California, Destination, USA

Fall Family Fun in Camarillo, California

Camarillo, California

An hour north of Los Angeles, Camarillo is nestled below the Conejo foothills among green fields and organic farms. From sky high fun to a Utopian garden farm, Camarillo offers fall family fun activities that the whole family will remember for a lifetime. In cooperation with Visit Camarillo and Trekaroo, we spent three days in Camarillo inspired by hidden gems, local history, and soft adventures. We’re always excited about road trips in Southern California, especially when they are family-friendly destinations. Camarillo didn’t disappoint.

We arrived in Camarillo in the early afternoon. Our first stop was The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (The Camarillo Bird Museum). It’s both a natural history collection specializing in eggs and nests of birds and a research and education institution dedicated to bird conservation.
The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, Camarillo, California

The Foundation was hosting a special Fall Open House when we arrived. They had entertainers perform and plenty of staff on hand to answer questions and show guests the exhibits. Athena was amazed from the moment we walked in the door. I expected her to be freaked out by all the stuffed birds and not really know what to make of it but she was in awe. She asked me tons of questions and she smiled from ear to ear when one of the employees showed her a table full of taxidermied birds. Kind and friendly, the employee fed on Athena’s inquisitive nature. She showed Athena each bird, allowed her to touch and hold it, and explained what type of bird it was by asking leading questions. It was educational and fun. We ended up staying for over an hour.
Toppers Pizza, Camarillo, California

By the time we left, it was late afternoon. Toppers Pizza Place was only a short drive so we went there for lunch. It’s a locally owned and operated pizza restaurant that has become a county’s favorite. It has been voted best pizza every year this century. Athena and I both love pizza like it’s family and their Hawaiian Pizza was so delicious that we returned again the next day for more.
Fall Family Fun, McGrath Family Farm, Camarillo, California

 McGrath Family Farm, Camarillo, California

With full, satisfied bellies, we left for a tour of McGrath Family Farm. The certified organic family farm grows a high diversity of year-round organic fruits and vegetables. The best part of the experience was the pumpkin patch. Athena had never picked her own pumpkin before. I quietly watched as she looked for the perfect fit for her. She chose a bright orange pumpkin because “it had the same shape as her head.” Her logic made me giggle and we laughed together as we left the farm.

Inside the marketplace, I purchased some local honey. We’d both been sick a lot lately and local, organic honey is my favorite cure. We cleaned our hands and I let her dip her finger in the honey to try it. We both licked honey off of our fingers like Winnie the Pooh before driving back to the hotel to check-in.
Courtyard Marriott, Camarillo, California

The Courtyard Marriott was an amazing family-friendly choice in Camarillo. This modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Other amenities include an outdoor heated pool, a whirlpool, a sauna and an exercise room, plus free on-site parking. Surprisingly, it wasn’t any of the above mentioned things that really made Courtyard stand out as the best family-friendly option. The little things like wheels on the desk so it could be used as a table or a swivel on the tv stand so it could be seen anywhere in the room were conveniences that made us feel at home. We also had a separate living room where I could work or watch tv while Athena slept at night. That is worth more to me than almost any luxury.

Rocket Fizz, Camarillo, California

We took an evening stroll through Old Town Camarillo before heading to dinner. Old Town Camarillo offers unique shops and boutiques for the entire family. Our favorite was Rocket Fizz where we found an assortment of bottled soda pops and delicious candies.

We stopped by Dizdar Park so Athena could work up an appetite before dinner. Regardless of what city or country we are visiting, we always try to spend time in local parks. It’s a great way for Athena to interact with kids and it gives me a chance to take in everything we’ve experienced.
Chili Peppers Mexican Restaurant & Seafood, Camarillo

For dinner, we savored traditional Mexican favorites at Chili Peppers Mexican Restaurant & Seafood. I couldn’t leave without trying the deep fried ice cream. Maybe I should have joined Athena when she ran around the park rather than relaxing on the bench because we cleaned our plates. Athena can be a picky eater but if there is rice and chicken, pizza, or mac and cheese, we’re all set.
Old Town Café, Camarillo, California

The next morning, we stopped at Old Town Café for breakfast. They offered classic favorites and we had a delicious meal but it was the service and thoughtfulness that really set them apart. The waitress offered Athena a coloring page and when she was finished, the waitress bragged about how lovely it was and asked Athena if she wanted to put it on the wall. Beaming with excitement, Athena helped her tape it to the wall. She said it was her favorite restaurant in California.
Channel Islands Aviation, Camarillo, California Channel Islands Aviation, Camarillo, California

