If you ever visit Sonoma Train Town (you should if you haven’t!), you’ll probably want to add a few other activities to your day-trip to make the hour+ drive worthwhile. So we’ve asked a few veteran 510 parents for their recommendations for other fun things to do with kids in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Here you go!
Here are 18 places besides Train Town in Sonoma and Napa counties that parents should know about:
Sonoma Square Food. Hopmonk Tavern is a casual restaurant with a beautiful large outdoor space, a friendly kids menu, and a big beer selection. It’s a few minutes drive from Train Town in Sonoma. It’s a place that has something for everyone, says reader Leah. Sweet Scoops is our favorite ice cream shop on the square. We usually enjoy a few scoops before burning off the sugar at the plaza playground. If you’re in the mood for something a bit less sweet, just around the corner from the square is The Sonoma Cheese Factory, where my kids (and husband) love to try the cheese samples. They have lots of other picnic fare if you’re looking to put together a meal to enjoy at the playground.
Larson Family Winery is a favorite of several 510 families. It’s a family and dog friendly winery that’s laid back and perfect for an afternoon picnic. They also have corn hole, live music, and much more. With most wineries in Napa and Sonoma specifically discouraging little kids and dogs, Larson is a welcome, less snobby option. Plan your visit here> Other family friendly wineries we’ve heard recommended are: Castello Di Amorosa (a castle!), Sterling Vineyards (a gondola!), Frog’s Leap (a fish pond!).
The Charles Schulz Museum was mentioned by 510 mom, Amy. It’s in Santa Rosa and is a somewhat small museum, so families will want to plan other activities for the same day. Young children who aren’t familiar with The Peanuts comic strip may enjoy the outdoor garden labyrinth most of all. Make sure to check your library’s Discover & Go program for free tickets. Learn more>
Snoopy’s Home Ice is across the street from the museum. A large indoor ice skating arena, this facility offers chairs for beginners to bring on the ice for balance! Check the schedule here.
Pacific Coast Aviation Museum. It’s not a huge museum, but if you have a kid who just loves planes, it’s worth a visit (it’s only about 15 minutes from the Charles Schultz Museum and the ice rink, so maybe a good add-on for a day trip).
Play in the water. Stand Up Paddle boarding and kayaking is another family friendly option to give a try. Reader Kaitlin raves about her bird-watching kayak trip with her bird-loving son. More info here> You can also head west and enjoy a day or weekend along the Russian River.
Two Great Playgrounds. Howarth Park, in Santa Rosa, features a small train ride, carousel, ponies and a lake with paddle boats and more. The playgrounds there are amazing, and in the summer, there is a huge splash pad. Learn more > In Napa, Playgound Fantastico is as awesome as its name indicates. Several readers recommend it for its funky wooden structures and whimsical vibes. Check out the reviews on Yelp>
The Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga is in a postcard-worthy setting and performs at regular intervals. The surrounding picnic area is also home to a petting zoo of goat and sheep. This attraction is open 7 days a week, including holidays. So if you want to impress visiting in-laws on a sunny December day, this could be your road trip. They even have a picnic area complete with bocce ball courts! Your father-in-law will be pleased.
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is a newer museum with all the fun things little kids love. Check out their exhibits and make sure to check Discover & Go for this one too>
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Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a great tip for lovers of the great outdoors from reader Mascha. “With both a swimming pool and a beautiful river that makes for hours of cool play for the kids, and a separate picnic area closer to the road, this park is about 15 minutes outside of Calistoga.” Check it out here>
More Hiking and Big Trees. Sonoma and Napa counties are home to so many amazing hiking trails and beautiful open spaces. One of our favorite kid-friendly hikes is at Armstrong Grove in Guerneville, where you can take easy yet magical hikes among the towering redwoods. Another option over in Sonoma is Jack London State Park, which is fun if you do a read-aloud of White Fang or The Call of the Wild before you go.
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Spring Lake is a beautiful regional park with boating, swimming, hiking, biking, and camping. We love going in the summer when they have inflatables in the lake. More info here>
The Petrified Forest and Safari West. I grew up down the road from the Petrified Forest and always loved visiting and hiking among the petrified redwoods. And just down the road from there is Safari West. They have a new white rhino just born this year, named Ozzy; so cute!
Visit a castle. The Culinary Institute of California in St. Helena will wow you and your kids. It’s truly a castle! They offer tours and have a fancy restaurant, which you’ll want to skip with little kids. But they also have a bakery and cafe with lots of tasty treats that the student chefs at the school make. As a former student at the CIA myself, I promise you the croissants are legit.
Napa Valley Train. Okay, I normally wouldn’t recommend the Napa Valley Wine Train as a family activity, however, their Santa Train is next level cool (though pricey!). If you’re looking for a holiday experience gift, this is the one. Book here>
Napa BMX. Reader Sara drives her kiddo up to Napa most weekends to enjoy some BMX pump track excitement. They have races and leagues, but you can also visit on Saturdays for a free community ride. More info here>
Cloverleaf Ranch is recommended by reader Jennie, who took her horse-crazy daughter on a trail ride in the beautiful hills of Santa Rosa (ages 7+). They also have super fun sleep-away summer camps if you too have a horse girl.
Make it a weekend. We enjoyed a weekend vacation at the tiny homes of RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort last summer. They kinda feel like KOA cabins, so they’re not too fancy. But they’re located in a perfect spot to enjoy biking, visiting downtown, or driving to Lake Berryessa. They also have a huge pool and super fun game room. Last year we enjoyed a stay at the Meritage Resort & Spa for a winter adventure.
What are your favorite Sonoma and Napa places to visit with kids? Let us know in the comments!
