If you’re planning a visit to California, there are plenty of fun things to do in Oxnard with kids. Oxnard is a family-friendly destination with many free activities for toddlers and children of all ages. Whether you’re looking to entertain the little ones for an afternoon or an entire weekend, here’s a roundup of 15 kid-approved fun things to do in Oxnard.
How to Get to Oxnard
Oxnard is located an hour away from Los Angeles and 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. You can also take the train into town. The Oxnard Transit Center is located on 4th Street in Downtown Oxnard.
Where to Stay in Oxnard
Here are the best family-friendly places to stay in Oxnard.
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor: We really enjoyed staying on the Harbor, and the hotel is conveniently located next to Peninsula Park. There is also a heated pool and complimentary breakfast with eggs, waffles, oatmeal, coffee and more.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort – This beach hotel with a pool is located in Oxnard Shores and near the Channel Islands Harbor. Families can rent bikes and cruise along the bike trail.
Residence Inn By Marriott Oxnard At River Ridge – Stay next to a golf course and enjoy the three outdoor pools. This hotel is pet-friendly, and they offer a complimentary breakfast.
Fun Things To Do With Kids in Oxnard, CA
1. Visit Peninsula Park and check out sea lions.
You can’t really beat the weather in Oxnard. Get outside and explore outdoor areas, including Peninsula Park. The park overlooks the water, and there is a playground with swings and slides for toddlers and kids. There’s also plenty of open space for toddlers and dogs to run around. You’ll also likely see sea lions jumping in and out of the water and sunbathing on the docks.
2. Explore the Seabridge Park Walkways.
Bring the kids out for an afternoon stroll in Oxnard along the Seabridge Marina. Seabridge has plenty of open green grass for kids to run around, picnic tables, tennis courts and public restrooms in the area. Stop by the playground and let them play in the sand before walking over the bridge to check out more boats in the marina. There are also plenty of restaurants and a Vons grocery store if you need to pick up a snack.
3. Plan a picnic at Hollywood Beach.
Pick up lunch to go at Channel Islands Harbor and bring it to Hollywood Beach. This pristine beach is a hidden gem in Oxnard that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a great place for swimming, and it’s rarely ever crowded.
4. Visit art murals and La Jenelle shipwreck at Silver Strand Beach.
Walk or drive to the very end of Silver Strand Beach, and you’ll come across unique art murals and a historic shipwreck. Check out the waves crashing on La Jenelle and what’s left of the luxury ship that ran aground in 1970. Take the kids surfing or enjoy a mid-morning swim.
5. Spend the afternoon at the Collection at RiverPark.
The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor lifestyle center with shops, restaurants, artwork and a huge playground for kids of all ages. Spend the afternoon checking out the art installations, murals and turtle ponds near the playground. There is also a large green grass area for kids to run around. Enjoy a bite to eat or a smoothie at The Annex Food Hall, or stop by Lazy Dog Restaurant for dinner. The Collection at RiverPark also hosts free family events, including Kids Club – storytime, crafts and music. Visit the events page to get the full scoop.
6. Rent a surrey at Oxnard State Beach.
Enjoy some family fun in the sun and cruise along the pathway overlooking the dunes at Oxnard State Beach/Mandalay Beach in a surrey. A surrey is a four-wheeled cycle that fits three people, including two small children, and costs $28 for the hour. Wheel Fun Rentals has a selection of bikes that you can rent hourly, for half a day or a full day.
7. Eat Strawberries at the Farmers Market.
You can’t come to Oxnard and not try the world-famous strawberries. Check out unique gifts, beautiful flowers and pick up local fresh fruits and vegetables at the weekly Farmers Markets in Oxnard. The Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 9 to 1:30 pm at Plaza Park. On Sundays, stop by Channel Islands Harbor from 10 – 2 pm to check out the local vendors.
8. Check out the classic cars at Mullin Automotive Museum.
If your little ones love cars, visit the Mullin Automotive Museum. This museum features 20th-century French cars, unrestored cars and historic cars.
9. Learn about classic cars and check out the train set at Murphy Auto Museum.
Plan a family outing at the Murphy Auto Museum and learn about classic, vintage and antique American cars. There’s an art gallery and a HO Scale Train Set. Admission to the museum is $10. Kids under 13 are free.
10. Rent a Duffy Boat at Channel Islands Harbor
Adventure-loving families will enjoy an afternoon cruising along Channel Islands Harbor. Rent a Duffy Boat, and don’t forget to bring snacks, drinks and your favorite tunes. After your boat trip, visit any of the family-friendly restaurants at the Harbor.
Related: Top Tips for Visiting Channel Islands Harbor.
11. Go on a whale-watching cruise.
Plan an adventure the whole family won’t stop talking about. A whale-watching cruise is an experience everyone will enjoy. Blue and Humpback whales are often seen in the Summer. The most common gray whale sightings are from mid-to-late-December through mid-March. Check out this guide to plan your trip.
12. Check out the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Learn about maritime history at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. There are unique exhibits like bone model ships, and the museum often hosts family-friendly events so kids can learn about everything related to the sea.
13. Visit Heritage Square and learn about its history.
Take a guided tour to learn the unique history of Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. Eleven Victorian-era homes were built between 1876 and 1912, a church, water tower, pump house, and storehouse that were moved to a single block and restored to their original condition. Tours are donation-based and available by appointment.
14. Visit Channel Islands National Park.
Kids can learn about the outdoors and be a Junior Ranger at Channel Islands National Park. The free program helps children discover and protect the wonders of the islands. Click here to download the Junior Ranger Adventure Book before your trip to the islands.
15. Jump ‘n Jammin
Searching for a fun activity to do when it’s raining? Bring the kids to Jump ‘n Jammin, an indoor playground at the Collection at RiverPark.
Conclusion
There are plenty of outdoor activities and things to do in Oxnard with kids. Planning a trip to the 805?
Don’t miss:
The Best Things To Do In Oxnard + Where to Eat and Drink
Travel Guide: A Perfect Weekend in Oxnard, California
Thank you Visit Oxnard, for hosting our stay. All opinions are my own.
Love it! Great job Alex!