Guide to Family-Friendly Fun in Sonoma County

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville

This 805-acre reserve is a great place for your fam­ily to take in the towering majesty of Sonoma County’s coastal redwood trees. As big as the park is, it’s easy to navigate the mostly flat, mile-and-a-half-long Pioneer Nature Trail. Some of the most pop­u­lar trees include the 1,400-year-old Colonel Arm­strong Tree and the Par­son Jones Tree that towers into the air the length of an entire football field.

Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail, Bodega Bay

Kids and leashed dogs will love this paved trail along a salt marsh that is home to thousands of birds and wildlife. The path is easy — looping one mile through Doran Regional Park, along tidal channels, and over a 110-foot bridge that spans Cheney Creek and connects to the levees. 

Candy & Kites, Bodega Bay

With some of the best-ever kite-flying conditions found on Sonoma County’s breezy coast, it’s no wonder the tiny town of Bodega Bay boasts this fantastic store. Nearby, Doran Regional Park hosts the Castles and Kites Festival each May, with spectacular demonstrations and amazing sandcastle sculptures on the beach. 

 Horseback Riding, Bodega Bay

The hillsides and coastal forests of Bodega Bay offer gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, made even finer on horseback. Chanslor Stables and Horse N Around Trail Rides are two great options for guided horseback rides, each offering beach, sand dune, and inland trail rides for every experience level. 

Howarth Park, Santa Rosa

Kids love this community amusement park that boasts a miniature train ride, carousel, animal farm, and pony rides. Howarth Park also has several unique playground structures, a beautiful lake for fishing and boating, a softball field, tennis courts, picnic areas, and miles of hiking in the heart of friendly Santa Rosa.  

Petrified Forest, Santa Rosa

Step back in time and see redwood trees turned to stone 3.4 million years ago by a local volcano. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the forest on one or both of the park’s 1/2-mile trails. Although the post office lists this as a Calistoga address, the park is technically located right on the border in Santa Rosa in Sonoma County.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve & African Tent Camp, Santa Rosa

You can plan to stay the night in one of the luxurious safari tents, or come to ride in open-air safari vehi­cles through this 400-acre wildlife pre­serve. You can catch sight of more than 900 animals, including giraffes, lemurs, chee­tahs, and wildebeests. Get up close with other types of wildlife on a walk through the vast aviary and around the lagoon.

Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma

For an exciting thrill, check out the upcoming events and opportunities at Sonoma Raceway, the world-class racing facility where top names in NASCAR and drag racing come to compete. There’s event camping here with prime views and special kid-ticket pricing for many dates.

Sonoma Zipline Adventures, Occidental

Discover the California redwoods from a bird’s eye view with Sonoma Zipline Adventures. From 300 feet in the air, you can traverse through a redwood forest, over a ravine, and along a creek. The course includes several ziplines, two sky bridges, a 30-foot spiral staircase, and a 60-foot rappel. Families can choose from Tree Tops, Forest, and Night Zipline Tours.

Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma

This eight-acre park in the city of Sonoma features a duck pond and two playgrounds, making it a great place for kids to burn energy. Stop here for a picnic and feed the ducks before enjoying the shops, historic sites, and other fun things around the Plaza.

TrainTown, Sonoma

Does your kid love trains? If so, this old-fash­ioned, scaled-down rail­road will surely delight. The 20-minute train ride takes you over bridges and through tun­nels until it stops in a minia­ture town with a pet­ting zoo. Kids can also enjoy other rides that include a popular carousel and Fer­ris wheel. 

State Parks and Regional Parks, throughout Sonoma County

More than 55 state and regional parks around Sonoma Wine Country offer an array of family fun, including fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, and dedicated cycling trails. Many offer seasonal activities, so check to see what’s happening during your visit.

While enjoying outdoor activities, help preserve and protect the natural environment with the Leave No Trace Principles.

Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville 

Enjoy a nostalgic day on the river beneath Guerneville’s entryway bridge, where you can splash and lounge on the clean river sandbar called Johnson’s Beach. Rent umbrellas and beach chairs or by-the-hour canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. Rustic cabin-type rooms and tent sites are available for a memorable stay at Johnson’s Beach Campground.

