Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Ventura with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Ventura on the map
📍 Where Ventura is
Ventura sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~53 mi / 85 km). It's roughly 61 mi (98 km) from Downtown LA and 163 mi (262 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.
Things to do in Ventura
Ventura Pier & Promenade
California's longest wooden pier sits beside a beachfront promenade with a playground, wide sand, and Channel Islands views — easy, breezy, classic beach-town fun. Built in 1872, it's the oldest pier on the California coast, originally serving as a commercial wharf for shipping lumber and farm goods before becoming a recreational landmark; storm damage closed it for about a year and a half before it reopened in 2024. Today's promenade runs from the pier toward Surfers Point, a favorite for sunset walks and rides.
Free; paid parking nearby
Ventura Botanical Gardens
This 107-acre hillside garden above downtown Ventura showcases more than 120,000 plants representing all five Mediterranean climate zones of the world — California, Chile, South Africa's Cape, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. A stroller-friendly path leads to the first viewpoint with sweeping views of the Channel Islands and Topa Topa peak, while the full loop trail continues for those who want more.
~$7 adult; under 18 free
Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
At the end of Ventura Harbor: a free national-park center with a living tide pool, a viewing tower, and exhibits on each island — kids love spotting the swell shark.
Free; free parkingFarmers markets in Ventura
Downtown Ventura Certified Farmers' Market
Long-running Saturday market on E. Main St (since 1986) with abundant local produce, hot food, and a walkable downtown setting.
Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers' Market
Wednesday market at the Pacific View mall lot with 25+ California farmers and food vendors — a relaxed midweek produce run.
Local restaurants in Ventura
Casa de Soria
Homestyle Mexican cooking in Ventura since 1958, with handmade tortillas and original recipes still on the menu — a true multigenerational neighborhood institution.
Toppers Pizza Place
A locally-owned Ventura County pizza favorite (perennial 'Best Pizza' winner) built for family dining, big groups, and fast delivery on pizza night.
Local shops in Ventura
Timbre Books
Thoughtfully curated indie bookstore in Midtown Ventura with a children's section and a seating space for book clubs and author signings.
Seasonal & outdoors near Ventura
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Ventura.
More Los Angeles family guides
Ventura family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Ventura with kids?
Family favorites in and around Ventura include Ventura Pier & Promenade, Ventura Botanical Gardens and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Our guide lists 3 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Ventura?
Yes — free family spots near Ventura include Ventura Pier & Promenade and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Ventura?
Local, family-friendly spots in Ventura include Casa de Soria and Toppers Pizza Place — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Ventura guide cover?
Our Ventura family guide includes 3 things to do, 2 local eats, 1 local shops and 2 farmers markets — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Ventura
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Ventura on one map — then book on your favorite site.