Dallas Cowboys Oxnard Training Camp: How to Visit for Free (With Kids!)

When it comes to family travel, I’m a firm believer in embracing new adventures. If you have football fans at home like I do, planning a summer getaway to see America’s Team in Southern California is an incredible experience for kids, big and small.

And, while seeing the Cowboys in their home AT&T stadium costs an arm and a leg, heading to Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard, California, is completely free (for general admission)!

Plus, with Oxnard’s beautiful local beaches, harbor kayaking and great coastal dining nearby, it’s easy to turn your trip into a full family beach getaway.

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: Quick Family Cheatsheet

• Location: River Ridge Playing Fields, Oxnard, CA
• Cost: Practice admission is FREE (First-come, first-served)
• Hours: 
  • Practices Starting: 11:45 AM: Gates open for the general public at 9:45 AM (9:15 AM for Fan Experience packages)
  • Practices Starting 2:00 PM: Gates open for the general public at 12:00 PM (11:30 AM for Fan Experience packages)
• Start/End Dates: July 29th-August 18th (Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays but check Visit Oxnard to confirm available dates)
• Parking: $20 cash-only for standard vehicles ($40 for oversized)
• Best Theme Days: Fan Night (July 31), Opening Ceremony (Aug 1), Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Dance Clinic (Aug 2), NFL FLAG Training Camp (Aug 5), Heroes Appreciation Day sponsored by USAA (Aug 6), Scrimmage with the New Orleans Saints (Aug 18)
• Top Survival Tip: Arrive 2 to 3 hours early, dress in light layers for coastal fog and bring Sharpies for autographs after practice!

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Set the Alarm: Arrive Earlier Than You Think

While open practices don’t cost a dime, entry is strictly first-come, first-served until the venue hits capacity.

• The Schedule: Most practices kick off around 11:45 a.m., but gates open at 9:45 a.m.
• The Game Plan: Aim to arrive two to three hours early. Beating the coastal traffic, securing a prime spot in line and avoiding full parking lots will give you major peace of mind.
• The Parking Details: Standard vehicle parking is $20 ($40 for oversized vehicles) and is cash-only.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If standing in a long general admission line with little ones sounds like a recipe for a meltdown, look into the Sideline Access upgrade (starting from $23pp on SeatGeek). It gets you in 30 minutes ahead of general admission!

Dress in Layers & Pack a “Parenting Survival Kit”

Oxnard’s coastal climate is famous for starting the morning under a cool, overcast marine layer before warming up into a bright, sunny afternoon. Shade on-site is very limited, so packing smart is half the battle!

• What to Wear: Think layers! Lightweight jackets or cozy hoodies over t-shirts, comfortable walking shoes and broad-brimmed hats.
• Stroller Tip: The viewing areas are on grass and uneven terrain. If you’re traveling with toddlers, swap the lightweight umbrella stroller for an all-terrain stroller or a sturdy baby carrier.
• What to Pack in Your Bag:

SheBuysTravel Tip: Before heading through the gates, snap a quick photo of your kids on your phone so you have an exact record of what they’re wearing that morning. It’s also smart to slip a small card with your phone number into their pocket or write it on a silicone wristband just in case anyone wanders off in the crowd.

Map Out the Kid Zones & Theme Days

Training camp isn’t just about watching drills from the sidelines, it’s a full-fledged fan experience. When the kids need a break from watching practice, head over to the Cowboys Fan Zone. They’ll love the interactive games, face painting, inflatables and the chance to snap a photo with Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot.

If your travel dates are flexible, try to time your trip around one of the camp’s special theme days:

• Oxnard Fan Night: July 31
• Cowboys Opening Ceremony Saturday: August 1
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Dance Clinic: August 2 (off-site)
• NFL FLAG Training Camp: August 5
• Heroes Appreciation Day: August 6 (Military members and first responders receive complimentary parking and reserved sideline seating with valid ID)

Pay for Convenience Where It Counts

One of my personal travel mantras: sometimes paying a little extra for convenience is the best investment you can make for your vacation peace of mind.

While general admission is free, opting for the Sideline Access pass ($23pp via SeatGeek can be a total game-changer for families. Skipping the extra wait time in tight crowds keeps young kids happy, gives you a closer field view and offers a much better shot at getting those coveted up-close player sightings.

Stick Around After the Final Whistle

When practice wraps up, resist the urge to rush straight to the parking lot to beat traffic!

Once drills conclude, many players walk over to the fence line to greet fans, snap selfies, and sign autographs. Have your kids stand near the front with their Sharpies ready—that 15-minute wait after practice often creates the absolute highlight of the whole trip.

Turn Training Camp into a Full Beach Getaway

Don’t stop the fun when practice ends! Oxnard is a gorgeous coastal destination, so turn your football outing into a full family vacation:

• Mandalay Beach: Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, and splashing in the Pacific.
• Channel Islands Harbor: Rent a family electric boat or kayaks to explore the harbor waters.
• The Collection at RiverPark: Head to this open-air center for great shopping, outdoor plazas, and family-friendly dining like Toppers Pizza, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, or a sweet treat at Afters Ice Cream.

Getting to Oxnard: Flights, Drives & Public Transit

Oxnard sits right along Southern California’s beautiful Central Coast in Ventura County—about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles—making it an easy road trip or quick flight for traveling families.

Driving to Oxnard (Distance & Drive Times)

If you’re road-tripping or renting a car, Oxnard is easily accessible via U.S. 101 North or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/CA-1).

• From Los Angeles / Hollywood: ~60 miles (1 to 1.5 hours, depending on LA traffic)
• From Anaheim / Disneyland: ~90 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)
• From Santa Barbara: ~38 miles (40 to 45 minutes)
• From San Diego: ~180 miles (3 to 3.5 hours)
• From Bakersfield: ~125 miles (2 to 2.5 hours)

SheBuysTravel Tip: Traffic along the I-5 and U.S. 101 corridors can build quickly on weekday mornings. Give yourself an extra 30–45 minutes of buffer time so you still arrive at the fields by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.!

Nearest Airports

If you are flying in to catch camp, you have a few great airport options:

• Santa Barbara Airport (SBA): ~45 miles away. A smaller, stress-free airport with quick security and easy rental car access.
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): ~55 miles away. Much easier to navigate with kids than LAX, featuring convenient rental car facilities right across from the terminal.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): ~65 miles away. Offers the most direct flight options and lowest fares, but requires navigating LA traffic and a larger, busier airport.

Public Transit Options

Don’t want to drive or deal with event parking? You can actually take the train straight into town!

• Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Drops you off directly at the Oxnard Transportation Center (OTC) in downtown Oxnard. It’s a gorgeous, scenic coastal ride if you’re coming from San Diego, Anaheim, or Los Angeles.
• Metrolink (Ventura County Line): Southern California’s commuter rail service connects downtown LA (Union Station) directly to Oxnard on weekdays.
• Rideshares & Local Transit: From the Oxnard train station, River Ridge Playing Fields is just a quick 10-minute ride via rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or local Gold Coast Transit buses.

Frequently Asked Questions