Explore Ventura, CA

Ventura, California, is an idyllic coastal city located in the heart of Southern California. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant downtown, and rich history, Ventura offers an ideal environment for families looking to raise children. When it comes to education, Ventura boasts a strong school system with a variety of public and private schools that provide excellent educational opportunities. From elementary to high school, parents can choose from a range of institutions that focus on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and fostering a love for learning. The city is also home to Ventura College, a community college that offers a diverse range of programs and courses for students pursuing higher education. Aside from education, Ventura provides countless entertainment options for kids of all ages. With its beautiful coastline, children can enjoy endless hours of fun in the sand, surf, and sun. Families can explore stunning beaches like Surfer's Point, Marina Park, or Emma Wood State Beach, where kids can build sandcastles, fly kites, play beach volleyball, or simply take a dip in the ocean. Ventura is also home to various family-friendly attractions such as the Ventura Harbor Village, a charming waterfront area that offers an array of shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Families can take a boat ride, rent paddleboards or kayaks, or even go whale-watching. The city also boasts numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas where children can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or playing sports. For a more educational experience, families can visit the Ventura County Museum of History and Art, which offers interactive exhibits and programs designed to engage and educate children. The city also hosts regular cultural events, community festivals, and farmers markets, providing families with endless opportunities to discover new things and immerse themselves in the local culture. In conclusion, Ventura, CA, offers a fantastic environment for families raising children. With its excellent educational institutions, diverse recreational activities, and plethora of entertainment options, Ventura ensures that kids have a well-rounded upbringing in a beautiful coastal setting.

Activities in Ventura

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a couple of boys playing with a toy train

At Play-Well TEKnologies, we believe that children should have the opportunity to express and create freely. Our instructors are dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for children to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through the use of LEGO®. With tens of thousands of LEGO® pieces, there is no limit to what children can accomplish. We believe that through our instructors' guidance, children can express their creativity while learning STEM concepts through LEGO®. With such a large variety of LEGO® pieces, children can let their imaginations go wild and create whatever they can envision. The possibilities are endless and at Play-Well TEKnologies, our goal is to help children explore and embrace the limitless potential of their creativity.

a person doing a handstand on a mat in a gym

At My Gym, our passion for teaching children in a fun, physically engaging environment has been our driving force since day one. We love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they make those milestones, from their first steps to their first flip. Witnessing the joy of the parents is the best part of our job! We’ve been working to create an environment where children feel safe, loved, and supported, so they can reach their highest potential. We’re proud that now, more than 35 years later, children of all ages and abilities can come to My Gym and grow into confident and happy adults. With over 700 locations worldwide and over a million members, our dream of active, giggling children has become a reality! We’re so lucky to have each and every one of them in our My Gym family.

a group of girls holding a large object in the air

The Aerial Studio is a one-of-a-kind entertainment company in Ventura, CA that specializes in live events and productions. Owned and directed by professional Cirque performers Carmen and Gregg Curtis, the studio boasts 30 years of experience in the aerial arts. At The Aerial Studio, the focus is on providing a safe, non-competitive environment for families to learn and create, while educating about health and wellness. Community and local arts are also supported, making The Aerial Studio a great place to connect with others and explore the aerial arts in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. At The Aerial Studio, families can explore the world of aerial arts with professionals who understand the importance of safety and wellbeing. Here, there is no pressure to compete and no judgement. Instead, Carmen and Gregg Curtis encourage learning and creativity in an environment that fosters health and wellness. Not only do they provide an opportunity to learn the aerial arts, they also promote community and support local arts. The Aerial Studio is a unique entertainment company in Ventura, CA owned and directed by Carmen and Gregg Curtis. With 30 years of experience in the aerial arts industry, they are committed to providing an enjoyable and safe learning environment for families. The studio is dedicated to educating about health and fitness while simultaneously promoting community and local arts. The Aerial Studio is the perfect place to explore the aerial arts, connect with others, and have fun!

a boy and girl posing for a picture

In 2006, the Addison Family made a generous gift to create Bell Arts Factory, a non-profit, community-based organization. This organization uses the power of the arts to send positive messages and to inspire people to do good things for their community. The mural on the side of the building reads a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. This quote serves as a reminder of Bell Arts Factory’s mission to make a positive impact in the community through the beauty of art. At Bell Arts Factory, it’s our hope that we can make a lasting contribution to our community through creative expression and help to make the world a better place. We are thankful for the Addison Family’s generous gift that allowed us to pursue this mission.

a group of people rollerblading

Roller skating is a great way to get your child active and involved in a growing sport. With lessons, your child can develop poise, coordination, balance, and self-confidence. Not only is roller skating a fun and exciting activity, but it is also a great source of cardiovascular fitness. The United States Amateur Confederation/Roller Skating (USAC/RS) is the governing body for roller skating. Whether your child is looking to improve their skating skills for recreational or competitive purposes, roller skating lessons are a great way to go. Your child will learn important skills such as balance, coordination, and self-confidence, while also getting a good workout and gaining the benefits of cardiovascular fitness. The USAC/RS is the governing body for roller skating and provides guidelines for the sport. Through roller skating lessons, your child can develop their skills and have a great time while doing it.

a group of people posing for a photo
a group of girls in dresses

The Ventura Family YMCA is the place to be to stay healthy and fit! Our state-of-the-art fitness center offers a wide array of cardio and strength training equipment. We also offer engaging group exercise classes and swimming lessons for all ages, from children to seniors. Our commitment to our community goes beyond just providing a gym. We take pride in striving to help all individuals reach their potential, no matter who they are or where they’re from. We provide job training for young adults, a safe and welcoming environment for children, and help seniors stay connected with their peers. It is our mission to ensure that everyone in our communities can stay healthy and thrive. The Ventura Family YMCA is a place for everyone! We provide the necessary resources and support to help individuals reach their goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stop by today to see what the YMCA has to offer and how we help our communities thrive.

