Family-Friendly Sonoma Vacation: Top Activities For Parents & Kids

Sonoma County is more than just a world-renowned wine region—it’s a vibrant area where families can create lasting memories together. In Sonoma, you’ll find almost everything you seek in a family-friendly vacation destination: rolling vineyards, scenic parks, charming small towns, and endless outdoor adventures. Regardless of its viticulture status, it’s a playground for kids and grown-ups alike!

Whether your crew loves exploring nature, discovering local history, or simply relaxing in a cozy and scenic vacation home, Sonoma provides the perfect backdrop for a family vacation filled with fun, learning, and connection. Here are some of the top activities for your family vacation in Sonoma!

Explore Family-Friendly Wineries in Sonoma

With over 400 wineries in the Sonoma County region, you will surely find some family-friendly places to sip. Sonoma County offers plenty of wineries that cater specifically to families, ensuring adults can experience wines from the region while kids stay entertained.

Larson Family Winery

Not only has Larson Family Winery been touted as one of “the BEST family-friendly wineries” by visitors, but it also ranks high on the list for dog-friendly wineries! Larson even offers kid-friendly snacks and drinks, safe places to roam and play, and picnic tables with outdoor games.

Benziger Family Winery

Adults can sip on biodynamic wines while the whole family takes a tractor tram tour across Benziger Family Winery’s Sonoma Mountain estate. Everyone will learn about biodynamic farming practices, while grown-ups can try out four unique and limited production wines at the end of the tour.

Discover Nature and Wildlife Adventures

Sonoma County’s rich natural landscapes provide endless opportunities for family-friendly outdoor fun. From live music festivals to relaxing outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to play outside and immerse yourself in nature!

Safari West Wildlife Preserve

If you’re looking for a truly memorable outing with the family while you’re in Sonoma, you have to check out Safari West. It’s like stepping into a mini African safari right here in California! Ride around in open-air trucks to see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other cool animals roaming across its vast nature preserve. Guides are wildly knowledgeable and offer behind-the-scenes tours to get up close with some of the animals.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

There’s a reason that the Redwoods are on many travelers’ bucket lists! Walk among towering ancient redwoods in this peaceful, shady forest situated in the small town of Guerneville. The trails are family-friendly and stroller-accessible in many areas, making it easy for kids to explore. It’s a magical place to connect with nature and learn about these incredible giants!

Visit the Sonoma Coast

Bodega Bay is known for its seal spotting and whale watching during migration seasons, as well as plenty of saltwater taffy. Drive the Sonoma Coast during your trip and stop for a picnic, hike at Bodega Head, or splash around in the tide pools along the beaches.

Visit Local Farms and Farmers Markets

We are so lucky to have a vibrant, year-round growing season in Sonoma County, allowing farms to produce food for farm-to-table dining all year long! During the late spring through early fall months, farms can show off their bounties at local markets and events.

Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Farmers Market

Bustling Sonoma Plaza is our favorite place to be on Tuesday nights. The Sonoma Tuesday Night Market is the summertime hot spot for live music, vendors, produce, handmade artisan gifts, and plenty of food and wine. Fun fact: drinking wine is permitted in Sonoma Plaza Park until sunset, so enjoy your market night with a local pour!

U-Pick Produce and Apple Picking

Do you know why they call it the Gravenstein Highway? Because of all the apples, of course! Find the perfect farm to pick your own produce through Sonoma County Farm Trails, a self-guided tour of the region’s agricultural highlights.

Outdoor Adventures

Get outside and play at some of these popular attractions and interactive museums!

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

For nearly six decades, Sonoma TrainTown has been a quintessential spot for kids and families! Enjoy a 20-minute train ride through wine country, including a stop at the Lakeview “miniature town” and petting zoo. TrainTown also offers smaller amusement park rides, a carousel, and options for breakfast and lunch.

Kayak the Russian River

With several launch points throughout the area, this iconic 100-mile river is perfect for kayaking, paddling tours, and self-guided paddle routes. Take a scenic two-hour paddle through Forestville, or opt for a half-day on the water that ends at Guerneville River Park (for the older, more adventurous kids!). Of course, we recommend following Sonoma County’s safety tips for outdoor water activities whenever participating in water sports.

Sonoma County Vacation Homes

Find the perfect family-friendly vacation home in Sonoma! Whether you’re seeking a poolside luxury vacation home or a casual and cozy furnished rental, we have the vacation house to fit your family’s needs. For longer-term stays, check out our 30+ nights rental deals!