Bowling Alleys in Ventura County and Nearby Areas

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Archaeologists found ancient bowling balls and bowling pins in an Egyptian gravesite in the 1930s that date back to 3200 B.C., thus making bowling the world's oldest documented sport.  The first indoor bowling alley was Knickerbockers of New York City in 1840.

Bowling’s peak in popularity was in the 1960s, when there were over 12,000 bowling establishments in the United States. In 2024, there were approximately 2,600 bowling alleys in the U.S. But bowling seems to be growing in popularity, with companies like Bowlero expanding the market.

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Here’s a compilation of local bowling alleys in Ventura County and adjacent areas.

Bowling in the Conejo Valley!? The four-lane Sunset Lanes opened in mid-January 2024 at the Sunset Terrace Restaurant & Lounge in Thousand Oaks. Prior to this, the last time we had bowling in Thousand Oaks was 1995, when the 40 lane Conejo Village Bowl closed. It was located where Borders was until January 2010 and various county medical services now reside. Conejo Village Bowl opened in June 1960, as did the short-lived Acorn Bowl, which was located at 3089 Ventura Boulevard (subsequently renamed Thousand Oaks Boulevard).

Acorn Bowl Thousand Oaks in the early 1960s (Photo Credit: City of Thousand Oaks Library, Pat Allen Slide Collection - Thousand Oaks Boulevard Survey)

Acorn Bowl Thousand Oaks in the early 1960s (Photo Credit: City of Thousand Oaks Library, Pat Allen Slide Collection - Thousand Oaks Boulevard Survey)

Bowled Over:

Kids Bowl Free at local area bowling alleys

Many years ago existed the Ojai Bowling Lanes at 345 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. This was a four lane establishment that operated in the 1940s-1950s. The Topa Topa Brewing Co. now operates at that address.

Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

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The star of the Halloween show is the pumpkin. According to my favorite resource Wikipedia, the name pumpkin originated from the ancient Greek word pepon ("large melon"). The French called it pompom. The British changed it to pumpion. Then American colonists changed it to pumpkin.

Pumpkins are gourd-like squashes and technically are a fruit. They can range in size from 1 lb to 1,000 lbs.

But who cares about all that...what we REALLY want to know is, where are the pumpkin patches in Ventura County and surrounding areas for the 2026 fall season!? Well, here are some choices...but make sure to call before you go for hours, etc.

OTHER HALLOWEEN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Big Wave Dave's Pumpkin Patch will be operating its pumpkin patch again this year at the Pacific View Mall under the big tent in the Trader Joe's/Target parking lot from September 30 through October 31, 2026. Free admission to the pumpkin patch, with kids’ activities, photo opportunities and more. Open Mon-Thu 11am to 8pm, Fri-Sun 10am to 9pm. Closes 6pm 10/31. Visit bigwavedaveschristmastrees.com/pumpkin-patch.html

Conejo Family Farms at 5937 Ridge View Street in Camarillo is back at the bottom of the Conejo Grade for its 2nd year. There is a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, bounce house, weekend music, and more. Open Wed/Thu 2:30-7:30pm, Fri 2:30-8:30pm, and Sat/Sun 10am-8:30pm. General admission ages 6+ $15 Wed-Fri and $20 Sat/Sun. $10 for seniors, military, first responders.Visit www.conejofamilyfarms.com for more information. From Thousand Oaks, take the 101 north to Camarillo Springs Road, go south to Ridge View Street and take a right. The patch will be on the right.

Conejo Family Farms

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Boccali Ranch Pumpkin Patch at 3277 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai will be open 7 days a week from 10am to 7pm the entire month of October 2026. They offer tiny to extra-large “Big Mac” pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn and seasonal produce. Hay rides available on weekends. More details at boccalipumpkins.com.

Prancer's Pumpkin Patch Santa Paula is located at 18540 East Telegraph Road and their Fall Fest will take place September 26 to November 1, 2026. Pumpkin patch events on weekends from 10am to 6pm with the following themes:

  • 9/26-9/27: Heroes at the Farm

  • 10/3-10/4: Animals at the Farm

  • 10/10-10/11: Wild West on the Farm

  • 10/17-10/18: Fiesta at the Farm

  • 10/24-10/25: Harvest at the Farm

Fall fest includes 10 acres of pumpkin patch, wagon hay ride, animal center, corn field expedition, farm games, live entertainment and more. Weekday pumpkin patch 10am to 6pm. Visit prancersfarm.com for admission prices and more information.

Stu Miller's Pumpkin Patch just east of the Simi Valley Town Center.

