10 Fun Things to Do with Kids at Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village was voted 1st Place for “Fun for Kids & Adults” in the VC Reporter’s 2026 Best of Ventura County Readers’ Poll!
Thank you, Ventura County, for voting for the Village and so many of the locally owned businesses that make this waterfront community special.
So, what can families actually do at Ventura Harbor Village? From colorful pedal boats and arcade games to ice cream, crafts, shopping and sea lion spotting, here are 10 fun things to do with kids at Ventura Harbor Village on your next day by the water. The Village is home to waterfront activities, restaurants, shops and a walkable harbor promenade, making it easy to turn a few stops into a full family day.
1. Pedal Around the Harbor in a Character Boat
This one is hard to beat. Rent a colorful duck, swan or dragon pedal boat and cruise around Ventura Harbor with Ventura Boat Rentals. Families can also get on the water with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and electric boats.
Kid appeal: Getting to choose which character boat to ride is half the fun.
2. Play Arcade Games at The Loose Cannon
Head inside for arcade games, VR and plenty of friendly family competition, then refuel with pizza, burgers and other casual favorites. It’s an easy stop when kids want to play and adults want to grab a bite by the Harbor.
3. Get an Ice Cream at Coastal Cone
No Harbor day is complete without something sweet. Pick a flavor at Coastal Cone Ice Cream and take your cone for a walk along the waterfront.
4. Go on a Sea Lion & Boat Spotting Walk
Sometimes the simplest activity is one kids remember most. Walk the Ventura Harbor Village promenade and look for sea lions, seabirds, fishing boats, sailboats and vessels heading out toward the Channel Islands. The waterfront promenade is one of the Village’s signature attractions.
Turn it into a game: Who can spot a sea lion first?
5. Pick Out a Toy or Ventura Souvenir
Give the kids a few dollars and let them hunt for their own Harbor treasure at Casa De Regalos. The longtime Village shop carries gifts for kids alongside Ventura apparel, souvenirs and coastal finds.
6. Make a Custom Beach Hanger at Mermaid Gallery
A souvenir is even better when you make it yourself. Stop at Mermaid Gallery to create a colorful beaded beach hanger, then browse the gallery’s mermaid and ocean-inspired art and treasures.
7. Build a Custom Charm Bracelet
Older kids, tweens, teens and grown-ups can create something uniquely theirs at Golden Hour Goods. Choose favorite charms for a custom bracelet and browse handmade goods from local makers. The shop also regularly hosts hands-on workshops and creative events.
8. Grab a Boba by the Sea
Let everyone choose their favorite drink at Boba by the Sea, then take it along for the next Harbor adventure.
9. Explore the Kids Corner at Rowan Boutique
Shopping with little ones? Pop into Rowan Boutique, where the grown-ups can browse while younger visitors check out the shop’s kids collection. The boutique carries its California Kids Collection alongside its women’s clothing and gifts.
10. Visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Add a little discovery to the day with a visit to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. It’s an easy way for kids to learn more about the islands, ocean and wildlife they can see just beyond Ventura Harbor.
Make a Day of It
The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Pedal the Harbor, play a few arcade games, grab lunch, hunt for sea lions, make something to take home and finish with ice cream. Check the Ventura Harbor Village event calendar too; free live music, seasonal celebrations and family-friendly events add even more to do throughout the year.
Congratulations to the 2026 Best of Ventura County Winners
Ventura Harbor Village was also proud to see several Harbor businesses recognized in the VC Reporter’s 2026 Best of Ventura County Readers’ Poll.
1st Place Winners: Andria’s Seafood, Best Seafood Market; Brophy Bros., Best Bloody Mary; and Ventura Dive & Sport, Best Dive Shop.
Reader Recommended: Andria’s Seafood for Seafood Restaurant; Brophy Bros. for Seafood Restaurant; Golden Hour Goods for Gift Shop; Barefoot Boutique for Women’s Clothing; Frenchies Modern Nail Care for Nail Salon; Ventura Yacht Club for Yacht Club; and Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood for Greek Cuisine.
Thank you, Ventura County, for voting local and for continuing to make Ventura Harbor Village a place to eat, shop, play and spend time together by the sea.