Although I was born and raised in L.A., I have a soft spot for the Bay Area. After all, it’s where I met my husband, and now it’s where we frequently visit with our kids. Figuring out where to go and what to do in Sonoma, where my in-laws reside, is a little different as parents of little ones than as the carefree 20-somethings we once were.
Of course, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sonoma County and beyond, but a multi-generational excursion requires a little more brainstorming. In past trips, we’ve visited the Charles M. Schulz Museum (aka “Snoopy museum”) in Santa Rosa, Sonoma TrainTown Railroad by Sonoma Square and Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito. On a recent vacation to see the grandparents, we took our whole family to the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, located on 4.2 acres of green space right in town.
The last time we wandered the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, my eldest daughter Naomi was 3, and some of the spaces were closed because of the pandemic. At our most recent visit, she got to experience the space in a whole new light as an independent 5-year-old. I got to experience watching my 15-month-old daughter Juna learning to use her new skills (like walking!) in a magical and safe environment like TOTopia, the museum’s designated area for infants and toddlers.
My in-laws, husband and I took turns watching each kid explore the various play zones. Naomi really took to the Science and Medical Lab, furiously checking vitals of her baby dolls, and the Salta and Pepper Diner, where she served me meal after meal of felt pizza slices and vegetables. Eventually, we synched up to venture outside where Naomi could let her energy out by running around Mary’s Garden while Juna toddled around the Farm Stand, mistaking the plastic bananas for real ones. That was our cue it was time to find some lunch.
Family-friendly dining options in Santa Rosa
After both you and your little ones are tuckered out from all that exploring, a satisfying meal is in order. Here are three kid-friendly options to consider next time you’re in Santa Rosa.
- If you just need a light bite and some kid-approved staples like chicken tenders and grilled cheese sandwiches, try Warm Puppy Café at Snoopy’s Home Ice, located directly across the street from the museum.
- Our family always loves grabbing a pie or two from Mary’s Pizza Shack, a local favorite that’s been serving Italian comfort food since 1959, with multiple locations throughout Sonoma County. Their Santa Rosa-Summerfield location is right across the street from Howarth Park, a 138-acre community park complete with trails, playgrounds, carousel, a lake and plenty of picnic areas.
- After we left the museum, the adults were craving some ice-cold beers and a laid-back vibe, so we landed at Frranchettis’ Gasthaus. This German beer garden, which is just 1.5 miles from the museum, is perfect for large families, with great beer and wine options, German classics like schnitzel, sausages and giant pretzels, and toys and games for the kids.
3 Exhibits to Explore at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
If you only have an afternoon to spend at the museum, here are three not-to-miss exhibits.
- Space Odyssey for Galactic Explorers was a hit with the 5 and up crowd, including my daughter. She loved sitting in the cockpit of one of the spaceships and leading her crew (me) to venture into the great beyond.
- Little Russian River, which is located outside, is a great way to take a break from the Santa Rosa heat and learn about the Russian River Watershed at the same time.
- Toddler Tree House is magical for newly mobile babies and toddlers who can crawl through the tree trunk and discover magic doors or climb up to the tree top where a twisty slide awaits to take them on a ride.
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is located at 1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa.
