Summer Fun in the City

The last day of school was always one of the most anticipated days of the year for me as a kid growing up in Moorpark. But for some parents the last day of school is loathsome. Finding ways to beat the heat and keep your kids occupied during the summer can make one wish September was here already. As much as kids look forward to the first day of summer, inevitably “I’m bored” will be uttered at some point.

But summertime memories for your children begin with the family time you can spend together unwinding from the stresses of school and work often experienced during the year. And Moorpark offers plenty of summer fun.

As a child growing up here, I looked forward to swimming, skateboarding, roller-skating and playing outside with my friends until dinnertime. Playing on Slip n’ Slides, eating Otter Pops, running through the sprinklers and catching butterflies are poignant memories I will carry with me forever.

When I was a teenager, summer breaks gave us a chance to cruise around with our newly begotten driver’s licenses. My friends and I would drive down to Zuma Beach or perhaps spend the day in Hollywood.

Now, with young children at home, we parents must find easy and fun ways to beat the heat and make a splash in the summer. Here are some of the summer activities going on in the city:

July 3^rd Fireworks Extravaganza

Located at the Arroyo Vista Community Park, The city of Moorpark celebrates the 4^th of July on Sunday the third. Admission is $3 per person and gates open at 3:45 p.m. This has been one of my favorite Moorpark events since I was a kid! This family-friendly celebration features live entertainment, games and attractions, food booths and more in a beautiful park setting. You are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets. For additional information, call 517-6300.

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Junior Safari Camp

This is aimed at children aged 6-14 who would like to learn about animals. Full and half-day programs are available. For application information and dates visit the Junior Safari Camp website, call 805-378-1441 or email EATM@vcccd.edu.

Moorpark City Library Summer Reading Club

Tons of summer activities have been planned and sponsored by the Moorpark Friends of the Library. There is a reading club designed for children preschool age through grade 5 and one for teens. There will be story times, songs, magic shows, reptile, and puppet shows for the younger children and other cool activities for the teenagers. There is also a family movie night on Fridays in July at 2 p.m. in the Apricot Room of the Moorpark Civic Center. For a complete schedule and information, go to the Library’s website and click on Children’s Summer Programs.

There are lots of summer camps and classes to choose from offered by the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center. There’s Lego engineering camp, horseback riding, soccer and more. Check out the complete schedule.

You can also visit one of Moorpark’s 17 city parks. Take your children on a picnic, or have a weekend barbeque together. Happy summer!