Head to Sonoma Valley for Wine Country Family Fun

Living in Marin, we're lucky to have Sonoma Valley and its world-famous Wine Country as a next-door neighbor. While many think of Sonoma Valley as a destination for wine tasting, spas, and other activities for grown-ups, it's also one of our favorite local places to go for family fun. There's so much for families to do here, from visiting historic sites to riding trains at Sonoma TrainTown that a single day trip doesn't do it justice.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in the Wine Country:

Have a Picnic and Play on the Sonoma Plaza

The historic Plaza is the very heart of the town of Sonoma, and it's the perfect place to spend a relaxing day in the shade. Pack lunch and bottle of wine, snag a picnic table, and hang out all day while the kids feed the ducks and put the playground through its paces. Buy your picnic supplies at local institutions like Vella Cheese Company, Sonoma Cheese Factory, Basque Boulangerie Cafe, or even Mary's Slice Shack, all located on or near the Plaza. Don't miss Sonoma's Tuesday Nights Market (May–September) on the plaza from 5–8 pm. Shop for fresh produce, specialty food and drinks, and hand-crafted gifts. Enjoy live local music, beer and wine, or a meal from one of their many food stands, often containing market ingredients. Read more about it here.

Visit Historic Sites in Sonoma

Sonoma has played an important role in the history of California, and sites like the Plaza (where the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt took place), Mission San Francisco Solano, the Mexican-era barracks, and the home of Governor General Mariano G. Vallejo are all fascinating places to visit. They're definitely on the must-visit list if you have a fourth grader studying California history, and they really take you back to another era. Read more.

Ride the Rails at Sonoma TrainTown

This fun and fantastic miniature railroad on the way into Sonoma takes you back to a simpler time and brings out the kid in everyone. In addition to train rides, there's a petting zoo and carnival rides like a Ferris wheel, carousel and kid-sized roller coaster. It's open for family fun on weekends year-round and daily during the summer. Find out more about Sonoma TrainTown.

Play in the Gardens at Cornerstone Sonoma

We love to visit Cornerstone Sonoma, a complex of shops, galleries, and winery tasting rooms with an adjacent six acres of gardens designed by world-renowned landscape architects. It's like going to an outdoor museum where you can run and touch the art! Plus, there are always plenty of cool events here, like Tomatomania in the late spring and the annual Lighting of the Snowmen during the holidays. And admission is free, too. 

Relax at a Family-friendly Winery

Just because you're going to a winery doesn't mean you can't bring the kids along, too! Cline Family Cellars outside Sonoma offers plenty of lawns for playing, an aviary with exotic birds, a pond with fish to feed, and even a California Missions Museum (attention, fourth-grade families!). Nearby Larson Family Winery is also child- and dog-friendly, with big lawns where the kids can run around and games like bocce and corn hole, as well as family events like a Santa visit in December. Viansa, a Tuscan-inspired hilltop winery has amazing vineyard and wetland views, spacious lawns, Adirondack chairs, an Italian deli and marketplace, and occasional kids' events like outdoor movie screenings. 

Explore Jack London's Beauty Ranch

Renowned writer Jack London (of The Call of the Wild and The Sea Wolf fame) recognized the Sonoma Valley as a special place, and built his sprawling Beauty Ranch near the town of Glen Ellen. Today it's Jack London State Historic Park, and it's one of our favorite places to visit in the Bay Area. Hike to the pond, explore the Pig Palace, visit the ruins of London's Wolf House, and explore the cottage where the writer worked and died over 100 years ago. Read more about Jack London State Historic Park.

Take a Ride Through Sonoma on the Bike Path

The Sonoma City Trail bike path winds through the town of Sonoma and alongside vineyards and parks, so pack up your bikes and take a family Wine Country ride! This popular path runs through the Depot Park, with its playgrounds, history museum, and pétanque courts, past General Vallejo's house, and all the way to Sebastiani Winery. Stop by the Patch for some fresh organic produce (pay for what you take on the honor system).

Hike the Sonoma Overlook Trail for Amazing Views

The Sonoma Overlook Trail offers an easy hike with amazing views of the Sonoma Valley. Make sure to pick up a brochure that highlights the different plants and animals that you might see on your hike. Learn more about the Sonoma Overlook Trail.

Take the Plunge at Morton's Warm Springs

Morton's Warm Springs near Glen Ellen has been a family destination since 1946. With two natural mineral pools, a creek, a baby pool, a spacious lawn, picnic sites, sports areas, and a café offering organic and locally sourced family-friendly fare, it's a perfect place to swim and spend a day in the sun.

Check out the Planes at Sonoma Valley Airport

On select weekends the Sonoma Valley Airport becomes a free museum of aviation history! On display days, owners allow visitors to check out their vintage and veteran aircraft. You can see anything from famous World War II P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk fighters to a variety of biplanes and civil aircraft from the 1920s, '30s, and '40s. Display days take place twice monthly March through September and once a month the rest of the year.

Experience Vintage Race Cars at Sonoma Raceway

Watching a vintage car race at Sonoma Raceway is always a thrilling experience for both kids and adults. Experience famous makes from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s like Ferrari, Porsche, MG, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, and Triumph. Many car owners will even let kids sit in their cars — perfect photo ops! Read more about it here.

Wander Through a 25-Acre Botanical Garden

Quarryhill Botanical Garden, an amazing showcase of Asian plants, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon. Explore the garden's 25 acres of pathways, ponds, waterfalls, and more. It's a wonderful place to visit at any time of year.