Sonoma County Family Events Calendar
From beloved annual parades to pumpkin patches and holiday light displays, Sonoma County offers family-friendly events throughout the year. This calendar features the recurring events that local families look forward to each season.
Winter
December - FebruaryCharlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove
Windsor Town Green
Early December through New Year's
Over 200 trees decorated by local classrooms, families, and community groups light up the Town Green with holiday music and nightly 'snowfall' effects.
Family tip: Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and walk through on a weeknight to avoid crowds.
Visit website →Snoopy's Home Ice
Santa Rosa
Year-round (public skate sessions)
The ice rink where Charles Schulz skated daily. Public skating sessions, lessons, and holiday events throughout the year.
Family tip: Kids' skate clinics are offered - great for first-time skaters.
Visit website →Gardens Aglow
Sonoma Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen
Weekends in December
A twilight wonderland of lights, music, and family-friendly holiday activities throughout the beautiful botanical gardens.
Family tip: Dress warmly - it's an outdoor event. The light displays are spectacular after dark.
Visit website →Holidays in Healdsburg
Downtown Healdsburg
Late November through December
The plaza transforms with Christmas trees, colorful decorations, festive window displays, and carolers. Tree lighting ceremony kicks off the season.
Family tip: The tree lighting ceremony features hot chocolate, carriage rides, and Santa visits.
Visit website →Holiday Hen Hunt
Downtown Petaluma
Late November through early January
A festive scavenger hunt where families search for hidden 'Holiday Hens' displayed in downtown shop windows.
Family tip: Pick up a map at participating businesses and make an afternoon of exploring downtown shops.
Visit website →Winter Wildflower Walks
Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Helen Putnam Park
February (weather dependent)
Guided nature walks to see early spring wildflowers including milkmaids and shooting stars. Many parks offer free guided walks.
Family tip: Bring a wildflower identification app - kids love spotting and naming the flowers.
Visit website →Cloverdale Citrus Fair
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
Mid-February (President's Day weekend)
A charming small-town fair celebrating citrus with live music, carnival rides, 4-H shows, livestock exhibits, and classic fair food. One of the oldest continuous fairs in California.
Family tip: Less crowded than larger fairs - a great first fair experience for young children. The citrus displays are impressive.
Visit website →Spring
March - MayEaster Egg Hunts
Various locations county-wide
Easter weekend (late March or April)
Multiple community egg hunts including the famous Sonoma Plaza hunt, Safari West's egg hunt and brunch, Glen Ellen firefighters' hunt, and church-sponsored events throughout the county.
Family tip: Arrive early - popular hunts like Sonoma Plaza are over in minutes! Smaller community hunts are often less hectic.
Visit website →Apple Blossom Parade & Festival
Downtown Sebastopol
Mid-April
Sebastopol celebrates spring with a vibrant parade featuring creative floats, local performers, and the crowning of the Apple Blossom Queen.
Family tip: Stake out parade viewing spots early, then explore the festival for food and family activities.
Visit website →Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival
Downtown Petaluma
Late April
Petaluma's beloved celebration of agricultural heritage spans four city blocks with the parade, festival foods, crafts, arts, and two large kids' play areas. Includes the 'Cutest Lil' Chick' contest.
Family tip: Don't miss the kids' pre-parade activities and the costume contest.
Visit website →Fool's Day Parade
Downtown Occidental
April 1st weekend
A whimsical parade led by The Hub Bub Club winds through tiny Occidental, followed by live entertainment, children's activities, and the crowning of the King and Queen of Fools.
Family tip: Encourage kids to dress in silly costumes - the wackier the better!
Visit website →Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival
Bodega Bay
Late April
A community tradition since 1973, this festival kicks off salmon season with a blessing of the fleet, craft booths, live music, entertainment, and a wooden boat building challenge.
Family tip: The kids' area has activities all day. Watch the blessing of the fleet from the harbor.
Visit website →Wildflower Walks
Regional Parks county-wide
March through May
Sonoma County's hills burst with California poppies, lupines, buttercups, and dozens of native wildflowers. Free guided walks offered at parks including Helen Putnam, Foothill, and Sonoma Valley Regional Parks.
Family tip: The Woodland Star Trail at Sonoma Valley Regional Park is flat and stroller-friendly.
Visit website →Castles & Kites Festival
Doran Beach, Bodega Bay
May
A celebration of sandcastle building and kite flying at the beach. Free sandcastle tools and molds available to borrow, with sand sculptors creating elaborate creations.
Family tip: Bring your own kite or buy one there. The beach wind is usually perfect for flying.
