Sonoma County isn’t just a playground for wine lovers — it’s an incredible destination for families too. Spread across rolling hills, redwood forests, charming small towns, and coastal breezes, Sonoma is full of activities that keep kids curious, busy, and genuinely excited.
Whether you’re here for a long weekend or adding Sonoma to a Napa trip, these are the best kid-friendly activities in Sonoma County — all completely beyond wine tasting.
The zebras at Safari West were such a highlight — grazing right beside our safari vehicle and showing off their striking stripes against the Sonoma hills.
1. Go on a Safari at Safari West Wildlife Preserve & African Tent Camp
3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
If you only have time for one major family activity, make it Safari West — known as the “Sonoma Serengeti.” Your adventure begins with a 2-hour safari ride where you’ll see giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wildebeest, ostriches, and more roaming the hills of Santa Rosa.
Beyond the jeep safari, there’s also a one-hour guided nature walk to view additional animals like lemurs, porcupines, and birds up close.
Want to take it to the next level?
Stay overnight in their real African safari tents — hardwood floors, private bathrooms, and decks where you fall asleep to the sounds of wildlife. It’s bucket-list magic for kids.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum is a Peanuts lover’s dream. The museum itself celebrates the life and art of Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, and is one of the top family-friendly attractions in Santa Rosa for learning, play, and nostalgia. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shops to get some souvenirs!
2. Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum (Perfect for Snoopy Fans)
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Closed Tuesdays
This museum is a Snoopy-lover’s dream. Kids will enjoy interactive exhibits, life-size Peanuts scenes, and endless photo ops. The highlight for little ones is the Education Room, where they can draw, color, craft, and create with all the materials provided. It’s peaceful, creative, and surprisingly relaxing for parents too.
Make sure to walk across the street to the Warm Puppy Café and the Snoopy Ice Arena afterward — even just to peek inside.
The Sonoma TrainTown railroad ride is such a fun, kid-friendly activity — but be ready, the stop at the little town and petting zoo is short. The kids loved feeding the animals and exploring the mini buildings, but you only get a few minutes before it’s time to hop back on the train.
3. Ride the Mini Train at Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
TrainTown is exactly what its name implies: a perfectly preserved mini amusement park centered around a quarter-scale railroad. The main train ride lasts 20 minutes and includes: tunnels, bridges, a stop in a miniature town, a petting zoo, smaller amusement rides.
Admission and parking are free — you only pay per ride. Great for toddlers through early elementary ages, and perfect before or after a meal on the Sonoma Plaza.
4. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Hands-on, educational, and designed for ages 10 and under, this museum brings science and art to life. Kids can: build and tinker, play with water exhibits, explore the imaginative outdoor garden, touch everything (really!)
If you need a break from the heat, rain, or overstimulation from winery stops — this is your haven.
5. Family Horseback Riding with Triple Creek Horse Outfit
2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(Located inside Jack London State Historic Park)
Older kids (8+) can enjoy a scenic trail ride through the historic grounds of Jack London State Park. It’s peaceful, beautifully shaded, and a fun way to get kids outdoors and learn about horses.
Requirements:
- Children must be at least 8
- Must be able to follow instructions
- Horse weight limit: 210 lbs
- Adult must accompany kids
A perfect adventure for families with older kids or tweens.
6. Animal Encounters at Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary
1567 Cunningham Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Goatlandia offers sanctuary tours, goat hikes, volunteer opportunities, and special events focused on healing, compassion, and connection. Kids love meeting rescued goats, pigs, chickens, cows, and more — and adults appreciate the uplifting, grounding energy of the farm.
This is the ultimate “slow travel” moment in Sonoma.
7. Meet Rescue Animals at Charlie’s Acres
3201 Napa Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476
Charlie’s Acres is a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary where families can meet rescued pigs, cows, goats, sheep, turkeys, and more.
Community Tour:
- Duration: 75–90 minutes
- All ages welcome
- About ½ mile of walking
- Incredible stories about each animal
8. American Made Miniatures — Petaluma’s Most Adorable Farm Experience
155–157 Sonoma Mountain Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954
This family-run miniature animal farm is a huge hit with kids. Their most popular experience is the walking farm tour, which includes:
- Learning about rescued miniature animals
- Feeding + petting opportunities
- A guided walk through the farm
- Healthy treats for the animals
Petting Zoo Option:
Perfect for toddlers or guests with mobility limitations — animals are brought into a smaller space for up-close interactions.
Tours are available Monday–Saturday. Reserve 48 hours in advance.
9. Explore Sonoma’s Year-Round Farmers’ Markets
These markets are stroller-friendly, laid-back, and the perfect place to grab snacks between activities.
Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market
501 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Wednesdays 9am–1pm & Saturdays 8:30am–1pm — Rain or Shine
Great for:
- Fresh fruit
- Baked goods
- Flowers
- Hot foods
- Local honey
- Wandering without rushing
Perfect before Safari West or the Children’s Museum.
Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market
320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, CA 94954
Tuesdays 10am–1:30pm — Rain or Shine
Expect:
- Produce
- Cheese
- Baked items
- Easy parking
- Family-friendly vendors
Great before or after American Made Miniatures.
Whether your kids love animals, trains, drawing, exploring nature, or simply running around outdoors, Sonoma County has so much to offer beyond wine tasting.
This region makes it incredibly easy to mix relaxing adult moments with memorable kid adventures — and the best trips are the ones where everyone gets something they love.
Save this guide for later, and share it to a friend planning a wine country trip with kids!
