Gates Canyon Park / Brandon's Village - Calabasas

The 7 acre Gates Canyon Park at 25801 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Calabasas includes picnic areas with barbeques, fitness course, children's play area, basketball court, tennis courts and plenty of open grass area.  The park is north of the 101 freeway and east of Las Virgenes.

Brandon’s Village at Gates Canyon Park originally opened in October 2006 as a universally accessible playground. It was completely renovated in 2024 with a million dollar upgrade and the theme “Above the Tree Line.” This 15,000 sq ft all-inclusive playground has play structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12. There is also a new sand area and trike zone for creative play.

Visit www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/parks-trails-and-facilities for more information.

Photo of a portion of the original Brandon’s Village play structure that was remodeled in 2024.

Spotlight Dance and Acting Studio in Thousand Oaks

Spotlight Dance and Acting Studio is located at 1655 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Spotlight offers classes in dance, acting, tumbling, and singing year round and there are classes available for ages 18 months to 17 years. Spotlight also hosts fun themed birthday parties and camps!

For more information, visit SpotlightDanceAndActing.com or call/text 805.719.1555

Ambush Paintball and Airsoft Park in Moorpark

Ambush Paintball and Airsoft Park opened in April 2013 at 8643 Shekell Road in Moorpark, off of Grimes Canyon Road. There is a turfed arena field and six scenario fields. Full rental gear available. Open for walk-in play, private parties, corporate teambuilding events and birthday parties. Great for beginners through seasoned veterans. Airsoft currently available on Sundays.

Learn more at www.ambushairsoftpark.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Ambushpaintballpark.

The Ambush property used to be the 200+ acre Egg City, which at its peak housed 3.5 million chickens that laid 2 million eggs a day! Egg City closed in 1996 and the structures on the site were burned down in a fire in 2006.

Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura

Casitas Water Adventure is a water park at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area that is open throughout the summer, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (mid-Sept for weekend sessions).

There are two distinct areas. For younger children, there is an aquatic play structure designed for all ages, with two water buckets and five slides - two for kids and three for teens and adults.

The new Aquatic mega play unit Structure completed in 2023

The 1,200 foot long Lazy River offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays. The inner tubes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but usually there are plenty of them on hand.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river at Casitas Water Adventure is my kids' favorite.

For the very youngest tots, a zero-depth pool sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area.

Shaded decks, lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are available, but food is not allowed inside the park (though you can bring bottled water). Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available for a nominal fee.

Do take note that they don't heat the water here. It is a bit on the cold side for many, though on hot days this can be a good thing.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, make a left turn on Santa Ana Blvd, then a right on Santa Ana Road 3 or 4 miles to the park entrance.

Weekend morning sessions 10:30 am to 2 pm and afternoon sessions 3 to 6:30 pm. Weekday hours are 11am to 6pm. The cost for the 2024 season is $20 per person on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

Visit www.casitaswater.org/casitas-water-adventure for details.

Parking inside Lake Casitas is $20 on weekends/holidays and $10 on weekdays. There is parking available on Santa Ana Road if you don't mind walking.

This is the “old” (Pre-2023) aquatic Play Structure (for historical purposes)

Coach Patty's School of Gymnastics in Camarillo

Coach Patty’s School of Gymnastics is located near Old Town Camarillo at 300 S. Lewis Road, Suite E.  The school has programs for recreational artistic gymnastics, preschool gymnastics, competitive team gymnastics for boys and girls, tumbling & trampoline programs for both children and adults.

The facility is over 16,000 sq ft and is loaded with state of the art equipment, including 60’ Tumble Trak, trampolines, double Mini Trampoline, high bars, balance beams spring floors, vault systems and a 84 foot fiberglass rod floor for power tumbling and a ring tower.  Just for kids preschool equipment.

Coach Patty’s also offers fun-filled gymnastic birthday parties, gymnastic camps, and more.

For more information, visit www.coachpattyusa.com or call 805.383.9460.

Monarchs Gym - Newbury Park and Agoura

Founded in 1977, Monarchs Gymnastics has two 13,000+ sq ft facilities and provides professional athletic services to 1,500+ families with over 300 classes offered weekly for boys and girls, recreational or competitive, 18 months to adult.

