guides

Where to go to Escape the Heat 🌞 Find Your Family Fun on Hot Days 🥵

Explore cool spaces and fun spots in Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Malibu and more

By Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas July 16, 2026
Escape the Heat, image of a mom and daughter lying in the carpet in front of a fan enjoying the coolness
Image Credit: PR Image Factory via Canva

When temperatures soar and you need ideas to keep your family cool, we've got your covered - no matter if it's a warm winter day or peak summer heat - finding ways to keep your family cool is a must, especially if you don't have air conditioning or it’s struggling to keep up or just want to get out. Whether you're trying to beat the heat, cut down on energy bills, or just need a fun and refreshing outing with the kids, Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas has you covered.

From free options like libraries, shopping malls, and community centers to paid indoor spots such as movie theaters, indoor play spaces, arcades, bowling alleys, museums, and more, we’ve rounded up the best places to chill out across Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Malibu, Newbury Park, and other nearby areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

We've also included seasonal outdoor favorites - like splash pads, community pools, and local beaches - for those who love some sun with their cool-down. Some of these spots may only be open during summer months, so be sure to check operating hours.


a dad running into the splashing surf with a young girl and boyRBFried from Getty Images Signature


🆒 Free Places to Cool Off 🧊

📚 Libraries

When the temperature rises and you need to escape the heat, head to a local library. Some offer games and even toys to use while you are there. They also have computers and free WIFI for your convenience. Year-round programs for kids, teens, and adults, makes them an excellent spot for family fun. Be sure to check the calendar for their events and special programs - with even more during summer breaks. Libraries also double as cooling centers with select locations offering extended hours during extreme heat warning events.

🏢 Community Centers

Teen centers, Senior centers and community centers in Conejo Valley provide air-conditioned environments and activities - check website for programs and hours of operation. During extreme heat they maybe become designated cooling centers.

🛍️ Indoor Shopping Centers

Malls throughout Ventura and Los Angeles county areas offer a cool place to shop, eat, and relax with the family. Most have a free kids play area and some even have movie theatres or other entertainment venues inside or in their outdoor area.


🆒 More Indoor Options 🧊

🎦 Movie Theaters

Catch a family-friendly movie in air-conditioned comfort. Macaroni tip: For budget-friendly options take advantage of special kids shows, discount days and times and for extra savings sign up for the theatre's rewards program. 

🖼️ Museums

Explore nearby and not too far away museums in Ventura and Los Angeles County, where you can stay cool and learn something new with the whole family. Please note that some of the smaller museums are open limited days and some require reservations - visit website for details.

🧩 Indoor Play for Kids and Families

When the sun is blazing, indoor playground are perfect for keeping your kids active and cool. Throughout the Conejo Valley, you’ll find plenty of climate-controlled spaces where kids can burn off energy without melting in the heat. But the fun doesn’t stop there—there are spots that are great options for the whole family. Enjoy go-kart racing, bowling, arcades, and even axe throwing. There’s something for everyone to enjoy while staying cool indoors.

A great options for your kids to play without melting in the sun. Let the kids burn off energy in climate-controlled indoor play centers throughout the Conejo Valley. Looking for options for the whole family? From go karts to bowling, maybe you want to hit up an arcade or throw an ax, there are family-friendly places too.

Just for kids:

Family Fun:


🌊 Outdoor Places to Splash & Swim 🏊

💦 Splash Pads 🆓

Kids love to splash and play in water, and you can find great free splash pads and water play areas in Oak Park, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Please note that some locations are only open for the summer season.

📅 Year Round:

☀️ Seasonal:

🏊 Community Pools

Swim and cool off at one of our many public pools in Malibu, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and nearby. Visit websites for details and family-friendly activities. Use links below to check current days open, hours and fees.

📅 Please note: hours vary throughout the season and some location are not open year round

🏖️ Beaches 

The Pacific coast offers many beautiful beaches including ones in Malibu, Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Monica just to start. They offer a natural way to stay cool and enjoy the ocean breeze. Perfect for a family beach day.

⚠️ Please note: Check the water conditions and any water safety issues before heading out

Ventura and Los Angeles County Beaches:

Helpful Beach Safety Info:


🆘 Safety Reminders:

  • ⚠️ Please Do Not leave children, anyone who is disabled / elderly or pets in cars on a warm or hot day 🚗 the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly! Even with windows open anyone inside a car can become overheated quickly. Also note: Even if you leave the vehicle running it can stop at anytime, it's best not to leave anyone unattended in the vehicle that can't exit on their own for their own safety!
  • 🚰 Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, if you head out bring extra water for everyone including pets.
  • 🚿 Keep your body cool: Use fans and cool showers to lower body temperature.
  • 🐾 Keep pets safe from the heat: Keep them indoors with air-conditioning if possible, if outdoors be sure they have shade, either way make sure they have access to plenty of water. 
  • 🔥 Protect feet and paws on hot surfaces: Remember the sidewalk, asphalt, concrete and rubber playmats can get very hot and can burn feet and paws, if it's too hot for you to be barefoot then it's too hot for them too.
  • 👕 Wear appropriate clothing: Best options include light weight fabrics and light colors, don't forget hats and maybe sunglasses.
  • ⚠️ Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours: Typically hottest from 10 am - 3 pm ☀️
  • ⛱️ Stay in the Shade: If you will be outside for any length of time try to find some shade or bring some with you. 

🆘 Emergency Information / Alerts:

👉 Helpful note: If you have not already - sign up for important safety alerts for your area

📱 Helpful Apps:

  • Weather apps and alerts:  There are too many to list, but find ones you like and set up alerts so you are always informed
  • PulsePoint:  A 911-connected app that can immediately inform you of emergencies occurring in your community - not available in all areas.
  • Nixle:  Receive alerts for severe weather, criminal activities, severe traffic, missing persons + keeps you up-to-date with relevant information from your local public safety departments.
  • Watch Duty: While not a weather related as the temperature heats up we are at more risk for fires so this website and app is very handy

Helpful Articles

Children drink water with straws in summer

10 Easy Ways to Encourage Your Kids To Drink More Water
Tips and Helpful Information to Stay Cool When it's Hot Outside! A mom and daughter sitting on the living room floor across from a fan, eating watermelon and using their hands to fan themselves

10+ Cool Places to Escape the Heat in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties

Group of Kids holding popcorn at the movies

Check back next summer for updates
Beat the Summer Heat: Budget-Friendly Family Movies in Conejo Valley
Make an Easy Pool Noodle Sprinkler, photo of pool noodles

Make an Easy DIY Pool Noodle Sprinkler to Help Kids Stay Cool
Tasty Homemade Frozen Treats, images of ice cream cone, red white and blue popsicle, blueberry popsicle, watermelon granita and a smoothies with a smiling face licking it's tongue

Ultimate Frozen Treats: Cool Recipes for Kids & Families
Ice Cream and sweet frozen treats in Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas. Young girl enjoying a melty ice cream cone

🍦Get the Scoop on Yummy Frozen Treats: Conejo Valley-Malibu-Calabasas
All Families Welcome: Museums for All Program Expands Accessibility




    Meet Your Publisher

    Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas. Photos of publisher, Brenna and her family many at Disneyland

    Brenna G.

    Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas, is a local resource for family fun things to do. Subscribe for free updates, share events, and learn about advertising. Email: brennag@macaronikid.com

    Read More »

    Become a Publisher


    © 2026 Macaroni KID
    All Rights Reserved.

    Explore

    • Become a Publisher

    More

    Stay Informed

    Stay Connected