Places Where Kids Can Eat Free in Ventura County

Here's a list of restaurants that have "Kids Eat Free" deals around Ventura County! These deals are subject to change at a moment's notice, so make sure to call the restaurants in advance.

 Let us know of any changes or additions! Now let's go EAT!!

Ventura County area daily deals and online coupon websites

Restaurant rewards programs at 100+ Ventura County eateries

Fire Island Grill at 1230 Madera Road, Simi Valley offers a Kids Eat Free deal on Saturdays/Sundays. Get a free kids chicken bowl or mac and cheese with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids must be under 8 and present.

Red's Barbecue at 3090 Cochran St, Ste A1 in Simi Valley is offering Kids Eat Free every Thursday from 11am to close. Get up to 2 free kids' menu meals for every adult meal ordered. Dine in only. Ages 11 and under only.

Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays 4pm to close at Patron Mexican Bar & Grill, 1620 Newbury Road, Suite 2, Newbury Park. One kids meal with purchase of an adult meal for kids 12 and under.

The Kebab Shop at 3980 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village offers a Kids Eat Free deal every Saturday and Sunday. One free kids box for every wrap, box, plate and fountain drink purchased at regular price. In-store only. thekebabshop.com/locations/ca/los-angeles/thousand-oaks

D'Amore's Famous Pizza at 300 N. Lantana in Camarillo is currently offering a Kids Eat Free deal on Sundays all day for ages 4 to 12. One child per paid adult meal, dine in only. Call 805.445.6534 to confirm.

Denny's offers Kids Eat Free for 10 and under from 4 pm to 10 pm on designated nights. Up to 2 free kids meals for each paid adult entrée. Call location to confirm.

• Newbury Park 2830 Camino Dos Rios (805.498.4440) Tues/Sat

• Camarillo 1659 E. Daily Drive (805.484.4137) Tues/Sat

• Moorpark 832 New Los Angeles Ave. (805.530.0999) Tues/Sat

• Ventura 2148 Harbor Blvd (805.643.3414) Tues/Sat

• Oxnard 1255 N Oxnard Blvd (805.604.9455) Tues

Baja Fresh at 30861 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village has a kids eat free deal on Sundays. www.bajafresh.com/stores/mexican-food-westlake-village/30664 (818) 900-1846

Huarache Xpress at the east end of the Simi Valley Town Center offers a kids eat free deal every Wednesday for kids up to age 16 with each paid adult meal, limited to two free meals. www.huarachexpresstogo.com. (805) 422-8858 (Updated as of 4/10/24)

Learn About the Channel Islands at the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura

For a fun, educational and local family field trip, visit the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park at the Ventura Harbor. This visitor center is free of charge and features a bookstore, marine aquatic life exhibits, a nicely done 25 minute movie, "A Treasure in the Sea" and friendly National Park Service staff to answer your questions.

Located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, the visitor cneter is open 8:30 am until 5 pm daily. On weekends and holidays (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) at 11 am and 3 pm, rangers offer a variety of free public programs covering the resources of the park. Click here for programs and events scheduled at the visitor center. Call 805.658.5730 for more information.

Nice scale model of the Channel Islands on display at the Visitor Center

Indoor tidepool in the Visitor Center always grabs the kids' attention, along with other displays.

Deck on the 2nd floor of the Visitor Center has views towards Ventura Harbor and the ocean.

This placard on the second floor viewing deck of the visitor center reads as follows:

On a clear day you can see two of the five islands that compose the Channel Islands National Park - Anacapa and Santa Cruz. The park boundary also includes the waters one nautical mile out around the islands. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary extends an additional five nautical miles out.

The Anacapas: When you look through the telescope (on the deck...or from other locations in Ventura County) you can see that Anacapa actually consists of three small islets. The Chumash Indians called Anacapa "Anyapa" meaning "ever-changing." It is an appropriate name as changing weather conditions modify the island's appearance. If you look at East Anacapa Island you may be able to see the lighthouse and the hole in the middle of arch rock.

Santa Cruz Island: Santa Cruz is the largest and topographically the most diverse of the Channel Islands. The highest point of Santa Cruz is Mount Diablo. It is nearly 2,400 feet high and is the highest mountain found on any of the Channel Islands.

Distance from Ventura (in miles): Anacapa (15), Santa Cruz (21), Santa Rosa (47), San Miguel (63) and Santa Barbara (52).

Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is Open to the Public the First Sunday of Each Month

The Santa Paula Airport was dedicated in August 1930. Today it is a non-towered facility with nearly 300 aircraft, handling approximately 97,000 arrivals/departures a year. Much of the original 1930’s-era facilities still exist and are used today, giving the airport a very authentic representation of the Golden Age of Aviation.

