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Find Your Family Fun on Hot Days: Where to go to Escape the Heat

Explore cooling centers and fun spots in Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Malibu and more

By Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas September 7, 2024
Escape the Heat, image of a mom and daughter lying in the carpet in front of a fan enjoying the coolness
Image Credit: PR Image Factory via Canva

When temperatures soar, finding ways to keep your family cool is crucial, especially if you don't have air conditioning or if it's struggling to keep up with the heat. Whether you want to escape the heat, save on energy bills, or simply find a fun place for the kids to stay cool, Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas has you covered. From free options like libraries, shopping malls and community centers to paid venues such as movie theaters, indoor play areas, arcades, bowling, museums and more, we've compiled the best spots in Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Malibu, Newbury Park, and other nearby areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. We've also included outdoor options like splash pads, community pools, and beaches for those who prefer some refreshing fun in the sun. Beat the heat with our comprehensive guide to local family-fun spots perfect for any hot day, with additional cooling centers available during excessive heat warnings.


RBFried from Getty Images Signature


🆒 Free Places to Cool Off 🧊

📚 Libraries

When the temperature rises and you need to escape the heat, head to a local library. Some offer games and even toys to use while you are there. They also have computers and free WIFI for your convenience. Year-round programs for kids, teens, and adults, makes them an excellent spot for family fun. Be sure to check the calendar for their events and special programs - with even more during summer breaks. Libraries also double as cooling centers with select locations offering extended hours during extreme heat warning events.

🏢 Community Centers

Teen centers, Senior centers and community centers in Conejo Valley provide air-conditioned environments and activities - check website for programs and hours of operation. During extreme heat they maybe become designated cooling centers.

🛍️ Indoor Shopping Centers

Malls throughout Ventura and Los Angeles county areas offer a cool place to shop, eat, and relax with the family. Most have a free kids play area and some even have movie theatres or other entertainment venues inside or in their outdoor area.


🆒 More Indoor Options 🧊

🎦 Movie Theaters

Catch a family-friendly movie in air-conditioned comfort. Macaroni tip: For budget-friendly options take advantage of special kids shows, discount days and times and for extra savings sign up for the theatre's rewards program. 

🖼️ Museums

Explore nearby and not too far away museums in Ventura and Los Angeles County, where you can stay cool and learn something new with the whole family.

🧩 Indoor Play for Kids and Families

When the sun is blazing, indoor playground are perfect for keeping your kids active and cool. Throughout the Conejo Valley, you’ll find plenty of climate-controlled spaces where kids can burn off energy without melting in the heat. But the fun doesn’t stop there—there are spots that are great options for the whole family. Enjoy go-kart racing, bowling, arcades, and even axe throwing. There’s something for everyone to enjoy while staying cool indoors.

A great options for your kids to play without melting in the sun. Let the kids burn off energy in climate-controlled indoor play centers throughout the Conejo Valley. Looking for options for the whole family? From go karts to bowling, maybe you want to hit up an arcade or throw an ax, there are family-friendly places too.

Just for kids:

Family Fun:


🌊 Outdoor Places to Splash & Swim 🏊

💦 Splash Pads 🆓

Kids love to splash and play in water, and you can find great free splash pads and water play areas in Oak Park, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.

🏊 Community Pools

Swim and cool off at one of our many public pools in Malibu, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and nearby. Visit their website for details on their family-friendly activities. Use links below to check current days open, hours and fees.

🏖️ Beaches 

The Pacific coast offers many beautiful beaches including ones in Malibu, Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Monica just to start. They offer a natural way to stay cool and enjoy the ocean breeze. Perfect for a family beach day.

Ventura and Los Angeles County Beaches:

Helpful Beach Safety Info:


🆘 Safety Reminders:

  • ⚠️ 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. Also note: Even if you leave the vehicle running it can stop at anytime, it's best not to leave anyone unattended in the vehicle that can't exit on their own for their own safety!
  • 🚰 Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, if you head out bring extra water for everyone including pets.
  • 🚿 Keep your body cool: Use fans and cool showers to lower body temperature.
  • 🐾 Keep pets safe from the heat: Keep them indoors with air-conditioning if possible, if outdoors be sure they have shade, either way make sure they have access to plenty of water. 
  • 🔥 Protect feet and paws on hot surfaces: Remember the sidewalk, asphalt, concrete and rubber playmats can get very hot and can burn feet and paws, if it's too hot for you to be barefoot then it's too hot for them too.
  • 👕 Wear appropriate clothing: Best options include light weight fabrics and light colors, don't forget hats and maybe sunglasses.
  • ⚠️ Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours: Typically hottest from 10 am - 3 pm ☀️
  • ⛱️ Stay in the Shade: If you will be outside for any length of time try to find some shade or bring some with you. 

🆘 Emergency Information / Alerts:

📱 Helpful Apps:

  • Weather apps and alerts:  There are too many to list, but find ones you like and set up alerts so you are always informed
  • PulsePoint:  A 911-connected app that can immediately inform you of emergencies occurring in your community - not available in all areas.
  • Nixle:  Receive alerts for severe weather, criminal activities, severe traffic, missing persons + keeps you up-to-date with relevant information from your local public safety departments.

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    Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas. Photos of publisher, Brenna and her family many at Disneyland

    Brenna G.

    Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas, is a local resource for family fun things to do. Subscribe for free updates, share events, and learn about advertising. Email: brennag@macaronikid.com

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