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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Ventura

Fun food activities

You want to pair your meal with something that keeps everyone entertained.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ventura Raceway image 1
Ventura Raceway image 2
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Car racing venue

A dirt track racing venue with spectacular beach views and a well-maintained local track. The atmosphere combines professional racing action with a family-friendly fair featuring food, music, and vendors. Noise levels are high, making it lively but not suitable for very young children.

Good food pairs well with drinks and music creating a lively atmosphere. Food options come from various vendors offering a satisfying variety.

Racing events deliver great fun and family-friendly excitement. The showgrounds host engaging shows that add to the lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's great fun watching the little kid races and demo derby."

"It's really fun and kid friendly for my little boys."

"The food here was great."

Good to know

1

Expect high noise levels; it's not suitable for young children or babies.

2

Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.

3

Food and drinks are available, but prices can be on the higher side.

02
Ventura Harbor Village image 1

Shopping mall set by a harbor with beautiful bay views and live music creates a colorful, lively atmosphere. Visitors enjoy boat rentals and a mix of shops and restaurants, with a cozy, relaxed vibe. The place combines harbor scenery with casual indoor and outdoor seating.

Food includes a wide selection with Mexican dishes featuring excellent Margaritas. Unique desserts come in fish-shaped cones filled with various choices.

Vibrant events like Pirate Day and Mermaid Day create a playful atmosphere. Small boat rentals and shops add to the variety of fun activities available.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great views and the lively, energetic atmosphere."

"I loved the great food options here."

"The atmosphere here is so playful and energizing, it makes for great fun activities."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on weekends at Ventura Harbor Village.

2

Special events like Pirate Day and Mermaid Day are held on weekends.

3

Parking is paid, but free parking is available from Monday to Thursday.

03
The Jolly Oyster Ventura image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Food truck by the beach offers picnic tables with umbrellas and open-air seating on sand. Atmosphere stays laid back and family-oriented with vibrant, uplifting energy and occasional live music. Guests can shuck oysters themselves or enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views and a dog-friendly setting.

Fresh and tasty seafood stands out with great oyster dishes. Outdoor dining adds a relaxed vibe to enjoying the al fresco meals.

Shucking oysters offers a fun hands-on activity with a lively, engaging atmosphere. The experience centers on enjoying fresh oysters in a setting that encourages interaction and enjoyment.

People are saying

"The food, especially the ceviche and uni, is so fresh and delicious."

"The oysters here are so fresh and delicious."

"It's fun shucking your own oysters here."

Good to know

1

Parking in the beach area costs $10 all day.

2

You receive a free 60-minute parking pass when dining at the restaurant.

3

The oysters cost $40 for 8, which may be considered pricey.

04
ร“-Sabi Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers hibachi-style cooking shows with chefs performing tricks and engaging guests. Atmosphere is festive and lively, often crowded and noisy, with families and children present. Decor includes an old-school sushi bar and staff sometimes wear costumes for special occasions.

Food tastes consistently delicious and freshly made with attention to vegetarian options. Service is amazing and respectful, enhancing the dining experience.

Hibachi-style cooking show happens right in front of you, making meals interactive and lively. It suits family celebrations and group dinners, creating a fun atmosphere even when busy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I really enjoyed the fresh sushi here."

"The cook's hibachi-style cooking show was really fun."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Expect a wait time of 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is quite expensive, with meals for a family of four around $200.

05
Ventura Farmers' Market (Downtown) image 1

Outdoor market along a closed street near a historic mission offers fresh local produce, live music, and handmade foods. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, attracting families, locals, and pet owners. Shoppers browse booths with fruits, vegetables, plants, and specialty items while enjoying a lively community vibe.

Fresh local produce fills the market with vibrant fruits and vegetables. The food court and Mission parking lot offer a variety of hot foods and Mexican dishes alongside snacks like kettle corn.

Mornings offer fun activities like supporting local farmers and sampling delicious treats. Saturdays provide a lively way to spend time outdoors.

People are saying

"The Farmer's Market is an awesome time with great local produce."

"I found the food and produce to be fresh and tasty."

