Have a Yes Day

Get ready for some family fun. Petaluma has options for all ages, whether the aim is active, educational, or just spending time together.

By Kristen Haney

HHead off a hunger-fueled meltdown by starting with a big lunch. Sax’s Joint, a ’50s-style diner decorated in homage to the Pink Ladies of Grease, dishes out kid-approved classics like burgers, grilled cheese, mini corn dogs, and junior milkshakes. Or, order a few pies at Pinky’s Pizza Parlor, a local institution for more than 60 years that still serves some of the best pies in town—plus plenty of arcade games.

Make a reservation for Code Zone Escape Room and try to solve the clues before time ticks down in the pirateor detention-themed rooms. For an educational outing, Petaluma Historical Library & Museum offers exhibits on Miwok history and Petaluma’s past, plus downtown walking tours led by costumed docents (p. 14).

Take a family stroll through downtown to shop for the perfect souvenir: board games and puzzles at Goblin Bros.; books galore at Copperfield’s Books; vintage video games and consoles at Nostalgia Alley (don’t miss the retro arcade in the back); a huge variety of toys, games, and books at Toy B Ville; and cute clothes and “Chick City” T-shirts at The Hunter & The Bird.

For the Young Jedi USE THE FORCE

If your kiddo aspires to be in a galaxy far, far away, then you’ve got to visit Rancho Obi-Wan This nonprofit museum houses the world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia (certified by the Guinness World Records). From action figures and collectibles to a Darth Vader costume (some parts of which were used in the movies) and a C-3PO costume hand, Rancho Obi-Wan dives deep into the movie franchise fandom. Schedule a docent-led, small-group tour online.

Risk a sugar rush by ending at Once Upon A Slush, where kids are guaranteed to have a hard time choosing from nearly two dozen flavors of Italian ice-esque “slush” or soft serve, or opt for a mixture of the two layered in a cup or waffle cone. Or, head to Angela’s Ice Cream, where parents will appreciate flavors like French custard or chocolate raspberry.

For Teens Rock It Out

While The Phoenix Theater may be a favorite concert venue at night, during the day, this old moviehouse and former opera hall is a community center. Touted as “everybody’s building,” the volunteer-run space is used as a teen center, offering free music lessons and jam sessions, a skateboarding area with four quarter-pipe ramps, and a lounge section used for homework, tutoring, or just hanging out (without parents!).