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. 

Bakeries, Cupcake Places and Donut Shops in the Conejo Valley

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There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional donut, cupcake or pastry as long as they are consumed in moderation. And moderation for me is a dozen donuts. So on that nutritional note, we’ve compiled a list of local area bakeries and donut shops in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills for those of you looking to expanded your baked good horizons.

Bakeries

Cafe Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie open its doors on April 9, 2024 at 1710 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, across from Denino’s Pizzeria in Thousand Oaks. With locations in Ventura and old town Camarillo, Cafe Ficelle offer freshly baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, coffees, teas and more.  www.cafeficelle.com (805) 908-0200

Carrara Pastries is an Italian pastry shop located in the Whizin Market Square, 28914 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. Carrara offers fresh cakes, pastries like cannoli, cream puffs, tiramisu and fruit tarts, www.carraras.com (818) 661-9006

Emil’s Bake House is located at the Shops at Kanan Village, 5005 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (at Agoura Road, where IHOP and Islands are located). Emil’s opened in December 2019, offering freshly-baked pastries, breads, desserts, fruit tarts, cakes, muffins, fresh quiche, Lavazza coffee, fresh juices and more. www.emilscafe.com (818) 532-7664

Francis Bakery Panaderia is located at 1080 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (next to Cajun Crab Shack), offering Mexican baked goods, pastries and cakes. (805) 241-8682

Historia Bakery Cafe is located at 11 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (at Moorpark Road), in the Grocery Outlet plaza. Historia opened in October 2019, serving a variety of decadent creations, including danish, crepe cakes, pastries, croissants, as well as sandwiches, juices, teas and coffees. www.instagram.com/historiabakerycafe (805) 371-1127

Itala Magdalena Bakery opened on the 2nd floor of The Oaks Mall (east side, top of the escalator, near Macy’s) in July 2021. Offers a variety of fresh pastries and coffee. Open daily. italamagdalena.com (805) 418-4959

La Cereza Cafe & Bakery opened at 280 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks in September 2023, offering fresh baked pastries, bagels, empanadas and other goodies. www.instagram.com/la.cereza.cafe

La Princiere French Bakery, Patisserie and Cafe is now open in the Northstar Plaza in Thousand Oaks, 1321-1345 Thousand Oaks Blvd. La Princiere offers long-fermentation artisanal breads, French baguettes, sourdough and a full French breakfast, lunch and eventually, dinner menu. www.facebook.com/frenchbakerypatisseriecafe.

Le Macaron French Pastries is now open at Janss Marketplace, in the small space to the right of Old Navy, across from The Mighty Axe. Le Macaron is a dessert shop serving French macarons, pastries, and gelato, as well as European style coffees. Learn more at lemacaron-us.com/locations/thousand-oaks.

Le Pain Quotidien opened in March 2015 at the Westlake Plaza, next to Gelson’s, at 2728 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. They offer croissants, pastries, tarts and other baked items, as well as breakfast and lunch items. Pronounced “Luh Pan Koh-Ti-Dyan.” www.lepainquotidien.com (805) 322-4696

Mercados Guadalajara Tortilleria Y Panaderia is located at 2454 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park. They offer Mexican cakes, pastries and other baked goods as well as tamales and other foods and drinks. (805) 375-2333

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 1610 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite D, Thousand Oaks. Everything you could ask for in bundt cakes is right here - different sizes, multi-tiered cakes, “bundtlets” and more. www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ca/thousand-oaks (805) 446-3082

Sarai Bakery Panaderia is located at 2326 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks in the Select Plaza (at Conejo School Road, across from The Lakes at Thousand Oaks). They carry a variety of traditional Mexican baked good specialties as well as other Mexican foods (burritos, tortas, tamales, tacos, etc.) (805) 494-1584

Siblings Bakery opened on January 14, 2021 in the former home of Jaime Cakes at 1625 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. They offer custom cakes and other goodies…muffins, cupcakes, brownies, etc. www.siblingsbakery.com

Viktor Benês Bakery is located inside Gelson’s Market at 2734 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. They offer high quality pastries, cakes, bread, danish, cupcakes, cookies, coffee cakes and snacks as well as custom cakes. viktorbenesbakery.com (805) 496-0045

Village Bakery & Cafe is located at 5839 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills in the Agoura Hills City Mall. They offer delicious pastries, cakes, bagels and breads, not to mention a full range of breakfast and lunch items, smoothies and Turkish coffee. www.agouravillagebakery.com (818) 736-9898 Open daily at 7am.