"I found the farmers market to be an awesome time with friendly vendors."

Good to know

1

The market operates once a week on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm.

2

Expect a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, homemade products, and specialty items.

3

Parking is available near the Mission church, but it can fill up quickly.

06
Ventura Music Hall image 1
Live music venue

Intimate live music venue with great sound system and excellent sight lines from every spot. The space combines reserved tables and a large dance floor, creating a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. Shows attract both large bands and close-up performances, offering a personal concert feel.

Food focuses on a small selection with great sandwiches and burgers. Drinks include a solid selection of beer to pair with the meals.

Concerts offer real family fun with a lively atmosphere. Performances by charming, talented artists like Demola keep the energy high and the crowd engaged.

People are saying

"I had a lot of fun at this cool venue."

"It's a small, intimate venue perfect for seeing bands."

"The food here is good and well priced."

Good to know

1

Re-entry is not allowed during shows.

2

Parking is available right in front on Thompson Boulevard.

3

Tickets should be purchased early as many shows sell out.

07
Topa Topa Brewing Co. image 1

Massive outdoor space with picnic tables and food trucks creates a relaxed, casual vibe. Indoor area features arcade games and a big screen, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. Live or streamed music adds energy, though volume can be loud at times.

Food trucks serve delicious food that pairs well with the on-tap beverages. Staff and food quality are consistently perfect.

A fun, casual atmosphere with live or streamed music sets the tone. Food trucks and weekend events add to the lively vibe for all ages.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great beer and tap selections."

"The outdoor seating area is beautiful and spacious."

"The beer selection here is really good and fun."

Good to know

1

Food trucks are available on weekends, offering diverse food options.

2

Live music happens on Sundays, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

The brewery has a large capacity, accommodating large groups comfortably.

08
Boatyard Pub image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with live music nightly creates a lively atmosphere that fills the bar area. Beautifully renovated interior offers an amazing view and dog-friendly patios. The crowd enjoys top-notch seafood and a variety of craft cocktails.

Food features freshness and perfect portion sizes with consistently delicious taste. Every dish impresses with quality and flavor.

A fun atmosphere with live music creates a lively spot to hang out. The place offers a tasty outing alongside the enjoyable vibe.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here have a light, crispy batter."

"The food here is delicious and you can taste the quality."

"I loved the live music; it was awesome."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The weekly bluegrass jam happens every Thursday night starting around 6:45pm.

3

Live music is featured on Sundays, creating a lively atmosphere.

09
The Varsity Club at S.I.S image 1

Large open space with sports simulators and multiple activity options creates an energetic, noisy atmosphere like a concert. Polite crowd gathers around big screens and a huge back patio with fireplace and heaters. Clean, modern decor complements the lively vibe, making it a fun spot for families and groups.

Food features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a very good quality and reasonable prices. The menu suits families looking for a mix of food, drinks, and sports fun.

Simulators offer amazing interactive fun for all ages. The atmosphere combines sports excitement with food and drinks, making it a lively spot for family activities.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"The beer here is great with all the TVs showing sports."

"The virtual batting and simulators were amazing fun activities."

Good to know

1

Bingo night happens every Wednesday at 8pm.

2

Reservations are needed for the golf simulators, book at least a week in advance.

3

Prices for drinks are around $9 for a pint of beer.

10
KJs neighborhood bar image 1

Live music sets a chill vibe with LED lights enhancing the atmosphere during performances. Cushions and pillows along the back walls add comfort while the space remains too small for dancing. The crowd enjoys phenomenal energy paired with tasty cocktails and delicious thin crust pizza.

Food features exquisite presentation and fantastic flavors. Custom cheese plates crafted by a Spanish chef highlight the menu.

Lots of live music and themed nights keep the energy high. Friendly staff and fun people add to the lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a yummy, airy, light crust."

"I loved the live music and themed nights for fun activities."

"The food here was fantastic and amazing."

Good to know

1

KJs neighborhood bar hosts a drag brunch every Sunday at 11 AM.

2

Karaoke nights take place every Thursday starting at 10 PM.

3

Open mic nights are held on Wednesdays at 8 PM.

