By Sylvia Cochran
Activities for Kids in Sonora, California
Sonora is a small town in Tuolumne County, California. The city traces its origins back to the California gold rush, offering a number of well-preserved buildings and artifacts for those enjoying the cultural aspects of this California region. It is this aspect of Sonora that has put it on the map for parents who want to couple an educational stop on their trip through California's Yosemite, with a recreational experience of the gorgeous surroundings. Activities for kids in Sonora, California are plentiful and include nature's beauty that makes California special to many visitors.
Tuolumne County Museum & History Center
Visit the Tuolumne County Museum in historic downtown Sonora. It is open Sundays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Kids enjoy the tours through the venue where real frontier living artifacts promote a sense of stepping back into the past, when cowboys and Indians was not just a game. Placed in the old jail, this little fact itself adds a delicious bit of intrigue to the trip that few kids can resist.
Tuolumne County Museum & History Center
158 West Bradford Avenue
Sonora, CA 95370
Tel: (209-532-1317)
Stanislaus National Forest
Enjoy the outdoor activities at the Stanislaus National Forest. Access the campgrounds, day use sites, hiking trails, fishing lakes and great rock climbing venues. The latter is great for older kids who have already trained in a rock climbing gym and now itch to put their new found skills to the test on a real rock face. The younger kids are sure to enjoy a first time fishing experience at the shallow lakes that allow for actually seeing the fish near the shore before dropping in a baited line. This is an all year round locale and winter activities as well as summer activities are open to travelers.
Stanislaus National Forest
19777 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370
Tel: (209-532-3671)
Play and BBQ at Woods Creek Rotary Park
Kids explore nature and the city of Sonora by visiting various parks and trails. For example, the Woods Creek Rotary Park is perfect for playing baseball, playing in the creek, having a BBQ, or just relaxing. This is an ideal locale for younger kids with plenty of energy to work off and also for families who want to make a day of the outing.
Woods Creek Rotary Park
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
Tel: (209-532-7725)
Dragoon Gulch Trail
Bike or hike on the Dragoon Gulch Trail that is situated within the Sonora city limits and offers 2.5 miles of trail system, on a total of 35 acres. The Dragoon Gulch is an excellent area for casual walking, running, biking, and enjoying views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Kids enjoy the stream that borders some of the trail way and it is not unusual to find discarded mini mud forts in the water from kids who already experienced the area.
Dragoon Gulch Trail
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
Tel: (209-532-7725)
Resources
About the Author:
Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.
Photo Credits:
G.Rogers (Rodge500)/Wikimedia Commons
