Family-friendly Healdsburg — Stay Healdsburg

Healdsburg may be best known for being at the center of three of Sonoma County’s most prestigious wine regions, but there’s more to the area than wine and food (though you definitely won’t want to miss that!). Healdsburg can be a wonderful family getaway, with many unique and memorable experiences for everyone.

Sonoma County is a great place to simply get outside and immerse yourself in nature. Healdsburg is flanked by redwood forests, rolling rivers and bucolic parks where families can frolic. Families can rent all sorts of equipment for their outdoor adventures, whether they prefer two wheels, a paddle or even four hooves. There is no shortage of regional parks within walking distance or just a short drive away from the Healdsburg Plaza with room to spread out, hike, bike, picnic and play. The Carson Werner Memorial Skate Park is designed for in-line skating and skateboarding.

With Healdsburg as a home base, there are plenty of fun family activities around the region. Twenty minutes away in Santa Rosa, the Charles M. Schulz Museum is a tribute to the cartoonist’s work and influence. Kids will love exploring the largest collection of original Peanuts artwork in the world. The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is full of fun and imaginative exhibits designed for kids under the age of 10.

Segway of Healdsburg’s guided tour through the towering trees of Armstrong Redwoods State Park is an amazing way to see these natural wonders. For a more up close and personal view of these unbelievable trees, Sonoma Canopy Tours gets you literally up above the forest on a course that has you soaring between the trees, while learning a lot about conservation efforts to preserve these majestic giants.

The area is home to many beautiful gardens that are not only fun to explore, but also educational. Families can “get lost” in the Lavender Labyrinth and Flower Gardens at Bees n Blooms, which is also home for thousands of honeybees and native bees that help sustain our ecosystem. The beautiful Lavender Bee Farm produces gorgeous lavender flowers and artisan products like honey, essential oils and soaps. Mom and dad can sip succulent Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot at Matanzas Creek Winery, while overlooking the terraced lavender gardens, farmed to preserve the essence of the local ecosystem. Dragonfly Floral, has a seasonal farm stand and a variety of classes from flower design to cooking.

Back in town, several stores cater to the kid set with fun and unique products and clothing for the whole family. And while mom and dad wine taste, the kids can indulge in the delicious baked goods at Costeaux French Bakery, where the cookies, pastries and desserts are sure to satisfy their sweet tooth. Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar delights with traditional and not-so-traditional flavors (Lucky Charms, Thai Tea, Mississippi Mud) for any kid’s palate.

Many area hotels have fun amenities for families - like swimming pools and multi-room suites - that make it easy to unwind after a day of exploration. The Travelodge Healdsburg has a great pool, spacious rooms with kitchenettes and optional cribs. The Best Western Dry Creek Inn is great for families and is pet friendly too. The Inn has two outdoor pools, a hot tub and beautiful Tuscan-style grounds to explore. Their Villa Toscana King rooms were recently renovated in early 2020, perfect for sharing with kids. Hotel Trio, a Marriott Bonvoy property, has a variety of suite options with modern kitchens making it easy for families to stay together in the heart of wine country. Kids (and parents) will delight when Rose, the hotel’s robot butler, delivers extra pillows and snacks to the room.

For larger groups, the Two Thirty Five suites feature private bedrooms and bathrooms with full kitchens, dining areas and living rooms. Two Thirty Five is within walking distance of all of the plaza’s restaurants, tasting rooms, shops, bars and galleries. The three bedroom suites are a getaway in and of themselves, with beautiful décor and comfortable amenities. The kitchens are equipped with everything needed to whip up dinner for the family or the location is ideal for trying one of Healdsburg’s acclaimed restaurants.

Wine country with kids may be a different experience than an adult-only trip, but there are many ways to create family memories and share your love of Healdsburg with the next generation. For more information on things to do year round, visit our website.