Upcoming 5K, 10K and Other Ventura County Area Running and Fitness Events

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Start training for upcoming 5K, 10K, half marathon and other Ventura County running and fitness events! We've made it easy for you to find a local race by tracking local events right here. So go on, get moving, lace up those shoes and start training! CLICK HERE for local running groups and clubs.  Training for a marathon? Check out 26.2 Training Tips for Your First Marathon!

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Fun for the Kids at Local Ventura County Shopping Malls

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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.

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, not to mention a NEOS interactive play wall. The DojoBoom Extreme Air Sports attraction opened in November 2017 and is a huge draw for kids of all ages, not to mention adults!

The Commons at Calabasas offers a Kids Club for kids 10 and under on Tuesday nights at 6pm typically March through October as well as an Edwards Theater.

Simi Valley Town Center has a small outdoor kids play area, dragon structure and $2 mini train rides. There’s also the Rockin’ Kids Play Center and Studio Movie Grill to round out the action.

The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks offers an indoor kids play area for little ones, Build-a-Bear Workshop a Gymboree Play & Music and Young Art Lessons Children’s Art Store. The outdoor shops area often has large scale games out.

Pacific View Mall in Ventura has a nice kids' play area near the food court, Le Funland, a Build a Bear and a monthly Kids Club.

Camarillo Premium Outlets expanded by 220,000 sq ft in April 2009 with The Promenade, which has a Spanish style courtyard area.  In 2019, small kids playground area was constructed at The Promenade.

Playground installed at the Camarillo Premium Outlets in 2019.

Playground installed at the Camarillo Premium Outlets in 2019.

The Promenade at Westlake does not have a kids play area but they do have several nice fountains, live music on most summer weekends, the upscale Cinepolis movie theater and a koi pond.

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch in Newbury Park has a small playground and grassy area with a pond and bridge.

Lakeshore Learning in Ventura is a great store to buy learning toys and products for kids.  It offers free crafts every Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

Malibu Country Mart has a nice outdoor kids' playground area with cool ocean breezes.

The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard has the 16 screen Century Theatre, Color Me Mine ceramics studio and a nice outdoor playground/park area. The Seaside Steamer offers trackless train rides Fri through Sun. The Annex Food Hall at The Collection offers a Kids Club the last Wednesday of the month.

Free and Nearly Free Movies All Summer Long Around Ventura County

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Stay cool this summer of 2019 with several hundred free and nearly free ($1 to $4) movies in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas! These movies are at local movie theaters, parks, libraries and other locations!

Agoura Hills: Kids $2 Summer Movie Series at Regency Theatres on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30 am June 18 through August 8.

Camarillo: $1 Movies at Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10AM from June 18 to September 4.

Camarillo: Free Movies in the Park Friday nights at various Camarillo parks July 12 through August 16.

Malibu: CineMalibu Summer Movies at Malibu City Hall on 7/20 and at Malibu Bluffs Park 8/17, 9/14 and 10/19.

Moorpark Free Movies in the Park on 6/22, 7/20 and 8/17 at three different parks.

Oxnard: Summer Movie Clubhouse at Century Riverpark 16 - 10 films for $5 or $1 per show on Monday mornings at 9:45 am starting June 17 through August 19.

Santa Barbara: Free Outdoor Family Movies on Friday nights at the Santa Barbara Courthouse July 5 to August 23.

Simi Valley: $1 Movies at Regal Civic Center Stadium on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10AM from June 11 to September 4.

Simi Valley: Outdoor Movies (free) and "Dive In" Movies ($3) hosted by the Rancho Simi Rec & Park District in June, July and August.

Simi Valley: Studio Movie Grill at the Simi Valley Town Center is offering up $1 Children's Summer Movies every weekday of the week starting June 10 through August 9.

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park Libraries host free movie screenings on various dates

Thousand Oaks: $1 Movies at Regal Janss Marketplace on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30am, June 11 to September 4.

Thousand Oaks: Free movies on Friday nights in July at the Conejo Valley YMCA.

Ventura: Kids $2 Summer Movie Series at Regency Theatres on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 8 weeks, from June 18 through August 8 at 10:30 am.