Kids can enjoy gymnastics, ninja, parkour, tumbling, cheer and other physical activities at Monarchs.

Additionally, Monarch's offers monthly workout passes, camps, Parents' Night Out, open gym, birthday parties and field trips.

Locations at 3599 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park (805.375.4663) and 5331 Derry Avenue, Suites C-H, Agoura Hills (818.889.3634).  More information at www.monarchsgym.com.

Monarchs Gym Agoura Hills: www.monarchsgym.com/agoura

Monarchs Gym Newbury Park: www.newbury.monarchsgym.com

MonarX Parkour in Agoura Hills: www.monarx.monarchsgym.com

Skyhawks Sports Academy Programs in Ventura County

Skyhawks Sports Academy provides sports programs where children discover and develop athletic skills and life lessons, such as teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. Skyhawks offers children ages 18 months to 12 years a positive sports experience while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. Each of their classes and camps focus on skills, safety, and fun.

Progression of classes, led by expert staff, is geared towards youth looking for a sports introduction or those who want to refine their skills.

Locations in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley, including Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Moorpark, Ventura, Simi Valley, Ojai, Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park and more.

SPORTS OFFERED:

• Skyhawks Flag Football

• Skyhawks Baseball

• Skyhawks Basketball

• Skyhawks Soccer

• Skyhawks Field Hockey

• Skyhawks Golf

• Skyhawks Tennis

• Skyhawks Volleyball

• Skyhawks Lacrosse

• Skyhawks Pickle Ball

• Skyhawks Cheerleading

• Skyhawks Track & Field

• Skyhawks Stem Sports®

• Skyhawks Multi-Sport

More detailed information and sign-ups at laventuraskyhawks.com.

Gold Coast Gymnastics in Ventura

Gold Coast Gymnastics, a 5,000 square foot facility located at 4005 E. Main Street in Ventura, offers classes for boys & girls 15 months to adult. Recreational through competitive gymnastics including open gym (Fridays 8-9:30PM), tumbling and trampoline, birthday parties, day camps, summer camps, field trips and more. 

Visit www.goldcoastgymnasticsclub.com or call 805.658.2825 for more information.

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center - Camarillo

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center is located at 1030 Temple Avenue, Camarillo. The center has the distinction of being the only indoor public swimming pool in Ventura County. The pool has eight 25 yard lanes, a one-meter diving board and 65 foot spiral water slide, outdoor patio and party area and locker rooms with full amenities. The pool is heated to about 81 to 83 degrees.

The Aquatic Center offers a wide variety of year round programs consisting of lap swimming, water aerobics, cardio sculpt, swimming lessons, diving lessons, water polo classes, parent and child classes, adult only swimming lessons, therapeutic swimming, lifeguard certification classes, special events and more.

The Aquatic Center is also available for rent, offering a variety of all inclusive party packages, or an hourly rental rate for your special celebration, fundraiser or competition.

As of August 2024, single entry fees into the facility are $4 for ages 4+, $3 for ages 60+ and free for 3 and under.

More information at www.pvrpd.org/aquatics.

The Aquatic Center is surrounded by 13 acre Bob Kildee Park, featuring picnic tables, play equipment, restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted ball fields, a soccer field and the Pleasant Valley Skate Park.

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER SWIMMING AND WATER PLAY OPTIONS AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

All Stars Athletics Indoor Batting Cages and Sports Training Facility in Newbury Park

All Stars Athletics, located at 711 Rancho Conejo Boulevard, Newbury Park, is a 14,000 sq. ft. indoor sports facility established in 2010 that provides training and instructional opportunities in baseball, softball, soccer and more.

There are seven Iron Mike pitching machines with speeds ranging from 35 mph to 80 mph, a 3,500 sq. ft. multi-sport astro turf training area, a team room area that seats up to 15 people, waiting area with wifi access and more. All Stars also offers party and corporate event packages with fully supervised and customized games and optional access to batting machines.

Visit www.allstarsathletics.com or call 805.498.6200 for more information.