Ventura County family guide
Things to Do in Fillmore with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Fillmore on the map
📍 Where Fillmore is
Fillmore sits in Ventura County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~35 mi / 56 km). It's roughly 45 mi (73 km) from Downtown LA and 154 mi (248 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
🏡 New to Fillmore? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec programs: Fillmore Parks & Recreation runs youth basketball, high school track access and the summer Aquatic Center.
- Pool: The Fillmore Aquatic Center opens Memorial Day through early September, with $3 rec swim and $5 lap swim; the splash pad is broken.
- Library card: Fillmore Library at 502 2nd Street is a Ventura County Library branch; the first card is free with photo ID and proof of address.
- Find your school: Fillmore Unified serves the city and Piru; enter your address in its Find My School locator.
- City newsletter: Sign up for the city's quarterly newsletter to stay informed on what's happening in Fillmore.
- Alerts: Use the city's Alert Center sign-up for local notices, and register separately for countywide VC Alert emergency warnings.
- Evacuation routes: Fillmore publishes suggested evacuation routes and urges checking road status with CHP and Caltrans before you leave.
- Getting around: Valley Express buses and Dial-A-Ride serve Fillmore, Santa Paula and Piru, and youth 18 and under ride county buses free.
- Local insider: Fillmore runs its own small city fire department, with a paid chief, three captains and a disaster coordinator, instead of Ventura County Fire.
Things to do in Fillmore
Parks & Hiking
Central Park (Central Park Plaza)
The downtown green beside City Hall (250 Central Ave) is Fillmore's gathering spot, where the summer concerts and the holiday tree lighting happen. It's an easy stop on a walk down Central Avenue.
FreeFillmore Aquatic Center
The city pool runs recreation swim, lap swim and swim lessons for ages 3 and up, all booked online, first come first served. The splash pad was out of service in 2026, so check before promising it to little ones.
Rec swim $3; lap swim $5; lessons $120 per 8-class sessionKenney Grove Park
A Ventura County park set in oak trees surrounded by orchards just west of town (823 N. Oak Ave), with a playground, picnic areas, restrooms and showers. It's mainly a tent and RV campground, which makes it an easy first family camping trip close to home.
Camping from $27-$29/night (tent) to $50-$52 (full hookup)Two Rivers Park (skate park, pump track, dog park)
A city park at 1110–1300 River St with a skate park, a bicycle pump track next to it, a dog park and sports fields renovated in 2025. Bring helmets and pads for the skate park and pump track.
FreeShiells Park
One of Fillmore's five city parks, at C St and Old Telegraph Rd, with a playground, picnic shelters and restrooms. Reserve a shelter through Parks & Rec at 805-524-3701 ext. 713 for birthday parties.
Free (shelter rental $100 plus $50 deposit)
Museums & Learning
Fillmore Library (Ventura County Library)
The Ventura County Library branch at 502 2nd Street. Kids' regulars include LEGO Play on Saturdays 1-4pm and a Pokémon Club on the first and third Tuesdays at 3pm, plus teen Nintendo tournaments and craft afternoons; no weekly storytime was on its fall 2026 calendar.
FreeFillmore Historical Museum
The museum runs three restored historic buildings — the 1887 Fillmore Depot, the 1905 Hinckley House and the 1919 Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse — with photos and memorabilia from Fillmore, Bardsdale, Sespe and Piru, and a gift shop. It closes for lunch on weekdays, so call (805) 524-0948 before a short trip.
Donation-based; no price listedArts & Culture
Fillmore Annual Tree Lighting & Night Market
The city's holiday tree lighting in Central Park, paired with an evening night market. It's a compact, walkable event, so it suits families with young kids.
FreeFillmore Summer Music Series
Free Friday-night concerts in Central Park with food vendors; bring a blanket and chairs. The 2026 lineup ran four Fridays in July, including a mariachi night.
FreeFillmore Trunk or Treat
A downtown trunk-or-treat on the city's community calendar, which gives a safe, lit option for little trick-or-treaters. Check the city calendar for the street closure and details.
Free
Holidays in Fillmore
Lights, parades, Santa and more this season. Confirm details with the organizer before you go.
Fillmore Annual Tree Lighting & Night Market
Sun Nov 29, 2026 · 5–8pm
Fillmore's tree lighting and night market at Central Park (250 Central Ave), the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
See site
Local restaurants in Fillmore
Fillmore Central Station
Downtown bar and grill at 345 Central Ave serving barbecue, pizzas, sandwiches and entrees, with online ordering. Open Mon–Sat, closed Sundays.
Roan Mills Bakery
Family-owned farm, mill and bakery at 411 Central Ave making sourdough breads and pastries from organic heritage wheat milled on site. Small retail counter, open Wed–Sat 8am–3pm, with pre-orders for pickup.
Seasonal & outdoors near Fillmore
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Fillmore.
More Ventura County family guides
Browse all SoCal city guides →Fillmore family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Fillmore with kids?
Family favorites in and around Fillmore include Fillmore Annual Tree Lighting & Night Market, Fillmore Summer Music Series, Fillmore Trunk or Treat and Fillmore Library (Ventura County Library), and more. Our guide lists 12 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Fillmore?
Yes — free family spots near Fillmore include Fillmore Annual Tree Lighting & Night Market, Fillmore Summer Music Series, Fillmore Trunk or Treat and Fillmore Library (Ventura County Library). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What can kids do in Fillmore on a rainy day?
Indoor options in and around Fillmore include Fillmore Library (Ventura County Library) and Fillmore Historical Museum. Each listing in our guide is marked indoor or outdoor, so you can filter for the weather.
How can families spend a day in Fillmore?
One easy plan: start outside at Fillmore Annual Tree Lighting & Night Market while kids have the most energy, break for lunch at Fillmore Central Station, then head indoors to Fillmore Library (Ventura County Library) for the afternoon. Our guide has prices and tips for each stop, plus 10 more ideas to swap in.
Where can families eat in Fillmore?
Local, family-friendly spots in Fillmore include Fillmore Central Station and Roan Mills Bakery — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Fillmore guide cover?
Our Fillmore family guide includes 12 things to do and 2 local eats — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Fillmore
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Fillmore on one map — then book on your favorite site.