5 Family-Friendly Activities Near Naval Base Ventura County
by Daniella Horne - June 3rd, 2022
Welcome aboard Naval Base Ventura County! I am sure you will love Southern California and the great places in the area that offer an amazing family-friendly atmosphere.
There are so many wonderful things to love about Ventura, besides the lovely weather year-round. If you haven’t noticed by now, most of the year the temperature stays below 75 degrees, making it perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Whether you have little ones or school-aged kids, the area offers a variety of must-see spots for everyone in the family. Below I am sharing some of my favorite locations a quick drive from base.
Daytrips from Naval Base Ventura County
Ventura Harbor offers a lot of fun-filled days with the family. Take a stroll around the harbor or bring your bike and take a ride. Spot some whales during whale-watching season, enjoy the many harbor shops and restaurants, or rent a boat, kayak or paddleboard. If you like live entertainment, you'll have an awesome time attending the many festivals the harbor hosts year-around.
The Collection Riverpark in Oxnard is the perfect place to spend the day grabbing a bite, doing some shopping and enjoying family time. This open shopping area offers many shops and restaurants, plus indoor play areas for kids of all ages. There's a pottery studio, bowling lanes, ax throwing, a movie theater, a comedy club and even an outdoor playground with a grassy area where families can relax. The Collection also offers a kid’s club with story-time, crafts and entertainment for kids.
Local parks in Ventura County
Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura is a breath-taking natural preserve that allows families to enjoy the outdoors while hiking, having a picnic, or visiting their nature center. Of course, it's a great place to get a close look at local wildlife.
The park also offers a brand-new inclusive playground for children of all abilities. It has a sensory garden, balance beams, hammocks, music play areas, and more. The park is a wonderful open space to meet other families and have fun outdoors.
Ventura Botanical Gardens is a 107-acre space with a breath-taking view of the California coastline that will fill your day with the beautiful scent of wildflowers. There are over 30,000 plants in the area. The gardens welcome visitors at any time to take on the trails, views and education.
Beach time!
Ventura County has wonderful beaches to visit, whether you enjoying surfing, swimming, taking a stroll, or just letting the kids play on the sand. The area around Naval Base Ventura County has plenty of beaches for everyone.
Visit Emma Wood State Beach and take the whole family fishing or RV camping. Mandalay State Beach offers a lovely paved walking trail along the sand and has a playground for kids. Surfer’s Point is a great spot to watch surfers and catch the sunset. It’s a popular and relaxing local spot. There are many other beaches to discover all along the coast that can become your family favorites.
Ventura County has so much to offer! It is a wonderful family and pet-friendly area to call home while stationed at Naval Base Ventura County. Enjoy the lovely weather and all the places out there to explore.
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Writer and blogger, veteran, military spouse, and mother of two. Currently living in Hawaii. Loves hiking, beach days, crafting, volunteering and spending time with family. Follow her adventures on her blog www.mommaandsprouts.com or check out her Instagram @mommaandsprouts