Located at the Santa Paula Airport, the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is open the first Sunday of each month, with an array of hangars open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Upcoming dates: November 5, December 3

Each of the privately owned hangars houses a variety of vintage aircraft and collections of various types, as well as other memorabilia, such as antique radios, model aircraft and race cars. Some hangars celebrate highlights of fascinating aviation careers, while others contain antique aircraft undergoing the process of restoration. Hangar owners or docents are available to answer questions. 

You've got to take the time to stop by. It is fun, low key and quite interesting. The hangars are directly adjacent to the airfield, so you are guaranteed to see aircraft taking off and landing up close.

Obviously an aviation aficionado in this hangar!

The participating hangars are fairly well spread out at the 51 acre airport but if you're not up for walking, there's a complimentary tram that will take you around. These are some very nice people who have obvious passion for what they do and enjoy sharing it with the general public. I struck up conversations with several hangar owners and they were full of great stories and information.

There is no charge for visiting the Aviation Museum, though donations are welcomed. Visit www.aviationmuseumofsantapaula.org or call 805.525.1109 for more information.

The Museum is not open on rainy days.

Directions: Arriving by car from the east, exit the Santa Paula Freeway (SR 126) at 10th street, turn right off the ramp, and then a quick left onto Harvard Boulevard. Turn left at the next signal at Eighth Street, under the freeway, left onto Santa Maria Street and park in the lot. Arriving from the west, exit the freeway at Palm Avenue, turn right and then a quick left onto Santa Maria Street, about a half mile to the end at the parking lot.

Lots to see, both inside and outside of the hangars.

California Law Has Required Gas Stations to Provide Free Water, Air and Air Pressure Gauge For Customers Since January 2000

There’s a law that was passed in 1999, that made it a requirement for service stations in California to provide free water, compressed air and an air pressure gauge to customers who purchase fuel.

A service station is defined as an establishment that offers gasoline or other motor vehicle to the public.

I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I was not aware of this law until just recently, when a few folks shamed me for paying $1.00 to fill the air in my tires. (That said, I was not a paid customer at the time. So technically I was not legally entitled to free compressed air.)

Section 13651 of the California Business and Professions Code further indicates “Every service station in this state shall display, at a conspicuous place on, at, or near the dispensing apparatus, at least one clearly visible sign which shall read as follows: CALIFORNIA LAW REQUIRES THIS STATION TO PROVIDE FREE AIR AND WATER FOR AUTOMOTIVE PURPOSES TO ITS CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT NOTIFY THE STATION ATTENDANT AND/OR CALL THIS TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1 (800) ___ ____. “

So perhaps this post will save someone from unnecessarily paying 75 cents to $1.50 to fill up their tires.

There is no requirement to provide the air for free to non-paying customers.

Free and Nearly Free Movies All Summer Long Around Ventura County

Stay cool this summer of 2023 with several hundred free and nearly free ($1 to $6) movies in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas!

Regal Theaters in Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley and Calabasas present the Regal Summer Movie Express - $2 family movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June through mid-August.

Rancho Simi Rec & Park District Movies in the Park on June 30, July 28 and August 4 in Simi Valley and June 23 in Oak Park

City of Moorpark Movies in the Park on June 16, July 14, Aug 18, Sept 9 and Oct 21 at Arroyo Vista Community Park.

Free Movies at the Park at Thousand Oaks Community Park on August 25 and Sept 29.

Free Movies in the Park in Camarillo on June 30, July 14, July 28 and Aug 11.

City of Agoura Hills Summer Movies in the Park on June 10 and July 8

Studio Movie Grill at the Simi Valley Town Center is offering $6 Children's Summer Movies (including small popcorn and small drink) Mondays through Thursdays from June 5 to August 3.

CineMalibu Summer Movies at Malibu Bluffs Park on June 17, July 15 and Aug 19.

Free Movies at Warner Ranch Park in Woodland Hills on Saturday nights in August.

Free Movies in the Park at Reyes Adobe Park in Agoura Hills on June 10th (National Treasure) and July 8 (The Incredibles)

Free screening of E. T. at Berniece Bennett Park in Westlake Village on July 22nd.

Outdoor Movie Nights at Ventura Harbor Village on June 24th (Jaws), July 29th (Goonies) and August 26th (Moana).

AMC Dine-In Thousand Oaks 14 hosts Summer Movie Camp - movie lineup for $3 on Wednesdays and $5 on Saturdays from mid-June through August.

Movies/dates subject to change. Contact organizers to confirm.

AND HOW ABOUT FREE CONCERTS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

The Giant Sand Dune on PCH Across From Thornhill Broome Beach in Point Mugu

One of the many unique things to see in Ventura County is the gigantic sand dune located on the east end of Thornhill Broome Beach in Point Mugu.

