Free
Ventura County libraries
Branches across the county
Free LEGO hours, storytimes and baby lapsits at county and Camarillo branches.
Good for: Weekend LEGO hours.
Skip if: you want a late slot.
Report a problemGUIDE Ventura County · The Gold Coast
Things to do with toddlers and little kids in Ventura County: the parent guide.
Ventura County mixes a beach harbor, a downtown museum and big inland farms within half an hour.
Around town4 spots · checked Oct 30
The Ventura places we go back to, again and again.
The places we go back to all year. Where to eat with a toddler, where to burn off energy when it rains, where to splash, what’s worth the admission, and where to spend a night without going far.
Play
Indoor play and rainy days
For rainy mornings, cold afternoons and anyone who needs to run in circles for an hour.
Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Ventura that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
Splash & ride
Parks and outdoor play
Pools, fountains, zoos and theme parks: the big all-day outings.
Ventura Harbor, 1901 Spinnaker Dr.Free
Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Free exhibits on the islands and a lookout tower, right by the harbor where boats leave for the park.
Good for: A free stop at the harbor.
Skip if: you hope to see the islands up close; that takes a boat.
Daily 8:30am–5pmSite ↗ for Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Report a problemMoorpark, 3370 Sunset Valley Rd.$$
Underwood Family Farms
A big family farm with seasonal festivals, animals and pick-your-own fields.
Good for: Fall weekends.
Skip if: it’s a hot afternoon; shade is limited.
Report a problemFeatured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Ventura that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
Explore
Museums, zoos and big outings
Museums, animals and farm days that hold a little one’s attention.
Museum of Ventura County
Downtown Ventura, 100 E. Main St.
County history and art on Main Street, an easy stop before the beach.
Good for: A short indoor hour downtown.
Skip if: it’s Monday or Tuesday; it’s closed.
Wed–Sun 11am–5pmSite ↗ for Museum of Ventura County
Report a problemFeatured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Ventura that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
These don’t change week to week. Last checked . Hours and prices change, so check the place’s own site before you go. Know a spot we missed? Tell us at hello@littlesweekly.com.
No ticket needed
Free things to do
Where a family can go in Ventura without paying for admission. For free days, free events and this week’s free outings, see every free thing to do in Ventura.
Branches across the countyVentura County librariesFree LEGO hours, storytimes and baby lapsits at county and Camarillo branches.FreeIndoor
Ventura Harbor, 1901 Spinnaker Dr.Channel Islands National Park Visitor CenterFree exhibits on the islands and a lookout tower, right by the harbor where boats leave for the park.FreeLittlest explorers
Best for under 3s
Free or cheap for babies and toddlers, and easy with a stroller.
Every week
Library storytimes
Recurring and free. Times change by branch, so check the calendar. For every weekly storytime by day and branch, see library storytimes in Ventura.
Storytimes and LEGO hours across branchesVentura County Library
Fillmore, Oak Park and other branches run weekend LEGO play.
Schedule ↗Baby Lapsit Storytime on FridaysCamarillo Public Library
Baby lapsit and family programs at 4101 Las Posas Road.
Schedule ↗By season
Seasonal spots
Santa visits and Christmas lights only run part of the year, so they have their own pages with this season’s dates and prices.
This week
What’s on this week in Ventura
The guide is the evergreen list. Here’s what’s happening in Ventura County right now.
- Camarillo Old Town Boo FestOld Town Camarillo · Free
- Trick or Treat Trail at Zachari DunesZachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach · Free
- Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest FestivalUnderwood Family Farms · Fri $16 at the gate
Good questions
Things to do with toddlers in Ventura County: the FAQ
Is Ventura County good for toddlers?
Yes. The harbor visitor center is free, and libraries run baby and LEGO programs.
What’s free?
The Channel Islands visitor center, library programs and the October free admission at the Museum of Ventura County.
What can we do in Ventura County on a rainy or cold day with a toddler?
Go indoors: Ventura County libraries. They’re all under one roof, and most work for a short visit around nap time.
What can we do with a baby, 1-year-old or 2-year-old in Ventura County?
Ventura County libraries: Baby lapsits. See best for under 3s.
Where are the free storytimes in Ventura County?
Ventura County Library: Storytimes and LEGO hours across branches. Camarillo Public Library: Baby Lapsit Storytime on Fridays. Library storytimes don’t need a ticket, but times change by branch, so check the calendar first. See library storytimes, and this week’s dated sessions are on the Ventura weekly list.
How do you choose the places in the Ventura County guide?
Every one of the 4 places is somewhere we’d take a baby, toddler or preschooler, with a note on who it suits and when to skip it. Prices, hours and menus come from each place’s own site. The guide was last checked Oct 30, 2026. How we choose and check.
Get the list every Thursday.
One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in Ventura.