Ridgway Swim Center, Santa Rosa

This year-round public swimming center offers a nine-lane pool and a shallow pool (2 to 3.5 feet deep), plus a 140-foot water slide and several tumble buckets. Kids love this spot for cooling off and creating lasting memories. Hours vary by season; check before your trip. 

Finley Community Center & Aquatic Complex, Santa Rosa

For summertime visits to Sonoma County, cool off at the Finley Aquatic Complex. Along with two pools, this 12.2-acre community park offers a large playground area, picnic tables, barbecues, paved walking trails, and courts for basketball, tennis, horseshoes, and sand volleyball.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

This 320-acre park features camping sites, fishing piers, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, and boats. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the lake opens for swimming, and there’s an inflatable, floating play structure on the lagoon. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. 

Spring Lake also features the Environmental Discovery Center, which offers interactive displays and activities aimed at kids ages six to 12. Youngsters can touch sea creatures in tidal-action pools, watch the lake fish swim in an aquarium, and learn about Mother Earth in the storytelling cavern.

Water Treks EcoTours and Kayak Rentals, Jenner

From beginner boaters to skilled paddlers, there’s an adventure here for everyone. Explore the quiet estuary or the dancing sea and watch for sea lions, harbor seals, otters, and maybe even a whale. Owner Suki Waters is a local Native American descendant, guide, and kayak instructor specializing in tours that include a little about wildlife, history, and ecology.

See Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities.

Cal Skate, Rohnert Park

As one of the North Bay Area’s only roller skating rinks, Cal Skate lets you strap on skates or roller blades and glide away to musical hits. Check the schedule for fun games and events that promise a rollicking good time with your family.

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa

Instilling a sense of wonder while teaching a little about art, science, and the world, the Children’s Museum provides hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities in a safe environment custom-designed for children ages 10 and younger. Kids love being able to touch and play on the hands-on exhibits here.

Scandia Family Fun Center, Rohnert Park

This kid-favorite destination includes two 18-hole miniature golf courses with tiny buildings, bridges, and waterways. The bumper “blaster” boats are equipped with water sprayers, while the track of Lil’ Indy Raceway gives kids an adrenaline-pumping racing experience. You’ll also find 18 slow- and fast-pitch batting cages.

Fundemonium, Rohnert Park

This toy, hobby, and game store boasts 14,000 square feet of fun. Discover a stocked children’s play area, a mesmerizing slot car track, a radio-controlled car track, rock tables for radio-controlled rock crawlers, a snack bar, and LEGO play!

Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa

Peanuts fans love the Charles M. Schulz Museum. This fun, laid-­back museum features inter­est­ing exhibits about the famed cartoon­ist and his beloved char­ac­ters. Across the street is Snoopy’s Home Ice sta­dium for ice skat­ing with the family. For more details about all things Peanuts, read Explore Snoopy and the Peanuts in Sonoma County 2-Day Itinerary.  

Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa

Imag­i­na­tion takes flight at the Pacific Coast Air Museum, whose mission is to preserve and share the fascinating aspects of aviation history. The museum displays historic aircraft and features antique World War II planes. They also host events throughout the year, like the Wheels & Wings Car Show in September.

House of Happy Walls Museum, Glen Ellen

The House of Happy Walls Museum, a National Historic Landmark, salutes author Jack London’s artistic life, set in Jack London State Historic Park. Jack lived for adventure, and today, families can hike the 26 miles of connecting trails of this 39-acre woodland retreat just as he did. Free guided tours are available on the weekends.

Check out more family-friendly things to do in Glen Ellen.

Epicenter Sports and Entertainment, Santa Rosa 

Packed with a unique mix of attractions built for adults and fun for kids, Epicenter is the Northern San Francisco Bay Area’s largest all-in-one destination for sports, recreation, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Discover a trampoline park, upscale bowling lounge, 100+ game arcade, two-story laser tag arena, multi-sensory 7D adventure ride, and more.