A scenic airplane ride with Channel Islands Aviation followed breakfast. Athena has the taste for flight like me. We always look skyward because it’s where we long to be. Our pilot, Marc, was experienced with flying with children. He was never annoyed with Athena’s endless chatter through the headset and he answered all of her questions. Although we didn’t do any aerobatics and I didn’t jump out of the plane, it was a family-friendly flight that satisfied my desire to be in the sky.
Adolfo Camarillo’s Birthday CelebrationAdolfo Camarillo’s Birthday Celebration

As a special treat, we attended Adolfo Camarillo’s Birthday Celebration at Camarillo Ranch House. The entire celebration was family-focused. We pet the Camarillo White Horses, listened to fun Mariachi music, enjoyed the grace and beauty of Folklorico dancers, and played games found all over the property. Athena milked a cow, roped a wooden bull, and tossed bean bags. She does everything with such appreciation that her joy is contagious. Watch the faces of everyone around her. They are always smiling.

We stayed at the party for three hours even though we had planned to just stop by.
Courtyard Marriott, Camarillo, California

The sun was shining and the temperature rising so we returned to the hotel for a swim in the pool. We had the whole pool to ourselves, but it didn’t stop Athena from extending the party. She did cannonballs. She tried diving. She played mermaid games. She made me happy.

The pool is one of our favorite places to spend the afternoon but I watched the time closely because we had booked time at Sky High Sports Trampoline Park and it was nearing. Athena had never visited a trampoline park before and her anticipation was building.
Sky High Sports Trampoline Park, Camarillo, California

Blanketed in wall-to-wall trampolines, Sky High Sports delighted us with its springy terrain and foam pits. We literally bounced off the walls and jumped ourselves silly. After an hour of jumping and trying out different stunts, we were exhausted. We went directly to dinner without even changing our clothes.
 Sushi Planet, Camarillo, California

Located in the heart of Old Town Camarillo, Sushi Planet was our dinner destination. Based on the name, you’d assume we both went for sushi but neither of us really like it. Instead, we went for their delicious Teriyaki Chicken and Miso Soup. We hesitate on visiting Japanese restaurants sometimes because we are expected to use chop sticks and we never know what to order. At Sushi Planet, there are plenty of scrumptious choices and while they do put chop sticks on the table and we can have fun practicing, they also bring silverware for the more difficult items. The waitresses were friendly and helped us order great choices for our tastes. They didn’t judge when we tried to figure out the chop sticks and one lady even offered to show us. Notice there is still a fork on my plate. I’m not there quite yet but I loved the lesson.

Athena talked about all of her favorite fall family fun things in Camarillo as we drove back to the hotel. Between the games at Adolfo Camarillo’s Birthday Celebration, the flight, the birds, and the trampolines, she couldn’t narrow down her ultimate favorite. She loved them all. I asked her about her favorite food and I expected her to say the pizza or the deep fried ice cream, but she immediately said the chicken and rice at Sushi Planet. I think the combination of some of her favorite foods with the fun of trying the chop sticks made it stand out above the rest. Even with packed days from morning until night, we still didn’t try all that Camarillo offers for families.

****Check out Trekaroo to enter a Camarillo giveaway worth $600.

Our trip was possible because of Visit Camarillo. As always, all opinions are my own.***

 

SPOTLIGHT
Camarillo, California
Camarillo Hotel & Tourism Association
An hour north of Los Angeles, Camarillo is nestled at the base of the Conejo foothills surrounded by verdant green fields and cool ocean breezes. With more than 52 weeks of great weather, enjoy Camarillo alfresco. From outdoor shopping and concerts, to delicious dining and family fun events, Camarillo has it all. A great getaway for everyone, Camarillo is the ideal place to Come for the Sun, Stay for the Fun! Find more information at VisitCamarillo.com

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37 thoughts on “Fall Family Fun in Camarillo, California

  1. Reesa Lewandowski says:

    What a beautiful weekend getaway! That sunflower patch is like to heaven to me!!!

    1. Anna says:

      Your daughter is beautiful and it looks like you had a fabulous time! Loved the sunflower fields and pumpkin patch.

  2. Carolyn says:

    What a great trip. Looks like that town is very kid friendly. I’d love to visit one day.

  3. kara says:

    It looks like they offer a little bit of everything. The sunflowers are just gorgeous!

  4. I actually haven’t been to Cali yet, hopefully I can make a trip to the west side for 2017. Looks like you guys had a blast!

