Art Trek in Newbury Park

Art Trek, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to bring visual, performing and literary arts to people of all ages. Art Trek provides art training to parents and teachers, after school programs, teen programs, summer camps, studio workshops and more. It has been active since 1992 and was established as a not-for-profit in 2006.

Birthday parties, corporate events and more. arttrek.org/schedule-event

Art Trek is located at 703 Rancho Conejo Blvd., Newbury Park. Visit www.arttrek.org for more information.

Tawni's Ponies & Animal World Petting Zoo

At Tawni's Ponies & Animal World Petting Zoo provides pony rides, petting farms, for birthday parties, school events, carnivals, company picnics and other special events.

Serving Ventura County, West Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley. Santa Clarita Valley & Santa Barbara.

More information at www.animalworldpettingzoo.com or call 805.524.5181.

Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura

Casitas Water Adventure is a water park at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area that is open throughout the summer, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (mid-Sept for weekend sessions).

There are two distinct areas. For younger children, there is an aquatic play structure designed for all ages, with two water buckets and five slides - two for kids and three for teens and adults.

The new Aquatic Play Structure completed for the 2023 season!

The 1,200 foot long Lazy River offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays. The inner tubes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but usually there are plenty of them on hand.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river at Casitas Water Adventure is my kids' favorite.

For the very youngest tots, a zero-depth pool sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area.

Shaded decks, lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are available, but food is not allowed inside the park (though you can bring bottled water). Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available for a nominal fee.

Do take note that they don't heat the water here. It is a bit on the cold side for many, though on hot days this can be a good thing.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, make a left turn on Santa Ana Blvd, then a right on Santa Ana Road 3 or 4 miles to the park entrance.

Weekend morning sessions 10:30 am to 2 pm and afternoon sessions 3 to 6:30 pm. Weekday hours are 11am to 6pm. The cost for the 2023 season is $20 per person on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

Visit www.casitaswater.org/recreation/casitas-water-adventure for details.

Parking inside Lake Casitas is $20 on weekends/holidays and $10 on weekdays. There is parking available on Santa Ana Road if you don't mind walking.

This is the “old” (Pre-2023) aquatic Play Structure (for historical purposes)

Hideout Indoor Playground in Thousand Oaks (CLOSED)

UPDATE: Hideout is no longer here and there is no other information posted about when they closed. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Thousand Oaks is the new occupant of this space.

Hideout Indoor Playground celebrated its grand opening on March 1, 2014 in Thousand Oaks at the North Ranch Pavilion Center, 1125 Lindero Canyon Road, Unit A7.

This facility was custom designed by Sherry Ehya. The play area includes a modern tree house, play stage, art studio, indoor climbing area and more. There's also a spacious parent lounge with comfortable seating, TV and free WiFi. Geared towards ages 10 and under.

Open Monday through Friday for open play. As of June 2023, all day admission is $19.99 for unlimited daily entry on weekdays. Free for under 9 months old. No fee for accompanying parents/caregivers. On weekends the facility is available for private parties. Multi-entry passes also available.

Learn more at www.hideoutplayground.com or call 818.707.6900.

Kids Club at The Collection at RiverPark on Designated Wednesdays in the Summer

The Collection at Riverpark is offering free, family-friendly fun at Kids Club, sponsored by Sunny Smiles Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. Kids Club events are open to all children and families. Don’t give the little ones a chance to say they’re bored this summer!
 
Kids Club will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the grass at Collection Park and take place on the following Wednesdays: July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9.
 
Bring the kids and a picnic blanket to the grass at Collection Park for a fun-filled morning of entertainment, crafts and fun surprises. Each Kids Club program is unique, so families should return throughout the summer to get the most out of each experience.
 
With options like the giant indoor interactive play center Jump ‘n Jammin and the pottery painting studio Color Me Mine, in addition to the lanes at Bowlero and the latest movies at Century RiverPark 16 & XD, it’s easy to plan a full day of activities for the kids.
 
