We’ve been to a lot of playgrounds in Sonoma County. With three kids ages 6, 8, and 10, we’ve spent countless hours at parks across the region. Some are worth the drive. Others… not so much.
Here’s our honest take on the best playgrounds in and around Sonoma County, including the practical stuff parents actually need to know.
Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
Best for: All ages
Howarth Park is the crown jewel of Santa Rosa playgrounds. It’s not just one playground - it’s several, spread across a beautiful park with trails, open fields, and even a train and carousel when they’re operating.
The beautiful trails winding through Howarth Park
What makes it great:
- Multiple playground areas for different ages
- Large open grass field for running around
- Beautiful trails winding through the park
- Rock climbing playground up by the top parking lot
- Train and carousel (seasonal - check their Facebook page for hours)
The train is a favorite - check their Facebook for operating hours
The rock climbing playground near the upper parking lot
The catch: Parking can be brutal on weekends, especially if you don’t arrive early. There’s a small lot near the main playgrounds, a larger lot up the hill by the trails, and more parking down by the baseball fields - but all of them fill up.
Practical info:
- Parking: Multiple lots, but arrive early on weekends
- Bathrooms: Yes, but they’re old and not well-maintained
- Fenced: No
- Shade: Limited on the playgrounds themselves, but plenty of trees nearby
Pro tip: Get there early to snag close parking. The morning hours are also cooler and less crowded.
Coffey Park, Santa Rosa
Best for: All ages
Coffey Park has some of the most unique play structures in Santa Rosa. There’s also a large grass field with a walking path around it, fitness equipment that kids love to climb on, and a dog park.
One of the unique play structures at Coffey Park
What makes it great:
- Interesting, unique playground equipment
- Big open field with a walking/running path
- Fitness stations around the perimeter (kids think these are bonus obstacles)
- Adjacent dog park
The large grass field - great for running around
The catch: This park is hot. Something about the location or lack of shade makes it feel 10 degrees warmer than everywhere else. The sun just beats down here.
Practical info:
- Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood, usually easy to find a spot
- Bathrooms: No
- Fenced: Partially, on the street sides
- Shade: Very little
Pro tip: Bring sunscreen even if you don’t think you need it, and pack extra water. When the playground gets stale, have the kids run a lap on the path or mess around on the fitness equipment - just watch younger ones carefully.
Giorgi Park, Healdsburg
Best for: All ages
This Healdsburg gem has a feature we haven’t seen anywhere else: a fake grass slope that kids absolutely love sliding down. Add in a fun balance beam and a rotating climbing structure, and it’s worth the trip.
Kids can’t get enough of sliding down this turf hill
What makes it great:
- Artificial turf hill for sliding
- Creative balance beam
- Unique rotating climbing structure
- Well-maintained feel
The balance beam adds a fun challenge
The main play structure
The catch: It’s a bit out of the way if you’re coming from Santa Rosa. But if you’re in Healdsburg anyway, definitely stop by.
Practical info:
- Parking: Dedicated lot, easy
- Bathrooms: Yes
- Fenced: No
- Shade: Partial
Pro tip: Kids never get tired of sliding down that fake grass slope. Let them go wild.
Lucchesi Park, Petaluma
Best for: All ages
Lucchesi Park has two playground areas, and the little kids’ playground is particularly unique. It’s a large park with plenty of space to explore.
Lucchesi Park in Petaluma
What makes it great:
- Really creative little kids playground
- Separate areas for different age groups
- Part of a larger park with lots of green space
The playground area
The catch: Geese. So many geese. The path between playground areas can be a minefield of goose droppings, and the geese themselves can be territorial. Watch your step.
The path between playgrounds - watch your step!
Practical info:
- Parking: Large lot, but it’s a bit of a walk to the playgrounds
- Bathrooms: Yes
- Fenced: Little kids area is fenced; big kids area is not
- Shade: Limited, gets hot
Pro tip: Double-check that you have everything before you leave the car - the walk back is long. And watch where you step.
Playground Fantastico, Napa
Best for: All ages (Technically not Sonoma County, but worth the drive)
Yes, this is in Napa, not Sonoma County. But the giant slides make it worth the trip. Kids lose their minds over this place.
Playground Fantastico in Napa - worth the drive
What makes it great:
- GIANT slides - not your typical playground slides
- Exciting enough to keep older kids engaged
- Separate area for younger kids
These slides are huge - kids love them
The swings area
The catch: It’s a drive, especially from northern Sonoma County. The parking lot is small and can be tricky to find if you’re not paying attention.
Practical info:
- Parking: Small lot, easy to miss
- Bathrooms: Yes
- Fenced: Yes (younger kids section)
- Shade: Not really
Pro tip: Check Google Maps carefully before you go - the turn is easy to miss. The slides alone will keep kids happy for a long time.
More Playgrounds Coming Soon
We’re working on adding more playgrounds to this guide, including:
- Rincon Valley Community Park
- Brush Creek Park
- Rincon Ridge Park
- Bayer Park
- Colgan Creek Park
- A Place to Play
- Fir Ridge Park
- Ragle Ranch Park (Sebastopol)
- Brookhaven Super Park (Sebastopol)
Have a playground we should check out? Email us and let us know.
Quick Reference
| Playground | Location | Bathrooms | Fenced | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howarth Park | Santa Rosa | Yes (old) | No | Multiple playgrounds + trails |
| Coffey Park | Santa Rosa | No | Partial | Unique structures |
| Giorgi Park | Healdsburg | Yes | No | Turf sliding hill |
| Lucchesi Park | Petaluma | Yes | Partial | Creative little kids area |
| Playground Fantastico | Napa | Yes | Partial | Giant slides |