Sonoma Kids Fun

Sonoma kids attractions are included in each of the five day trips. Check with visitors' centers for more information to create your own adventures along Sonoma backroads and byways.

SWIMMING:

Ridgway Community Swim Center. Take a break from your day trip with a quick and inexpensive way to cool off the whole family. This community pool near the center of the city features a water slide. It is located at 455 Ridgway Avenue off of Mendocino right next to Santa Rosa High School (707)543-3421.

There is lots of Sonoma kids fun in nature along the Russian River. At Johnson's Beach you can swim in a lazy part of the river and sun yourself on a sandy beach. There is a food concession, aquatic rentals and free parking.

Healdsburg Memorial Beach at 13839 Old Redwood Highway is a public swimming beach in a calm part of the Russian River with a picnic area. (Dogs are allowed in the water on a 6-foot leash.)

Even on foggy mornings, the numerous beaches offer Sonoma fun for kids. Try Shell Beach, at Bodega Bay for tidepooling. Doran Beach is a sunny strip of sand that offers a swimming beach with a gentle dropoff and allows dogs.

PUBLIC PARKS:

Howarth Park, located on Summerfield Road, is a 152-acre community park in Sonoma kids of all ages can enjoy. There is a lake for fishing and boating, picnic areas, paved hiking trails and an amusement park with a miniature train ride, carousel, animal farm and pony rides. Summer weekend attractions also include a Recreation Jump, Shetland Pony rides and Old Man Olson's Farm. You can get candy, ice cream, drinks and snacks at the Playland Store.

Annadel Park attractions include hiking, mountain biking and trail riding. In the spring the park is a great place to view wildflowers. Rent bikes at Rincon Cyclery nearby (707)538-0868.

SKATEBOARDING & IN-LINE SKATING:

Youth Community Park. Skateboarding and inline skating, 1725 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa.

Healdsburg Skate Park, 1300 Grove Street, Healdsburg.

NATURE:

To learn about nature in Sonoma kids can hike through giant redwoods, swim, tube and kayak in the Russian River, and play in the sand dunes along Sonoma's coast. These are a few good choices:

Environmental Discovery Center.  Entertaining science and nature exhibits and activites about Sonoma's flora and fauna. From Montgomery Drive in Santa Rosa, turn south onto Channel Drive. Take the first right onto Violetti Road. Turn right into Spring Lake Regional Park. The Environmental Discovery Center is located to the left of the parking lot.

Hallberg Butterfly Gardens, at 8687 Oak Grove Avenue, Sebastopol. Kids are fascinated by this tour through a lush butterfly garden, home to a number of butterfly species. Learn about local butterflies and the plants they need to live. There is a little gift shop which sells field guides and postcards. To visit the garden, first call for an appointment (707) 823-3420.

Armstrong Woods in Guerneville. Park outside the park and walk in for free to stroll through groves of ancients redwoods that tower 200-250 feet high. Trail rides are available.

WATER SPORTS:

Russian River Adventures Canoe Rentals, 20 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg (707) 433-5599, (800) 280-7627. Calmer stretches of the river are safe for all members of the family.

Burke's Canoe Trips, at the intersection of Mirabel Road at 8600 River Road. Canoeing on the Russian River with return Shuttle service. (707) 887-1222.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Redwood Empire Ice Arena, Charles M. Schultz Museum, and Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift Shop, 1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa (707) 546-7147.

Sonoma kids fun in Guerneville takes place at Pee Wee Golf & Arcade, Drake Road, just off Hwy 116, which has two 18-hole miniature golf courses, video arcade, pool tables and refreshments (707) 869-9321.

Train Town in Sonoma features a built-to-scale train ride through tunnels, over a trestle and wends its way through picturesque scenery. The train is big enough for kids of all ages.

The Visitors' Centers on each of the day trips have more information about attractions in Sonoma kids will enjoy.

Great Family Vacation Ideas:

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