11
Tony's Pizzaria Surfers Point, Ventura Beach image 1

Old school walk-up window with large patio and fire pit tables creates a beach party vibe. Live music fills the outdoor space, often loud enough to challenge conversation. Crowd enjoys line dancing and games, making it a lively spot for music and pizza.

Food features fantastic and authentic Hawaiian shave ice alongside great dishes. Outdoor dining welcomes dogs, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Fun atmosphere makes it a solid all-ages spot. People there are engaging and lively, adding to the good time. The place keeps getting better and more fun over the years.

People are saying

"I loved their homemade pizza; it was delicious."

"The food here is really good, especially the pizza."

"The live music here creates an electric atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Outside food is not allowed, so plan accordingly.

3

Live music is offered on select days, check the schedule.

12
Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center image 1

Fairgrounds offer spacious grounds with beach views and a lively atmosphere filled with bright lights and music. Crowds gather for live performances and diverse food vendors, creating a festive and energetic environment. The setup includes multiple buildings hosting various booths and entertainment acts, blending classic fair elements with coastal charm.

Food offers a mix of good quality and artistic presentation. Prices lean toward the higher side but the taste remains enjoyable.

Events like Cirque du Soleil and concerts provide great entertainment. The fairgrounds offer rides and festivals that make for a fun day with family.

People are saying

"I loved the fair food, especially the monster chicken kabobs."

"It's so kid friendly with rides, games, and animals to see."

"I had such a fun time here!"

Good to know

1

Parking is available on site, but can be limited during events.

2

VIP tickets allow for front row seating and shorter wait times.

3

The entrance fee is $16 per person for events.

13
Bombay Bar & Grill image 1

Large outdoor patio and light, airy interior create a relaxed setting with live music and a DJ that energizes the space. The vibe shifts from lively party atmosphere to a more low-key spot for watching sports on multiple TVs. Unique features include jell shots in syringes and two simultaneous dance floors with skilled dance teachers.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful, with dishes like the fish sandwich and coconut shrimp standing out. Presentation is decorative and attractive, making every plate look appealing.

Designed to relax and have fun even without dancing, the spot features a photo booth that adds to the enjoyment. It offers a good vibe for those who want to dance or just have fun at events.

People are saying

"I loved the vibe and the live music here."

"I thought the food was great and looked awesome."

"It's a great place to have fun and dance."

Good to know

1

There is no entry fee at the venue.

2

Happy Hour offers $4 beers and great nachos on Thursdays.

3

Thursday night music and dancing features live performances.

14
The Orchard Senior Living image 1
Retirement community

Renovated community offers beautiful grounds and modern apartments with balconies. Residents enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with fun activities like games, crafts, and exercise classes. Friendly and relaxed people gather in spacious common areas that feel like home.

Food offers a diverse set of choices with many requests accommodated by management. The dining room provides a setting where residents and visitors can enjoy wonderful meals together.

Numerous fun activities cater to many ages, creating a welcoming environment. The team shows genuine care, making the activities enjoyable for everyone.

People are saying

"The fun activities here were numerous and enjoyable for many ages."

"The food here was wonderful."

Good to know

1

Weekly entertainment events are held, providing social opportunities for residents.

2

The Christmas Boutique is an annual event that features local crafts and goods.

3

Bus transportation is available for residents to access local amenities.

15
Buena Lanes image 1
Bowling alley

Traditional bowling alley with neon lights and authentic furniture creates a nostalgic vibe. The atmosphere stays chill with clean, smooth lanes and a small arcade, bar, and mini diner. Shoes and house balls fit well, supporting a straightforward, fun experience without extra frills.

Snack bar serves surprisingly good food with a variety of snack foods and drinks. Food prices are expensive, and ordering can involve a long wait.

Fun and reliable spot for hanging out with friends. The enjoyment often depends on the company you keep.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful."

"It's a fun place to have a good time with friends."

"It's a classic bowling alley with a total nostalgia experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are easy to make for bowling lanes.

2

The games cost $3.00 each, which is reasonable.

3

Expect a 30-minute wait for bowling balls during busy times.

