Carpinteria town has a laidback beachtown/campground feel. The main strip, Linden Ave, is a strange mix of surf shops, basic-looking eateries, stores selling beach gear, and run-down industrial buildings. The "General Store" on 8th street has toys and books about the sea for kids. At 929 Linden Ave is a book store for kids called the Curious Cup Bookstore. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on the corner of Carpinteria Avenue and Linden Ave (one block north of 9th St) is a pleasant spot to sit outside. The main strip continues to the east on Carpinteria Ave where you can get a delicious muffin or wrap at Jack's Bistro, while sitting outside under orange umbrellas.

On Linden Ave, you can walk to Carpinteria Beach where you will find a campground, Tomol Interactive Play Area, and a popular beach with crashing waves. Check out the tar pits on the east end of the beach! Walk further east down the beach and you come to romantic Jelly Bowl Beach.
Just in case you were looking for it, the skatepark in Carpinteria no longer exists.
There is a Farmers Market in downtown Carpinteria at the 800 block of Linden Avenue (where it crosses 8th Street) on Thursdays from 4-7pm in the summer and 3-6pm in the winter.
There's a good neighborhood park with a playground at Sixth Street and Walnut St (two blocks east of Linden Ave).
On the corner of Carpinteria Ave and Palm Ave is an uncrowded community swimming pool. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed. $6 for adults, $4 for kids. For hours, see below.
It's fun to take the Pacific Surfliner train to Carpinteria. The train stops right by the beach at Linden Ave. Kids love to ride a real train and you can make a morning of the trip!
For a playground nearby, drive to El Carro Park, which has swings, four slides, grassy knolls, and marvelous mountain views. Also in Carpinteria is the Seal Rookery, where you can stand on the cliff and watch mother and baby seals play in a pretty cove below. It's magical!

Directions

Exit Highway 101 southbound at Linden Ave and head towards the ocean. Park along one of the side streets such as 8th Street, for free.
Exit Highway 101 northbound at Casitas Pass Rd and turn left on Casitas Pass Rd. Turn right on Carpinteria Ave and then left on Linden Ave. Park along one of the side streets such as 8th Street, for free. Or turn right on 5th Street and park for free by the train station.
Jack's Bistro, 5050 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria CA 93013, call (805) 566-1558.
Rincon Designs Surf Shop, 659 Linden Avenue, call (805) 684-2413.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, 4991 Carpinteria Avenue, call (805) 745-5861.
Carpinteria Train Station, 475 Linden Ave, at Fifth Street.
Curious Cup Bookstore, 929 Linden Ave, call (805) 220-6608.
Carpinteria Community Pool, 5305 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria CA 93013, call (805) 566-2417. Recreational swimming is allowed Saturdays 10am-2pm. In the summer (June 15- Sept 7, 2015), recreational swim is M-F 1-3pm as well. June 26, July 24, and August 14, 2015 the pool is also open for family night from 8-10pm. $6 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, $4 for kids.
There are lifeguards. The pool has stairs to enter. Toys and floats are allowed.

Click on map for interactive view