Indoor Play Places In and Around Ventura County

There are hundreds of parks with play areas throughout the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County compiled at THIS LINK, but if you are looking for an indoor playtime experience with your little ones, from toddlers to teens, here are a number of options to check out.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks and Ventura has both classes for various age groups as well as open play at designated times.

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area is a small area open for kids up to age 5 anytime the mall is open. Located on the first floor, adjacent to the Food Court area and near JC Penney.

• Jumpify Indoor Playground is located at The Oaks Mall on the 2nd floor. Inflatables, bounce houses, ball/foam block pits and more. Geared towards ages 1 to 12.

• Jump n’ Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard in January 2020. Fun indoor place with similarities to Kids World in Oak Park.

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at Simi Valley Town Center is for kids up to age 7 for open play seven days a week.

• Reign & Shine Play Lab in Oak Park opened in September 2025, providing imaginative, sensory-based interactive play areas for kids ages 6 months to 10 years.

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills has open play for kids up to age 13 on weekdays and weekends when there are no special events planned.

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park is open daily for open play, geared towards ages 2 to 15. Huge play structure, climbing tubes, slides, foam balls and much more.

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura offers open jump and toddler time on designated days and times.

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park Thousand Oaks at Janss Marketplace offers wall to wall trampolines, ball pits, foam block pit and much more.

• Imagymnation Gymnastics in Simi Valley offers open play on designated days and times.

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills is a 3100 sq ft facility that opened 2/16/24. Geared towards little kids.

• How could we leave Chuck E. Cheese’s off this list for indoor play! A local staple for young set birthday parties and drop-in play.

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting and Arcade in Thousand Oaks has karts for kids that go up to 20 mph as well as an arcade.

This is just a small sampling of kids' activities highlighted here on Conejo Valley Guide.

FUN FOR THE KIDS AT LOCAL VENTURA COUNTY AREA SHOPPING MALLS

The three story foam ball projectile and climbing area at Kids World in Oak Park.

Life's a Beach! Public Beaches Spanning From Carpinteria to the Ventura Harbor

The beaches of Ventura County have something for everyone, be it the sand, the ocean breezes, surfing, volleyball, sunning, picnicking or just chilling out to the sound of the waves. Here we have compiled a listing of beaches just north of Ventura County in Carpinteria down the coast to the Ventura Harbor. Separately we highlight beaches stretching further down the coast through Oxnard, Channel Islands Harbor, Point Mugu and Malibu as well as up the coast in and around Santa Barbara.

The Santa Claus Lane Beach Area in Carpinteria is a south facing beach area popular with surfers, boogie boarders and sunbathers. Get there from the 101 by taking the Padaro Lane exit towards Santa Claus Lane, then taking a left on Santa Claus Lane. You can park in a small dirt area (there's room for maybe 10 cars there) on the ocean side or find street parking, which is plentiful. This is not an "official" beach to my knowledge, as in city or county-run. Just a private beach. No restrooms to my knowledge. Oh yes, you'll have to cross the railroad tracks...so be careful! Down the street is Padaro Beach Village, where you can grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping.

On a separate note, you may be wondering why it is called Santa Claus Lane. Well the old-timers among you (including me) know that a gigantic roadside Santa used to reside here that now greets us off the 101 freeway in the Nyeland Acres section of Oxnard. Learn more about the history at this link.

Surfers, boogie boarders, body surfers and frolickers at the Santa Claus Lane area beach.

Just down the street is the quaint Padaro Beach Village, where you can grab a coffee, breakfast, lunch, do a little shopping, etc. Very relaxing little area.

Carpinteria State Beach is a mile long beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Dogs are allowed only at the picnic area. The park originally opened in February 1932. There are four campground areas with 216 family campsites and seven group campsites available. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins. Exit the 101 at Casitas Pass Road, go west to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm.  The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue near 4th Street. Call 805.968.1033 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599.

Note: Campfires are only allowed in the campground in fire rings provided. No fires are allowed on the beach.

Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria provides hiking and biking trails and a few benches, but no other park amenities.  Access to the park is very remote and it is suggested that you enter from the Carpinteria State Beach campgrounds or beach area.  Here you will see tar oozing out of the hills...so watch where you step! The Carpinteria Tar Pits is one of five natural asphalt lake areas in the world! Visit carpinteria.ca.us/parks-and-recreation/park-system for more information. The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery can be reached by following trails east of the park.

