Veterans Day Services in Ventura County

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Veterans Day is celebrated as a Federal holiday on the 11th day of November in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I, which formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when Armistice with Germany took effect.

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Vietnam veteran David Stull stands guard while supporting a flagpole carrying the American flag at the Garden of Valor at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. This was one of three 30 minute shifts he stood guard. November 1984 photo by Scott Harrison/The News Chronicle

Back in the 1980s, Conejo Valley residents would observe a 24-hour vigil during the Veterans Day holiday. I took photos several times, but this 1984 photo at dusk remains my favorite. The current full name of Valley Oaks is Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park. The flame is still burning at the Garden of Valor.

Several Dozen Things to See and Do in the City of Oxnard

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The City of Oxnard was incorporated on June 30, 1903. Covering an area of just over 39 miles, of which 70% is land, Oxnard is the most populous city in Ventura County, with nearly 208,000 residents in 2016.

Oxnard's namesake is Harry T. Oxnard, who opened a beet factory in 1899 and taught local farmers the ins and outs of growing sugar beets. The land for the factory was purchased from Thomas S. Rice (of Rice Avenue fame) and the first plant manager was Major J. A. Driffill, who later became mayor.

There's plenty to see and do in Oxnard, and we've summed up some of our favorite activities below.

Great beaches in Oxnard include Mandalay Shores, Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand Beach, which are highlighted at THIS LINK.

Speaking of beaches, ‘ololkoy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) is a nice park with a pirate-themed, accessible playground area, large grassy area, restrooms and quick access to the beach.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum located at the Channel Islands Harbor is home to world class maritime art, ship models and other maritime items. Open Thursday through Monday from noon to 4pm.

Channel Islands Harbor is a great place to beat the heat with the family, offering a variety of activities, such as fishing trips, boat cruises, eateries, water sports, shopping and special events year-round.

Oxnard Beach Park

Oxnard Beach Park

There's a nice bike path in Oxnard that takes you from Oxnard Beach Park to Channel Islands Harbor that we enjoy from time to time.

The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District is located on F and G Streets, between Palm and 5th Streets. The area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Most of the 144 historic homes and buildings in the area were built before 1925 and includes Mission/Spanish revival, bungalow/craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture.

A great time to check out the Historic Oxnard District is during the two weeks preceding Christmas each year, when dozens and dozens of residents decorate their homes in lights and holiday decor for Christmas Tree Lane.

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, musicals, speakers and other performances year-round. At over 1,600 seats, it is one of the largest venues in Ventura County.

The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor shopping center located on the northeast side of the 101 between the Oxnard and Vineyard exits. The 650,000 sq ft center includes a combination of entertainment, retail, restaurants, open space with fountains, parks and playgrounds and quality art. Activities at The Collection include Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio, Century RiverPark Movie Theater and Levity Live Comedy Club, Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center, Red Door Escape Room and Bowlero.

Swing for the fences at Who's on First Batting Cages in Oxnard. What's on second? I don't know's on third. Who? First base.

Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach

River Ridge Golf Course is a public golf course offering two 18-hole courses as well as footgolf!

Skateboarders and in-line skaters are on a roll at the City of Oxnard Bedford Pinkard Skate Park near Channel Islands High School. Pinkard is a former City Council member who was a supporter of many youth and community programs.

The Elite Theatre Company, located at Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, is host to musicals, plays, comedies and more.

The Dallas Cowboys have held Summer Training Camp for a number of years at River Ridge Fields at Oxnard's Marriott Residence Inn. Practices and scrimmages taking place in August are open to the public and free of charge. Check for updates at www.dallascowboys.com/trainingcamp.

Halloween Events and Activities In and Around Ventura County

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Halloween season is upon us again! Halloween 2025 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

Cool Residential Displays (Click links for footage and more info)

10 Carob Drive, south of Borchard in Newbury Park

Residential display synchronized to music at 1455 Valley High, Thousand Oaks

Golden Crest Avenue in Newbury Park (Cross Street Antelope Place) - Two homes

Lakota Loop Family-Friendly Walkthrough Halloween Experience at 1881 Lakota Street, Simi Valley on October 26, 30 and 31 from 6:30-9PM.

“Blackwood Cemetery” annual display at home on Blackwood Street in Newbury Park

Mapleleaf Ave west of Madrid Ave in Newbury Park

Camino Dos Rios west of Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks

Flaming Star and Shenandoah in Thousand Oaks

Donald Avenue, just east of Wendy Drive in Newbury Park

Annual awesome display at this home on Yew Drive in Newbury Park

Bernadine St and Wauneta St in Newbury Park

Orangewood and Felton in Newbury Park

Backwoods Massacre Haunted House at 2360 Bryson Place in Simi Valley (quite scary - not for all ages).