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Cupcakes and Cookies

Sweet Arlene’s is located in the Westlake Plaza at 960 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. Sweet Arleen’s is a 3-time winner of the Food Network Cupcake Wars, offering a wide variety of flavors - red velvet, vanilla, chocolate, lemon, carrot walnut, peanut butter, chocolate marshmallow, strawberry cream, banana caramel, coconut snowball, mocha truffle, pina colada, cookies and cream, Boston cream pie, peach cobbler…the list goes on. sweetarleens.com (805) 373-7373

Cookies, anyone? Crumbl Cookies opened at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, 30768 Russell Ranch Road, on July 14, 2022, offering fresh baked cookies from a rotating weekly menu. crumblcookies.com (805) 601-6653.

Crumbl Cookies also operates a 2nd Conejo Valley location at The Village at Newbury Park, 935 Broadbeck Drive, Unit B.

The Cookie Cafe opened at 30651 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Agoura Hills in December 2024, serving, among other things, its delicious, old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies in most any quantity. www.thecookie.cafe 747-222-6221

Donut Shops

We are not lacking a variety of donut shops in the Conejo Valley - Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills.

Star Donuts is located in the Smart & Final plaza at 2160 Newbury Road, Newbury Park. Open nearly 24 hours a day and also offering boba drinks and sandwiches. (805) 499-3877

Sugarbox Donuts is located in the Wendy-Kimber Plaza at 3303 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. Also offers croissant sandwiches and iced drinks. (805) 498-4318

Judy’s Donuts is located at 2393 Michael Drive, Newbury Park. Offering an array of standard donuts but specializing in custom donuts for any occasion. (805) 498-6877

Newbury Donut is located at 766 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, offering donuts, ice blended drinks and sandwiches. (805) 498-6454

Foster’s Donuts is located at 1398 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, offering donuts, croissant sandwiches and drinks. (805) 495-1174

Best Donuts is located near the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall at 3900 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, offering mostly donuts, (805) 495-4436

Donut Depot is located in the Select Plaza, just east of the The Lakes at Thousand Oaks at 2354 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks., offering donuts as well as ice blended drinks. (805) 494-9840

Fresh Donuts is located in the Trader Joe’s plaza at 409 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, offering donuts, croissant sandwiches and ice blended drinks. (805) 492-0566

Gladstone Donuts is located at 664 Lindero Canyon Road, Oak Park, offering donuts, breakfast bagels, croissant sandwiches and ice blended drinks. (818) 777-4400

Heart-shaped Valentine’s Day donuts at Dunkin.

Dunkin’ (they removed donuts from their name years ago) operates at 30895 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (at Lindero), offering donuts, sandwiches, espresso drinks and more. www.dunkindonuts.com (818) 991-5555

Yum Yum Donuts is located at 5833 N. Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, offering donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, croissants and more. yumyumdonuts.com (818) 706-1402 Open 24 hours.

Donut hesitate to CONTACT US with any updates to this list.

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And How About Some Bagels

Here are places in the Conejo Valley serving up fresh bagels:

Western Bagel at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite G, Westlake Village has been a popular bagel place for decades. westernbagel.com (805) 496-0344

East Coast Bagel in the Westlake Plaza (next to Sea Casa) at 1014 S. Westlake Blvd, Suite 2, Westlake Village is another long-time bagel standby. eastcoastbagelco.com (805) 494-9099

Noah’s NY Bagels is an old standby at 33 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Next to Jamba Juice. locations.noahs.com/us/ca/thousand-oaks/33-n-moorpark-rd (805) 381-9893

Baking No More

E. T. Donuts in the Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks closed its doors 3/1/21.

Flatiron Bagel at 1817 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks in the Oak Leaf Square is officially closed as of April 2021.

The beloved Chocolatine French Cafe at 2955 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, served its last croissant on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Karma Baker opened in the Pavilions Plaza at the southwest corner of Lindero and Kanan in October 2014 and closed its doors on March 30, 2024.

Sprinkles Cupcakes was located at The Promenade at Westlake from October 2013 until it closed its doors in late January 2025. One of my favorite treat places when the kids were little.

