When you think of Sonoma County, winemaking and wineries may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Healdsburg offers more than just wine. From exploring towering redwoods to playing in the Russian River and visiting museums, Healdsburg and the surrounding communities in Sonoma County offer plenty for a family-friendly vacation.
Here are Lienna Collective’s favorite ways to adventure in Wine Country with the kids:
Family Friendly Things to do in Healdsburg
Explore Downtown Healdsburg
You won’t have to go far for our first adventure. Downtown Healdsburg is easy to explore on foot, and most places are within walking distance. Healdsburg Plaza is where you’ll find boutique shops, cozy cafés, and delicious dining spots. Start your morning with a coffee and freshly baked pastry from Downtown Bakery & Creamery, then head to the Plaza to let the kids run around. Downtown is great for just seeing where the day takes you, so leave some time to wander. That's part of the fun of staying in Healdsburg!
Take a Family Hike at Healdsburg Ridge
Trade the tasting rooms for hiking shoes and head to Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve. Just 5 minutes outside downtown, the 155-acre preserve offers trails through a variety of terrain like grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. The 4.5-mile loop ends with stunning views of Fitch Mountain, the Mayacama Mountains, and the Russian River. It's also a great hike for wildlife spotting! You'll get the chance to see deer, hawks, rabbits, and more.
Spend the Day Along the Russian River
The Russian River is one of Sonoma County's best natural playgrounds, particularly during the warmer months. Picnic along the water, kayak, paddle, swim, or spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the scenery. Johnson’s Beach is a popular family-friendly spot featuring a kid-friendly gravel beach area, shallow swimming areas, and kayak and tube rentals. After a morning or afternoon of being by the water, explore nearby Guernerville with the family. Grab a sweet treat from Nimble & Finn’s or play a round of mini-golf at Guerneville Pee Wee Golf and Arcade. Then head back to one of our riverfront vacation rentals to unwind and enjoy the sounds of the river rushing and being surrounded by nature.
Walk Among Giants at Armstrong Redwoods
A visit to Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve is a must if you’re visiting Healdsburg with children. About 30 minutes from Healdsburg, the reserve makes for a great day trip and educational experience! Walk under the magnificent redwood trees that tower hundreds of feet overhead (some reaching heights of 350 feet!). There are several hiking trails in Armstrong Redwoods, all varying in difficulty, so you can adapt to your family’s ages and energy levels.
Plan a Kid-Friendly Day in Santa Rosa
For even more things to do with kids near Healdsburg, make the short trip south to Santa Rosa. You’ll find several attractions designed specifically with families in mind. Learn more about Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Peanuts and the cartoonist who created them at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. The Children's Museum of Sonoma County is another great choice, with hands-on exhibits and play spaces geared toward younger visitors.
Go on Safari in Sonoma County
Explore the wild side of Sonoma County and book a safari tour with Safari West, just outside of Santa Rosa. On your open-air adventure, you’ll come across giraffes, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, and more! Afterwards, explore on foot and meet the vibrant birds in the lush aviary, playful primates, and cheetahs in their habitats. The Classic Safari Tour does require guests to be 4 years of age or older, while private tours are exempt from age restrictions.
Can You Visit Sonoma County Wineries with Kids?
Yes, several wineries in Sonoma County allow kids, but you'll want to do a little research first. Every winery has its own policies regarding children, and some tasting experiences are designed exclusively for adults. Before making a reservation, check directly with the winery to make sure children are welcome. If children are welcome, be sure the winery has an outdoor area, gardens, and food options. As always, make sure the littles are supervised during your visit.
Wineries in and near Healdsburg that allow kids:
- Truett Hurst in Healdsburg
- Merriam Vineyards in Healdsburg
- Bella Vineyards in Healdsburg
- Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol
Make a Healdsburg Vacation Rental Your Family's Home Base
A Healdsburg vacation rental gives your family a comfortable home base between all those Wine Country adventures. Instead of squeezing everyone into a hotel room, you can enjoy separate bedrooms, living spaces, and a kitchen for preparing meals at home. Several of our Healdsburg vacation rentals offer luxurious amenities so even an afternoon at home isn’t boring! Go for a swim in the private pool, play bocce ball or cornhole, or run around in all of the green space you'll have access to.
Wine may have put Sonoma County on the map, but it's only one part of what makes this corner of Northern California special. Redwoods, rivers, museums, parks, and incredible food give families plenty of reasons to visit, too. Make Healdsburg your home base, give yourself a few days to explore, and create a Wine Country vacation that has something for every member of the family.
