Celebrating children in Sonoma April 28-29

Celebrating historic crafts of the 1830s|

California State Parks, in cooperation with Sonoma Petaluma Parks, is hosting Children’s Day at Sonoma State Historic Park on Saturday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual event takes place in the courtyard of Mission San Francisco Solano. The event is free with paid admission to Sonoma State Historic Park.

Children can take the opportunity to engage in historic crafts of the 1830s, including hand-dipping candles, weaving baskets, carding and spinning wool, using the cattle brand and stamping leather. Try roping a “steer,” dress your own cornhusk doll and craft beaded jewelry. New this year is an embroidery station and weaving at the wool station.

Park volunteers and staff will demonstrate and assist with activities and crafts.

“I was amazed by the determination and innovation our youth exhibited while custom designing and layering pieces of material on their corn husk people last year,” said Joleen Ossello, of State Parks. “Celebrating and honoring our children’s creativity is important to us here at California State Parks.”

Mission San Francisco Solano is located at 114 E. Spain St. Park admission fees are $3 per adult, $2 per child (age 6 to 17), and children under age 5 are free. Admission covers entry into Sonoma State Historic Park which includes Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma Barracks, Toscano Hotel, Vallejo Home, and the Petaluma Adobe. Park hours are from 10 am to 5 pm.

Then on Sunday, April 29, the Día del Niño celebration returns to Sonoma Valley, featuring children’s activities in both Spanish and English – art, music, nature workshops, face painting, and performances by Ballet Folklórico. At the Dia del Nino event, Art Escape will bring Art Van Gogh to provide a free art activity. Children will be invited to create Mexican-style finger puppets. The free event is at Larson Park 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

There are more county events at sonomacountyee.org/day-of-the-child-2/.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.