a person climbing a rock wall

At Boulderdash, safety is our highest priority. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping climbers of all abilities reach their climbing goals. We offer a variety of classes, clinics and programs designed to help climbers of all levels grow their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran climber or just learning to put on a harness, we’re here to help you reach your potential! You’ll also be welcomed into our fun and supportive climbing community. We have plenty of opportunities for climbers to come together and share their experiences. Our experienced staff are always on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. At Boulderdash, we are dedicated to helping you become the best climber you can be. Join us today and become part of our vibrant community!

a man riding a surfboard

. At Ventura Makos, we are passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment for our participants. We believe that surfing is an unparalleled experience, connecting us in both mind and body. We are so grateful to have the chance to share our love for surfing and to teach our participants about ocean safety and knowledge. At Ventura Makos, we strive to foster a safe and positive atmosphere for our participants. Surfing is something that our team cherishes, as it brings us together in a way that can’t be replicated. We are deeply thankful for the chance to spread the joy of surfing and to provide our participants with education on ocean safety and knowledge.

a group of people with paint on their faces

Located at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura, the VC Arts Collective is a retail space generously provided to the VCAC by MaceRich Corporation. This partnership has enabled VCAC to bring a range of arts programming to the public, from art exhibitions and receptions, to poetry readings, performances and informative seminars. VCAC has also been awarded four separate grants from the California Arts Council for projects based in this space, providing valuable opportunities to local artists and creative individuals. Additionally, the VC Arts Collective offers workforce training opportunities to those who have had difficulty exhibiting their work.

a group of children sitting at a table

At the Office of Cultural Affairs, we are deeply committed to building a better Ventura for all. Located within the Community Partnerships Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships, we strive to create a thriving cultural environment in Ventura by promoting an understanding and appreciation of the arts, historic resources, and culture. Our team works diligently to give Ventura artists and arts organizations the resources and support they need to thrive, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding. We also recognize the importance of stimulating economic development and tourism. We are particularly focused on helping downtown Ventura grow and prosper. Through our work, we hope to ensure that the city of Ventura is a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit. At the Office of Cultural Affairs, we are passionate about preserving and celebrating the culture of Ventura. With our dedication to providing resources and support for local artists and organizations, cross-cultural understanding, and stimulating economic development and tourism, we are committed to making Ventura a better place for all.

a person and several children in a classroom

Kids in the Ventura and LA County area can take advantage of Young Rembrandts art classes. Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Malibu offer after-school drawing classes that are designed to be enjoyable and foster improvement in academic ability, fine motor skills, social skills, hand-eye coordination, and confidence. Young Rembrandts is an excellent choice for preschoolers and elementary school students looking for fun and educational fall and winter activities. We collaborate with local schools and community facilities to provide convenient after-school clubs and activities.

a group of people posing for a photo

At the Ventura Family YMCA, we strive to provide a safe, supportive environment for our families to reach their fullest potential. Our gym features state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, as well as group exercise classes for adults and children. We also offer swimming lessons for all ages. At the Ventura Family YMCA, we understand the importance of giving back to the community. We offer job training for young adults, a safe place for children to go, and activities for seniors to build connections. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle, and that’s why we are committed to strengthening our communities. At the Ventura Family YMCA, we are proud to be a part of the community. We are dedicated to providing an excellent experience and helping our members reach their goals. We are committed to helping everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—reach their full potential.

a group of people wearing medals

-op fencing class on Thursdays for fencers with previous fencing experience, and an Open fencing class on Saturday mornings for recreational fencers. Fencing is a sport that can teach your child essential life skills such as good sportsmanship and self-discipline, physical coordination, and mental toughness. With fencing, children of different sizes, ages, and strengths can compete on an even playing field. At our facility, we offer both private fencing lessons and classes. We have an introduction to competitive sport fencing class twice a week – Mondays for epee and Tuesdays for foil – and an advanced/co-op fencing class for experienced fencers on Thursdays. We also have an open fencing class on Saturday mornings for recreational fencers. Fencing is an ideal sport for children of any age to get involved in. It's a great way to help them develop their physical and mental strength, and to learn the importance of self-discipline and sportsmanship. With the right instruction and guidance, your child can learn the technical and tactical skills of fencing that will allow them to compete with other fencers of different sizes, ages, and strengths.

a person painting a picture

Founded in 2016, Creative Art Center, was the brainchild of a number of Ventura art enthusiasts. Our mission at Creative Art Center is to make art accessible and enjoyable to both kids and adults alike. We provide quality art experiences that are designed to be both educational and fun. Our workshops are created to challenge our participants to explore their creative potential and to develop a lasting appreciation for art. We are proud to have been founded in the summer of 2016 by a group of passionate Ventura art enthusiasts.

Events in Ventura

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Feb0110:00 AM
Only Dads 7- ANTDAWGS MMA event image
Feb0210:00 AM
Family Free Day: I Love Nature event image
Feb03-0419:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Fresno event image
Feb04-0519:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Clovis event image
Feb0710:30 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Feb1510:00 AM
For the Birds! Family Event - Wind Wolves Preserve event image
Mar0710:30 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Mar1513:00 PM
AI Toy Petting Zoo event image
Mar16-1718:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Fresno event image
Mar18-Apr159:15 AM
Happy dancing parents draw
Apr0410:30 AM
Happy dancing parents draw