Things to do with kids at Ventura Ranch KOA

Thank you KOA Campgrounds and Go Rving for inviting our family to enjoy the KOA Ventura Ranch for a weekend. All opinions expressed are my own.

A couple of weeks ago the family decided that it was time to unplug and enjoy some time glamping and enjoying nature. As my son gets older is harder to keep him entertained while he travels with us. However during our time at Ventura Ranch KOA he had a great time, because we had plenty of activities to keep him entertained.

KOA has been around since the 1950s and you can find them on almost every state. The Ventura Ranch KOA is a 76 acres campground located in the mountains of Ventura County, near Santa Paula, just 30 minutes of the beach and the 101 freeway.

When you visit the Ventura Ranch KOA you will find a quiet place to camp while surrounded by nature, wildlife, amazing views and even a river stream to fresh during warmer days. In addition to the charm of hanging out with local residents (peacocks, squirrels, lizards, etc.), you can enjoy campfires and outdoor games or you can also take advantage of the many activities that the campground offers every day.

​In the activity calendar of Ventura Ranch KOA you can find:

​Zip line

Picture courtesy of Jeff Crider

This is a family favorite. My son loves adventure and we had been ziplining in several occasions. The Zip Line at Ventura Ranch KOA is great for young kids as long as they meet the weight requirement. Kids as young as 5 years old can do as as long as they go on a tandem ride. The best news? This Zip Line it is not very expensive. They have two lines and the cost depends if you want to do one ($15) or two ($25) lines.

Line 1: Must be over 70 lbs and under 250 lbs to ride. Children may ride tandem with and adult or child to meet weight requirements.
Line 2: Must over 80 lbs, under 250 lbs. This line does not take tandems.

Enjoy the pool

Although the pool was not open the weekend we visited, we were able to take a look at it. It looks big enough and fun. Having a pool when you go camping during the summer is always good, that way you can refresh on the middle of the day.

Rock Climbing

Very challenging but fun. Great activity towards the end of the day to get the kiddos tired and ready for bed. This has a fee of $10, but kids can try several times to get to the top. So much fun.

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

My almost teen was not sure about this activity, but once we started he had a lot of fun. You get a T-shirt and the KOA friendly employees teach you how to dye it to get the design you like. As everything with art, you can make it your own. That was what my son decided to do and he had lots of fun and smiles while doing it.
​This activity has a nominal fee of $10

Jumping Pillow

This is free and kept the kids entertained for long time. ​ It’s a giant trampoline filled with air and you can bounce really high. What a great way to release stress and get the kids moving.

Gem mining

For a nominal fee you get to search for hidden treasures in soil. You get a bag, and then the fun starts. Rinse your gems and separate them from dirt. Learn about gems as you do this activity.

Nature Walks

We were not prepared for this, but my son took his shoes off and to the water he went, even with jeans on. The river stream is perfect to refresh yourself after a long day in the sun and also to take nature walks. I would advice everyone to take water shoes because the river has rocks.

Big Foot Adventure Walk

Picture courtesy of Jeff Crider

Kids had so much fun with this free activity. The Bigfoot Narue walk teaches kids about the story of Bigfoot and the american indians that lived in the area. Be alert during the walk because you might even be able to spot Bigfoot!

Hayrides

Explore Ventura Ranch KOA from the top of the Hayride. You will be able to see the whole campground and have fun with friends on the ride.

So many cool things for kids to do while camping. My son never asked for an ipad, he was really busy playing with kids and connecting with nature. What a great way to unplug!

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For more information about the camp, prices, available dates and to make reservations, you can visit KOA Ventura Ranch or call 800-562-1899

If you are outside of California and want to find a KOA camp near you, visit KOA or download the free mobile app.

​Reserve: 800-562-1899
Info: 805-933-3200
7400 Pine Grove Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060.

Are you trying to unplug and plan a fun adventure trip with your family? Visit GoRVing.com for info on how to get started, where to find campgrounds with Park Model cabins like the one we stayed in, what to bring, simple campfire recipes and so much more!