Westlake Village: Free screening of Moana on July 27th at Berniece Bennett Park

Westlake Village: Summer Kids’ Movie Series at Cinepolis at The Promenade at Westlake mid-June to mid-August.

Woodland Hills: Movies on the Green at Warner Ranch Park on five Saturday nights from July 20 to August 17.

Movies/dates subject to change. Contact organizers to confirm.

AND HOW ABOUT FREE CONCERTS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display in Thousand Oaks

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For those who missed the local fireworks, here's about 13 minutes of the 20 minute show hosted by the Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks, set to patriotic music. This footage was taken from the vicinity of Lynn Road and the 101.

For Independence Day events and activities on the 244th birthday of the U.S., visit THIS LINK next June.

4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Other Events Around Ventura County

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America's 243rd birthday is July 4, 2019! Here is our annual list of local fireworks, parades and other festivities taking place throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas for Independence Day.

Fireworks planned in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Moorpark (July 3rd), Simi Valley, Calabasas, Channel Islands Harbor, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Woodland Hills, Camarillo, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Laser show in Agoura Hills on the 7th.

4th of July celebration parades to take place in Westlake Village, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Channel Islands Harbor and Carpinteria (June 30).

Other family festivities and fun includes concerts, carnivals, swimming, games, tournaments, kids' fun zones, 5K/10K runs, etc.!

(Contact us with updates)

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

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The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Best viewing will be at Janss Marketplace and The Oaks Mall parking lots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Patriotic music simulcast by KHAY 100.7.

Other CRPD 4th of July events around town include a pancake breakfast and Home Run Derby in the morning at Borchard Park in Newbury Park, Concert in the Park at 5pm at Conejo Community Park and free swimming from noon to 4pm at CLU and NPHS pools.

July 4th 5K/10K Run/Walk at Dos Vientos in Newbury Park. Race proceeds benefits a local non-profit that helps families in extreme circumstances.

Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks once again will be hosting a free viewing of the fireworks along with live music and family activities starting at 5pm on the 4th. Eagles tribute band The Long Run will be performing.

Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks once again opens its incredible views to the public with a 4th of July Celebration starting at 6pm. Free music, family fun, food for sale and some of the best views of the Thousand Oaks fireworks display in town!

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Celebration at Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park from 1-4pm on July 4th. Free admission and ice cream (while supplies last)!

Westlake Village

The 50th Annual Westlake Village 4th of July Parade starts at 9:45am followed by music, inflatables, games, popsicles, etc. at Berniece Bennett Park until noon. Boy Scout pancake breakfast before the parade for $5/person.

The City of Westlake Village presents its 6th Annual Fireworks Spectacular Show from the Westlake Village Golf Course, with additional viewing locations at Calvary Community Church, Westlake Village Inn and Berniece Bennett Park. Activities begin at 6pm, including family-friendly games and contests and food trucks. The 18 minute show will start at 9:10PM.

Calvary Community Church is hosting a Fireworks Celebration starting at 6pm, followed by fireworks viewing at 9pm. Bring blankets, chairs and dinner, or purchase from food trucks on site. No pets, grills, alcohol, tents or tailgating allowed.

Moorpark (3rd of July)

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road once again. A fun family event with festivities (games, food, entertainment) starting at 4pm (gates open at 3:45pm). Fireworks at 9pm. $5 admission; ages 4 and under are free.

Simi Valley

Visit the Reagan Presidential Library 4th of July Celebration between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Festivities include music, family entertainment, food, presidential re-enactors, face painting, storytelling and more. All 4th of July activities are FREE; however, regular admission applies for touring the museum.

The Star Spangled 4th of July Fireworks Celebration will take place at Rancho Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley on July 4th from 3pm to 9pm, followed by fireworks. FREE admission.

Calabasas

The City of Calabasas 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Calabasas High School opens at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Features live music and kids' fun zone. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. $10 admission includes parking, entertainment and activities. Children under 2 are free. Food and beverages will be offered for sale.

Other Calabasas 4th of July activities include a free Summer Splash Party from noon to 5:30pm, a Pet Show at Calabasas Lake at 11am and the 41st Annual Lakeside Fun Run 4 mile, 2 mile, 1/2 mile and 1/4 mile events in the morning.

