Top 10 Things to do With Kids in Sonoma County in 2025: A Local’s Guide
Sonoma County really has something to do for everyone, and one of the things I love the most is how much there is to do with kids. From outdoor activities to a variety of unique experiences and indoor activities, these are some of my favorite things to do with kids in Sonoma County! Most of the places on this list can be enjoyed year-round.
1. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
This kid’s museum has a huge indoor area, an expansive outdoor area and an art studio. The indoor area includes a tot area for kids under 2, and tons of Sonoma County themed exhibits like a working train exhibit, and a kitchen exhibit and a new space exhibit.
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County also hosts several themed events, be sure to check those out!
There is an admission fee that ranges from $13-16 per person if you don’t have a membership.
2. Snoopy’s Home Ice
This is another gem, located in Santa Rosa. It’s actually on the next block over from the kid’s museum! This is one of my favorite things to do in Sonoma County with kids. Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, lived in Santa Rosa and this was owned and operated by him for many years.
Snoop’s home ice still offers a robust schedule with something for everyone, from toddlers (yes toddlers!) to adults.
3. Howarth Park
This park is located on the East side of Santa Rosa and is one of the best in the county in my opinion! Parking is free and Howarth Park has a ton to offer. In the summer, the carousel, train, and petting zoo are operational for a small fee.
There are trails that lead to Spring Lake, which is an adjoining park. These trails are a little hilly, but the main trails are paved and relatively easy for strollers, biking, and walking.
There are also three playgrounds, and Lake Ralphine which is full of ducks and geese. Be sure to grab a picnic and some birdseed for a full day of entertainment.
4. Charles Schultz Museum
Also located in Santa Rosa, this museum is located next to the ice rink. This museum is operated by Charles Schultz’ family and offers a robust museum with a ton of activities to offer.
Be sure to check their event schedule, as they offer art, STEM, and seasonal activities and camps for kids of all ages!
If you spend a little time in Santa Rosa, you will notice different characters from his iconic cartoon placed around the city!
5. Safari West
Located on the North end of Santa Rosa, this is a unique place that offers a variety of activities including safari tours, overnight stays, dining, and more. Their efforts are based on conservation and offer a wide variety of educational experiences.
The safari experiences allow kids 4 and over, but overnight stays don’t have an age minimum so even the littlest family members can join.
6. Sonoma Train Town
Located in the town of Sonoma, this is a quaint little place just a few blocks from the Sonoma Square. This is probably one of the best things to do with kids in Sonoma, so if it’s your first time visiting, be sure to build it into your day. The park is pretty small and can be explored in 1-2 hours.
This quaint little amusement park is geared to smaller kids, with free admission and lots of activities for kids including rides and a train that stops at a petting zoo. Be sure to bring quarters for the petting zoo, there are goats, chickens, and even llamas that love snacks.
Admission is free but you will purchase tickets to be able to get on the rides. They have some picnic tables and a small food stand that offers hot dogs and other easy snacks to enjoy at their picnic tables. They do not allow outside food, so plan accordingly!
7. Beach Day at Doran Beach (Doran Regional Park)
Located in Bodega Bay, this is the first beach you will see on your left if you’re traveling North on Hwy 1 into the Sonoma Coast. This is one of my favorite beaches to visit in Sonoma County with kids for a ton of reasons.
Doran Beach is one of the safer beaches on the Sonoma Coast, because it lacks some of the dangerous rip currents that other beaches such as Goat Rock have. Be sure to practice ocean safety, but this is beach is generally safe for swimming. Be advised there are no lifeguard here. This beach is also south facing and somewhat protected from larger ocean swells for most of the year by this angle of the coast.
Doran beach has flat sand (think less rocks) and is perfect for picnics, BBQs, and kite flying on the right day. Doran is also dog friendly, as long as your pup is on a leash. The dunes here are habitats for snowy plovers, a protected species of little white birds that make their nests here.
Doran is also great for camping and fishing year-round, and surfing in the winter. This is one of the most popular beaches for locals and tourists, especially on warm days. Be sure to arrive early if you want to find a parking spot close to the beach.
This beach is operated by the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department, so if you have an annual pass you can park for free. Otherwise, there is a small fee ($7) to park.
8. Explore a local farm with farm trails
Farm Trails a is a local program that highlights some of the many working farms in Sonoma County. Depending on the time of year, you can find a ton of unique and fun activities for all ages.
Sonoma county features a wide variety of farms with different experiences from animal rescues to farm stands, to dairy and cheese making operations.
One of our favorites that we do every year is pick Raspberries at Boring Farm in Sebastopol. They have the best raspberry lemonade for sale, as well as a picnic areas on site. They operate from “June to Septemberish” based on the season and do require a reservation for parking.
9. Go Fishing at Hagemann Ranch
Hagemann Ranch is a family-owned farm between the town of Bodega and Bodega Bay. They stock their pond with different types of trout, so the kids can fish without a requirement for a fishing license.
They also offer horseback riding which can be booked from their website.
10. Visit the Bodega Bay Marine Lab
Operated by UC Davis, this Marine Lab is located near Bodega Head. They offer free public tours every Friday! Tours do require a reservation and last about one hour.
This is the perfect way to include something unique into your visit.
The Marine Lab is in between some great seafood spots along the harbor and Bodega Head, which is a prime whale watching spot during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids go to Wineries in Sonoma?
With over 425 wineries, we have a ton that are family friendly. I would recommend checking out the website of any wineries you want to visit while planning your trip to ensure that kids area allowed. Each winery is unique and some even have petting zoos!
As a local, our kids have grown up going to the occasional tasting room and now have a love for picnics and charcuterie.
What is there to do in Sonoma Valley with kids?
If you’re staying in the Sonoma Valley with kids, be sure to check out my Sonoma post that covers some of the things to do there.
Some of the most kid friendly places to go in Sonoma Valley (Sonoma and Glen Ellen) include:
- Sonoma Train Town
- Sonoma Square playgrounds – grab lunch or ice cream at a shop on the square and bring it along!
- Sonoma Botanical Gardens
- Jack London State Park
Wrapping Up
These are just a few of the best activities for kids (and the whole family) in Sonoma County! If you’re planning a trip, feel free to use these ideas to build into your itinerary or reach out if you would like a little help.
If you want to explore any of the trails in the area, check out 5 best kid friendly hikes in Sonoma County!
