What: Hey moms of littles, let’s get together at Camarillo Grove Park for some nature play.  We’ll meet in the nature center gazebo (as long as it’s available) and start with a short picture book.  Then we’ll go on a hike at a comfortable pace for the younger kids, giving them time to pick up rocks and sticks and whatever else they are interested in.  Camarillo Grove has a great trail that is fun, short, and just enough of an incline to make it interesting.  It will take 30-45 minutes to finish the hike.  We can stop at play around the boulders for a little while, and then the hike ends at the nature center.   We will do a bird related nature craft after the hike, eat lunch, and play on the playground.  Activities will be geared towards the 10 and under crowd, but all ages are welcome.

If you have teens, like I do, they can have fun at this park also.  A mature group of teens can hike the trail on their own for exercise, and bring the family dog.  My older kids like climbing the boulders – there are some big ones and it’s pretty fun.  The craft I am planning is easy enough for preschoolers but would also be fun for older kids & teens who enjoy crafty things.

Where: Camarillo Grove Park.  The property for Camarillo Grove Park was donated by Adolfo Camarillo.   It is a former stagecoach stop, and home to the oldest tree in the district.  This park is beautiful and we just love exploring here.   https://www.pvrpd.org/camarillo-grove-park

Cost: There is a $3 parking fee, and there is nowhere to park to avoid the fee.

Bring: Your picnic lunch and leave it in the car for after the hike.   Comfortable clothes, tennis shoes, hats, layers and sunscreen.   Kids can bring nature journals, magnifying glasses, binoculars, or anything else that they think will be fun to bring for exploring.

Note: Please be aware that this is an off-leash dog park.  Dogs are not allowed inside the gated nature center at all, and dogs must be on a leash on the trails (but that doesn’t mean that everyone leashes their dogs on the trail).  Dogs are allowed to be off-leash everywhere else inside the park.

RSVP is needed so I have enough craft supplies, thank you! =)