Summer has officially started and hotter days are coming! I know you are looking for ways to keep our family cool during this time. Is your A/C running on overdrive? Do you feel like you need to get out of the house, but it's just too hot out? Maybe you don't have A/C, you need or want to reduce you electricity consumption (save the planet and your wallet), maybe it doesn't work so great or it's on the fritz? No worries Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas has you covered with awesome ideas to help you and your kids to stay cool at home and around town in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu and nearby in Los Angeles and Ventura County. Let's beat this heat together!
- Ways to stay cool at home if you don't have a pool: Make an Easy DIY Pool Noodle Sprinkler to Help Kids Stay Cool
- P.S. don't forget to hydrate - here are some helpful ideas: 10 Easy Ways to Encourage Your Kids To Drink More Water
 Maria Sbytova via Canva |
Back in the day when I was a kid growing up in the San Fernando Valley we didn't have A/C at home. So, when those scorching hot days hit, our choices were to go out back and hop in the pool or bolt out the door! But you know what? These turned out to be some of the best times. Let me share my all-time favorite ways to beat the heat back then and even now. So, get ready to stay cool and have a blast with your kids!
Here my top 10+ list of family-fun places to cool off:
- ðŽ The Mall: Any indoor shopping center will do, sit an relax, go window shopping or real shopping if you dare, I won't tell. My boys loved to play at the mall as I watched and relaxed solo or with a friend then as a treat we sometimes headed to the food court after. Our go-to favs are Hot Dog on a Stick - did you know they have veggie dogs? Then maybe a sweet treat of cookies, ice cream or gelato. Outdoor shopping can be fun too: Many of the outdoor shopping centers are shaded enough they can be fun too and some even have water-fun play / splash areas, shaded play areas with plenty of seating.
- ðĶ Movie theater: Take advantage of the matinee prices or discount days and times for extra savings - who doesn't like to save? There is nothing like a cool show to escape the heat.
- ð The Library: Many also double as cooling centers - this as a reason to encourage your kids to read more? Most libraries also offer games, puppets and building toys, just ask.
- ðĪŠ Indoor Play-space: OK so we didn't really have these when I was a kid (unless you count the Playland at McDonalds), but we have them now, so why not? If you want something simple and budget friendly, most of the indoor malls have free play areas, but if you want to dial it up a notch for the kids head to a local indoor play-space, ask about their monthly rates for an extra savings. You relax while the kids play, win-win! You can still hit up a McD's Playland as an option.
- ð The Pool: Go swimming in yours, a friends, family, neighborhood community pool or one of the many local public pools will work too. Some hotels will let you pay to swim as well.
- ðïļ The Beach: My personal favorite plus it's usually cooler near the ocean, just make sure you pack lots of water, bring an umbrella for shade, sunscreen and snacks - do kids ever stop eating? Don't forget the beach toys so they can build a sandcastle.
- ðĶ Splash Pad / Water-Play area: Don't let the kids have all the fun, put your suit and join in too.
- ð―ïļ Eat Out: Treat your family to lunch or dinner out, plus it's way too hot to cook even with A/C.
- ð§ Eat Something Cold: Enjoy a frozen popsicle, ice cream or even some cold watermelon at home or head out: Where to find Yummy Frozen Treats near Conejo Valley-Malibu-Calabasas. ðĶðĻð
- ðĩ Grandma's / ðī Grandpa's House: Mine had great A/C ðĨķ or visit any friend or family who lives somewhere cooler or has great A/C. They'll enjoy the company and you get to cool off.
- ððžïļðš Visit a Museum: We have a lot of nearby museum choices from Children's Museums to Science, Art, History and more.
- ðð ðĶ Visit an Aquarium: We have several aquariums nearby and many that are worthy of a day-trip or weekend getaway
- ð Hit the Road: Take a Day trip with your family to a town that's a bit cooler - anywhere along the coast is a good bet, think: Santa Monica, Malibu, Ventura, Channel Islands, Oxnard, Marina Del Rey, Huntington Beach, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara are pretty close and likely cooler.
 Kzenon via Canva |
ð Safety Reminders:
- â ïļ Please Do Not leave children, anyone who is disabled / elderly or pets in cars on a warm or hot day - the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly - Even with windows open anyone inside a car can become overheated quickly
- Stay Hydrated and if you head out bring extra water for everyone including pets. 10 Easy Ways to Encourage Your Kids To Drink More Water
- Keep pets safe from the heat - inside if possible. Make sure they have access to plenty of water. Remember the sidewalk, asphalt and concrete get hot and can burn their paws, if it's too hot for you to be barefoot then it's too hot for them too.
- When heading outdoors be sure to wear appropriate clothes - light weight and light colors are best, don't forget hats and maybe sunglasses.
- â ïļ Remember it's typically hottest from 10 am - 3 pm
Ventura County
ðĶ Splash Pads
- Oak Park: Open Daily from 10 am - 7 pm through September 2, 2024 ðĶ Oak Park Splash Pad
- Simi Valley: Rancho Tapo Community Park - Lemon Park | Open daily 11 am - 7 pm, except closed for maintenance every day from 2-3 pm
ð Community Pools / Recreational Swim:
Use links below to check days open, hours and fees.