Camarillo

The annual fireworks at Camarillo High School are a “go” for 2019 at 9PM but due to anticipated construction at the stadium, activities will be limited. No coolers, umbrellas, chairs, etc. allowed due to space constraints. Gates open at 7PM. Free of charge. Space will be limited because the football field will not be available. MORE DETAILS AT THIS LINK

Another option is to watch the fireworks from Pleasant Valley Fields on the other side of the 101.

Free swimming at the Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center from 1-4 pm on July 4th.

Oxnard/Channel Islands Harbor

Start your holiday with the 16th Annual Channel Islands 4th of July 5K & 10K races. Flat, fast and fun!

Independence Day activities all day long on July 4th at the Channel Islands Harbor. After the 5K/10K, family fun at the Marine Emporium Landing from 11am to 9pm will include a crafters' market, inflatable fun zone, rock climbing wall and food booths. 4th of July Children's Parade starts at 10:30am at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends near Marine Emporium Landing.

At 6 p.m., more than 50 patriotic themed electric boats will cruise around the Harbor in the 3rd Annual 4th of July Electric Boat Parade. The Annual Fireworks by the Sea starts at 9 p.m.

Ventura

The City of Ventura 4th of July Street Festival and 44th Annual Pushem-Pullem Parade are free, with the parade starting at 10am, street fest on Main Street and side streets with over 200 artisans, food booths, vendor displays and live music.

The Rotary Club of Ventura hosts its 24th Annual Fireworks Show and Family Picnic again this year on July 4th at the Ventura College Athletic Field starting at 5pm, featuring a family picnic, live music, kids' fun zone, followed by fireworks show at 9pm! Tickets at the gate $8 adults, $6 ages 4-12.

Ojai

The annual Ojai Independence Day parade will take place at 10am on July 4th. Live music and fireworks show will take place at Nordhoff High School Stadium, starting at 5 pm. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 am. Presale tickets for the nighttime event are available. Details at www.4thofjulyinojai.com.

Fillmore

The 33rd Annual Sespe Creek Car Show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 4th and the City of Fillmore fireworks show starts around 9:15 p.m. at Fillmore Middle School.

The Fillmore & Western "Firecracker Train" departs at 6:30PM for a BBQ dinner and ride, topped off with a viewing of the City of Fillmore fireworks display.

Fillmore & Western July 4th Festival Train Rides at 10am, noon and 2pm. One hour rides on vintage diesel trains!

Santa Paula

Fireworks show planned at Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Boulevard at 9pm.

Agoura Hills

On Sunday, July 7th, the City of Agoura Hills presents a free concert at Chumash Park followed by a laser show. Concert starts at 6pm.

Woodland Hills

The Valley Cultural Center in Woodland Hills hosts its July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza featuring free concert at 6pm, followed by fireworks at approximately 9 p.m.

Carpinteria

The 22nd Annual Rods and Roses Classic Car Show will take place on Saturday, June 29th, from 10 am to 3 pm, followed by an Independence Day Parade at 5 pm.

Santa Barbara

The 55th Annual 4th of July Parade starts down State Street at 1pm.  Lots of activities all day near the beachfront hosted by the City of Santa Barbara and SPARKLE and of course fireworks at West Beach at 9 p.m.

Malibu

The City of Malibu does not host a public fireworks display but the LA County Fire Dept approves permits for private fireworks displays off of barges in the ocean. Locations in 2019 include Paradise Cove and Malibu Colony.

Displays are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:00 PM and conclude by 10:00 PM in compliance with Malibu Municipal Code Section 9.36.010.

CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL AREA BEACHES SPANNING FROM MALIBU TO SANTA BARBARA

FREE AND NEARLY FREE SUMMER MOVIES IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

FREE CONCERTS AND LIVE MUSIC THIS SUMMER IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Recurring Gourmet Food Truck Events In and Around Ventura County

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Gourmet Food Trucks are one of the hottest trends around town today. Here's a compilation of recurring food truck events in and around Ventura County and adjacent areas for your dining pleasure!

