I have been going to Solvang since I was a kid. I have such fond memories of the official Danish Capital of America. Being able to share this adorable town and all it has to offer with my family is so very special. Next time you are thinking about a fun socal getaway, make sure that Solvang is on that list. We have it all covered for you, from the secret Lego room to a family bike ride to great local parks. But don’t forget to find all 5 windmills in this adorable town.
- First thing you have to do on your way into Solvang is stop at Ostrichland. It is certainly an experience like nonother to feed an Ostrich. We stop and enjoy this quick activity every single time we drive into Solvang. My kids think this is the funniest activity and beg to go back every year. It has become part of our annual tradition upon arriving into Solvang. It is best to make reservations via their website link here, prior to arriving. It is certainly more busy on the weekends, than during the week. But I suggest making reservations either way, to guarantee your spot when you arrive. Once you check in, you can purchase these feed containers that look like big white plastic pans, that the kids and adults hold out to let the Ostrich eat. You can walk from pen to pen to see the different types of Ostriches and watch all their entertaining movements. Just be sure to keep your your hands away from the feed, they have been known to bite. Ostrichland is open daily from 9am to 5 pm and is located at 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA. It costs $7 for adults and and $3 for children and $1 for each feed bowl.
- The next place my children beg us to go to is the secret Lego room located in the back of the The Copenhagen House. At first you won’t think this is a store for children. but just ask them to show you to the Lego room in the back. I promise your kids will thank me!
- Rent a Moke in Solvang and drive all around this city. They come in all sorts of bright colors and the kids will be thrilled with the wind in their hair as you all jet around Solvang. We took our portable speaker with us to enjoy our own play list during the hour rental. We also took it to the next activity noted on this list, because it is a few blocks out of town. The Moke’s are electric vehicles and cost $49 dollars to rent for the hour. We only did a 1 hour rental and that was plenty of time to see the whole town and make a couple stops as well. Click here to reserve yours today. You can find the Moke rentals at 1510 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
- Visit the Hans Christian Anderson park. The park is located a couple blocks off the city center, but equally deserves a trip to check it out. It is a sprawling park that even includes a skate park for those kids ready to get radicle. There is plenty of grass to run around and play tag. There is a giant play structure, along with plenty of tables to enjoy a leisurely picnic with the family. The park is located at 633 Chalk Hill Road
Solvang, CA 93463
- Don’t miss a visit to Mission Santa Ines. This is a beautiful mission with sprawling grounds to walk around and check out. Santa Inés Mission is the 19th of 21 California missions established by the Franciscan Fathers. Santa Inés was founded by Fr. Estévan Tapis on September 17, 1804. Fr. José Calzada and Fr. Romualdo Gutiérrez remained at the mission to begin the building and teaching of the Chumash. They are buried under the altar of the church. There is a self guided tour the whole family can enjoy. The self guided tours are from – 9 am – 3:30 pm Monday – Saturday and from 10 am to 3:30 pm on Sundays. The Gift Shop is open from – 9 am to 4 pm Monday – Saturday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays. The church is located at 1760 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
- Let’s not forget all of the amazing Danish pastries, cookies and dessert this town has to offer. There are quiet a few different ones to choose from, my favorite is Olen’s Danish Village Bakery located at 1529 Mission Drive, Solvang
- The perfect kid friendly bike tour through the hills of Santa Ynez and Solvang. This is a 9 mile round trip bike ride that is challenging, yet doable for children. We had children between the ages of 7 and 12 on this bike ride and there were only 2 hills where some of the kids had to get off their bikes and walk them up the 2 hills and I was able to manage it on a bike without gears. I highly suggest grabbing sandwiches and drinks in Solvang first for a splendid and well deserved picnic at your first stop. You can park at Mission Santa Ines and leave from there, or you can start at your local hotel in town. Ride east on Mission Drive (Highway 246) but take care, as there will be cars for the first half mile until the painted bike path begins at Alamo Pintado Road. If you have children you should definitely cross the street at Alamo Pintado Road, to get onto the bike path on the other side of the road. The bike path continues to the intersection of Refugio Road. Turn around here and ride back towards Solvang, or turn right on Refugio, and proceed 0.9 miles to the entrance of Kalyra Winery. A little further up the road you can stop in at Sunstone Winery. Plenty of outdoor tables and grass, along with a food truck if you all are still hungry. Make sure to book reservations on line for this stop.
- Solvang Park is located right in the city center. Great place to let the kids round about. you can find Free Friday Night Movies in the summer, Danish Days in September, and Julesfest in December You will also find this great bust of Hans Christian Anderson in the park.
- Gotta take a picture in the giant clog in front of the Solvang Shoe Store. Make it a tradition and take a photo every time you visit with your family.
- What is a trip to Solvang without stopping at a beer garden to enjoy well, beer and sausage. Another spot we never miss when coming into Solvang is the Copenhagen Sausage Garden, located at 1660 Copenhagen Drive Solvang, CA 93463. The kids love the giant pretzels and well the parents will love it all.
- The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is honestly geared more towards adults. I did take my children into it, but there were a lot of priceless first edition books and sculptures located in the museum. So I quickly ushered my kids through the museum without letting them touch anything. The museum can be located at the Book Loft at< 1680 MISSION DRIVE, SOLVANG, CA 93463.
We usually stay at one of the two locations when we are in Solvang. We love the Wine Valley Inn, but they don’t have a pool like the Vinland hotel. The Wine Valley Inn is located right in the heart of the city and makes walking everywhere very convenient. You also get breakfast with your stay, which is night as well. But if your kids want to relax in the pool in the afternoon, then the Vinland might be more for you.