Compilation of Italian Eateries in the Conejo Valley

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Where can you sit down and be served a plate of pasta and other delicious Italian food in the Conejo Valley (including Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and portions of Calabasas)? Here goes, in alphabetical order, starting with M, for manicotti.

Made in Italy Bistro, 3825 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Unit F, Westlake Village (in the North Ranch Shopping Plaza) opened its doors on March 4, 2019 by chef Antonio Sessa. www.madeinitalybistro.com 805-370-8667

Marcello Ristorante at 140 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks has served fine Italian food in the Conejo Valley for well over 30 years. www.marcelloristorante.com 805-371-4367

Maria’s Italian Kitchen, 29035 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills originated in the Los Angeles area in 1968 and now operates in eight locations, including this one in the Conejo Valley. www.mariasitaliankitchen.com/agoura-hills 818-865-8999

Noi Due Trattoria and Pizzeria is located in the Agoura Village Center, 29020 Agoura Road and opened in February 2019. No website. 818-852-7090 Noi Due means “the two of us.”

Nonna Ristorante, 951 S. Westlake Blvd., #102, Westlake Village nonna.restaurant 805-497-8482

Novo Cafe, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village opened at The Shoppes at Westlake in June 2019. Novo also serves its authentic regional Italian cuisine at its original location in Burbank. www.novocafe.com 818-318-1466

Rustico Ristorante, 1125 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste A1, Westlake Village serves the cuisine of central Italy. tuscany-restaurant.com/rustico/index.html 818-899-0191

Spumoni Italian Cafe, Pizzeria & Bar, 1714 Newbury Road, Ste E, Newbury Park has served delicious Italian cuisine since 2007. www.spumoninewburypark.com 805-499-6200

The Original Pizza Cookery, 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, has been operating since 1975 - it relocated from Woodland Hills to the Conejo Valley in June 2019. www.pizzacookery.com 818-887-4770

Tuscany il Ristorante is located in the Westlake Plaza at 968 S. Westlake Blvd, Suite 4, Westlake Village, where it has operated since 1987. tuscany-restaurant.com 805-495-2768

Vincitore Italian Restaurant is located in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5869 Kanan Road. The name Vincitore means “winner” in Italian. www.vincitorerestaurant.com 818-706-2200

Basta is located in the Whizin Market Square at 28863 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (it opened in Fall 2019) and the grand opening of its 2nd location at 299 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks is Thursday, December 5, 2024. www.bastaagoura.com 818-865-2019

WeVINO Restaurant & Wine Lounge opened April 15, 2025 at 31149 Via Colinas, #601, Westlake Village, serving modern, refined interpretations of Italian classics, along with a selection of over 5,000 wines in its cellar. Learn more at www.we-vino.com.

Boccaccio’s Restaurant is located at The Landing at Westlake Lake, 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, #110, Westlake Village, operating since 1968. www.boccacciosrestaurant.com 818-889-8300

Buca di Beppo Thousand Oaks is located in the Janss Marketplace, 205 N. Moorpark Road. www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/thousand-oaks 805-449-3688

Casa Nostra Ristorante, 717 Lakefield Road, Ste H, Westlake Village is located in an industrial park but has a beautiful indoor/outdoor seating arrangement. casanostrala.com/westlake-village 805-495-0053

Cedro Italian Restaurant, 2385 Michael Drive, Newbury Park opened by three Italian friends in January 2024 and in May has been added to the Michelin Guide California. www.cedrorestaurant.com 805-498-7035

Farfalla Trattoria is located at The Promenade at Westlake, 160 Promenade Way, Westlake Village. It opened in 2008, serving authentic dishes by chef/co-owner Santino Coccia, who is originally from Milan. www.trattoriafarfalla.com/location/westlake-village 805-497-2283

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

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America's 249th birthday is Friday, July 4, 2025! Here is a compilation of local holiday events and activities in celebration of Independence Day.

Fireworks Display Summary for 2025:

  • Thursday 7/3: Moorpark, Fillmore

  • Friday 7/4: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Ojai, Camarillo, Ventura, Channel Islands Harbor, Santa Paula, Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills

  • Sunday 7/6: Agoura Hills (Drone Show)

4th of July celebration parades to take place in Westlake Village, Ventura, Ojai, Channel Islands Harbor and Carpinteria (June 28).