PAST EVENTS

Sun, Oct 5: Trunk or Treat at Iceoplex Simi Valley (2:15-6PM)

Sat/Sun Oct 11-12: Mizel Family Foundation Harvest Festival in Thousand Oaks (10AM-2PM)

Sat, Oct 12: California Joe Halloween Magic Show at Camarillo Library (11AM-Noon)

Sat, Oct 18: Free Pumpkin Patch at Simi Valley Town Center (10AM)

Sat, Oct 18: Simi Valley YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat (3-6PM) (RSVP)

Sat, Oct 18: Trail or Treat at Camarillo Grove Park (10AM-1PM; $10 hike requires RSVP)

Sat, Oct 18: Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick or Treat Street in Thousand Oaks (6-9PM)

Oct 17-19: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Oct 18-19: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Oct 19: Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (10AM-5PM)

Wed, Oct 22: VC Dept of CSS 4th Annual Trunk or Treat in Camarillo (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 22: Trick-or-Treat at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard (5PM) (RSVP)

Wed, Oct 22: 4th Annual Spook-Tacular Celebration in Port Hueneme (5-8PM)

Thu, Oct 23: Oxnard Police Department Trunk or Treat Spooktacular (5-7PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle (4-5:30PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooky Swim at Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center in Camarillo (5:30PM) (RSVP)

Fri, Oct 24: City of Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival (Ages 2-10) (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooktacular Bash at Camarillo Community Center (5-7PM Age 50+)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooky Town at the Simi Valley Town Center (5-9PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Terrifying True Stories in a Haunted Church at Heritage Square Oxnard (6-10:30PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Inaugural Pumpkin Paddle at Channel Islands Harbor (10AM)

Sat, Oct 25: Halloween “BooFest” Event in Old Town Camarillo (Noon-4PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Harvest Festival at Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4PM)

Oct 25-26: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sat, Oct 25: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest in Camarillo (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo (10AM-3PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Trick or Treat Event at Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor Village (Noon)

Sat, Oct 25: Pumpkin Party at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Eastside Little League Trunk or Treat in Oxnard (2-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Pumpkin Festival at Christ the King Newbury Park (3-6PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating (3-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Halloween Haunt in the Park at Plaza Park in Oxnard (4-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Parade of Frights Marketplace at Channel Islands Harbor (2-8PM; Parade at 7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Ventura Family YMCA Trunk-or-Treat in Ventura (5-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Fall Festival at Conejo Valley Church of Christ (4-6PM)

Sat Oct 25: Terrifying True Stories in a Haunted Church at Heritage Square Oxnard (6-10:30PM)

Oct 24-26: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Strathearn Historical Park (11AM-5PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Seaside Trick or Treat at Ventura Harbor Village (1-3PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Thriller Zombie Dance at Ventura Harbor Village (2:45-3:15PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Trunk or Treat at Inside Car Guys Newbury Park (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 29: Trunk or Treat at Thousand Oaks Post Acute (5-7PM)

Wed, Oct 29: Halloween in the Park in Camarillo (5:30-8PM)

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 2025 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 26th through October 31st, 2025. Free admission to the pumpkin patch, with kids’ activities, photo opps and more. BBQ tri tip sandwiches available on weekends. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Hours 2:30pm-7:30pm Wed/Thu, 2:30pm-8:30pm Fri, 11am-8pm Sat and 11am-6pm Sun. Visit bigwavedaveschristmastrees.com/pumpkin-patch.html

Conejo Family Farms is a new local pumpkin patch in 2025 located at 5937 Ridge View Street in Camarillo. There is a pumpkin patch, 5 acre corn maze, hay rides, bounce house, weekend music, and more. Opens Wednesday, September 17th. Entry fee $10 for ages 5 and up. 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.

Mizel Family Foundation You Pick Pumpkin Days in Hidden Valley on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-5:30PM, October 14-30. Visit Mizel Estate Wines on a fall afternoon where you can select and harvest your own pumpkins. Mizel’s Pumpkin Patch features a wide variety of pumpkins in all sizes, shapes and colors. Located at 1050 W. Potrero Road. www.mizelestate.com

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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 from October 4-31, 2025. They offer tiny to extra-large “Big Mac” pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn and seasonal produce. 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 27 to October 31, 2025. Pumpkin patch events on weekends from 9am to 6pm with the following themes:

  • 9/27-9/28: Animals of the Farm

  • 10/4-10/5: Heroes on the Farm

  • 10/11-10/12: Wild West on the Farm

  • 10/18-10/19: Fiesta at the Farm

  • 10/25-10/26: Harvest Fest on the Farm

Fall fest includes 10 acres of pumpkin patch, wagon hay ride, animal center, corn field expedition, farm games, live entertainment and more. Admission $26 ages 3 and up. Ages 2 and under free. Check for details at prancersfarm.com.