  5. Pumpkin patches are so much fun. I haven’t been in so long and this makes me miss it. It would be amazing to try out all those sodas and candies. Looks like quite an adventure.

  6. Debra says:

    This looks so much fun – We love to stay in a hotel every once in a while so that the kids can swim in the pool! I love family time!

  7. that deep fried ice cream looks so delicious!
    this place definitely sounds like a lot of fun! I have always wanted to go to a trampoline place it looks like a blast!

  8. What a fun and beautiful place. Adding this to my must visit list of cities.

  9. Kecia says:

    Camarillo sounds like a very fun place to visit. Lots to do, and that pizza looks amazing!

  10. She is so stinking cute oh my goodness. It sounds like e wonderful and super fun place to visit with lots of great attractions! LOVE.

  11. Dana Vento says:

    This is fantastic getaway! I always wanting a getaway like this. It’s such a beautiful spot for a family

  12. Wendy Polisi says:

    I’m sure your daughter had fun! Those foods are look fantastic and the place is such a beautiful.

  13. Theresa says:

    This looks like such an awesome time! Your daughters look so gorgeous, by the way! What cute kids.

  14. What a lovely town! I have never been there before, but the food looks amazing, so for me that’s a win! Your daughter’s pumpkin is so cute and what a fun way she used to pick it! Looks like a great trip!

  15. Amber Nelson says:

    What a fun trip. I would love to go there one day! I love California!

  16. Nikki says:

    This looks like an amazing trip for both you and your little girl! I wish there was something like that near me here in Florida, California is such a wonderful place for traveling.

  17. Stephanie says:

    Wow, it looks like you had a fantastic trip!! What a fun place to visit! A trampoline park just opened up near us. Can’t wait to try it out. She’s so cute, a pumpkin the same shape as her head!

  18. Linda says:

    what a wonderful place to visit!

  19. Krista says:

    Looks like you made some amazing memories with your family! I absolutely love your pizza topping choices as well! Yummy!

  20. Genevieve Larson says:

    What a fun local getaway! Great for kids.

  21. Stephanie V. says:

    Looks like you had a wonderful time. I’d love to take my family on a Camarillo adventure.

  22. Susan Thompson says:

    The kids activities and food pictures look awesome

  23. Jyl Pattee says:

    Wow! That pic from the plane! Too amazing! Did you go in a small plane or helicopter to get that shot? So beautiful! The town looks really awesome.

  24. Teresa Dabe says:

    Where do I sign up! Looks like a place filled with beauty and adventure!!!!

  25. Kenya l Onyango says:

    I would love the scenic airplane ride with Channel Islands Aviation.

  26. Bethany Starr says:

    Looks like a neat place to visit! Would love to next time I’m in California!

  27. bryan says:

    As a native southern californian, it’s time i visit camarillo. hope i win the trip

  28. Willow says:

    Next time I go to Camarillo I’ll have to try out some of your suggestions, McGrath Family Farm for sure!

  29. Rosa cuevas says:

    My son would really enjoy the bird museum then just hang out at at the hotel and relax

  30. Jen v. says:

    Amazing getaway! Would love to win this.

  31. Christina Aliperti says:

    This looks like an awesome family getaway. It looks like so much fun and the food looks so good!

  32. Amanda Love says:

    This has to be one of the best places to take the kids to! It’s really lovely out there and you can see how happy the kids are! The food looks great as well.

  33. Paula Adams says:

    Wow! I have to get to Camarillo just to try that yummy-looking pizza at Toppers Pizza Place! And love the old-fashioned sodas available at Rocket Fizz!

  34. Jeffery Clark says:

    It’s nice to know that Sushi Planet is very “user friendly!” I have hesitated in Japanese restaurants also, because I don’t know what to expect and I don’t want to embarrass myself, haha. Next time I am in Camarillo, I will definitely stop and check it out. (I travel through Camarillo for business occasionally and it’s good to have an idea of a local restaurant I could try). Thank you!

  35. Cathleen Clark says:

    It’s nice to know that there is a certified organic family farm. I would love to check out the fruits and vegetables there, and maybe ask a few questions, since I am a bit of a gardener. Also, Rocket Fizz looks amazing, how fun it would be to go in there and purchase some old-time candies or sodas. I tell my kids about the sweets from back in the day when I was a kid, but they don’t really know until they taste/drink it! 🙂

  36. Pingback: Camarillo, California: A Southern California Escape for Families

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