7 Activities for Kids at Ventura Ranch KOA #2017GoRVingFamTrip #GoRVing #KOACamping

I never thought I would fall in love with the wilderness because I am terrified of spiders, snakes, and bees. Plus, my ideal vacation includes a beautiful suite with a Jacuzzi and room service. Therefore, camping with the kids has always been a mute subject with Matt and I. Although suggested going on camping trips with our church but my argument was there were not enough activities for kids. Which honestly wasn’t fair to Matt since he loved the wilderness and was extremely active in his boy scout troop. When I think about it now, he could have easily made up activities to keep the kids busy.

Through time, my dislike for camping rubbed off on our sons, and they became more interested in videos games than exploring the great outdoors. Nevertheless, with Joy, she is very adventurous plus I’m a bit more open-minded. So to celebrate nature day, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and experience what it is like to go camping with the kids.

My family and I were invited by GoRving and KOA‘s press team to attend a family-friendly event at the Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula, CA. To my surprise, the site offered tons of activities for kids within its 76-acre campground nestled in Heritage Valley at the foot of Ventura County’s highest mountain, Topa Topa. The location has a creek, spectacular views, picturesque clear star-lit nights and is only 15 miles from the beach!

Accommodations

Before, I go into how easy it is to go camping with kids at Ventura Ranch KOA. I have to tell you about their accommodations. If you are the wilderness type, they offer tent sites, authentic Indian-style teepees that come furnished with beds, you can rent an RV or bring your own. However, if you are a city gal and prefer glamping, they have the most lovely Park Model Cabins that were equipped with many of the amenities that you find at a hotel for a fraction of the cost and some cabins are even pet-friendly.

A post shared by Family Life ???? Mrs Kathy King (@mrskathyking) on Apr 22, 2017 at 10:17am PDT

Our beautiful deluxe cabin included two bedrooms, two baths, and a full kitchen. We also had a private patio with charcoal BBQ grill and fire pit. The first day we just relaxed and enjoyed a breathtaking view. However, the second night we could not resist gathering around the fire pit to roast marshmallows.

Ventura Ranch KOA is the perfect place to go camping with kids!

Since this was our first real camping trip as a family, my biggest concern was if there would be enough activities to keep our two college-bound sons and preschooler busy. From zip-lining to tie-dying or simply taking in the beautiful scenery our trip included something for everyone.

Here are 7 activities for kids at Ventura Ranch KOA

1) Mining for Gems
I love searching for hidden treasures making this my top pick. What is unique about the KOA mining station is you purchase your own bags of gems for $7 to $25 therefore, eliminating the desire to compete with other campers to find gems. They issue you a shifter to pour your bag into, and then your little one can plunge the pan into the water to see what treasure are revealed.

2) Tie – Dye
Joy loved adding all the different dye colors of her shirt, and the end product was adorable. This activity is available most Saturdays, and the cost of the activity is $10 and includes a t-shirt making this a great keepsake of your stay at the Ventura Ranch KOA!

3) Jumping Pillow
If we let her Joy, would have played on the jumping pillow all day. The huge jumping pillow is for kids of all ages and is {FREE}. During the summer time, they keep you cool by misting the pillow while you jump and it is open every day from 10am-late afternoon.

4) Nature Walk
Matt and Joy did a short nature walk. However,  Ventura Ranch KOA beautiful 76 acres has multiple nature trail on the property.

5) Rock Climbing Tower
We did not have a chance to do the Rock Climbing Tower. There were so many things for us to do by the time it was our turn to do this activity Joy was bit cranky which was our cue that she needed a nap, but there is always next time. The Rock Climbing Tower is currently open on Saturdays only, and you can purchase a wristband for $10.

6) Hay Rides
Experience a scenic trip around the Ventura Ranch KOA campgrounds on an old fashion hay ride. This activity wasn’t listed on the site, so I recommend you calling the office for pricing and availability.

7) Other Free Activities
If you are like me and the thought of swimming in a creek kind of freaks you out, they have a beautiful pool on the premises. In the afternoons when the sun is setting, there is a nice sized playground for your little ones to run off their last bit of energy for the day. Finally at night during the months between May 25-October 1st enjoy Friday Night Movies under the stars.

All ages can enjoy any of the activities listed above including teenagers, however below are my sons top picks. 

 ZipLine
Although, JJ King is terrified of heights. His beautiful girlfriend Elise convinced him to conquer his fears by accompanying her to ride the 1400ft Zip Line that they have onsite.

Big Foot Adventure
My youngest son was not as daring and decided to go Big Foot hunting with Matt, instead.

After our stay, I talked to Matt about making it a new family tradition to go camping at Venture Ranch KOA with the family or even a little couples getaway. Let’s say he was shocked to hear me say that. If you are planning a family vacation with kids, I highly recommend you booking your next trip at Ventura Ranch KOA.

Thank you GoRving and KOA campgrounds for inviting my family to this event and changing my perspective on camping.

For more information go to GoRving.com and KOA 

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