Driving north up PCH, you'll see the sand dune on the east side after passing by Sycamore Canyon/Sycamore Cove Beach and before reaching the entrance to the Thornhill Broome Campground. 

Park on the shoulder off of PCH. There's plenty of room, though you may be partially parked in the sand. You can also park on the beach side of PCH but rather than taking your life in your hands jaywalking across PCH, you're better off parking on the mountain side of the highway.

The mysteriously large sand dune is the result of "Aeolian transport," or the wind's movement of particles, in this case, sand. Quite steep this hill is, but your effort will be rewarded with some beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Plus, you get a nice bird's eye view of Mugu Rock.

We noticed that the southern-most portion of the sand dune seems to have more large rocks in the sand from erosion of the mountains above. The northern hill, at least the several times we've now been there since originally posting this, has somewhat less rocks, leaving the sand smoother and more comfortable to walk on.

Going down the hill is certainly a lot easier than coming up!

DOZENS OF LOCAL AREA BEACHES

Free Concerts and Live Music All Summer Long Around Ventura County

Summer 2023 is upon us and we’ll have another outstanding summer of free live music throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas! Rock, jazz, pops, R&B, reggae, classical, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Classic Rock, Latin, tribute bands, etc. The compilation below has links to more detailed information.

Concerts subject to change. List will be updated regularly as new events are added.

Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Newbury Park

• Free Concerts in the Park in Thousand Oaks starting at 5pm

  • Mon, May 29: Kenny Metcalf as Elton the Early Years

  • Tue, July 4: The Swing Dolls

  • Sun, July 23: The Pat Benatar Experience

  • Sun, Aug 13: QRST (Queen Rush Styx Tribute)

  • Mon, Sep 4: The Midnight Rider Band (Allman Brothers Tribute)

• Saturday Night Concerts at Berniece Bennett Park in Westlake Village at 7pm

  • Sat, June 10: Fooz Fighters (Foo Fighters Tribute)

  • Sat, July 15: Mirage (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

  • Sat, Aug 12: Hollywood U2

  • Sat, Aug 26: Live From Earth (Pat Benatar Tribute)

• City of Westlake Village TGIF Friday night performances at the Westlake Village Civic Center at 7pm

  • Fri, May 26: Jazz Night with local high/middle school jazz bands

  • Fri, Jun 23: Lennon & McCartney Unplugged

  • Fri, Aug 4: 5-Star Theatricals

• Free Summer Concert Series at Janss Marketplace on Wednesday nights is June 7 to August 2 from 6-8PM.

  • June 7: Hollywood U2, Main Fountain        

  • June 14: Lose Your Illusion (Guns and Roses Tribute), Food Court

  • June 21: Smooth (Santana Tribute), Main Fountain

  • June 28: Ticket To Ride (The Beatles Tribute), Food Court

  • July 12: Boys of Summer (Eagles Tribute), Main Fountain

  • July 19: K-Tel All Stars - (70's dance party), Food Court

  • July 26: RAG DOLLS (All female Aerosmith Tribute), Main Fountain

  • August 2: Fooz Fighters (Foo Fighters Tribute), Food Court

• City of Thousand Oaks Pop-Up Arts & Music Festival every Friday/Saturday in June

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas/Woodland Hills

• City of Agoura Hills Free Summer Concert in the Park at Chumash Park (except 7/23 concert at the Agoura Hills High PAEC. Concerts start at 6pm.

  • Sun, June 18: Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin Tribute)

  • Sun, July 9: Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars Tribute)

  • Sun, July 23: Conejo Valley Community Concert and Jazz Bands (at AHS PAEC)

  • Sun, Aug 6: Prince Again (Prince Tribute)

  • Sun, Aug 20: Jumping Jack Flash (Rolling Stones Tribute8

• Valley Cultural Foundation’s Free Concerts at Warner Park in Woodland Hillss on Sunday nights from June 19 to August 27 at 5:30PM (emerging artist) followed by headline acts.

  • June 18: The Soul Juice Band

  • June 25: Doctor Wu (Steely Dan Tribute)

  • Tue, July 4: 4th of July Event with music

  • July 9: This Was It (Michael Jackson Tribute)

  • July 16: The Remotes (TV Theme Song Tribute Band)

  • July 23: Queen Nation

  • July 30: 24K Magic (Bruno Mars Tribute)

  • Aug 6: Funk Fest

  • Aug 13: DSB (Journey Tribute)

  • Aug 20: Linda and Friends (Linda Ronstadt Tribute)

  • Aug 27: The Long Run (Eagles Tribute)

• Sun Sets Summer Concert Series at Calabasas Lake on Sunday nights at 6pm.

