Family Day on the Sonoma Plaza

It is a well known fact that the Wine Country is a luxurious getaway for grownups. Few can imagine enjoying the region with kids in tow, however it can be done. I have followed the sequence itemized below on many an afternoon, and it always proves enjoyable. So grab your munchkins and your picnic blanket and come on along.

1) First Stop (just south of the plaza) is Train Town on Broadway.

Sonoma's Train Town is a miniature amusement park highlighting train adventures, and also featuring a carousel, airplane ride, and arcade. At train town, any kid will get a kick out of the train ride that takes its passengers on a lovely jaunt through wooded acres and miniature villages until stopping at a small western town where little tykes can feed the friendly critters at the petting zoo. Spend 90 minutes, and a chunk of change, buying tickets for all the rides. Go here for directions. [Train town is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the year, and daily during the summer months.]

Too bad, Dad

2) Next stop, travel north on Broadway, and find a place to park on the square. Purchase your picnic supplies on the north side of the plaza at the Sonoma Cheese Factory on Spain Street.




Sample their many cheeses, and order a sandwich from their deli. Browse the plentiful pre-packed goodies in the refrigerated stalls. Peruse the gift aisles, where you can find any kind of locally made or wine related gift, including products from the very popular Sonoma Lavender company. Don't forget to grab a half bottle of wine for you and your mate, since drinking alcohol is allowed in the plaza due to grandfathered consumption laws.







3) Cross Spain Street and take your pick of two playgrounds, depending on the ages of your young children. There is a 2-5 playground to the west, with a play structure and swings. The older kids' playstructure is situated towards the eastern side of the plaza.




Some of the local boys prefer a tree situated 15 feet from the playground.


Stop by the duck pond and visit with some local wildlife.


4) After picnic and play, don't depart without a sweet treat. On the east side of the square, down a small alley, you'll find chocolates and a (pricey) scoop of ice cream at the Chocolate Cow.

A very stylish children's boutique, Half Pint, is located in the same alley as the Chocolate Cow.

Now that the critters are nice and tired, and coming down from their sugar high, take a leisurely drive back to your home or hotel, having enjoyed a fabulous day with your family in Sonoma.

For historic information on the Sonoma Plaza from the National Park Service, go here.

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