Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Santa Ynez Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including Old Mission Santa Ines, Seein' Spots Farm, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, Sunny Fields Park, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House, Visitor Center, Swedish Candy Factory, Ostrich Land, Quicksilver Ranch, Nojoqui Falls Park.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. Old Mission Santa Ines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By CleopatraBunny - Flagstaff, United States
This active Catholic Church has a well-curated collection of old mission tools, vestments, furnishings and other items from the 1800s mission life. Cemetery has over 1000 people buried here but most graves are not marked. What’s worthwhile is the self-guided audio tour. You push little buttons on the wall in seven areas to hear the history and backstory on each room and the church itself. Plenty of free parking and charming gift shop staff.
2. Seein' Spots Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Another great farm to stop at while touring the Santa Ynez Valley...home to miniature donkeys.
Reviewed By mintchip17 - Beverly Hills, United States
This was truly the highlight of my weekend in Los Olivos! It's a wonderful little farm/animal rescue sanctuary that has a charming variety of animals - mini donkeys, sheep, goats, a turkey, chickens, a tortoise...I could go on. I am absolutely obsessed with a 2 week old baby donkey that I bonded with - he is insanely adorable, so sweet and if I could have taken him home to Los Angeles I would have! We enjoyed speaking with the owner who gave us the back stories on some of their animals. If you love interacting with animals, this is a must visit sanctuary. There's no charge but you can make a donation so please consider doing the same to help them care for all these little creatures. We visited during their open Saturday hours but check in advance as it's mostly by appointment.
3. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
The Wildling Museum is where art and nature meet! Through beautiful art exhibitions and programs, we hope to inspire the next generation of artists and conservationists. We feature 3-4 art exhibitions at any one time as well as offer many art classes and lectures for all ages throughout the year. Our hand-painted Valley Oak wall mural is a beautiful way to become acquainted with our local landscape and wildlife. We also have a wonderful gift shop full of unique gifts and nature and hiking guides and maps (proceeds support the museum). The Wildling is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization.
Reviewed By consolef - San Diego, United States
On the main street near Holiday Inn, this 2 story, accessible museum is a treasure of photography, art and special events and exhibits. Admission cost is small, kids admitted free. There's a splendid little gift shop. Mon. Wed. Thu. Fri. 11-5 Sat. Sun. 10-5 Closed Tuesday.
4. Sunny Fields Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By D9447PXjohns - California, United States
We were first drawn to Sunny Fields Park because it looks like a Danish Village. Of course we were pleased to find that it's clean and safe. The younger kids will love it but there are other features as well. There are volleyball nets (at least when we were there), picnic tables with shaded eating areas, benches, grills, restrooms, and a nice "track" which surrounds the perimeter of the park. There is plenty of parking and informational flyers listing local events. There is also a number there if you wish to reserve a spot for larger functions. Finally, the park is on Alamo Pintado Road which is conveniently located near downtown Solvang! Continue on the same road and you'll find wineries, apple farms, nut and berry farms, an olive stand, a lavender farm, and a miniature horse ranch! You can really make a fun afternoon of it and let the little ones (or you) burn off some energy.
5. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is home to the an impressive collection of Horse drawn conveyances and Western Saddles as well additional rooms of exhibits depicting western life, art and fashion. The Valley Room houses the history of the Santa Ynez Valley with artifacts of the pioneer life as well as a working scale model of the train which ran through the Santa Ynez Valley. The Jeanette Lyons Room has a new exhibit opening March 19, 2017 called "If the Shoe Fits.... displaying footwear over the ages, from whimsical to functional.
6. Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
While we were in Solvang, we visited the Visitor center. its in the heart of the downtown area. There is a walking map of Solvang, plus brochures for Solvang and the surroundung area. The staff is very helpful.The visitor center was welcoming with its decor and holiday decorations.
7. Swedish Candy Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By nicolejG9100IE - Bakersfield, United States
We happened upon this place while walking along the street. So glad we stopped in! We spoke with who I think was the owner. He was making candy and explaining the process, how the finished product comes out, and the history behind it. So interesting! He gave us some samples, gave us some touring tips, and told us about an event they were having later that night (Black Friday). Wonderful service and delicious candy! This would be a great place to take kids.
8. Ostrich Land
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 430 reviews
OstrichLand
Reviewed By krawner - Chicago, United States
So fun and entertaining. Definitely worth a stop on the way to Santa Barbara or Solvang. $5 for adults, $2 for kids, $1 for feed. Free parking. Over 100 ostriches and emus. Ostriches are vigorous eaters so hold on tight to the dustpan. Emus are gentler. Long line on weekends so make a reservation. Limited capacity due to social distancing. Plenty of photo opportunities. Self-guided. Port-a-potties. Hand sanitizer dispensers at site. Small gift stand. Wander around in about 30 minutes. (Line was also another 30-45 minutes long)
9. Quicksilver Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By colleenc967
Easy to find. It was just a short ride out of Solvang. Miniature ponies grazing, some close enough to pet.
10. Nojoqui Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By MrSo57 - Los Angeles, United States
We visited in January, before rainy season and the waterfall was so beautiful! The drive down Alamo Pintado to the park was glorious. We saw wild pigs, deer, cows & horses. Along the hike to the waterfalls, we saw wild turkeys! The waterfall is a hidden treasure. I absolutely recommend this hike to the water falls for beginners.