Beach view from Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is 53 acres of open space situated overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a series of walkways, trails and open space for ocean views, whale watching and fresh air. There are restrooms and I believe parking is free. This is not a beach for hanging out on the sand. Visit www.carpinteria.ca.us/parks_rec/park_system.shtml for more information. Take the 101 Freeway to Ballard Avenue and turn towards the ocean.

Rincon Beach Park is near the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line just a few miles east of Carpinteria. Just take the Bates Avenue offramp off the 101 Freeway to the ocean and on the right you'll find plenty of free parking and easy beach access, with picnic tables and restrooms. Just steps to the south of Rincon Beach Park is Rincon Point, known as one of the best surfing spots in the world.

Great photo opps here at Rincon Beach Park :)

South of Rincon Beach Park is a newer (premiered September 2014) Class I bike path that takes you through the La Conchita Beach area to Mussel Shoals. La Conchita Beach is low key, with several access points from the La Conchita Bike Path area. You can park at Rincon Point and bike or walk to one of several access points from the path. You can also drive into La Conchita, find a parking spot and take the newer undercrossing that'll get you to the beach by walking under Highway 101.  No restrooms or other facilities to my knowledge at the beach. It’s several miles of beauty, directly adjacent to the 101.

La Conchita Beach

Mussel Shoals is a small beach community in Ventura with around 50 homes. There are about a dozen public parking spots along Old Pacific Coast Highway, paralleling the 101 near the Cliff House Inn. No restrooms. If you go there, perhaps have lunch at the Cliff House Inn and take in the peaceful views, while also checking out man-made Rincon Island.

Mussel Shoals

The beach between Mussel Shoals on the northwest and Seacliff on the southeast is referred to Oil Piers Beach. There used to be piers here until they were taken down in 1998. You get here either via the La Conchita Bike Path or by taking the Seacliff Exit (#78) from Highway 101, then take Pacific Coast Highway northbound to Mobil Pier Road, where you will drive under the 101 to find parking (and if there's no spots available, go back to PCH and you'll find some). No facilities to my knowledge at this beach.

Hobson Beach Park is located north of Faria Beach Park and the Rincon Parkway, at 5210 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. It is managed by the County of Ventura. Day use parking is free but limited. Restrooms available. Limited beach space. Camping and RV spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. CLICK HERE for more info or call 805.654.3951.

Rincon Parkway is located between Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park on Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway at 5275 Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. 127 parallel parking spaces are available for RV use only; no camping. All RV's must be fully self-contained units as there are no hookups, utilities, etc. Minimal beach, mostly rocks. Next to a train track. But nonetheless fun to stop by from time to time. No day use parking. CLICK HERE for more info.

Faria Beach Park is located south of Hobson Beach Park is another popular RV/camping spot at 4350 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. Also managed by the County of Ventura with spots available first come, first served. There are restrooms. No dogs on beach but they are allowed in camping areas. CLICK HERE for more info or call 805.654.3951.

South of Faria Park and north of Solimar Beach is an area referred to as Mondos Beach. We recently rode bikes from the Ventura Pier past this area and saw plenty of families enjoying the sand and the water. There is parallel parking available on the old highway. I believe there are also some porta-johns available.

Mondos Beach area in Ventura, south of Faria, north of Solimar.

There's a strip of beach along Old Highway 1 between Mondos Beach and Solimar Beach that has parallel parking available, with large rocks separate the street from the beach. I don't know the name of this beach, but it is there, open to the public. There's not a specific street address but it is in the proximity of 3456 Pacific Coast Highway.

Solimar Beach is a strip of beach between Faria and Emma Wood known for surfing, swimming and fishing. Park along Old Highway 1. No facilities. There are about 60 homes along this beach.

Emma Wood State Beach** is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing.  The Ventura River estuary is at the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park.  It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons. Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore. The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. Emma Wood offers family camping for self-contained vehicles only and group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp. There are 90 campsites. There is a day use area in the park and beach access is available.  A bike path connects the park to Ventura and to the coast highway to the north. Parking is currently $10. Call 805.968.1033 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=604. Directions at this link. Campfires not allowed on the beach.

