Earth Day Events In and Around Ventura County

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd each year since 1970. Earth Day events celebrate the planet we live on and helps to renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world. Here is a compilation of 2025 Earth Day as well as Arbor Day events in Ventura County and neighboring areas.

Sat 4/12: Calabasas Earth Day Festival (2-5PM)

Sat 4/19: Arbor/Earth Day Celebration in Thousand Oaks (10AM-2PM)

Sat 4/19: Ventura Earth Day Festival (11AM-4PM)

Fri 4/25: Earth Day Event in Simi Valley (3:30-5:30PM)

Sat 4/26: Earth Day Festival in Westlake Village (3-8PM)

Sat/Sun 4/26-27: Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival (11AM)

Sat 5/3 Moorpark Earth Festival & Arbor Day Celebration (9AM-1PM)

Easter Egg Hunts and Other Fun Easter Activities Around Ventura County

Here at Conejo Valley Guide we have a special place in our heart for Easter fun! The bunnies of the Conejo Valley and surrounding Ventura County areas are planning ahead to make this Easter memorable.

We have the Germans to thank for the Easter Bunny concept, which came about in the 1500s. Hares and bunnies are signs of fertility and eggs signify rebirth. The Germans brought Easter traditions to America and it wasn't until after the Civil War that Easter became widely celebrated.

Easter Sunday 2025 is April 20th! Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox. As a result, Easter Sunday ranges from March 22nd to April 25th

Upcoming Easter season events and activities in and around Ventura County (list will be updated regularly; dates/time subject to change, so check with event organizers to be sure):

March 22-23, 29-30 Spring Spectacular at America's Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sat, April 5: Springtime at the Adobe at Leonis Adobe Calabasas (1-4pm)

Sat, April 5: The Hunt Holiday Egg Hunt in Ventura (10am-3pm: RSVP required)

Sat, April 5: Easter Bunny Arrival and Family Fun at the Simi Valley Town Center (11am-5pm)

Fri, April 11: Flashlight Egg Hunt at 5 Locations in Thousand Oaks (6-9pm)

Sat, April 12: The Bunny Trail Junior Egg Hunt in Calabasas (SOLD OUT)

Sat, April 12: Breakfast with the Bunny at Reyes Adobe Park in Agoura (SOLD OUT)

Sat, April 12: Selfies with the Bunny at The Collection at Riverpark (1-3PM)

Thu, April 17: Spring Egg Hunt at Century Academy/Shine Homeschool Thousand Oaks (RSVP)

Sat, April 19: Egg Scramble Event at Rancho Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley (9-10am)

Sat, April 19 Easter Eggstravaganza Event in Camarillo (10am-1pm)

Sat, April 19: City of Moorpark Easter Egg Hunt (10am-1pm; Purchase wristbands in advance beginning March 3rd)

Sat, April 19: Egg Scramble Event Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park (9:30-11:30am)

Sat, April 19: Selfies with the Bunny at The Collection at Riverpark (1-3pm)

Sat, April 19: Spring Conejo & Easter Hunt at Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4pm)

Sun, April 20: Easter Egg Hunt at Christ the King Newbury Park (11am)

Sun, April 20: Easter Sunrise Service at Pierce Brothers Westlake Village (6am)

Sun, April 20: Easter Egg Hunt at the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge (noon)

Sun, April 20: Meet & Greet with the Seaside Bunny at Ventura Harbor Village (1-4pm)

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Mar 22 to Apr 21; Springtime Easter Festival at Underwood Family Farms

Mar 24 to Mar 28: Visit the Bunny at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley

Mar 28 to Apr 19: Photos with the Bunny at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura

Mar 21 to Apr 19: Bunny Photos at The Oaks Mall

April 1-30: Spring Scavenger Hunt at The Collection at Riverpark

April 5-6, 12-19: Bunny Photos at the Simi Valley Town Center

Twelve of My Favorite Things To Do in the City of Simi Valley

The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, less than 3 months after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon. The City covers 42 square miles and as of 2013 was home to just over 126,000 people. Simi Valley is neighbors with Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley.

According to the City's website, the name of the Chumash Indian Village “Shimiji” is believed to be the origin of the City’s name and Ta’apu is the origin of the names of Tapo Street and Tapo Canyon.

But enough of that. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Simi Valley.

I love hiking the Long Canyon Trail, with its views of Wood Ranch, Bard Lake and the rest of Simi Valley (not to mention you can hike to Lang Ranch in Thousand Oaks from here).

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is a 220 seat theater at 3050 Los Angeles Avenue that hosts musicals, concerts, exhibits, children's theater and other events year-round.  The theater is a landmark Gothic structure built in the 1920s that was named Ventura County Historical Landmark #67 in July 1981. Visit www.simi-arts.org to learn more.

