All Aboard at Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
Climb aboard and spend the day surrounded by a world full of trains, rides, family activities and more at Sonoma TrainTown Railroad in Sonoma. Photo: Sonoma TrainTown/Facebook
SONOMA – With several wineries in the region, Sonoma is often considered an adult getaway. But wine country can be enjoyed as a family destination, too! If you’re planning on making a day of it, and you have elementary school-age children or younger, put Sonoma TrainTown Railroad on the itinerary. The main attraction is the train ride itself, but the venue also has railroad themed amusement rides, snacks and a gift shop. This means there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy while you wait for the next train to arrive at the “station.”
The train boards at the front of TrainTown. Rather than lining up single file, would-be passengers wait along the length of the train making the boarding process a mad dash as people try to find seats. Make sure your whole party is ready to hop on when the train stops.
During the 20-minute excursion, you’ll travel through tunnels and over bridges to the miniature town of Lakeview, where you can explore the schoolhouse, local jail and visit the petting zoo. Animal feed is sold from dispensers, so be sure to bring quarters for the machines. The goats will be glad you did as they are ready and waiting for visitors!
When the whistle blows, you’ll climb aboard the train again and return to the station. If you haven’t already done so, go for a spin on the Iron Horse Carousel, High Iron Ferris Wheel or Locomotion Scrambler. A word of warning: the ride attendants often operate more than one ride, so you may have a short wait.
Speed things up on one of TrainTown’s exciting train-themed rides. Photo: Sonoma TrainTown/Facebook
There are a number of restaurants close to TrainTown, but you’ll discover greater dining choices if you head to historic Sonoma Plaza. Here, you’ll find a myriad of wine-tasting rooms and unique restaurants, many of which offer local wines. The plaza is walkable, and as you meander through the various alleyways, you’ll be charmed by the old adobe storefronts and rustic cobblestones.
Stop by the statue of the Bear Flag Revolt in the center of the plaza to learn about how California was declared a Republic. You can also pay a visit to Mission San Francisco Solano, which is the 21st and last of the California missions. There are two play structures available for any young historians in your group.
Take in the picturesque scenery found at the miniature town of Lakeview. Photo: Sonoma TrainTown/Facebook
If you go: Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is located at 20264 Broadway, Sonoma. Open 10am – 5pm on weekends through June 1, daily during the summer. TrainTown may close due to inclement weather. Tickets for the train are $7.50 each. All visitors 12 months and older require a ticket. The train is wheelchair accessible. Other ride coupons are $3.75 each or five for $14.75. Height restrictions may apply. For more information about the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad, visit TrainTown.com or call 707.938.3912. To learn more about Sonoma Plaza, visit SonomaPlaza.com.
Your Town Daycations is a series featured in the print edition of Your Town Monthly. This article was originally published in the March 2019 editions.