** Emma Wood State Beach - North Beach Campground will be closed for camping and day use from 8/25/25 through May 2026. See below.

We noticed a new sign at Emma Wood in the summer of 2015

The Downtown Ventura Promenade beachfront area stretches from Surfers' Point and Promenade Park at Figueroa Street and Shoreline Drive on the north, down the Promenade bike/walk path to the Ventura Pier. This is a popular area with lots of surfers, a cool kids' playground area just north of the pier and plenty of beach with lots of interesting looking rocks. There are several restrooms in the area. Great place to go bike riding with the family. Plenty of parking in the area on the north end. On the south side by the pier you may need to pay for parking at the Crowne Plaza on Harbor Blvd east of California Street or at San Buenaventura State Beach further east.

San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier down south past the homes of the Ventura Keys to Marina Park. There are two miles of sandy beach, sand dunes, picnic sites, fairly large parking lot, and the Jolly Oyster. Bike paths connect to other nearby beaches. Wheel Fun Rentals is located near the Ventura Pier if you need a bike. Campfires not allowed at this beach. Main parking lot access point is at San Pedro St and Pierpont Blvd. Additional parking in a lot off of Harbor Blvd north of Sanjon Road. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=600 for more information.

Marina Cove Beach is a very popular family spot located at Marina Park, with a newer, small playground area, lots of parking (though weekends can get pretty packed), restrooms and a nice family-friendly beach.. Walk from Marina Park south to Soter Point for picnic areas, mermaid statue and more.

Fun stone jetty to navigate at the beach adjacent to Marina Park in Ventura.

Harbor Cove Beach is located at the west end of Spinnaker Drive near Ventura Harbor Village and across from the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. It is a "still water" beach protected by jetties that is considered one of the safest family friendly beaches in the area (and also referred to as "Mother's Beach"). Restrooms and showers are available and across the street, next to the Visitor Center, is the Harbor Cove Cafe. As of July 2025, paid parking is in effect on Friday through Sunday and major holidays from 10am to 8pm - cost is $1 per hour up to 4 hours. $10 for the day. Less than an hour is free. See venturaharbor.com/parking. Parking on Spinnaker Drive is free.

Harbor Cove Beach Lifeguard Station

South Beach is located between Harbor Cove Beach and Surfers Knoll Beach off of Spinnaker Drive in Ventura.  This beach connects the two outer beaches and sits between two breakwaters and is good for relaxing, surfing, boogie boarding and more. Parking is available on Spinnaker Drive or park in the lot at the adjacent Harbor Cove Beach. As of July 2025, paid parking is in effect on Friday through Sunday and major holidays from 10am to 8pm - cost is $1 per hour up to 4 hours. $10 for the day. Less than an hour is free. See venturaharbor.com/parking. No restrooms available, but you can use the nearby Harbor Cove Beach restrooms.

South Beach in Ventura, between Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer’s Knoll Beach

Surfer's Knoll Beach is located in off of Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, across from Ventura Harbor Village. As its name implies, it is geared towards surfers, as well as others looking to relax and explore. Riptides are common here so be careful if you're a novice swimmer. There are restrooms and showers. But no lifeguards on hand. As of July 2025, paid parking is in effect on Friday through Sunday and major holidays from 10am to 8pm - cost is $1 per hour up to 4 hours. $10 for the day. Less than an hour is free. See venturaharbor.com/parking. Parking on Spinnaker Drive is free.

And there you have it! Let's take a break for now but as mentioned above, beaches stretching further down the coast through Oxnard, Channel Islands Harbor, Point Mugu and Malibu are covered in this separate post!

But wait! Here's a compilation of beaches in the City of Santa Barbara and surrounding areas!

Labor Day Weekend Events In Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The second Labor Day holiday was on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday.

