Sonoma Valley guide

Sonoma Valley with kids and dogs

By the Everything Sonoma editors · Fact-checked October 16, 2026 · Sources

The short answerWith kids, mix the Sonoma Plaza and the Mission with museums, Jack London's ranch, a ride on the paved Valley of the Moon Trail and, for teens 13 and up, the Karting Center at Sonoma Raceway. With a dog, head to Sonoma Valley Regional Park, which allows dogs on leash and has a fenced off-leash dog park. Dogs aren't allowed on state park trails at Jack London or Sugarloaf Ridge.

With kids

The Plaza: room to run, shade and history. See our Plaza guide.
Sonoma State Historic Park: the Mission, Barracks and Vallejo's home; California's free Fourth Grade Pass is accepted.
Depot Park Museum in Sonoma and the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
Jack London State Historic Park: barns, silos and the "Pig Palace", family programs and an easy one-mile walk to the lake.
Sugarloaf Ridge: camping, a creekside nature trail and astronomy programs at the observatory.
Karting Center at Sonoma Raceway, for ages 13 and up.
Bike tours: Sonoma Adventures runs group rides and rents bikes.

With dogs

Sonoma Valley Regional Park: dogs on leash on trails, and off leash in the fenced Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park.
Sonoma State Historic Park: State Parks says dogs on leash are welcome on trails and in historic areas, but not inside the visitor center or museum.
Jack London State Historic Park: leashed dogs in the historic area only, not on backcountry trails or beyond the silos.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park: leashed dogs in developed areas like the campground, not on trails.
Sonoma Plaza: there are posted rules about dogs in the park; check signs when you arrive.

Many wineries and hotels have their own pet rules, so call ahead.

Questions

Is Sonoma Valley good for kids?

Yes. The Plaza, the Mission, museums, Jack London State Historic Park, regional parks and bike rides all work well for families.

Where can I take my dog in Sonoma?

Sonoma Valley Regional Park near Glen Ellen allows dogs on leash and has a fenced off-leash dog park.

Are dogs allowed at Jack London State Historic Park?

Only on leash in the historic area. Dogs aren't allowed on backcountry trails or beyond the silos.

Can kids drive at Sonoma Raceway?

The Karting Center's courses are for ages 13 and up, and the raceway runs a Teen Safe Driving program.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on October 16, 2026 against these sources. Hours, prices and rules change, so confirm with the business or park before you go.

About this guide

Everything Sonoma is an independent guide to Sonoma Valley. We don't accept payment for coverage in guides; featured listings are always labeled. Spot something out of date? Email [email protected] or send a correction. Read how we choose listings.