Stu Miller's Pumpkin Patch just east of the Simi Valley Town Center.

The 2026 Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival in Moorpark is back from September 26 to October 31 at 3370 Sunset Valley Road. Admission includes huge pumpkin patch, tractor-drawn wagon rides, corn maze, giant tractor display, hay pyramids, animal center, and many other family-friendly activities. Themed weekend events include animal shows, pig races, live performers, roaming entertainment and more. Weekday admission is $16 at the gate only. Weekend admission varies from $25 to $30 per person purchased online. Children 2 and under and parking are free. More details at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest.

The Underwood Farm Center in Somis at 5696 Los Angeles Avenue also has a pumpkin patch along with its year-round animal center. Open 9am to 6pm.

McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkins is located at 5100 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura. Call 805.644.1235. They are open the entire month of October. Hours Monday through Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday through Sunday 9am-7pm. Check their Instagram page at www.instagram.com/mcgrathgreatpacificpumpkins for updates. Admission $3 Monday through Wednesday, $5 Thursday through Sunday. Pumpkin patch, hay maze, corn maze, etc.

Pumpkin Patch at Downtown Ventura Harvest Days the entire month of October, hosted by McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkins. Details at downtownventura.org/harvest-days.

Bennett's Best Pumpkin Patch will have locations once again this year next to the Whizin Market Square at 28900 Roadside Drive and at the corner of Kanan and Agoura Roads.

The Four Seasons of Fun Adventureland pumpkin patch at the Simi Valley Town Center in the parking lot open daily during the month of October. Hours Mon-Thu 4-9pm, Fri 4-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Bounce houses, petting zoo, and food truck. www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122141724183037167&set=pb.61581115013603.-2207520000

Rancho Calabaza Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned and operated farm located at 300 Los Angeles Avenue in Somis. They are hosting a pumpkin patch this year that is open Monday through Thursday 10am to 6pm and Friday through Sunday 10am to 8pm. Free admission. www.instagram.com/rancho.calabaza

The Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch will be hosting a pumpkin patch at Pierce College, 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills. The patch will be open daily from October 1 to 31, 2026. Hours 4-9pm Mon-Thu, 4-10pm Fri, 11am-10pm Sat and 11am-9pm Sun. Free admission and parking. Attractions require tickets. www.seasonaladventures.com/pierce-college

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Halloween Events and Activities In and Around Ventura County

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Halloween season is upon us again! Halloween 2026 looks to be a fun time with this compilation of Halloween events taking place in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Dates/times subject to change; contact event organizers to confirm. This list will be updated regularly. For calendar view, click here.

Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

EVENTS COMING UP

Fri, Oct 2: Dia de los Muertos Opening Reception at The Collection at RiverPark (6PM)

Sat, Oct 3: Downtown Ventura Harvest Days Kickoff Event (11AM-4PM)

Sun, Oct 11: Victorian Halloween at the Olivas Adobe in Ventura (12-4PM; RSVP)

Fri, Oct 16: Movie Night at Great Pacific Pumpkin Patch in Ventura (Sundown)

Sat, Oct 17: Trail or Treat at Camarillo Grove Park (10AM-1PM; $10 hike requires RSVP)

Sun, Oct 18: Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (10AM-5PM)

Sun, Oct 18: Tropical Trunk or Treat at Iceoplex Simi Valley (2:15-6PM)

Wed, Oct 21: 5th Annual Trunk or Treat in Camarillo Hosted by VCDCSS (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 21: 5th Annual Spook-Tacular Celebration in Port Hueneme (5-8PM)

Thu, Oct 22: Oxnard Police Department Trunk or Treat Spooktacular (5-7PM)

Fri, Oct 23: City of Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival (Ages 2-10) (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 23: Spooky Swim at Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center in Camarillo (5:30PM) (RSVP)

Fri, Oct 23: Spooktacular Bash at Camarillo Community Center (5-7PM Age 50+)

Fri, Oct 23: Movie Night at Great Pacific Pumpkin Patch in Ventura (Sundown)

Sat, Oct 24: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest in Camarillo (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 24: Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo (10AM-3PM)

Sat, Oct 24: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor Village (Noon)

Sat, Oct 24: Pumpkin Party at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 24: Halloween Haunt in the Park at Plaza Park in Oxnard (4-7PM)

Sat, Oct 24: Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick or Treat Street in Thousand Oaks (6-9PM)

Sat, Oct 24: Parade of Frights at Channel Islands Harbor (7PM)