“In-person interaction is more important than ever, and we are proud to offer families opportunities for fun, face-to-face interactions with a personal touch,” said The Collection’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, Juliana Finberg. “At The Collection, we’re spending summer the way it’s supposed to be spent, with kids and families living in the moment, making memories and enjoying each other’s company.”
 
The Collection isn’t just for the kids this summer. The center also offers entertainment like the Mighty Axe, Red Door Escape Room and The Painted Cabernet, in addition to restaurants and shopping.
 
For more information about how to get the most out of The Collection this summer, visit thecollectionrp.com.

About The Collection
The Collection at RiverPark is a 650,000-square-foot, open-air, specialty retail center and entertainment destination located in the heart of West Ventura County, owned in partnership by CenterCal Properties and Shea Properties. Inspired by the beauty of the California coast, The Collection reflects the unique atmosphere of the surrounding seaside communities and features a carefully crafted assortment of signature entertainment venues, established and contemporary designer shops, and distinctive dining. Anchors include Bowlero, Century RiverPark 16 & XD, Levity Live Comedy Club, 24-Hour Fitness SuperSport, REI, Whole Foods Market, H&M, Ulta and The Container Store. Restaurants include Yard House, Larsen’s Grill, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, The Cheesecake Factory, Texas de Brazil and more. The Collection is also home to The Annex Food Hall, a 16,000-square-foot, beautifully designed, artistic, inviting food hall that celebrates the spirit of small business and local operators. For more information, visit http://www.thecollectionrp.com and follow @TheCollectionRP and @AnnexFoodHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio

Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio is a non-profit organization dedicated to challenge, inspire, educate and entertain children and families in the Ojai Valley through the experience of quality theatre, dance and music. Classes, camps, live performances and more are offered to all ages.

The studio is located at 907 El Centro Street, Ojai. Visit www.ojaiyes.org or call 805.646.4300 for more information.

Kids' Adventure Garden in Thousand Oaks

The Kids' Adventure Garden (KAG) at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is open every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The KAG is a fun place for children to learn about nature and gardening.  The garden features a tree house, pirate's cave, zoo garden, hydroponic pod and much more. Free admission (though donations are welcome). Enter at W. Gainsborough Road at Jeaunine Drive. between Lynn Road and Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks.

Kids love running around the KAG and exploring the nearby trails and stream.  Additionally, Conejo Community Park is next to the garden, with a nice playground area, expansive grass and picnic areas.

Visit www.conejovalleybotanicgarden.com/collections for more information and pictures. Additionally, a Native Plant Nursery is open at this location on Sundays.

KidzCity in Woodland Hills

KidzCity, Inc is a licensed play, educational and party center where you can safely drop your kids off or stay, chat or work in our work rooms for no extra charge. KidzCity offers a variety of kids' activities, including video games, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, board games, toys, dress up activities and more.

Open on no school days and holidays for fun play and activities, as well Parents' Night Outs on Fridays, camps, after school programs, birthday parties and more. All ages, including adults. Located at 22325 Dolorosa Street, Woodland Hills (Ventura Blvd and Shoup).

More info at kidzcity.co or 818.887.7516.

Alameda Park in Santa Barbara

Ranking high up on the list of parks with cool play areas around town is Alameda Park, located at the corner of Garden Street and E. Micheltorena Street in Santa Barbara. Alameda Park has an 8,000 sq ft mostly wooden play structure that was built by local residents.

Your kids will fall in love with the nooks, crannies, steps, bridges and places to hide in this play structure. There are also swings and things to climb on. The park itself is 2 blocks long and one of the oldest parks in Santa Barbara. It is next door to the beautiful Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Plenty of grass, spectacular, large shade trees and much more make this a perfect picnic lunch stop when you're in town.

More information at www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/parks/features/horticulture/alameda.asp.

Starlight Dance Academy in Ojai

Located at 407b Bryant Circle in Ojai, Starlight Dance Academy provides dance classes to children and adults. Current classes include jazz, ballet, tap, Zumba and hip hop as well as Pilates, yoga and mommy and me sessions. Also a great place for children's birthday parties! For more information, visit www.ojaistarlightdance.com or call 805.646.3732.