Family Traditions Make the Best Memories

Cutting down a Christmas tree, decorating the house, or playing dreidel may be part of your family's holiday traditions–the kinds of things that create memories that stay with children long after they've opened their presents.

Baking Christmas cookies, assembling a gingerbread house, and visiting the lit-up homes on Candy Cane Lane are holiday rituals I enjoy with my daughter.

I've highlighted some fun things to do in Moorpark; maybe one of these events will become part of your holiday traditions.

Breakfast with Santa

8 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center. Santa Claus is coming to Moorpark! Children will get to visit with Santa Claus while they enjoy a breakfast catered by the Grinder Restaurant. There will also be a holiday craft. Preregistration is required and must be received by Dec. 8.

Adults (includes breakfast only) $12; toddlers (2 and younger; includes breakfast and photo with Santa) $15; children (3 and older; includes breakfast, craft and photo with Santa) $20

For more information, call 517-6300 or email avrc@ci.moorpark.ca.us.

Visits from Santa

Dec. 14, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 23. Surprise your kids with a special visit from Santa at your home. Visits last approximately 10 minutes and are available to Moorpark residents only. There is a limit of six children per visit. The fee is $45 per visit. For information and a registration form, visit the city's Web site at www.ci.moorpark.ca.us, or call 517-6300.

Moorpark Teaching Zoo Arctic Lights Event

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19. The zoo will have nine tons of real snow delivered on Dec. 18 so children can play in it all weekend. Activities include special arctic/polar theme, animal shows every hour on the hour, games and activities, and raffles and prizes. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. The zoo is located at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road. For more information, call 378-1441 or visit the school's Web site.

Christmas on the Farm

Shop for holiday decorations at Underwood Family Farms while your child visits with Santa. There will be fresh-cut Northwest trees, mistletoe and wreaths available. The farm center, market and animal area will be open on weekends. There will be vintage tractor-drawn wagon rides and visits with Santa Claus 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12. The farm will be open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Dec. 20. Admission is $5 per person, and children under 2 are free. For more information, call 218-0282  or visit the farm's Web site.

Ski & Snowboard Trip to Mountain High

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 15. The fee for those 11 and older is $78 and includes bus transportation and lift ticket. The bus will leave from and return to the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center. Sign up by Jan. 7. Seats are limited. Bring your own snowboard or skis. Equipment rentals will not be available for participants at the resort. For more information, call 517-6300 or e-mail avrc@ci.moorpark.ca.us