Santa Rosa, CA, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, is not just for wine lovers—it’s also a fantastic destination for families! From interactive museums and wildlife adventures to scenic parks and ice skating, there’s no shortage of Things to do in Santa Rosa, CA with kids for locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Santa Rosa, CA with kids, this guide has everything you need to plan a fun-filled day with your little ones.
Santa Rosa Children’s Activities to Do with Kids
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
If your kids love Peanuts, this is a must-see. The Charles M. Schulz Museum is a celebration of the life and legacy of the beloved cartoonist who called Santa Rosa home. The museum houses original comic strips, a replica of Schulz’s studio, and rotating exhibits that bring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the whole gang to life.
Children can enjoy the hands-on drawing area and watch animated specials in the theater. Don’t miss the giant Peanuts tile mural made from thousands of individual comic strips—it’s a favorite photo spot. This museum is both educational and whimsical, making it a perfect stop on your Santa Rosa children’s activities itinerary.
Location: 2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Right next door to the Schulz Museum is one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa, CA with kids: the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Designed for kids from toddler age to early teens, this museum is all about learning through play.
Exhibits cover science, nature, art, and technology. The outdoor “Science & Imagination Gallery” includes water features, garden activities, and a pretend play area with a farmers market and hospital. It’s the kind of place where kids are encouraged to touch, explore, and ask questions. Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to leave!
Location: 1835 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake
Tucked inside Spring Lake Regional Park, the Environmental Discovery Center is a hidden gem. This small but engaging facility teaches kids about Sonoma County’s diverse natural ecosystems.
Exhibits include a tide pool touch tank, interactive environmental displays, and nature-themed crafts and activities. The center often hosts family-friendly events and guided nature walks. It’s a wonderful stop for curious kids and a great introduction to environmental science. Plus, it’s completely free!
Location: 393 Violetti Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Howarth Park
Known as the “jewel” of Santa Rosa, Howarth Park is one of the most beloved outdoor Santa Rosa Parks. It offers a little bit of everything: playgrounds, a lake for boating, picnic areas, hiking trails, and even a mini amusement area with a small train, carousel, and pony rides (open seasonally).
There’s a large climbing structure for older kids and tot-friendly play zones for the younger ones. If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and flexible outdoor day, Howarth Park is hard to beat.
Location: 630 Summerfield Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Introduce your kids to a bit of local history and horticulture at the former home of famed botanist Luther Burbank. The house and gardens are preserved as a tribute to Burbank’s groundbreaking work in plant breeding.
While not as high-energy as a museum or park, it’s a great place for a calm stroll, and kids may enjoy spotting unusual plants like the spineless cactus and hybrid flowers Burbank developed. Free docent-led tours are available and can be a nice way to weave education into your things to do in Santa Rosa with kids list.
Location: 204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Safari West
For a truly unforgettable experience, head out to Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife preserve just minutes from downtown Santa Rosa. Home to over 900 animals—including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and flamingos—this is a kid-friendly African safari adventure without leaving California.
Families can hop aboard a jeep tour through the park and get up close with animals in a naturalistic setting. Safari West offers educational programs and overnight stays in luxury tents for a glamping experience. It’s one of the most unique Santa Rosa children’s activities and a bucket-list experience for animal lovers.
Location: 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Snoopy’s Home Ice (Redwood Empire Ice Arena)
Another legacy of Charles Schulz, Snoopy’s Home Ice is a charming indoor skating rink with a classic alpine chalet vibe. Schulz, a lifelong hockey fan, opened the rink in 1969, and it remains a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.
Kids can enjoy public skating sessions, beginner classes, and special events like the annual “Snoopy’s Christmas Ice Show.” Warm up afterward with a cocoa at the Warm Puppy Café, which overlooks the rink. This is a cozy, fun-filled spot for families year-round.
Location: 1667 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Spring Lake Regional Park
Adjacent to Howarth Park, Spring Lake is a sprawling natural area that offers some of the best things to do in Santa Rosa, CA with kids. The park has a swimming lagoon (open in summer), paddleboard and kayak rentals, fishing spots, and hiking trails suitable for all ages.
There’s also a campground and picnic areas if you’re planning a weekend escape. Many families enjoy combining a visit here with a stop at the Environmental Discovery Center, which is right inside the park. It’s the ultimate all-in-one nature outing for active kids.
Location: 393 Violetti Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Best Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA with Kids. From the creativity of the Charles M. Schulz Museum to the wild adventure at Safari West, there’s something for every type of explorer. Bookmark this list for your next family outing, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories in beautiful Santa Rosa!
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