Traveling with children through the Northern California wine country may seem like a potentially stressful undertaking, but there are a number of activities that can be added to an itinerary to make the journey as memorable for children as for their parents.

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

This roadside attraction, located within a 10-minute drive of the Robledo, Bartholomew, Three Sticks and Scribe wineries, encompasses a quarter-scale railroad and a miniature Western town. Stanley Frank, the former owner of a printing business in Oakland, envisioned a replica of a Sierra foothills town during the gold rush era. In the 1950s, he purchased a 10-acre cow pasture and by 1968 had made his dream a reality. The main attraction here is the 20-minute ride in a quarter-size steam train that chugs along 4 miles of picturesque track, crosses over bridges and passes through tunnels and by waterfalls. As a model train enthusiast, Frank personally crafted most of the cars himself. The train makes a stop at a miniature town, which has two rows of Old West-style buildings, including a jailhouse, school, church and firehouse, where children can get out and run around. The next stop is at a small petting zoo housing alpacas, goats and chickens. Though Stanley died in 1977, the park is still owned and run by the Frank family. Over the years, they have added railroad-themed amusement rides, including a carousel and Ferris wheel. This charming attraction feels like a step back in time.

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
20264 Broadway, Sonoma. Tel. (707) 938-3912