Updated for 2023
Thousand Oaks is a city located in Ventura County, between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do here. So many, in fact, that you’ll be planning to make several repeat visits just so you can take it all in.
Part of the Conejo Valley, Thousand Oaks is known as a wonderful place to raise a family, so it makes perfect sense that there are lots of things to do here! The city boasts about all the open space within its boundaries, including miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Located on the very edge of Los Angeles County, this terrific city is a great place to take your family for fun, even if you don’t live here. We hope you enjoy this list of Things To Do in Thousand Oaks with Kids!
Fun Things To Do in Thousand Oaks with Kids
K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing
770 Lawrence Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
If you’ve got the need for speed, K1 Speed Thousand Oaks is the place for you! Kids, teens, and adults can race state-of-the-art electric go-karts on the indoor track. Plus, they have a video game arcade, pool tables, air hockey, an on-site café, and private event spaces for parties. It’s open seven days a week and no reservations are necessary — simply arrive and drive!
Gardens of the World
2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Gardens of the World was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Hogan, the founders of “Pleasant Holidays.” The Hogans want to share with others the beauty they have found all around the world. Here, families can participate in a 45-minute, docent-led tour or engage in a self-guided tour. While strolling, you’ll encounter several gardens including “The Japanese Garden”, “The Mission Courtyard”, and “The Italian Garden”, to name a few.
The Oaks
350 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
At this shopping center, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly stores including Apple, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Pottery Barn, Hallmark, JCPenney, and more. They have a play area for kids, and in addition, The Oaks hosts a Farmer’s Market each Thursday as well as many other events throughout the year.
Related: The Best Shopping in Los Angeles
Chumash Indian Museum
3290 Lang Ranch Pkwy., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
The Chumash Indian Museum serves as a “historical site and a living history center.” Families will have the chance to learn about the native Chumash Indians, one of the oldest tribes in the United States. Families can also participate in a guided hike in the surrounding park.
Related: Farms to Pick Your Own Fruit Near Los Angeles.
Hideout Playground
1125 Lindero Canyon Rd.. Unit A7, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
This indoor playground has something for parents as well as children. Parents will appreciate the lounge which overlooks the play area. The lounge is furnished with a big-screen TV, free WiFi, and more. Kids will enjoy the “tree house,” pretend area, small slides, art section, and more.
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
A variety of events are held at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza throughout the year. Performances include music, dance, a distinguished speaker series, and more. Family shows are always planned; check their website for all the details.
Related: 37 Sensational Kid-Friendly Museums in Los Angeles
Stagecoach Inn Museum
51 S. Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320
You can get a sense of how times have changed when you explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum. Over the years, The Stagecoach Inn has served as a hotel, a post office, a restaurant, and a boys’ military school. The Stagecoach Inn was named a California Landmark in 1965. Exhibits include the Chumash Exhibit and the Jungleland Exhibit.
Wildwood Regional Park
928 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Wildwood Park is a place for families to enjoy the outdoors. Here, they can hike, bike, ride horses, and more. Fourteen trails cover seventeen miles. One of the highlights families can discover while hiking is Paradise Falls, which is a 40-foot waterfall!
North Ranch Playfield
952 Rockfield St., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
North Ranch Playfield is a 12-acre site offering fun for the family. You’ll find picnic tables, soccer fields, a children’s playground, a basketball court, and more.
Related: The Best Parks For A Picnic in Los Angeles
Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing
880 Hampshire Rd., Ste. A, Westlake Village, CA 91361
If you need something for your kids to do that’s indoors, check out Boulderdash. You can enroll your children in a rock climbing class to let them burn off their energy while you watch. This activity is best suited for older kids rather than little ones. Please check the website for the latest in safety information, age limitations, waivers, hours, prices, and more.
Sky Zone
193 N. Moorpark Rd., Ste. A, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Another activity that’s probably best suited for kids that are a little older is a visit to Sky Zone. Some of the many attractions they offer are dodgeball, speed zone, foam zone, and freestyle jump. Please check the website for age limitations, safety information, waivers, hours, prices, and more.
Thousand Oaks Library — The Grant R. Brimhall Library
1401 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
The Library hosts a variety of activities for children including special story times as well as family programs and performances. You’ll also be delighted by the library’s 3600-gallon salt-water aquarium, home to a variety of fish from all over the world. Check the website for an upcoming schedule of events.
And don’t forget about …
Conejo Valley Days
Conejo Creek Park South
1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
The five-day event celebrates the valley’s rich heritage and volunteer spirit. This annual event, which happens every year in the spring, includes a variety of carnival rides, a Garden and Home Show, live entertainment, food, and more. Check the website for admission prices and dates.
Kids World Family Fun Center
618 Lindero Canyon Rd., Oak Park, CA 91377
Kids World Family Fun Center provides a wide range of attractions from a toddler area to laser tag, basketball, and an indoor play area for adults and children. Check out their individual and daily prices along with special offers and passes.
Related: Water Parks in Los Angeles for Family Fun
Oak Canyon Community Park
5600 Hollytree Dr., Oak Park, CA 91377
Oak Canyon Community Park provides a vast array of amenities. There is something for the entire family, including your dog. There is a splash pad, a tot lot, a teen play area, and several picnic tables, restrooms, and water fountains. Check the website and find out what times the splash pad is open.
Hotels Near Thousand Oaks
- Palm Garden Hotel, 495 N. Ventu Park Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91310
- Hampton Inn & Suites Agoura Hills, 30255 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
- Westlake Village Inn, 31943 Agoura Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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