- CRPD Aquatics: Community Pool at CLU: 100 N Overton Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, 805-241-0894, open daily - Sept. 4 | Pool at NPHS: 456 Reino Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320, 805-750-7296, open daily - Aug. 18 | Pool at TOHS, 2323 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, 805-496-8564, open M-F until Aug. 17
- RSRPD Aquatics: Lap & Open Swim, Simi Valley Open M-F until Aug. 14 | Sat & Sun until Sept. 8
- Pleasant Valley R&PD Aquatics, Camarillo Closed Sunday
ð Swim School Open Lap Swim:
- Daland Swim School - Thousand Oaks - Call or book online, lap swim is subject to availability
ð YMCA Swimming Pools: Membership is required to use these facilities
- Yarrow Family YMCA, Westlake Village
- Simi Valley YMCA
ðïļ Ventura County Beaches
- Ventura County Beach Front Parks
- City of Ventura Beaches
- California State Beaches: Emma Wood, Hungry Valley, Leo Carrillo, Mandalay, McGrath, Point Mugu and San Buenaventura
ð VC Emergency
ð§ Ventura County Cooling Centers:
Residents without air conditioning are encouraged to seek temporary refuge at public buildings and shopping malls during inclement weather. This includes public libraries and senior centers - hours and days and availability vary.
ð Libraries:
- Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library: 1401 E. Janss Road, (805) 449-2660
- Newbury Park Library: 2331 Borchard Road, (805) 498-2139, Closed on Sunday
- Camarillo Public Library: 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo 93010, (805) 388-5222, Closed on Sunday
- Oak Park Library: 899 North Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377, (805) 626-READ, Closed on Friday
- Full list of Ventura County Libraries
ðĒ Additional options:
- Thousand Oaks Alex Fiore Teen Center - Ages 12-17 Only: 1375 E. Janss Road, (805) 494-5156
- Thousand Oaks Goebel Adult Community Center: 1385 E. Janss Road, (805) 381-2744, Closed on Sunday
- Oaks Mall Shopping Center: 344 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, (805) 495-2031
Los Angeles County
ð Community Pools
Use links for days and hours open and fees.
- Malibu Aquatics: Malibu community pool located at MHS - 30215 Morning View Drive, Malibu, CA 90265 | 310-589-1933 | Closed June 19 & July 4
- Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center: 23400 Park Sorrento, Calabasas, CA 91302 | (818) 222-2782
- L.A. County Swimming Information: Pools, wading pools, splash pads, lakes and beaches
ðïļ Heading to the Beach?
- L.A. County Beaches & Harbors
- Nicholas Canyon Beach, Malibu
- Zuma Beach, Malibu
- Point Dume Beach, Malibu
- Dan Blocker Beach, Malibu
- Malibu Surfrider Beach
- Las Tunas Beach, Malibu
- Topanga Beach, Malibu
- Will Rogers State Beach, Pacific Palisades
- Venice Beach
- Santa Monica State Beach
- Look Up California State Beaches
ð Ready L.A. County: Excessive Heat Information
ð L.A. County - Library Cooling Centers:
- Agoura Hills Library
- Malibu Library
- Topanga Library
- Westlake Village Library
- Woodland Hills Branch Library
- Platt Branch Library - Woodland Hills
- Canoga Park Branch Library
- Encino - Tarzana Branch Library
- Chatsworth Branch Library
ðĒ Calabasas Community Center: 100 Civic Center Way Calabasas, CA 91302 | (818) 224-1600
County of Los Angeles Public Health: Stay Healthy in the Heat
- Adverse Weather - Cooling Centers in L.A. County
- Recent Heat Alerts
- Find a Free L.A. County Pool
- Heat Related Illnesses
City of Los Angeles
ð Swimming Pools - click link for complete details, including; hours and pricing
City of Los Angeles: Beat the Heat
ð§ City of L.A. Cooling Centers
- Please note: During extended periods of excessive heat, LA City will open dedicated cooling centers and post their locations and hours of operations online as well as on @ReadyLA social media. These will typically be at L.A. City Recreation and Parks facilities, which are also available whenever they are open as shelter from the weather, even when no dedicated cooling centers have yet been opened.
- Pets: When activated as cooling centers, LA City's Recreation and Parks’ facilities are pet-friendly. Dogs must be on a leash and all pets must be accompanied by their owner at all times. Kennels will be provided upon request.
ðŠ âĻ ð ð
Looking for family-fun things to do with your kids?
Look at the local event calendar - new events added daily.
ð° ð ð ðïļ
ð° ð Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas covers the towns of: Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Thousand Oak, Newbury Park and Malibu. I will also include worthwhile information, events and activities, classes, fundraisers and other happening in the nearby communities of Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, San Fernando Valley, greater Los Angeles and Southern California.
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