Visit website →Cotati Kids Day Parade & Festival
Downtown Cotati
May
A free event designed to celebrate kids, featuring cheerful floats, kid-friendly performances, food vendors, and interactive games in charming downtown Cotati.
Family tip: Kids can march in the parade - check registration requirements beforehand.
Visit website →Sonoma County Matsuri
Santa Rosa
Mid-May
A free festival celebrating Japanese arts, culture, and food with performances, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Family tip: Try the cultural activities like origami folding and taiko drumming.
Visit website →Summer
June - AugustSonoma-Marin Fair
Petaluma Fairgrounds
Late June (usually 4 days)
A traditional county fair with livestock exhibits honoring agricultural heritage, carnival rides, fair foods, a full musical lineup, and the famous World's Ugliest Dog Contest.
Family tip: Go on opening day for shorter ride lines. The animal barns are a hit with younger kids.
Visit website →Forestville Youth Park BBQ
Forestville
Early June
A weekend of classic family fun featuring food, carnival games, a pie-eating contest, and community celebration.
Family tip: The pie-eating contest is hilarious for spectators - grab a good viewing spot!
Visit website →Family Movies on the Green
Windsor Town Green
Tuesday evenings, June through August
Free outdoor movie screenings of family-friendly films. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a classic summer evening.
Family tip: Arrive early to claim a good spot. Pack a picnic dinner and bug spray.
Visit website →Fourth of July Parades & Fireworks
Towns county-wide
July 4th
Multiple towns host patriotic parades with floats, marching bands, and community groups. Evening fireworks displays in several locations.
Family tip: Smaller town parades (like Kenwood or Cloverdale) are less crowded and more intimate.
Visit website →Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
Windsor
Mid-July (2 days)
Watch dozens of colorful hot air balloons launch at sunrise. Tethered balloon rides available, plus vendor booths and family activities.
Family tip: Arrive at dawn for the mass launch - it's magical. Tethered rides fill up fast, so get in line early.
Visit website →Sonoma County Fair
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
Early to mid-August (10+ days)
The biggest event of summer! Carnival rides, the Hall of Flowers, arts and crafts competitions, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, horse racing, concerts, and endless fair food. Kids' area with age-appropriate activities, a pirate ship playground, and rest stations for parents.
Family tip: Kids 6 and under get free admission. Check for discount days and family 5-packs for savings.
Visit website →World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa
During Sonoma County Fair (August)
The internationally famous contest celebrating dogs of all kinds. A hilarious and heartwarming event that kids absolutely love.
Family tip: Arrive early for seats - this event draws huge crowds and media from around the world!
Visit website →Gravenstein Apple Fair
Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol
Mid-August (2 days)
Celebrates the famous local Gravenstein apple with the best local food and drink, live music, and farm-inspired family fun. Meet local farmers and artisans.
Family tip: The apple pie and apple cider are legendary. Kids love the farm activities.
Visit website →Railroad Square Music Festival
Railroad Square, Santa Rosa
August
A free day of live music across 4 stages, featuring local food, and a dedicated family/kids area with activities.
Family tip: The kids' area is well-organized with activities throughout the day.
Visit website →Summer Day Camps
Various locations county-wide
June through August
Nature camps, science camps, art camps, and adventure camps run all summer. Popular programs include LandPaths Owl Camp, Children's Museum Wonder Camps, Sonoma Ecology Center camps, and Weaving Earth camps.
Family tip: Register early - the best camps fill up by March or April!
Visit website →Free Summer Concerts in the Park
Multiple cities
June through August evenings
Free outdoor concert series throughout the county. Windsor's Wednesday Night Concerts on the Green, Santa Rosa's Summer Concert Series, Healdsburg Jazz Festival, and Petaluma's Music on the River all offer family-friendly entertainment.
Family tip: Pack a picnic dinner, bring blankets and low chairs. Arrive early for the best spots.
Visit website →Fall
September - NovemberPetaluma Pumpkin Patch
Petaluma
Late September through October
One of the county's most popular pumpkin destinations for 33+ years. Features sustainably grown pumpkins, a newly designed corn maze each year, farm animals, weekend pony rides, a toddler maze, and food vendors.
Family tip: The night maze is a must for older kids. Weekday visits are less crowded.
Visit website →Grandma's Pumpkin Patch
Healdsburg
Late September through October
A family-friendly patch with hay stacks for climbing, farm animals, and old tractors for imaginative play. Fully fenced, making it perfect for toddlers.
Family tip: Try the pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and apple cider slushies!
Visit website →Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
Santa Rosa
Late September through October
A family farm with pumpkins, hay rides, corn maze, farm animals, and fall activities. Field trips available for school groups.
