9 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Healdsburg

If you're in wine country, the laid-back town of Healdsburg is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family. While Healdsburg is an hour and a half north of San Francisco, when you walk through this picturesque town, you'll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The activities in Healdsburg include more than just winery tours –– this town is a hub for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and fun. Explore what makes this quaint town more than just another stop on a wine route.

Russian River Adventures is the perfect place to take your family for some outdoor fun. Flowing southward for 110 miles, this beautiful river drains parts of Sonoma and Mendocino counties before emptying into the Pacific Ocean west of Santa Rosa. The facility offers a range of activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.

With the option to rent equipment for half a day or an entire day, you can tailor your experience to the age group of your little ones. Your car will be taken to the exit point on the river so that you can head to your next outing once you're done for a hassle-free experience. Play it safe and pack more food and water than you think you'll need –– and more sunscreen, too!

Nestled in the rolling hills of Healdsburg, Thunderbird Ranch offers horseback tours and horse riding lessons to people of all ages. These all-inclusive, family-friendly activities in Healdsburg are perfect for getting out and exploring the Sonoma County landscape.

With experienced wranglers to lead the way, you can choose from a variety of riding terrains such as open meadows and creekside trails. From novice riders to skilled equestrians, there's a trail for every rider. Bring your camera to remember the remarkable views of the rolling Sonoma County hills, vineyards in every direction, and the Russian River cutting through the middle of it all.

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is the perfect place for a family day out. The beach is located on the shore of the Russian River and is surrounded by beautiful evergreens. Downriver from the historic steel Memorial bridge that it's named after, families enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, kayaking, and paddle boarding here.

Additionally, this beach also offers a par course. Restrooms are accessible for everyone, and safety comes first, with lifeguards always on duty. Pro tip: get here early. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is popular for a reason, and it can be hard to find parking in the lot or on the street past noon on a warm summer's day.

Serving up good food and better wine, you can relax by the pool in a private cabana while the kids enjoy a dip, play in the park, or even visit the movie gallery with you, where memorabilia from Francis Ford Coppola's career rests.

Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful views as you savor the Sonoma County-made wine and the sight of happy children in the middle of a stunning winery.

Sometimes, a day at the park is just what the kids need, and Giorgi Park delivers. It features a playground, basketball court, large grassy area, picnic tables, and benches perfect for gathering with friends and family.

In case of boredom with the amazing playground set up, bocce ball, horseshoe pits, and lighted tennis courts are all at your disposal. Enjoy the beautiful weather and slow pace of Healdsburg and have a family BBQ in one of the picnic shelters, or take your own lunch and enjoy this peaceful slice of Healdsburg, picnic-style.

Named after the county Healdsburg is in, you can't miss a visit to Lake Sonoma. Hiking trails cut through grassy meadows and wooded forests, taking you to a view of the aquamarine waters of the lake encompassed by rolling green hills. Go for the beauty, and stay for the outdoor activities. The Lake Sonoma Recreation area offers opportunities for a refreshing swim, horseback rides, camping, hunting, fishing, or even boating.

This enjoyable and effortless way to get around town and explore the sights is one of the best activities in Healdsburg for families. Offered year-round, these tours provide a great opportunity to learn about the history of the area.

You'll cruise leisurely along city streets and see the Healdsburg Plaza area (hint: come shopping here later). Experience some of the most beautiful views in Sonoma County as you coast among the redwood groves and vineyards that lie along the Russian River.

A short 5 miles away from Healdsburg, the Hembree House museum teaches the public who and what shaped the Sonoma County area. Once owned by the Hembree family, the museum is now owned by the town of Windsor. Learn about the man who flew the first airplane in California or the role the Sonoma County region played in World War II.

You can also take a self-guided walking tour through the downtown area of Windsor to learn more about its history.

The perfect getaway if you're looking for something a little more outdoorsy, the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve is only 9 miles outside of Healdsburg proper. Visiting this nationally protected land will be an experience your family won't soon forget. Hike, horseback ride, and picnic among the majestic redwoods that are native to this region. If your little ones have never had the chance to walk among the tallest trees on Earth, now's their chance.

If you've fallen in love with Healdsburg and the Sonoma County region and are seeking to buy property, the Mark Stevens Team can help. Reach out today to learn more about real estate options and get started on your journey to your dream Healdsburg home.