Oct 24-25: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Oct 25: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration at Oxnard Performing Arts Center (5-9PM)

Tue, Oct 27: Haunted House at the Camarillo Public Library (age 5+) (5-7PM)

Wed, Oct 28: Candy Crawl at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 28: Haunted House at the Camarillo Public Library (age 13+) (5-7PM)

Wed, Oct 28: Halloween in the Park in Camarillo (5:30-8PM)

Thu, Oct 29: Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating (3-7PM)

Sat, Oct 30: Seaside Trick or Treat at Ventura Harbor Village (4-6PM)

Sat, Oct 31: Halloween-Inspired Bird Exhibit at Camarillo Bird Museum (10AM-2PM)

Sat, Oct 31: Halloween “BooFest” Event in Old Town Camarillo (Noon-3PM)

Sat, Oct 31: Halloween Carnival in Oak Park (Noon-3PM)

Sat, Oct 31: Halloween Carnival in Simi Valley (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 31: Halloween Event at Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 31; Halloween Night Market Dia De Los Muertos in Ventura (2-9PM)

Sat, Oct 31: Haunted High Street Event in Moorpark (4-7PM)

Oct 31-Nov 1: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Nov 1: Dia De Los Muertos Festival in Downtown Ventura (11AM-6PM)

Sun, Nov 1: Dia De Los Muertos Event at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum (12-3PM)

Sat, Nov 7: 4th Annual Festival de los Muertos Event in Newbury Park (4-8PM)

ONGOING EVENTS

Sep 18 to Oct 31: Conejo Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch in Camarillo

Sep 25 to Nov 1: Reign of Terror Haunted House at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

Sep 25 to Nov 1: Nights of the Jack Halloween Experience at King Gillette Ranch

Sep 26 to Oct 31: Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest on the Farm in Moorpark

Sep 26 to Nov 1: Fall Festival at Prancer’s Farm in Santa Paula

Oct 16-31: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo

PAST EVENTS

Things to Do Around Ventura County When It's Really, Really Hot Outside

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It's sure hot out here! What's there to do around town that will cool me off!? Looking for things to do when its really, really HOT outside!? This list of mostly indoor activities is somewhat random in order so take a close look and you'll find something cool to do in and around Ventura County.

These are just a sampling of the various activities and events in Conejo Valley Guide, so make sure to explore and find something fun to do!

Wedding Reception Venues In Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

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Conejo Valley Guide focuses primarily on events, activities and things to do in the Conejo Valley, Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Since we're out and about so much, we thought it might be helpful to have a comprehensive list of over 170 local wedding, wedding reception and meeting venues within an hour radius of the Conejo Valley.

(Contact us for additions/edits to this list.)

Simi Valley Wedding Reception Venues

Moorpark, Somis Wedding Reception Venues

Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru Wedding Reception Venues

Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Goleta

19th Annual Waves of Flags Display at Pepperdine University September 5-18, 2026

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For the 19th consecutive year, Pepperdine University will commemorate the lives lost in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, with the Waves of Flags display at Alumni Park on the Malibu campus.

Waves of Flags commemorates the 2,977 lives lost in the September 11 terror attacks and features a vast display of American flags for each American life lost as well as international flags representing the home countries of those from abroad. Made possible through the support of donors and volunteers, the installation will be on display at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road from Saturday, September 5 to Friday, September 18, 2026.

In addition to the Waves of Flags installation, Pepperdine is the permanent home of the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Heroes Garden, a place to honor all those who live heroic lives, including Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. (MBA ’95), a passenger on United Flight 93, whose life was cut short in the September 11 attacks. The garden's plaque reads: “Dedicated to freedom's heroes of September 11, 2001, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, among them Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., who sacrificed their lives to overcome terrorists’ intent on destroying American lives and landmarks in our nation's capital. We shall never forget.” Heroes Garden is currently closed to the public, along with the rest of the Pepperdine campus.

A 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 9AM on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Alumni Park. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find seating and to allow the ceremony to begin promptly. Attendees and members of the public are also invited to visit the Reflection Station to write messages of reflection and remembrance on the provided cards and attach them to any flagpole.

Learn more and register for the Remembrance Ceremony at www.pepperdine.edu/waves-of-flags.

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Car and Motorcycle Clubs in Ventura County

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Ventura County covers over 2,200 square miles, including 1,854 miles of land. Highways in Ventura include State Routes 1, 23, 33, 118, 126 and 125 and U.S. Highway 101. That's a lot of miles to cover and we love our cars...as evidenced by these local car and motorcycle clubs in and around Ventura County!

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