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 2025 Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival in Moorpark is back from September 27 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 $34 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 from 9am to 6pm. Admission is $3. Tractor ride is $2. Hay Maze is $2. Check their Instagram page at www.instagram.com/mcgrathgreatpacificpumpkins for updates.

Bennett's Best Pumpkin Patch has locations 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 through November 2nd. Hours vary. Bounce house activities available. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581115013603

There will not be a Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch this year in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley as in years past. However, they will be hosting a Pumpkin Patch at the Pierce College Farm Center, 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills. The patch will be open daily from October 1st to 31st, 2025. 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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Senior Adult Centers and Programs Throughout Ventura County

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Here is a list of senior centers and programs throughout Ventura County. For more extensive information about serving the needs of seniors, visit the County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging website at www.vcaaa.org

The Goebel Senior Center is located at 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, between the Thousand Oaks Teen Center and Grant R. Brimhall Library. Open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m. The 21,000 sq ft facility offers classes, events, excursions, drop-in programs and more. The facility also has meeting rooms, kitchen/dining room, billiards room, putting green, horseshoe pits and more. Senior Nutrition Program 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Suggested contribution for the meal is $4 for ages 60+. Visit www.crpd.org/adults-seniors or call 805-381-2744.

Senior Concerns is a Thousand Oaks based non-profit that serves eastern Ventura County and western Los Angeles County. Since 1975, the organization has provided support services to seniors, such as Adult Day Center that operates Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm, caregiver support, legal, financial, and advocate services, and Meals on Wheels. Learn more at www.seniorconcerns.org or call 805-497-0189.

The Simi Valley Senior Center at 3900 Avenida Simi is a 22,000 square foot enrichment and learning center for adults. The center provides learning programs, exercise classes, meal programs, health services, excursions, computer classes, book clubs, support groups, billiard room, social services, art classes and more. For ages 50+. The Rendezvous Café operates weekdays and offers hot lunch for a suggest donation of $4 for 60+ seniors and $9 for others (as of June 2025). Visit www.simivalley.org/departments/city-manager-s-office/community-programs-and-facilities/senior-center or call 805.583.6363.

The Pleasant Valley Senior Center is located at 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo. The center is open M-F from 9am to 4pm and offers a variety of recreation and leisure program, a meal site for ages 60+ and social services for local residents. Programs and activities are not limited to Camarillo residents.

Visit www.pvrpd.org/senior-center or call 805.482.4881. More information on senior meal programs available from the Camarillo Health Care District at www.camhealth.com/senior-meals-program..

City of Oxnard Recreation and Community Services offers 3 senior centers. The Wilson Senior Center at 350 N. C Street is open M-F 10am to 4pm (805.385.8028), South Oxnard Senior Center at 200 East Bard Road is open M-F 8:15am to 2:15pm (805.385.8042) and Colonia Senior Center at 126-B Amelia Court, open M-F 8:30am to 2:30pm (805.385.8163). Visit www.oxnard.org/recreation/senior-services for more information.

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The Moorpark Active Adult Center is located at 799 Moorpark Avenue. The center is open M-F from 8am to 4pm and offers classes, programs and more to ages 55+. Home delivered meals available to local 60+ residents and meals offered for low cost at the center. Visit moorparkca.gov/200/Active-Adult-Center for more information or call 805.517.6261.

The City of Agoura Hills runs a Senior Recreation Program for ages 50+ at its Recreation Center, located at 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd.  The program offers fitness, social, educational and other great events and activities. Visit https://www.agourahillscity.org/department/community-services-parks-recreation/senior-recreation-program or call 818.597.7366 for more information.

The City of Ventura Senior Services program offers computer, recreational, specialty, social, health and fitness programs to 50+ at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Avenue, 805.648.3035, and satellite sites at the Salvation Army (east Ventura), Pacific View Mall, TowneHouse, Ventura College and YMCA. A Travel Program office and special events are held at the Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara St, 805.648.2829. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/669/Adult-Senior-Services for more information.

