Valentine's Day is supposed to be all about romance and spending quality time with your Valentine. But if you're parents with young kids, the reality is that your little ones may have to tag along with you on your Valentine's Day date. This blog post is about finding those gem spots in Sonoma County where adults can enjoy the atmosphere but at the same time it's also appropriate to bring your child.

Quick Note: While putting this blog post, I came across the fact that many of the fun things to do in Sonoma County are actually closed during the winter season. I tried to do my due diligence and only provide options that are actually open around Valentine’s Day.

Sonoma Wineries that Welcome Children

Landmark Winery in Kenwood

We just recently spent an afternoon wine tasting at Landmark Winery (scroll and hover over the images in this blog post to see our snapshots from our visit!).

We had little Scout with us and they immediately welcomed her with a children’s activity kit - complete with crayons, a coloring book and an Etch A Sketch. We were able to enjoy our wine tasting experience while Scout self-entertained herself with her new toys.

After our tasting we took some wine in-hand to walk the property and explore. On the Landmark Winery grounds they have gardens, outdoor patio seating, a bocce ball court, and a pond with ducks. Scout was welcomed to roam all these areas with us, and she super loved watching the ducks splash around in the pond.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville

We also just recently visited the Francis Ford Coppola Winery with our toddler Scout. This is another winery that prides itself on welcoming families with children. During our wine tasting the very friendly staff offered Scout an apple juice (in a child-friendly sip cup no less!).

True story: I have been invited to Napa Valley wine events before and then upon arrival told that we couldn’t enter with Scout because she wasn’t 21 years old. This would never happen at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery (or any of the wineries listed in this blog post). As a family business themselves, they understand the value of spending time with your children.

One of the most memorable features on the sprawling winery property is the gorgeous pool (see images below). The best part is that this 3,600 square feet pool is not just for show, families can actually swim! The pool is open for swimming starting in March (so sadly can’t be enjoyed for Valentine’s Day). Along with all the swimming opportunities, they also have private cabines with spa showers and changing rooms. Children under 3 years are free!

More wineries that welcome children:

Preston Farm & Winery in Healdsburg

Larson Family Winery in Sonoma

Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen

Cline Cellars in Sonoma

Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma

Laid-Back Sonoma Restaurants

Wine country is known for luxury and Michelin Star restaurants, which are great for romantic adult-only dates… but not so great from dining with children. The below restaurants have laid-back vibes, great food and best of all you can bring the kiddos.

Zapata Grill Mexican Food Truck

After our afternoon wine tasting at Landmark Winery, we drove down the street to Zapata Grill Mexican Food Truck. The set-up includes a food truck and an indoor seating area which is decorated in fun and colorful Mexican-themed decor. The unique set-up of an indoor patio makes it perfect for winter days… such as Valentine’s Day!

Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma

A beautiful open-air setting and serving local craft beers and Southern BBQ. This joint prides itself on being a great place to bring kids and dogs, while still being appealing for adults. See my complete guide to dining in Petaluma.

Sonoma Sunflower Caffe

The morning Sunflower Caffe serves fresh and healthy eats until 3pm in the winter. On the menu you’ll find classic breakfast staples like waffles and eggs - and then lunch menu items like soup, salad and sandwiches. On a warm day you can sit outside on the scenic patio.

Pascaline Patisserie & Cafe

If your child is anything like mine, she’s guaranteed to love some freshly baked goods. This casual little Pascaline Patisserie and Cafe has outdoor patio seating and serves salads, gourmet sandwiches, soups and their famous Croque Monsieur (French hot sandwich made with ham and cheese).

El Molino Central

El Molino Central Mexican restaurant is popular with Sonoma locals, and also an Instagram favorite. The menu has all your Mexican favorites, plus a few speciality foods specifically from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Try the chiles en nogada, it looks beautiful topped with pomegranate seeds. The outdoor patio is also awesome!

Poolside views at Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

Lou's Luncheonette in Sonoma

Lou’s Luncheonette cute comfort food restaurant is very welcoming to children, they even have a kids menu. Their specialty foods are chicken and biscuits, while serving burgers, hot dogs, salad, and southern inspired side dishes. They’ve also got an impressive milkshake menu - try the Molasses Milkshake!

Sweet Scoops Ice Cream

An ice cream Valentine’s Day date is totally acceptable and child-appropriate. I love the bright and airy atmosphere inside Sweet Scoops Ice Cream, it was pretty much made for beautiful photos! The ice cream is made from locally sourced ingredients and include flavors such as Honey Almond, Lemon Custard, Wine Cherry Chip and Pear Crisp.

Outdoor patio seating at Rustic restaurant inside Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

City Gardens Doughnuts in Santa Rosa

Adding on to the sweet-themed Valentine’s Day dates, City Gardens Doughnuts is another modern photogenic spot. They’ve got gourmet doughnut flavors like Blood Orange, Guittard Chocolate, Lemon Olive Oil, Wild Huckleberry with Honey and Sufganiyot.

More Child-Friendly Sonoma County Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Safari West Sonoma Adventure Tour

Visit the “Sonoma Serengeti” and enjoy adventure with African wild animals. Children 3 years old and older are welcome to join you on this Safari Adventure. Spend your family Valentine's Day with zebra, giraffes, rhinos and another 900 animal species.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Walk among giants and enjoy the views from the redwoods canopy floor. I grew up going camping in the redwoods every summer, and you can still very much enjoy it bundled up in February. At Armstrong Redwoods State Park kid-friendly activities include having a picnic or taking a leisurely hike on the #1 Round Trip trail which is under a mile.

Beach Picnics

Sometimes you can get lucky with the weather in February and it’s warm enough to enjoy a beach picnic along the Russian River. While I wouldn’t recommend swimming in winter, the shoreline is a great place for kids to run around and play. Sonoma County has a great article on their website listing the best beaches (and this list will also be super handy during those hot summer days!).