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

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 for 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 $5 family 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.

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. Wristbands required to gain access to entertainment and activities on the rooftop of the parking garage starting at 5pm. (Two additional paid ticket options for early access available at THIS LINK.)

Independence Day Festivities at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd from 1-4PM.

Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks at 200 West Bethany Court once again opens its incredible views to the public with a 4th of July Fireworks Viewing from its parking lot. Starts at 6pm and fills up quickly - they have free children’s activities, inflatables and more. BBQ available for purchase. www.bethanyto.org

Pancake Breakfast from 8am to noon at the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge, 158 N. Conejo School Road. Pancakes, bacon or sausage links, coffee and juice for $6. Live music from 2-5pm featuring Unkle Monkey.

Westlake Village

The Westlake Village 4th of July Parade and Party in the Park starts at 9:30am at the corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura Roads, culminating at Berniece Bennett Park.

The City of Westlake Village presents its 10th Annual Fireworks Spectacular Show from the Westlake Village Golf Course, with additional viewing locations available. Activities begin at 6pm, including family-friendly activities, music and food trucks. The show will start at 9:10pm.

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. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the gate. Onsite parking $5 (advance purchase only.)

Simi Valley

The Reagan Presidential Library 4th of July Celebration is back this year from 10am to 3pm on July 4th, featuring patriotic music, family entertainment, games, crafts and more.

The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration on July 4th at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue. Gates open at 3pm. There will be music, food and craft vendors, beer and wine, shopping and a free kids’ fun zone. And of course, fireworks! Event is free of charge but VIP passes are available.

Calabasas

The City of Calabasas is hosting the Lakeside Fun Run 4 and 2 mile runs in the morning and Summer Splash Party at the Tennis & Swim Center from noon to 5pm, as well as a pet show at 11 a.m.

Camarillo

The City of Camarillo is hosting a July 4th Fireworks Show at the Camarillo Premium Outlets again this year at 9pm. Park and enjoy the fireworks. Last entry is 8:45 pm.

Free recreational swim at the Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center, 1030 Temple Avenue, from 1-4 pm.

Oxnard/Channel Islands Harbor

The Channel Islands Harbor 4th of July Family Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends at Cabezone Circle, home to Marine Emporium Landing. Then from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. there will be farmers’ market vendors and other activities at Harbor View Park.

The Channel Islands Harbor will be offering activities and entertainment all day, followed by Fireworks by the Sea at 9pm on the 4th of July.

The educational tall ship Mystic Whaler will be hosting a viewing party for the Fireworks by the Sea from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Guests will view the fireworks from Mystic Whaler's deck while they enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/MysticOceanAdventures ($55 adults, $35 12 and under).

Heritage Square Oxnard is hosting a 4th of July concert from 4-8:30pm featuring two bands. Table seating available at www.oxnarddowntowners.org/event-details/fourth-of-july-at-heritage-square-the-gamble-band-the-soul-revival-band or sit on the lawn and enjoy the music for a requested donation of $5.

Ventura

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

Ventura Rotary hosts its Annual Fireworks Show and Family Picnic this year on July 4th at the Ventura College Athletic Fields starting at 5pm, featuring a family picnic, live music, kids' fun zone, followed by fireworks show at 9pm. Tickets $12 ($13 day of event) for ages 13+ and $6 for ages 4-12. Family of 4 pre-sale pass is $36 (online only).

Ojai

The annual Ojai Independence Day Parade will take place at 10am on Friday, July 4th.

Live music and fireworks show will take place on July 4th at Nordhoff High School Stadium, starting at 6 pm (gates open at 5:30pm). Fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm. Presale tickets for the nighttime event are available at www.4thofjulyinojai.com. $13 (plus fees) adults, $6 (plus fees) for kids, $30 (plus fees) family of 4 pass. (pre-sale)

Free concert on Thursday, July 3rd at Libbey Bowl at 6pm featuring the Ojai Band.

Pancake breakfast at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 East Ojai Ave from 7am to 10am on July 4th hosted by the Ojai Lions Club. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids.

Fillmore

The Sespe Creek 4th of July Car Show, Chili Cook-Off & Cornhole Tournament will take place in downtown Fillmore on Friday, July 4th from 9 am to 4 pm.

