Sonoma is located in Northern California, just a 45 minute drive from San Francisco.  It is home to one of California’s top food and wine destinations and the largest wine producer in Northern California, even produces more wine than Napa Valley.  Over 400 wineries and 50 different grape varieties grown here in Sonoma. With 60 miles of beautiful coastline and redwood forests, there is something to do in Sonoma for every age and every adventurer.  You can hike the redwood forests, cruise or walk along the Pacific coastline, visit one of the 425 wineries, or explore the historic small towns.

Sonoma can be a great getaway for families.  Explore the forests, coastlines, animals, or quaint towns.   We gathered a list of ideas to help make your family vacation in Sonoma even more enjoyable.

Safari West

Explore 400 acres on a 3 hour safari excursion and stroll. With over 900 animals, ranging from cheetahs, zebras, lemurs to wildebeests, its sure to be a highlight to your trip.  Not only can you visit Safari West, but you can also stay the night there.  Hear the sounds of Africa while sleeping in a luxury tent or cottage!

Sonoma Traintown

Traintown is for kids of all ages.  Take a 20 minute train ride through bridges and tunnels that lead to the small town of Lakeview with a petting zoo.  In addition they offer six amusement park rides.

Sonoma Square 

Take an stroll around the Sonoma Plaza and enjoy restaurants, galleries, cheese tasting, or a picnic in the grassy park.  Stop for a Mexican ice cream cone, fruit bar or fruit drink at La Michoacana Ice Cream.

Sonoma Bike Rental

Rent a bike for a day or go on a guided tour.  The Sonoma Bike Rental Company has direct access to bike paths that guide you to quiet country roads and vineyards along the way.  If the child is too young for their own bike, they offer tag-a-longs and trailers for adults to tow along the way.

The Ranch at Lake Sonoma

Enjoy a horse or donkey ride with stunning views of Lake Sonoma.  They offer a variety of different scenic routes and tours depending on what you would like to see and the age of the rider.  The smallest riders can enjoy a donkey ride, which is hand led by an adult and very sweet to kids.

Jack London State Park

Jack London State Park offers many trails, historic buildings, or picnic areas.  Located on 80 acres along the Sonoma Mountain, enjoy history, views of the lake, smells of the forest, and varied trails.

River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe

Rent a kayak or canoe and go on a self guided tour on the upper Russian River.   The rental includes kayak or canoe, shuttle service, and bags to store dry items.  Enjoy a peaceful trip on the river, where you can swim, fish, or stop at beaches along the way.

Sonoma Canopy Tours

Soar through the Redwood Forest on a zip-line tour.  Each tour offers 7 zip-lines, sky-bridges, and stairs.  You can choose the from Tree Top, Forest Flight, or a Night Flight.  Definitely a thrilling and memorable experience for the kids.

Candy & Kites

Located in Bodega Bay, a very windy and scenic beach town, you’ll find Candy & Kites.  They offer a selection of fun, colorful, and sporty kites to fly along the beach with your kids.  Not only will you find a kite here, but a variety of candy to choose from.

California Carnivores

The California Carnivore nursery is the largest botanical of carnivorous plants in the United States.  Located in the fun town of Sebastopol, explore venus fly traps, sundews, pitcher plants, and many more.