Family tip: Check for weekday field trip availability if you homeschool.
Visit website →Cotati Accordion Festival
La Plaza Park, Cotati
September
A unique multi-generational music festival celebrating accordion music from around the world. Family-friendly with diverse musical performances.
Family tip: Kids are fascinated by the variety of accordion styles - from polka to zydeco!
Visit website →Francis Ford Coppola Winery Halloween Carnival
Geyserville
Late October
Family-friendly Halloween fun at the famous winery with carnival games, costume contests, and activities for kids. Free admission for children.
Family tip: Parents can enjoy wine while kids play - best of both worlds!
Visit website →Fall Farm Tours
Sonoma County Farm Trails
September - October
Many farms offer fall tours and u-pick experiences. Apple pressing, hay rides, and harvest activities at working farms throughout the county.
Family tip: Check Farm Trails website for participating farms and hours.
Visit website →Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma
Late October through November 2nd
Community celebrations honoring the traditional Mexican holiday with ofrendas (altars), face painting, music, traditional foods, and cultural performances. Santa Rosa's celebration at the Luther Burbank Center is one of the largest.
Family tip: A meaningful way to introduce kids to different cultural traditions around death and remembrance.
Visit website →Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Multiple downtown areas
Late November
Towns throughout Sonoma County kick off the holiday season with tree lighting ceremonies featuring Santa visits, carolers, hot cocoa, and family activities.
Family tip: Windsor, Healdsburg, and Sonoma Plaza all have wonderful ceremonies - pick your favorite town!
Visit website →Year-Round Attractions
Open all yearThese beloved Sonoma County destinations offer family fun any time of year. From wildlife adventures to trains, museums, and parks, there's always something to explore.
TrainTown
Sonoma
A quarter-scale railroad on 4 miles of track through tunnels and over bridges. Each 20-minute ride includes a stop at a miniature town with a petting zoo. Six additional amusement rides available. Free admission and parking.
Hours: Weekends year-round; daily June-August
Family tip: Best for ages 2-10. Arrive when it opens to avoid lines on busy weekends.
Visit website →Safari West
Santa Rosa
A 400-acre African wildlife preserve with over 900 animals including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and lemurs. Guided Jeep tours and overnight glamping available. Kids must be 4+ for the Classic Safari.
Hours: Daily tours
Family tip: Book the 2-hour Jeep tour - kids love getting close to the animals. Bring binoculars!
Visit website →Children's Museum of Sonoma County
Santa Rosa
Hands-on interactive exhibits encouraging exploration, experimentation, and discovery. Indoor and outdoor play areas, camps, and special programs for ages 0-10.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday (check website)
Family tip: Toddler mornings on select days offer a calmer experience for the youngest visitors.
Visit website →Charles M. Schulz Museum
Santa Rosa
The world's largest collection of original Peanuts artwork. Interactive exhibits, a recreation of Schulz's studio, and outdoor spaces. Next door to Snoopy's Home Ice skating rink.
Hours: Daily (check seasonal hours)
Family tip: Kids can draw their own comic strips in the Education Room. Combine with ice skating next door.
Visit website →Howarth Park
Santa Rosa
A beloved 138-acre park with a carousel, miniature train ride, pony rides, animal barn, rock climbing wall, bounce house, playgrounds, and boat rentals on Lake Ralphine. Many activities free or low-cost.
Hours: Daily, activity hours vary seasonally
Family tip: Pack a picnic - there are beautiful spots around the lake. The train and carousel are affordable family fun.
Visit website →Spring Lake Regional Park
Santa Rosa
A 350-acre park with hiking trails, a swimming lagoon (summer), fishing, picnic areas, and beautiful scenery. The lagoon is supervised and has a gradual entry - perfect for kids.
Hours: Daily, swimming lagoon open Memorial Day-Labor Day
Family tip: The swimming lagoon is one of the best summer spots in the county. Arrive early on hot days.
Visit website →Sonoma County Farmers Markets
Throughout the county
Weekly markets in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Windsor, Bodega Bay, and more. Fresh produce, local food vendors, live music, and a festive community atmosphere.
Hours: Various days/times by location
Family tip: Let kids pick out an unfamiliar fruit or vegetable to try. Many vendors offer free samples.
Visit website →Sonoma County Regional Parks
20+ parks county-wide
Nature trails, playgrounds, fishing lakes, camping, and seasonal programs including Junior Rangers. Helen Putnam, Foothill, and Riverfront parks are especially family-friendly.
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Family tip: Annual parking passes are a great value if you visit often. Check for free family programs.
Visit website →