Southern California Family Vacation

If you live in Southern California, you know summer discloses the crowds-visitors from round the country and round the world.. That means it’s tough to go anywhere without running into some people and traffic-two primary ingredients that makes kids (and parents) cranky.

One place that has recently held onto its laid-back California charm and has now lots of kid-friendly fun is Ventura, specially the three cities generally known as VenturaCountyWest (Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura). Located in the 101 Freeway north from Los Angeles, VenturaCountyWest features uncrowded beaches (with free parking), ocean adventures and plenty of easy-to-get-to kids’ summer activities. Here are some to view.

Channel Islands National Park

Take a tour boat to your Channel Islands National Park from either Ventura or Channel Islands (Oxnard) harbors. The islands are simply just 11 miles away from the Ventura County coast. On the way, you will notice dolphins, seals, pelicans as well as other wildlife. Hikes, overnight stays, kayaking are typical available once arriving on shore. Tours are booked through Island Packers,

Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village contains an arcade featuring an old-fashioned indoor carousel, arcade plus a candy shop using more than 20 models of fudge (made fresh daily). Families can rent paddle and electric boats to tour the quiet harbor channels. Back on shore, thinking about eating at on the list of casual harbor side restaurants featuring freshly caught seafood.

Ventura County Fairgrounds’ Raceway

“Midget” cars, motorcycles and everything other racing vehicles take on the track nearly every weekend in the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura. It’s all good fun since you cheer on the favorite driver.

Gull Wings Children’s Museum

This children’s museum in Oxnard is quite unassuming on the surface, but once inside, the eight and under set can have so much to do and see which they won’t know where to start. They can wear firefighters, doctors or pretend they’re astronauts landing within the moon in the Apollo spacecraft. There are snakes to keep, treasure to locate in a geological dig and a lot of Legos to develop whatever they wish. Kids can try their hand at rock wall climbing or let their imaginations go whilst in the driver’s seat connected with an actual car.

Sky High Sports

You won’t discover a big sign announcing Sky High Sports Camarillo in the freeway. It’s in a industrial park-it needs to be-the place is very large. It’s full of trampolines with super padded floors and walls. Kids can engage in trampoline dodge ball as well as other organized games or… just jump. All under supervision. Sky High boasts laser tag. Kids are certain to come out sweaty and tired-a perfect solution for an afternoon.