Oregon was the first state to officially enact Labor Day as a holiday by law on February 21, 1887, followed that year by Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Since then, all 50 states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

2025 Labor Day weekend events around Ventura County and nearby areas:

Fri, Aug 29: 90s Alt Rock Revolution Tour at the Majestic Theater in Ventura (7PM)

Fri-Sun, Aug 29 to Sep 1: The Carnival for Las Virgenes Schools in Agoura Hills

Fri-Sun, Aug 29 to Sep 1: Simi Fall Days Carnival at the Simi Valley Town Center

Sat, Aug 30: Ventura Nationals at Ventura County Fairgrounds (9AM-5PM)

Sat, Aug 30: Live Music at Harbor View Park at Channel Islands Harbor (4-6PM)

Sat/Sun, Aug 30-31: 39th Annual C-Street Classic Surf Contest in Ventura

Mon, Sep 1: Santa Paula Labor Day Parade (10AM)

Mon, Sep 1: Labor Day Tractor Fair at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum (11AM-2PM)

Mon, Sep 1: CRPD Concert in the Park - Skynyrd and Frynds (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute) (5PM)

LOCAL AREA BEACHES IN VENTURA COUNTY, MALIBU AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Eleven of My Favorite Things to Do In and Around the City of Ventura

Incorporated in 1866, the City of Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County. The official name of Ventura is the city of San Buenaventura. Mission San Buenaventura was founded by Franciscan priest Junipero Serra on March 31, 1782 and was named after Saint Bonaventure. Enough with the history lesson...here are some of my favorite things to do in this beautiful city!

You can't miss the 1,600 foot long Ventura Pier, with its panoramic views, fishing and ocean breezes. There's a cool little playground area in the sand just west of the pier, bicycle rentals nearby, miles of beachfront bike path and Surfers' Point. San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier down south past the homes of the Ventura Keys. Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.

Ventura Harbor Village is home to 33 acres of harborside activities, shopping and restaurants. There's an arcade with an antique carousel, boat rides, kayaking and sailing and quick access to family-friendly Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer's Knoll Beach. Also within a short walking distance is the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, an inspirational and interactive source of information about the Channel Islands National Park. Bring the kids!

Ventura Harbor Village is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

For some of the most spectacular views of Ventura, stop by Grant Park / Serra Cross Park. You can drive up there, or park above the historic Ventura City Hall building and walk to Grant Park via the Ventura Botanical Gardens trail. This nice one mile trail will give you a nice little workout, with views along the way.

A view from the Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail near Grant Park

Golf N' Stuff is a family favorite, especially when it's really hot in the Conejo Valley and you're looking for an outdoor alternative to the beach.  The kids never tire of the two 18-hole mini golf courses, bumper boats, large, nicely appointed arcade, go karts and bumper cars.

Mini golf fun at Golf N' Stuff Ventura.

Another popular family choice is oceanfront Marina Park in the Ventura Keys, a decent sized park with plenty of grassy area, a newer playground and path to adjacent picnic and viewing area Soter Point. We enjoy riding bikes from the park to the Ventura Beach Path.

Marina Park Beach

In Downtown Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County hosts a collection of over 30,000 pieces of fine art and historical items and a changing lineup of exhibits displaying items of local relevance. The Museum's Research Library houses over 150,000 resources related to the history of Ventura County. And the Museum regularly hosts public events geared towards all ages as well as free admission the first Sunday of each month.

The city closed off five blocks of Main Street in Downtown Ventura to create “Main Street Moves.” in 2020. This allowed many businesses to thrive with outdoor dining during the pandemic, but it also caught on as a great opportunity to roam the streets of Downtown Ventura in a leisurely way, without automobile traffic. City Council voted to extend Main Street Moves on a year-round basis in November 2024. Updates at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2165/Main-Street-Moves.

It doesn’t feel like it is in Ventura, but Lake Casitas Recreation Area, technically in Ventura (though it feels more like it is in Oak View), is a wonderland of outdoor fun - boating/kayaking on the lake (no swimming though…it is a water source), camping, disc golf, picnicking, bicycling, exploring and more.

Kayaking at Lake Casitas.

Something new! Moby’s on Main opened at 369 E. Main Street in Ventura, in late May 2024. Moby’s is Ventura’s first family-friendly arcade and bar, offering a collection of vintage arcade games, pinball machines, classic Thrifty ice cream, snacks and more. www.mobysonmain.com

Those are some highlights! But there's more!

