Children's Museum of Sonoma County

In the heart of the sunny city of Santa Rosa lies an amazing space for young explorers—the Children's Museum of Sonoma County. This modern educational institution, located in the USA, turns the learning process into a thrilling adventure.

The museum spans an impressive 4.2 acres, offering visitors a harmonious blend of indoor galleries and outdoor play areas. Here, children can do more than just look; they can actively interact with exhibits, fostering imagination and curiosity in a safe, specially designed environment.

The main gems of the complex are Mary's Garden—a true outdoor nature lab—the Science and Imagination Gallery (SIG), and the cozy TOTopia area, created specifically for the youngest guests. It is an ideal destination for family leisure, where everyone will find something to enjoy.

To confirm details before your visit or to book group tours, you can use the organization's official contact information. The museum actively maintains communication with visitors via its website and by phone.

Visitors can look forward to an incredible variety of activities where hands-on learning is the priority. The Science and Imagination Gallery features 15 interactive exhibits that allow children to explore physical laws and natural phenomena through play.

Young creators will love Ella’s Art Studio, where they can express their talents and create a unique masterpiece. For those who prefer the fresh air, Mary's Garden is open—an educational space dedicated to ecology and the environment, where nature becomes the primary teacher.

Special attention is given to toddlers in the TOTopia gallery, which is designed specifically for the needs of the smallest explorers. Regardless of the zone you choose, the museum's main goal is to give every child the joy of discovery and help them develop their creative potential.

Getting to this family center in Santa Rosa is quite simple. The museum is conveniently located at 1835 W Steele Ln, making it easily accessible by both private car and public transport.

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can use the local Santa Rosa CityBus routes, which stop just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. For those who prioritize comfort, ride-sharing services and taxis are always available via popular mobile apps—the trip from the city center takes about 10–15 minutes.

For travelers with their own or rented cars, spacious parking is provided directly next to the museum building, which is particularly convenient when traveling with small children.

The history of the Children's Museum of Sonoma County began in 2005, thanks to the initiative of a group of active mothers. They sought to create a unique educational space for children and teachers during a time when school budgets for arts and sciences were being cut. This led to the formation of the non-profit organization CMOSC.

In its early years, the project operated as a mobile program called "Museum-on-the-Go," which brought science and art exhibits directly to children. The turning point came in 2011 when the museum secured the rights to a 4.2-acre site and a $1.8 million grant to build an outdoor nature area.

The official opening of the first permanent sites—Mary’s Garden and Ella’s Art Studio—took place in 2014. Just a year later, thanks to generous donations from patrons, the Science and Imagination Gallery opened its doors, transforming the museum into a comprehensive complex for the all-around development of young researchers.

To fully enjoy all the interactive zones, we recommend setting aside at least 3–4 hours for your visit. Given the vast outdoor area and the variety of creative workshops, children often don't want to leave even after half a day.

If your children are particularly interested in science experiments or art, it’s best to arrive right at opening time. This will allow you to explore the indoor galleries at a relaxed pace and spend plenty of time in Mary's Garden, trying out every exhibit without rushing.

The museum follows a consistent schedule throughout the week, with the exception of one day. Please keep these hours in mind when planning your trip:

• Monday: 9:00 – 16:00
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 9:00 – 16:00
• Thursday: 9:00 – 16:00
• Friday: 9:00 – 16:00
• Saturday: 9:00 – 16:00
• Sunday: 9:00 – 16:00

A visit to the children's museum can easily be combined with exploring other local points of interest. The surrounding area offers everything from historical landmarks to cozy spots for the whole family to unwind.

Exploring the neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the California atmosphere: from vintage depots to the picturesque gardens of famous plant breeders.