Note: Dates/times can vary and change, so check with organizers, particularly if there is inclement weather.

Monthly Gourmet Food Truck Events

Downtown Oxnard First Thursdays Gourmet Food Trucks:  First Thursday of the month from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street. Enjoy over a dozen food trucks and live music. downtownoxnard.org/activities/food-trucks

#TBT Throwback Thursdays Food Truck Fest at Camarillo Ranch House: Every last Thursday of the month, Spring through October, at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo from 5pm to 9pm. Ten food trucks on hand plus beer and wine available for purchase. camarilloranch.org/home/ranch-events

Tuesday Food Trucks at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from May through October from 5-8PM.

Gourmet Food Trucks at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura: Every 3rd Friday of the month in the parking lot next to Trader Joe's, along Mills Road, from 5pm to 9pm. Features over 20 food trucks and live music. shoppacificview.com

Ojai Valley Food Truck Friday is the 1st Friday of each month from 5-9PM at Mira Monte Elementary School, 1216 Loma Drive, Ojai. Free family movie screening at 7:30pm. www.facebook.com/pg/ojaifoodtruckfriday

Food Trucks the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Sunland Vintage Winery, 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, #108 in Thousand Oaks. 

Annual and Periodic Gourmet Food Truck Events

Here are a few annual gourmet food truck events for your dining pleasure. Food trucks make an appearance of course at hundreds of events throughout the year, but those listed here have them as a primary focal point of the event.

The Westlake High School Instrumental Music Boosters hosts a food truck festival in October (2007 event was October 8th). Details at www.whsfoodtruckevent.com

These are just a few. Something to add? Contact us!

Food Truck Fests No More: The Foothill Food Truck Fest at the Poinsettia Pavillion in Ventura was discontinued in September 2016.

Stay Cool in the Pool! Community Swimming Throughout Ventura County

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Stay cool this summer and year-round at some of these community swimming pools, water parks and splash pads in Ventura County and surrounding areas. For updates and additions, contact us!

Conejo Valley (Conejo Recreation & Park District)

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Community Pool at Cal Lutheran University Samuelson Aquatics Center is a year-round facility, offering recreational and lap swimming 7 days a week. Call 805.241.0894 or visit www.crpd.org. Admission is $3 ($2 for 62+). Current schedule at www.crpd.org/programs/aquatics/hoursnfees.asp. Water is heated up to 82 degrees year round.

Newbury Park High School Community Swimming Pool is at 456 Reino Road and is anticipated to be open to the public from June 10 to August 16, 2019. Recreational swimming to be offered Mon-Thu 1-4pm, Sat 12:00-3:00pm (6/15 to 7/27 only) and Mon 7-9pm. Only $3 ($2 for 62+). Call 805.498.6906 or visit www.crpd.org/programs/aquatics/hoursnfees.asp.

Thousand Oaks High School Community Swimming Pool is at 2323 N. Moorpark Road and offers recreational swimming Mon to Thu 1-4pm and Wed 7-9pm from June 10 to August 15, 2019. Only $3 ($2 for 62+). Call 805.496.8564 or visit www.crpd.org/parkfac/aquatics/hoursnfees.asp.

Free open swim at the CLU Community Pool and NPHS pool from noon to 4pm on the 4th of July 2019! (TOHS pool will be closed on the 4th.)

Conejo Valley/Agoura - Other

Childrens' Splash Pad/Water Area at Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park. Hours of operation are generally Memorial Day weekend through September 30th. 10am to 7pm. Free of charge. 818.865.9304

Kids love the Interactive Fountain at Janss Marketplace.

Moorpark/Simi Valley

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District offers a large community swimming pool at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue. Pool hours at www.rsrpd.org/recreation/aquatics.php . Admission age 3 and up is $3 ($1 for 65+). Visit www.rsrpd.org/recreation/aquatics.php or call 805.584.4436.

Rancho Tapo Splash Pad

Rancho Tapo Splash Pad

Childrens' Splash Pad Area at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi. Free. Opens Memorial Day weekend through September. Hours are 11am to 2:30pm and 3:30pm to 7pm daily.

