to that moment Things to do with kids in Oxnard, the good news is that many activities are free. Whether you want to keep the kids entertained for an afternoon or an entire weekend, here are 15 kid-approved fun activities.
How to Get to Oxnard
Oxnard is 1 hour from Los Angeles and 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. You can also take the train into the city. The Oxnard Transit Center is located on 4th Street in downtown Oxnard.
Where to Stay in Oxnard
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor: We really enjoyed staying at the harbour and the hotel is conveniently located next to Peninsula Park. There’s also a heated pool and free breakfast with eggs, waffles, oatmeal, coffee, and more.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach – This beach hotel with swimming pool is located on the coast of Oxnard, near Channel Islands Harbour. Families can rent bikes and cruise along the bike paths.
Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge – Live next to a golf course and enjoy three outdoor swimming pools. This hotel is pet-friendly and offers free breakfast.
Fun things to do with kids in Oxnard, CA
1. Visit Peninsula Park to see sea lions.
You really can’t beat the weather in Oxnard. Get outside and explore outdoor areas, including Peninsula Park. The park overlooks the water and also has a playground with swings and slides for toddlers and children. There is also enough open space for toddlers and dogs to run around. You may also see sea lions jumping in and out of the water and sunbathing on the pier.
2. Explore the Sea Bridge Park Walkway.
Take the kids for an afternoon walk along the Sea Bridge Pier in Oxnard. Seabridge has plenty of open green grass for the kids to run around, picnic tables, tennis courts and public toilets in the area. Stop at the playground to let them play on the sand, then walk across the bridge to see more boats on the pier. There are also plenty of restaurants and Vons grocery stores if you need a snack.
3. Plan a picnic at Hollywood Beach.
Have lunch in Channel Islands Harbor before taking it to Hollywood Beach. This pristine beach is a hidden gem in Oxnard that the whole family will love. It’s a great place to swim and it’s rarely crowded.
4. See art murals and the La Jenelle wreck at Silver Strand Beach.
Walk or drive to the end of Silver Strand Beach and you’ll see unique artistic murals and historic shipwrecks. See the waves lapping on La Jenelle and the wreck of a luxury ship that ran aground in 1970. Take the kids to surf or enjoy a morning swim.
5. Spend an afternoon at the Collection at RiverPark.
The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor lifestyle center with shops, restaurants, art and a large playground for children of all ages. Spend an afternoon checking out the art installations, murals and turtle ponds near the playground. There is also a large green grass area for the kids to run around. Grab a snack or smoothie at The Annex Food Hall, or stop for dinner at Lazy Dog Restaurant. The Collection at RiverPark also hosts free family activities including a kids’ club – story time, crafts and music.access event page Get the full scoop.
6. Rent a Surrey at Oxnard State Beach.
Enjoy family fun in the sun and cruise along the trails overlooking the dunes of Surrey Oxnard State Beach/Mandalay Beach. Surrey is a quad bike for three people, including two young children, and costs $28 an hour. Wheel Fun Rental There are a variety of bikes available for you to rent hourly, half-day or full-day.
7. Eat strawberries at the farmers market.
You can’t come to Oxnard without trying the world-famous strawberries. Shop for unique gifts, beautiful flowers and local fresh fruits and vegetables at Oxnard’s weekly farmers market. The Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 9pm to 1:30pm in Plaza Park. Stop by Channel Islands Harbour on Sunday, 10pm-2pm to check out local suppliers.
8. See vintage cars at the Mullin Automobile Museum.
If your kids love cars, visit the Mullin Automobile Museum. This museum displays French cars, unrestored and historic cars of the 20th century.
9. Learn about classic cars and visit the train at the Murphy Automobile Museum.
plan on Murphy Automobile Museum And learn about classic, vintage and vintage American cars. There is an art gallery and a HO scale train set. Museum admission is $10. Children under 13 are free.
10. Charter a Duffy in a Channel Islands port
Adventurous families will enjoy an afternoon cruising along the Channel Islands harbour. Rent a Duffy boat and don’t forget to bring snacks, drinks and your favourite music. After the cruise, visit any of the harbour’s family-friendly restaurants.
related: Top tips for visiting Channel Islands ports.
11. Take a whale watching cruise.
Plan an adventure that the whole family won’t stop talking about. Whale watching cruises are an experience everyone will enjoy. Blue and humpback whales are often seen in summer. The most common gray whale sightings are from mid-to-late December to mid-March.Check This guide to planning your trip.
12. Visit the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Learn about maritime history Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. There are unique exhibits such as a bone model boat, and the museum often hosts family-friendly activities where kids can learn all about the ocean.
13. Visit Heritage Square and learn about its history.
Take a guided tour and learn about the unique history heritage square In downtown Oxnard. Eleven Victorian houses were built between 1876 and 1912, including a church, water tower, pump room and warehouse that were moved to one block and restored to their original condition. Tours are donation-based and available by appointment.
14. Visit Channel Islands National Park.
Children can learn about the outdoors and become a junior ranger in Channel Islands National Park. Free programs help kids discover and protect the wonders of the island. Click here to download the Young Ranger Adventure Book before your island tour.
15. Jump ‘n Jammin
Looking for a fun activity when it’s raining?take the kids Jump ‘n Jamminan indoor playground at the Collection at RiverPark.
in conclusion
Oxnard has plenty of outdoor activities and things to do with the kids. Planning to go to 805?
do not miss it:
Best Things to Do in Oxnard + Where to Eat and Drink
Travel Guide: The Perfect Weekend in Oxnard, California
thanks Visit Oxnard, used to host our accommodation. All opinions are my own.
