In spite of its pricey reputation, there are hundreds of great free and cheap things to do in Sonoma County. Even chic Healdsburg has plenty of free or cheap things to do. Here are ten fun and free things to do in Healdsburg to start with: [Read more →]

Frisco Kids reports that the San Francisco Modern Art Museum (SFMOMA) has a series of free family tours and hands on activities for kids under 12 on Sundays, starting this Sunday.

Kids 12 and under get in free (adults don’t). The family tour (aimed at ages 4-11) starts at 1 pm, with special programs starting at 2 pm. You’ll need to reserve, since space is limited. For more information (and a list of programs through June) check out this Frisco Kids post.

The Sonoma County Museum Free First Friday will include Zigi Bachi, playing old world songs and refreshments on Friday and a Museum Shop Holiday Sale and free family admission on Saturday,  with free hot cider and music from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Friday Dec. 4, 2009 5 pm to 7 pm First Friday
Saturday Dec. 5, 2009 1 pm- 4 pm free admission and Holiday Gift Shop Sale
Sonoma County Museum
425 Seventh St.,  Santa Rosa
707- 579-1500

Looking for more affordable holiday events  in Sonoma County? Check out this comprehensive list.

Don’t forget: Charles Schulz’s birthday is Nov 22 and you can celebrate by visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum for free. Free ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery will be served from 1–3 pm.

Sunday November 22, 2009

Charles M. Schultz Museum

2301 Hardies Lane Santa Rosa

Celebrate Charles Schulz’s birthday by visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum for free.  Ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery of Sonoma County will be served from 1–3 pm.

Sunday November 22, 2009

Charles M. Schultz Museum

2301 Hardies Lane Santa Rosa

The annual Petaluma’s Veterans Day Parade will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 11, 2009 at Walnut Park (at D St) and wind its way through downtown Petaluma with 120 entries, including a military jeep group of up to 50 jeeps, marching bands, a mounted sheriff’s posse, and the traditional fly-over before finishing up back at Walnut Park with ceremonies and live music.

Also, in conjunction with other Veterans Day events, the Petaluma Historical Museum (20 4th St, Petaluma) opens “Schindler: The Exhibition,” in its exclusive Northern California display.

If you are active or retired Military, be sure and check out these Sonoma County Veterans Day freebies and discounts.

Cathe Holden, who is the artist at the Just Something I Made blog,  has created some cool “Thank You Vets” signs that you can download and print: you’ll probably see some at the Parade.

The Sonoma County Museum Free First Friday and the opening for Jonah Raskin: Fields Day & Jo Whaley: Theatre of Insects will include a performance by Tony & Nora (rock music) and refreshments.

Friday Nov. 6, 2009 5 pm to 7 pm

Sonoma County Museum

425 Seventh St.,  Santa Rosa

707- 579-1500

Reminder: over  900 Museums are offering free admission for Museum Day 2009 (Saturday, September 26, 2009).

Check out www.smithsonian.com/museumday for museums in the Bay Area and  to download your free admission card. Participating museums include the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland; Zeum, the Cartoon Art Museum, and the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco; and the Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa and the Maysonnave House in Sonoma.

Join some of the members of the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association for their annual family event in conjunction with their exhibit. Kids will be making not only traditional birdhouses, but cars & trucks as well, all out of wood.

Saturday September 26, 2009

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Sonoma County Museum

425 7th Street. Santa Rosa

707-579 1500

Enjoy story time, movement games, and arts and crafts especially designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers on the fourth Monday of each month at the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Cost: $5 for children; adults are free before 11am.

Monday, August  24, 2009  10 am to noon

Charles M. Schulz Museum

2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa

707-579-4452