Ventura's Senior Lunch Program operates the “Westside Cafe” Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. $4 contribution per meal for ages 60 and up; $9 for others (as of June 2025). Nutritious hot or cold entree with fresh fruit and vegetables. Located at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Avenue. Call 805.648.3035 for more information.

The Santa Paula Senior Center is located at 530 W. Main Street and is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone is 805.933.4272. The center offers classes, card games and meal programs to seniors. spcity.org/403/Senior-Center

The City of Fillmore Active Adult Center is located at 535 Santa Clara Avenue and is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone is 805.524.4533. Meals, games, activities and classes are offered. www.fillmoreca.com/177/Active-Adult-Center

The Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center is located at 550 Park Avenue in Port Hueneme and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The city's Senior Nutrition Program offers meals to those in need and classes are offered. Visit www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/facilities/facility/details/orvenescarpentercommunitycenter-2 or call 805.986.6542 for more information.

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The Little House Multipurpose Center in Ojai at 111 W. Santa Ana Street next to Ojai City Hall is run by Help of Ojai, Inc., a non-profit organization that has been serving the needs of Ojai's seniors since 1968. The center offers programs, services, recreation and meals. Visit www.helpofojai.org or call 805.646.5122 for more information.

And for thousands of classes each year specifically geared towards seniors, check out THESE LINKS to community recreation programs throughout Ventura County.

Labor Day Weekend Events In Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

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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

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 during the summer months. Call 805.241.0894 or visit www.crpd.org. General admission is $4 ($3 for 62+ with ID). Water is heated 80 to 84 degrees year round.  www.crpd.org/aquatics.

Newbury Park High School Community Swimming Pool is at 456 Reino Road. Open during the summer only. Entry fee $4 per person. Call 805.498.6906 or visit www.crpd.org/programs-sports/aquatics for summer hours.

Thousand Oaks High School Community Swimming Pool is at 2323 N. Moorpark Road is open during the summer only. Call 805.496.8564 or visit www.crpd.org/programs-sports/aquatics for summer hours.

Conejo Valley/Agoura - Other

Children’s Splash Pad/Water Area at Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park. Hours of operation are 10am to 7pm. Splash Pad season is Memorial Day to Labor Day. 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. 2025 open recreation hours are 1-3pm M-F 6/19 to 8/13 and 1-4pm Sat/Sun 6/7 to 9/14 . Admission $4 for ages 2 to 49 and $2 ages 50+.

Rancho Tapo Splash Pad

Rancho Tapo Splash Pad

Childrens' Splash Pad Area at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi. Free. Opens Saturday, June 6, 2025 and closes after Labor Day weekend. Hours are 11am to 2pm and 3-7pm daily. www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R45.php

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 and more. Pool heated between 81 and 83 degrees. Open Tues/Thur/Fri/Sat for recreational swim from 1:30-4pm 6/16/25 to 8/24/25. $4 for ages 4+, free to ages 3 and under and $3 ages 60+. Visit www.pvrpd.org/aquatics or call 805.987.8198. 

Camarillo Family YMCA swimming pool open Mon-Sat. Call 805.484.0423 or visit www.ciymca.org/locations/camarillo-family-ymca

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 Aquatic Center has a 25 meter recreational pool, 50 meter competition pool, playground pool, two slides, and more! Open swim free for age 2 and under, $10 for ages 3 and up. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/612/Aquatics or call 805.654.7511 for details. BEST TO RESERVE A SPOT IN ADVANCE AS CAPACITY IS LIMITED.

Casitas Water Adventure features a Lazy River, Mega Play Unit Structure with 2 water buckets and 5 slides (2 for children; 3 for teens/adults), Splash Pad and Lagoon. 2025 season runs from May 25 to August 12 (weekdays); September 13 (for weekends). Weekend morning sessions 10:30 am to 2 pm and afternoon sessions 3 to 6:30 pm. Weekday hours are 11am to 6pm.

Call 805.649.2233 or visit www.casitaswater.org/casitas-water-adventure to learn more and reserve a spot. Cost is $20 per person on weekdays and $28 for weekends. Free entry for under two years of age.

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 $5 for 12 and under, $7.00 for ages 13-64, $5 for seniors. Recreational swimming on weekdays varies; Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. Visit carpinteriaca.gov/parks-and-recreation/carpinteria-community-pool for more 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. $7 for adults, $4 for seniors $1 for kids under 13. (3 and under are free). Pool hours vary. Visit www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/tennis-swim-center 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 www.fillmoreca.com/176/Parks-Recreation or 805.524.4902. 

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

Raging Waters Water Park in San Dimas (75 miles from Thousand Oaks)

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.