Views from the Long Canyon Trail

The magnificent Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a major draw to Simi Valley. This 243,000 sq ft museum at the top of 100 acres of land is a must see for its interactive displays, history, Air Force One and outstanding rotating exhibits. And the views, particularly on clear days, are quite memorable.

Lazertag Extreme opened in the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley in 2013 and at over 5,000 sq ft is a great indoor, multi-level laser tag facility and arcade.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a historical and cultural landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on a residential lot that contains shrines, walkways, sculptures and buildings from recycled items and discards, built over a 25 year old period by Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey. An eyesore to some, a one-of-a-kind treasure to others. Open periodically to the public as the site is restored.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10049 and Simi Valley Town Center host an impressive display at the Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia. There are hundreds of military posters and historical artifacts on display that have been graciously provided by local veterans and collectors.

Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia in Simi Valley

There are no bowling alleys in the Conejo Valley, which means we have to drive elsewhere for our bowling fix! The closest bowling alley to the center of Thousand Oaks is Harley's Simi Bowl, about 10 miles away off of Highway 23 and Madera Road. This is a 24 lane alley that gets the job done.

The other bowling alley in Simi Valley is on the east end, about 20 miles from Thousand Oaks. Harley's Valley Bowl (formerly Brunswick Zone) has 40 lanes and a large arcade/game room area. Another great choice for fun in Simi Valley. Now why is it that Simi has 64 bowling lanes yet we still have none in the Conejo Valley? Sheesh.

The Mt. McCoy Trail is located on the west side of Simi Valley, just a short hop, skip and jump around the corner from the Reagan Library. You can't miss the hill because there's a large, white cross at the top. A bit over a mile of well-maintained switchbacks takes you to the top.

Views galore from Mt. McCoy Trail peak.

Simi Valley Days takes place in mid-September each year over a four day period. The event has a long history, going back to 1934. It is a community celebration with carnival rides, games, live music, vendors, food, a parade and much more. 

Visit a fully restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot circa 1903 with both freight and passenger trains rushing by day and night at the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad. Open on weekends from 1-4 pm, the depot is also home to the Santa Susana Model Railroad Club’s large operating HO scale model railroad, in a layout that portrays Simi Valley during the mid 1950’s. This is a lot of fun to see. And outside, you and the kids will be treated to up close views of Amtrak and Metrolink passenger trains rolling by. Wave and they'll honk at you.

The pristine Studio Movie Grill opened at the Simi Valley Town Center in October 2015. This 41,000 sq ft theater features 9 screens and over 950 seats. 

There is plenty more to see and do in Simi Valley that is not on this particular list. Check out:

• Upcoming events in Simi Valley

• Things to do in Simi Valley (all ages)

• Things to do in Simi Valley (geared towards kids)

• Fitness and sports activities in Simi Valley

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.

Ventura County Area Car Shows, Car Clubs and Car Museums

Looking for automotive fun around Ventura County?  Here are some options.

Monthly and Annual Car Shows:

County Line Cars and Coffee meets the 2nd Saturday of the month from 8-10AM at The Promenade at Westlake. www.facebook.com/countylinecarsandcoffee

Conejo Valley Cars and Coffee meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 7-10AM at Firestone Tire at The Oaks mall, 598 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. www.cvcarsandcoffee.com

Firebill Tim Wheels & Waves monthly car show is currently at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum at the 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard the first Sunday of the month from 8-10AM. Free to the public, featuring classic cars, coffee, art, donuts, and more. www.cimmvc.org/events-activities

Ventura Raceway offers racing events for dwarf cars, hobby stocks, motorcycles and more. Pricing varies. Visit venturaraceway.com for more information.

The Annual Touch-a-Truck Event in Thousand Oaks for kids and their families takes place on Father’s Day weekend each year.

The Thousand Oaks Rotary Annual Street Fair in October always has a fantastic vintage and eclectic auto show worth stopping by for. www.tostreetfair.com

Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor every June www.channelislandsfathersdaycarshow.com

The annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show and Craft Brew Fest takes place usually the first Sunday of May each year at Conejo Creek Park North.

Sespe Creek Car Show in Fillmore every 4th of July sespecreekevents.org

Simi Valley Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off & Car Show every June chilikc.com

Tri-County Mustang Club Ponies by the Sea Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor is every October www.tricountymustangclub.com/car-show

Central Coast British Car Club Car Show is in the Sept/Oct time frame each year at the Channel Islands Harbor centralcoastbritishcarclub.com/car-show

Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Car Cruise takes place every 4th Friday in April through October. www.camarillooldtown.org/car-cruise

Ventura Nationals every Labor Day weekend in Ventura venturanationals.com

Annual shows usually pop up in the CVG Events Calendar.

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The Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar (free admission; open Tuesday to Saturday).