The City of Fillmore is hosting its annual fireworks show on Thursday, July 3rd at 9pm at the Fillmore Middle School athletic field, 532 A Street. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the show from their homes and city parks. www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=233

Santa Paula

The City of Santa Paula invites the community to a day of celebration capped by a spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at the new Santa Paula Creek Regional Sports Park at Harvest at Limoneira (301 Harvest Loop). Festivities kick off in the afternoon from 4-8:30PM and include live music at the amphitheater, food trucks, face painting, lawn games, inflatable jumpers, and the City Corps Wagon Train. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 PM. Admission and parking are free.

Agoura Hills

There will be a fun Patriotic Drone Show after the free concert at Chumash Park on Sunday, July 6th (featuring DSB - Journey Tribute).

Woodland Hills

Valley Cultural Foundation presents a July 4th Extravaganza at 6pm, featuring live music, then fireworks at 9pm.

Carpinteria

The 28th Annual Rods and Roses Classic Car Show will take place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, June 28th in Downtown Carpinteria, followed by an Independence Parade at 3:30pm.

Santa Barbara

The City of Santa Barbara is planning fireworks at West Beach at 9 p.m. this year and there will be other festivities during the day.

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.

Over 40 Things to Do in the City of Simi Valley

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The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, making it the 2nd youngest of the 10 cities in Ventura County (Moorpark was incorporated in 1983). It is the 3rd largest city in Ventura County in population (approximately 126,000 in 2018), following Oxnard and Thousand Oaks.

What do all those people like to do in the City of Simi Valley? Well here we will tell you things to do there.

Trails and Hikes

View from Mt McCoy Trail Peak

View from Mt McCoy Trail Peak

Incident with Janye Mansfield's Six Year Old Son at Jungleland Thousand Oaks in November 1966

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In November 1966, actress Jayne Mansfield was at Jungleland in Thousand Oaks with her three children, Zoltan (6), Miklos (7) and Mariska (2). Zoltan was attacked by a "tame" lion during the visit. The lion had the boy's head in its jaws before zoo employees were able to pry the lion off. Zoltan eventually recovered, after spending a month at Conejo Valley Hospital.

Manfield died in a car crash in June 1967. The two other adults in the car also died on impact. Her children were asleep in the back seat and they all survived. They were subsequently raised by their father*, Hungarian bodybuilder/actor and 1955 Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay. And we all know his daughter, award-winning actress Mariska Hargitay.

Mansfield sued Jungleland for $1.6 million, which is about $14 million in today's dollars. Jungleland closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy in October 1969. Zoltan received an out of court settlement of $10,000 from Jungleland in bankruptcy. (Note that while the Mansfield incident was not exactly good publicity for Jungleland, the park had already faced financial challenges with the popularity of newer theme parks, Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm.)

Looking to learn more about Jungleland? Stop by the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park, which has a number of artifacts on display.

More information about Jungleland at THIS LINK.

* In 2025, Mariska announced that her biological father is actually singer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay.

Summer Camps and Programs In and Around Ventura County

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FEATURED SUMMER CAMPS:

Pickleball Athletic Club Summer Camp in Thousand Oaks on weekdays starting June 16 to August 11, 9am to noon. Sign up at playatpac.com.

Nike Kids Camp by i9 Sports for ages 5-12 www.i9sports.com/nike-kids-camps in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley and Woodland Hills

Cal Lutheran Summer Basketball Youth Camp for ages 7-14 boys and girls. Coached by CLU head men’s and women’s coaches. Session in June, July and August. Register at bit.ly/clubasketballcamp2025

Newbury Park Elite Endurance Summer Cross Country Camps for ages 8 and up, June 16 to July 11. Register at www.newburyparkendurance.com/summercamps

Victory Gymnastics Summer Camps in Newbury Park for ages 4 and up, June 16 to August 19, 2025 www.victory-gymnastics.com/camp

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Looking for a summer camp within range of Ventura County? Here's a list of summer day camps and residential camps and programs in the area.

We've categorized the camps into three main groups; Traditional/Learning, Sports and Music/Arts, though many camps cover numerous fun activities all in one.

Know of more? Submit them here!

No doubt there will be some typos/errors on this list, so let us know if you find one.

Traditional Day Camps, Overnight Camps and Other Camps

Sports Camps

Music/Arts/Science Camps