Mount Clef Ridge and open space in Thousand Oaks

On a budget

Free things to do in Thousand Oaks

4 kinds of free outings in and around Thousand Oaks.

Good days out in Thousand Oaks don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.

Parks

58 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.

  • Walnut Grove Park1.3 mi from downtown
  • Kimber Park4.2 mi from downtown
  • Conejo Community Park0.5 mi from downtown
See all 58 →

Libraries

Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.

  • Thousand Oaks Library1401 E. Janss Rd.
  • Newbury Park Branch Library2331 Borchard Road
  • Westlake Village Library31220 W. Oak Crest Drive
See all 3 →

Hiking

Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.

  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area9 mi southeast
  • Hansen Dam28 mi east
  • Anacapa Island31 mi southwest
See all 20 →

Wildlife viewing

Birding and nature watching on public land.

  • Sepulveda Dam23 mi east
  • Hansen Dam28 mi east
  • Anacapa Island31 mi southwest
See all 21 →

Around town

Designworks USA Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks
DesignworksUSA Newbury ParkTOLocal · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lang Ranch Oakbrook North Ranch Thousand Oaks
Lang Ranch Oakbrook North Ranch Thousand Oaks May 2019 021King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0
City of Thousand Oaks sign CA USA
City of Thousand Oaks sign CA USAHolly Cheng · CC BY-SA 3.0

Get a feel for the city

Questions

What are free things to do in Thousand Oaks?

Parks, Libraries, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.

Are there free events in Thousand Oaks this weekend?

Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.

Do I need a library card to use the library?

No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.

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