Looking for local car clubs? Check the Social/Hobby Clubs section of CVG. Or here's a list of car and motorcycle clubs.

And also check the Events Calendar and Event Listings for additional events that you will enjoy!

Have something to add to this list? CONTACT US

CLOSED OR STATUS ON HIATUS OR UNCLEAR

Malibu Cars and Coffee on hiatus (still on hiatus as of December 2023).. www.malibucarsandcoffee.com

Muscles & Mojo Cars and Coffee took place every 3rd Sunday at the Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard, but it’s finale was June 16, 2024 as the museum is closing on July 7th.

The Mullin Auto Museum in Oxnard closed its doors on Feb 10, 2024.

The Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard closes its doors on July 7, 2024.

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.

Hiking and Exploring in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

Entrance to Rancho Sierra VistaSatwiwa at Lynn Road and Via Goleta in Newbury Park

Located on the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is accessible in Newbury Park at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta. This area spans from Potrero Road on the north and connects to Point Mugu State Park on the south.

Ranching in the area dates back to the early 1800s, when Spanish soldiers were granted 48,672 acres of land, "Rancho El Conejo," which through the years was subdivided and sold to other landowners. One of these ranchers was Carl Beal, who in 1937 named the area Rancho Sierra Vista "Mountain View Ranch." The last private landowner in the area was Richard Danielson, whose family farmed and ranched the area for 32 years. Danielson donated 5,585 acres of the ranch to the State of California, which became part of Point Mugu State Park, and sold 850 acres, including the horse ranch, to the National Park Service in 1980.

Sign at Danielson Monument accessible via Danielson Road/Old Boney Trail.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area is a bike/horse free area within Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa of roughly 60 acres. Located on the northwest corner of this area, just a short walk from visitor parking, is the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center.

The Culture Center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends with a park ranger or other staff. It is a small building that also hosts a variety of educational Chumash and wildlife items. NPS BROCHURE AND TRAIL MAP

Learn more about RSV at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm.

The area is a popular destination for hikers with a variety of well maintained trails. Note, however, that bicycles and horses are not allowed in the "Satwiwa Natural Area" section (see map below).

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

The Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy, 2 mile trail that starts at the Culture Center through grasslands, past the old windmill and back around, with several extensions for those looking to do a little more.

There's the Lower Loop Trail and the Upper Loop Trail that is a bit of a zig-zaggy trail with wooden footings placed by volunteers to help hikers navigate. The Upper Loop Trail runs past the "Old Windmill" pictured below.

Satwiwa Lower Loop sign at intersection of Danielson Road trail.

The old windmill at the northeast corner of the Satwiwa Loop Trail (Upper Loop). (Windmill was knocked down by high winds in December 2016 and is still down as of MAY 2024).

You can also park at the Wendy and Potrero trailhead and walk to the Culture Center via the Wendy Trail, about a mile each way.

Wendy Trail trailhead at the intersection of Wendy and Potrero in Newbury Park

It is pretty dry in here most of the year but after the winter/spring rains, the green stages a comeback.

Another trail to explore is the 1 mile Ranch Overlook Trail that takes you from just west of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, up a hill (where you can indeed look down toward the old ranch area, parking area and restrooms) to the main entrance and to the Palomino Trail in the Rancho Potrero Open Space.

Ranch Overlook Trail

One of my favorite trails in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail. This challenging, fairly steep trail branches off from the Satwiwa Loop Trail on the southeast, past the bench at the Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook, via the Boney Mountain Trail/Danielson Road.

The popular bench at Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook. Photo taken April 4, 2014, approximately 11 months after the devasting Springs Fire of 2013.

Roughly 700 feet past the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench is a juncture where you can either veer right into Point Mugu State Park and the Boney Mountain Wilderness, where you can walk down, over a stream (or a dry stream bed as the case may be), towards the popular "waterfall" (which in recent years has been not much more than a trickle) and the Danielson Monument. CLICK HERE for details.

If you veer left at the juncture, you'll see the Hidden Valley Overlook trail sign.

The trail is steep and rocky and reaches an end point in about half a mile. If you are up to the challenge, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Newbury Park, the Channel Islands, Sycamore Canyon and Boney Mountain.

Views from halfway up the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail towards the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area

At the end of the trail is the Hidden Valley overlook, where you will be able to peek into the not-so-hidden-anymore Hidden Valley and its peaceful ranches. As a final reward for your effort, it's all downhill the way back. Be sure to wear solid hiking shoes as the trails are a bit technical.

Peek at Hidden Valley at the end of the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail.

View of Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands, from Hidden Valley Overlook trail

To learn more, visit the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas or visit www.nps.gov/samo or call 805.370.2301.

Dogs are allowed in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. But please, pick up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed in the Point Mugu State Park / Boney Mountain Wilderness back country trails, though they are allowed on paved roads, such as the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail road.