One of our favorite ways to connect with nature when we travel is by visiting parks. We spent last week in Oxnard (as we have for several years running), where along with some very good friends, we rented a beach house to slow down and recover from the mad pace of the holidays.
Of course, we spent a lot of time on the beach. But we also returned to a favorite park near our rental house. Oxnard Beach Park features a pirate-lover’s paradise of a play area, making it perfect for a nature treasure hunt.
The Explorers and their friends absolutely love this place. Their imaginations ran wild investigating the cannons, steering the ship and dangling tummy side down on the swings. The Little Explorer especially enjoyed climbing the mini rock wall all by himself.
But my favorite part of this park is its proximity to the beach. At the far end of the park, a short trail leads through the sand dunes down to the beach.
Last year, the kids spent more time here than on the play structures. We searched for animal tracks, flowers, seashells, rocks and sea glass. The kids were content to play follow the leader until we had to drag them in for lunch.
3 Simple Ways for Kids to Connect With Nature at Oxnard Beach Park
1. Fly a kite. The expansive grassy area next to the play structures and calm ocean breezes can make for perfect kite flying conditions.
2. Take a stroll on the beach. Follow the trail at the far end of the park out on to the sand and out to the beach.
3. Go on a pirate treasure hunt. Start at the playground, then continue searching for treasures along the trail out to the beach. We found bird tracks, flowers, rocks & sea glass during our visit!
Park Amenities
- A kid-heaven of a pirate-themed play area features two play structures with cannons & pirate flags PLUS a small climbing wall, swings, a teeter-totter & a sea serpent swimming on the recycled rubber play surface
- The wide, stroller-friendly path that surrounds the park is ideal for walking, skating or biking
- Two large covered picnic areas are popular party spots (reservations required); several separate tables with barbecue areas are also available
- Large, palm tree lined grassy area is great for a game of chase or kite flying
- Oxnard Beach Park is adjacent to the beach via a short trail at the far end of the park
- Restrooms are available
- Parking is ample, but not free ($1/hour)
- Crowds are light during weekday mornings, but likely heavier on weekends & holidays
Oxnard Beach Park is located at:
1601 S. Harbor Blvd.
Oxnard, CA 93035
@Alicia: What a great way to plan a trip. Reading other peoples' experiences can offer some helpful insight & lessons learned to make your adventure that much more fun. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi there Debi! You know what I am so grateful for blogger like you for providing so much information about perfect places to visit for the whole family. I bulk of information I get everyday reading blogs makes my planning for family travel very easy.
@Abbie: Thanks – I'd love to hear about some of your favorite parks, too!
Love the way you break down a park. Giving parents insight about the place, options and ideas is so great! <br />Wish we could get there for a visit.
@Joyce: I hope to be visiting national parks with my grandkids someday! Thanks for stopping by!
Being in the outdoors is the best. We hope to visit Big Bend National Park soon with our three oldest grandson. Thanks for stopping by during the holidays and we hope to hear from you in the new year. We are having a tea party tomorrow and today we featured some great giveaways. joyce:)
@Bridget: Yay – I'm thrilled that your new venture is under way. Just stopped by to leave a comment of support!
This park seems to have everything. I'll have to see if we can stop by when my husband is teaching up North. <br /><br />Just to let you know the first "move it Monday" post is up.