16
Sky Zone Trampoline Park image 1
Amusement center

Indoor space filled with varied trampolines and kid-friendly activities creates a lively, family-oriented vibe. Music often plays, enhancing a joyful atmosphere while parents relax in massage chairs nearby. The environment balances energetic play with areas for sitting and socializing.

Food includes pizza and wings ordered through the venue. Snacks and food are really good with a private room handling food, drinks, and cleanup for convenience.

Trampoline jumping offers a great way for kids to burn energy and have fun. Staff like Leo and Trinity keep things safe and stress-free while making sure everyone enjoys themselves.

People are saying

"The staff here is so nice and great with kids."

"The party hosts here are so helpful and amazing."

"It's a fun place for kids to burn energy and have a great time."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for birthday parties to ensure availability.

2

Socks must be purchased separately, even with online ticket purchases.

3

Food options may be limited; check availability before your visit.

17
The Grape image 1
Jazz club

Jazz club styled like a traditional speakeasy offers intimate live music with fantastic acoustics and a spacious, artsy setting. The atmosphere stays friendly and lively, attracting people who enjoy blues and jazz performances. Seating arrangements keep every spot close to the stage, enhancing the music experience.

Soul food stands out with charcuterie available until 7pm. Bringing your own food is allowed, but food and drinks tend to be a bit costly.

Fun and energetic jam nights bring a loose scene with lots of improvisation. Mixologists craft delicious cocktails while an in-house band provides great entertainment and music.

People are saying

"I found the live jazz music here to be top-notch."

"The live music and jam nights here are so much fun."

"The food here is usually the best."

Good to know

1

The cover charge is $20 for entry.

2

The Grape often sells out, so buy tickets ahead of time.

3

There is no food available at The Grape after 7pm.

18
Players Casino image 1

Small card room offers intimate setting with great ocean views overlooking the beach and islands. Atmosphere stays relaxed and low key, with a friendly vibe enhanced by lively dealer energy. Poker games run smoothly with multiple tables, creating a chill, social environment.

Food tastes delicious and is inexpensive. Menu options stay great and yummy especially on weekends.

Energy from staff like Paco adds to the fun atmosphere. Playing games offers a relaxing way to spend a few hours with consistent enjoyment.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and fairly priced."

"Paco's energy made the fun activities so lively and enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful as the casino is part of the Ventura fairgrounds.

2

The casino is located across the street from the train station.

3

Only one room of the casino is open, but it is busy.

19
Chuck E. Cheese image 1
Children's amusement center

Children's amusement center features updated decor and modern digital screens that create a bright, clean space. The atmosphere stays fun and lively with animatronics and arcade games spread throughout, while a separate trampoline zone adds active play options. Birthday parties bring energy, though some areas can feel crowded.

Food comes out quickly and tastes good. Staff prioritize food for birthday parties ensuring timely service.

Games like skeeball and basketball hoops let adults join the fun with kids. The spot works well for birthday parties and offers a safe, fun environment for children of all ages.

People are saying

"It's a really fun place for kids to play and enjoy themselves."

"It's a fun place for kids to play and enjoy themselves."

"I thought the food here was great."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of up to 30 minutes during busy periods due to limited staff.

2

Chuck E. Cheese requires kids to wear special socks for entry, costing $16 per pair.

3

Food service may be delayed if the oven malfunctions, as experienced recently.

20
Margarita Villa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio overlooks harbor with great views and live music on weekends. Atmosphere is lively and energetic, often featuring bands and dancing. Drinks include affordable margaritas and mixed cocktails.

Food features perfectly balanced flavors and fresh ingredients with great presentation. Service is excellent, complementing the delicious Mexican dishes and drinks.

Casual spot with a fun atmosphere and live band music creates a lively day trip vibe. Great for groups and families, it hosts birthday parties that entertain both kids and adults.

People are saying

"The harbor views here are beautiful and amazing."

"The food here is absolutely delicious."

"The live music here makes for a super fun time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday features $5 tacos and live music starting at 6pm.

3

Margarita Monday offers margaritas at a special price.

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Ventura, California

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