Petaluma, California, is a city on the Petaluma River in Sonoma County. Its name is derived from the Indian term for "hillside ridge," and it is one of the oldest cities in the state. This riverfront town has a multitude of attractions, museums and recreational opportunities for the entire family. However, Petaluma offers dozens of activities made especially for toddlers throughout the year.
The 30-acre Adobe Pumpkin Farm has a corn maze, farm animals, cow milking, and music and entertainment on the weekends. Toddlers can play on the giant slides and inflatables, take pony and hay rides and enjoy face painting and balloons. Adobe Pumpkin Farm is open daily in September to October.
At the Andersen Organic Vegetable Stand and Pumpkin Patch, toddlers can choose their own giant pumpkins, go on a mini train ride and climb a hay pyramid. Andersen Organic Vegetable Stand and Pumpkin Patch is open from July to October.
In the Petaluma Wildlife and Natural Science Museum, children can learn about the planet and animals through interactive tours. Tours for kids in kindergarten and pre-K are on Wednesdays and during the tour, they'll see dioramas from North America and Africa, a fossil and mineral collection and a reptile collection. Tours for all ages are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The museum, which is run by high school students, is on the Petaluma High School campus.
Petaluma's recreation service offers classes such as pre-ballet and a tap ballet and jazz class for toddlers. Petaluma School of Ballet has a "Rhythm n' 2's" movement class for toddlers to experience with their parents. From November to March, Sports City offers an introductory soccer class for kids starting at 18 months. This indoor, non-competitive, skills and child development program offers a free trial class for first-time participants. Classes vary in cost and last for four to eight weeks depending on the class. Classes are offered for residents and non-residents.
Parents can take their toddlers for a swim in Cavanaugh Pool or in Petaluma Swim Center's wading pool. Both are heated pools and are open from April to October. Toddlers can join Forever Aquatics' "Aqua Babies," which is available in the Cavanaugh Pool. You and your toddler join this class together, which teaches your child to do a back float and to get a breath of air.
Petaluma has 17 parks where you can take your toddler to play in the playground. Some of these parks are Helen Putnam Park, Anna's Meadows Park, Arroyo Park, Cherry Valley Park and Walnut Park.