Simi Valley Aquatics is available for swim lessons and birthday parties only.

Simi Valley Family YMCA heated indoor swimming pool open 7 days/week.

Camarillo/Oxnard

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center offers an indoor swimming pool with eight swimming lanes, a one meter diving board, 65 foot spiral water slide, outdoor splash zone and more. Pool heated between 81 and 83 degrees. Open Monday through Saturday. $3 for ages 4+, free to ages 3 and under and $2.50 ages 60+ and military. Visit www.pvrpd.org/howdoi/aquatics/default.asp or call 805.987.8198. 

  • $2 admission on Fridays from 6:30-8:30pm

  • Free recreational swim from 1-4pm on 4th of July

  • Family Float Night from 4-7pm on July 20th (free rec swim)

  • Family Fitness Day from noon to 3pm on June 1st (free rec swim)

Camarillo Family YMCA heated indoor swimming pool open 7 days/week. Call 805.484.0423.

Oxnard Aquatic Center is located at Oxnard High School, 3400 W. Gonzales Road and the Hueneme High School Pool is at 500 W. Bard Road. Summer recreational swim from 11 AM-1:45 PM at both Oxnard & Hueneme pools Monday – Friday and offers lap swimming, diving boards, and open swim. Call 805.278.0910 (Oxnard) and 805.385.7772 (Hueneme). $4 per session.

There's a "Pop Jet Fountain" at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard, on Town Center Drive in front of the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and adjacent to Larsen's Grill.

Ventura and Up the Coast

Ventura Community Park Aquatics Center has a 50 meter competition pool, playground pool, two slides, fun, fun, fun! Open swim free for age 2 and under, $8 for ages 3 to 61 and $5 for 62+. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/612/Aquatics or call 805.654.7511 for details. Open for the summer June 17 to August 25, 2019.

Casitas Water Adventure is open all summer with a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon in water only up to 18" deep for little kids and a lazy river with waterfalls, bridges and jet sprays with inner tubes for the whole family. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.  Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday/Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 805.649.2233 or visit www.casitaswater.org/lower.php?url=water-adventure for details. Cost is $13 per person all day on weekdays, $15 on weekends/holidays or just $7.50 if you come during the last 3 hours.

Ventura Family YMCA has 2 indoor heated swimming pools and is open 7 days/week.

Carpinteria Community Pool is located at 5305 Carpinteria Avenue. Day passes are $4.25 for kids, $7.00 for adults, $5 for seniors. Recreational swimming on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm. Visit www.carp-pool.com or call 805.566.2417 for information.

The Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center at Marina Park in Ventura is a U.S. Sailing Association certified facility for lessons in sailing, kayaking and navigation for all ages.

Other Places Around Town

The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center located at 23400 Park Sorrento is open 7 days/week. Only $3 for adults, $2 for seniors $1 for kids under 13. Pool hours vary. Visit www.calabasastsc.com/aquatic.html or call 818.222.2782. Pools heated to 82 degrees year-round.

Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive. Outdoor pool heated to 82 degrees. $3 per person. Visit www.malibucity.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Malibu-Community-Pool-7 or call 310.589.1933 for details.

The Fillmore Aquatics Center at 575 1st Street opens Memorial Day through Labor Day each year for recreational swimming Monday through Friday from 11:30am-3:45pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. More information and fees at fillmoreca.com/fac.htm or 805.524.4902. 

The Ojai Recreation Department hosts public recreational swimming at Villanova Preparatory School, 12096 North Ventura Avenue.. Visit www.ojairec.com or call 805.646.5581 for information about hours and fees.

And let's not forget the incredible BEACHES close by! CLICK HERE for links to over 40 public beaches throughout Ventura County, stretching north to Carpinteria and south to Malibu.

Water Parks Outside of Ventura County

Knott's Soak City in Buena Park (about 70 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Legoland Water Park in Carlsbad (135 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Raging Waters Water Park in San Dimas (75 miles from Thousand Oaks) Goldstar is offering passes for $33.99 ($27.99 + $6 service fee) at bit.ly/RagingWatersSD.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Valencia (50 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Lakeview Terrace with a large pool, cabanas and two water slides.