Over 45 things to do in the City of Ventura

Over 40 kids activities in the City of Ventura

Nearly 50 sports and fitness activities in the City of Ventura

Hike to the Teepee, Paradise Falls and Little Cave at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

One hiking experience that everyone in the Conejo Valley and neighboring areas has to experience is Wildwood Park. With 14 trails covering 17 miles in the nearly 1,800 acre park managed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, there is plenty to see and do in Wildwood Park.

One particularly fun and fairly easy family hike at Wildwood takes you from the main parking lot at the west end of Avenida de los Arboles to the Teepee, Paradise Falls and Little Cave (formerly Indian Cave**). Take the Mesa Trail about a 3rd of a mile until you see the sign below, then take a left.

Another third of a mile and you're at the teepee, where you'll find another clearly marked sign pointing you in the direction of Paradise Falls.

Hike down some switchbacks and stairs and you'll see be at the beautiful Paradise Falls. Always a fun place to take the kids, though we're warned not to go into the water, which is largely urban runoff.

But it is sure popular and enjoyable to sit back and enjoy this year-round waterfall that is so nicely hidden yet so close to hustle and bustle of suburban Thousand Oaks.

The Little Cave is roughly half a mile east of Paradise Falls and can be accessed from the trail directly above the falls or by hiking back up to the teepee and going the other direction.

Trail adjacent to Paradise Falls that takes you towards little Cave.

A quarter of a mile or so and you'll see the sign below.

Little Cave (Formerly Indian Cave) sign

Formerly called indian cave

Another 100 yards or so and you've reached the staircase that will take you up to the Cave.

Large enough to actually hang out in, though the last time we walked in there were signs of rodents.

You can literally climb through the cave to an exit at the top and hike your way up to a connector trail that will lead you back towards the parking lot. My kids love this and so do I!

** The change in name was approved by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) in May 2022. COSCA received a request to change the Indian Creek Trail name earlier that year. On its own, the work "Indian" refers to individuals from India, rather than Native Americans, and thus did not accurately reflect the origin of the people to whom it refers.

The Indian Cave and Indian Cave Trail were renamed Little Cave as it was unclear if the cave was naturally formed and/or historically used by Native Americans.

The Indian Creek Trail in Wildwood Park was renamed Two Springs Trail as two natural springs contribute to the stream flow in this portion of the channel.

Century Lake at Malibu Creek State Park

According to the Malibu Creek Docents, around 1903, the Crags Country Club constructed a 50 foot tall dam on its 2,000 acre property on what is now Malibu Creek State Park. The dam created a seven acre lake that club members used for fishing and duck hunting.

The Club closed in 1936, and 10 years later, 20th Century Fox Studios purchased the property to film movies and TV shows on what was renamed Century Ranch. The 1968 "Planet of the Apes" featured many prominent scenes shot here.

This is an awesome video showing Planet of the Apes (1968) film scenes at Malibu Creek State Park and local area beaches then and today.

As for the lake, it is now referred to as Century Lake, a hiking destination in Malibu Creek State Park. Only 1 1/2 miles from the parking area, Century Lake is in a secluded area, where you can eat your lunch at the picnic table and enjoy serenity (usually, depending on who else is there). I believe it is fine to wade in the water and even kayak in there if desired. although I've never seen anyone do so.

Century Lake is a left hand turn from the main Crags Road trail, after cresting the only significant hill going down the other side. The only indicator is this narrow sign.

The hike has a moderately steep hill in it, but otherwise is quite flat and easy to do with kids and/or a stroller.

Malibu Creek State Park has something for everyone...camping, a visitor center, the "Rock Pool," the M*A*S*H set, the old Reagan Ranch, Century Lake, over 35 miles of trails, rock climbing (near the Rock Pool) and more.

The Century Dam is shown in this image. You don't wanna fall down that dam. Off limits.

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is City Historical Landmark #5

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area is located at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks, south of the intersection of Avenida de los Arboles and Westlake Boulevard.

This 428 acre park is a designated historical landmark by the City of Thousand Oaks and County of Ventura. The Chumash inhabited this area going back as far as 12,000 years ago through the late 1800's. 

The park grounds are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There are flat hiking trails and a Chumash village reproduction available to explore. The oak trees provide a beautiful canopy for hikers. It is a peaceful place worth exploring. Note that dogs are prohibited from the property.

Located on the property is the Chumash Indian Museum, which contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/park/oakbrook-regional-park.