805.529.2800.

Build-a-Bear Workshop - The Oaks Mall

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.

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 Build-a-Bear Workshop was completely remodeled in 2013.

For more information, visit www.buildabear.com or call 805.449.8704. 

Visit www.buildabear.com/locations?StoreID=72 for store hours.

Santa Barbara Zoo

Click the friendly Santa Barbara Zoo giraffe for information!

Golf N' Stuff Ventura

For hours of amusement check out Golf N' Stuff off the 101 freeway in eastern Ventura, just 20 miles west of Newbury Park. Golf N' Stuff features two 18-hole miniature golf courses, Indy style race cars (go-karts), bumper boats, bumper cars and laser tag (offered at designated time frames) and a large arcade. You must be 4' 8" tall to drive the go-karts and at least 4' tall to drive the bumper boats/cars, so make sure to wear heels if you're really short.

The famous Golf N' Stuff castle seen from Highway 101 in Ventura.

Each activity is priced separately. Mini golf as of March 2019 costs $11.00. You can also purchase a 2 hour unlimited use wristband on weekends for $30.00 (as of March 2019) and try everything. I highly recommend registering in the Golf N Stuff Email Club as they email periodic 2 for 1 mini golf coupons that come in handy. There are also printable coupons on the Golf N Stuff site at golfnstuff.com/ventura/coupons.html.

Golf N' Stuff is open 365 days per year (366 on leap years)! Yes, it is even open Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day!

There is also a snack bar that serves an assortment of items, like mini pizzas, hot dogs and pretzels. Enough to provide plenty of carbs for your activities.

Golf N' Stuff is located at 5555 Walker Street, Ventura. More info at www.golfnstuff.com or call 805.644.7131.

Exit the 101 off Victoria, head North to Moon Drive, which turns into Walker, and turn left to the park.

Painting and Ceramics Studios in Ventura County

The Do Something section of CVG has hundreds activities, many of which are great for kids as well as adults. Looking a local ceramics or paint-your-own pottery studio? Click the image and your wish will be granted.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is located at 4949 York Blvd in Los Angeles.

Bob Baker passed away at 90 years old on November 28, 2014 but his theater lives on, with an inventory of over 3,000 puppets! 

Visit www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com to learn more about upcoming shows.

YMCA Locations in Ventura County

Click the image for YMCA locations throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas, including Camarillo, Ventura, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village.

Serendipity Dance Company in Simi Valley

Serendipity Dance Company offers classes in jazz, ballet, contemporary, musical theater, hip hop and tap. And birthday parties! Located at 1788 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley. Visit www.serendipitydanceco.com or call 805.583.2623 for more information.