  • June 11: Off the Record (Rock Hits)

  • July 16: Gold Rush Country (Country Hits)

  • Aug 6: Twisted Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

  • Aug 27: Super Soul Groove

• Music in the Park at Oak Canyon Community Park in Oak Park on Saturday, July 8th (Yachty by Nature - Yacht Rock)

Moorpark/Simi Valley

• Summer Music in the Park Free Concerts at Rancho Simi Community Park on Saturday nights at 6:30pm.

  • Sat, June 17: Angel’s Roost (Southern Rock/Country)

  • Sat, July 15: Adelaide Pilar (Latin)

  • Sat, August 19: The Spazmatics (80s)

• Simi Civic Center Plaza Concerts in the Courtyard on up to six designated Fri/Sat nights from 6-9pm in June, July, August and September,

  • Saturday, June 24: Arena (Duran Duran tribute)

  • Saturday, July 8: Sidetracs (Top 40, R&B, Latin)

  • Saturday, July 15: Heathers on Fire (Dance Music)

  • Saturday, August 5: Mirage (Fleetwood Mac tribute)

  • Friday, August 18: K-Tel All-Stars (70s music)

  • Saturday, September 9: Justin Honsinger (Country)

• City of Moorpark Concerts in the Park at Arroyo Vista Park at 6pm

  • June 24: Fast Times (80s Hits)

  • July 22: Ignition (Classic Rock)

  • Aug 26: Chico (Latin and Swing)

  • Sept 23: Moorpark Symphony Orchestra

• Free Summer Concert Series at the Simi Valley Town Center features a variety of bands, including a number of tribute bands at 7pm, including (updated 6/30):

  • Sat, Jul 8: The Long Run (Eagles Tribute)

  • Sat, Jul 15: Jon Ranger

  • Sat, Jul 22: Fast Times (80s Tribute)

  • Sat, Jul 29: Ignition

  • Sat, Aug 5: Journey USA/Trinity

  • Sat, Aug 12: Doc Rogers Band

  • Sat, Aug 19: Bruno and the Hooligans

  • Fri, Sep 1: Rock cover band Ignition

  • Sat, Sep 2: Twisted Gypsy

  • Sun, Sep 3: 805 Social Club

  • Mon, Sep 4: TBA

Camarillo/Oxnard/Port Hueneme/Ventura

• Summer Concert Series at Constitution Park at 7pm on designated Saturday nights.

  • Sat, June 24 - 24K Magic

  • Sat, July 8 - The Kings of 8

  • Sat, July 22 - The 805 Social Club

  • Sat, August 5 - Garth Live!

• Camarillo Community Band Free Concerts in the Park at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings in July - July 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Constitution Park as well as 11 a.m. on May 29 at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park.

• Free Concerts by the Sea at Peninsula Park at Channel Islands Harbor is on Saturdays from 4-6PM starting July 8 to September 2, featuring an assortment of local talent and musical genres.

• Rock the Collection Summer/Fall Free Concert Series at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard featuring popular tribute bands on the following nights:

  • Aug 23: Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars tribute)

  • Sep 6: Kings of Queen (Queen tribute)

  • Sep 20: Prince Again (Prince tribute)

  • Oct 4: DSB (Journey tribute)

• Heritage Square Summer Concert Series from 6-8pm on Friday nights from June 16 to August 18 - reserved tables and seats available for a free. Free lawn seating available for this concert series offering a wide variety of musical genres.

  • 6/16: House Arrest (60s/80s Dance Band)

  • 6/23: The Impulse Band (Classic Rock, 80s, Latin)

  • 6/30: The Chico Band (Latin, Swing, Oldies)

  • 7/7: Brandon Ragan Project (Funk, Motown, R&B)

  • 7/14: Los Cool Arrows (Cumbias, Spanish Rock)

  • 7/21: Decadent Decades (Rock/Pop)

  • 7/28: Los Xiquenos (Chicano Folk, Cumbias)

  • 8/4: The Reunion (Classic Rock, R&B, Fusion Jazz)

  • 8/11: The Renegades Band (60s-90s Old School Dance)

  • 8/18: Caliente Band 805 (R&B, Salsa, Funk)

• Free Seaside Live Music at Ventura Harbor Village includes a variety of performers beginning Memorial Day weekend through June.

Santa Barbara

Free Thursday Night Concerts at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara on Thursday nights in July from 6-7:30pm.

• July 6 – Paradise Kings (Rock, Blues, and Swing)

• July 13 – The Molly Ringwald Project (80’s Dance Hits)

• July 20 – Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries (50’s & 60’s Rock n’ Roll)

• July 27 – Mezcal Martini (Latin Jazz)

Have something to add to this list? CONTACT US!!

Check the Events Calendar for things going on around town as well as the Local Events and Community Messages sections of Conejo Valley Guide.