Things to Do in Solvang With Kids – Fun Family Adventures in California’s Little Denmark

If you’re planning a family trip to California and you want something unique, walkable, European-inspired, and absolutely charming — Solvang is the place. Known as the “Danish Capital of America,” this small Santa Barbara wine-country town feels like a real-life fairytale village. Beautiful windmills, cobblestone streets, bakeries filled with pastries, toy stores, museums, and horse-drawn carts — everything here looks magical from a child’s eyes. Families love Solvang because it’s peaceful, safe, and full of slow-paced attractions perfect for kids of all ages. This guide will show you the best things to do in Solvang with kids — from tasting Danish treats to visiting the best playgrounds, mini farms, museums, and more. Whether you’re coming for a weekend, passing through on a road trip, or planning a day trip from Santa Barbara or LA — this list will help you make the most of your family vacation.

1. Visit the Iconic Solvang Danish Windmills

When you think of Solvang — you think of windmills. These colorful, picture-perfect Danish-style windmills instantly capture a kid’s imagination. Most families love starting their Solvang adventure by walking around town and spotting all the different windmills. There are five main famous windmills around the city, and it’s fun to turn this into a family treasure hunt. Kids can try to find all five windmills, and parents can take cute photos at each location.

This simple activity already feels like a fun game for children, especially younger kids who are visual and energetic. Each windmill looks slightly different, offering unique photo angles and backgrounds. This activity does not require an entry fee, making it budget-friendly. The streets are stroller-friendly, there are plenty of benches to rest, and many ice-cream shops along the way. So if you’re searching for things to do in Solvang with kids that don’t cost much — this is a perfect starting point.

2. Explore Hans Christian Andersen Museum — Where Fairy Tales Come to Life

Solvang has a strong connection to the famous Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen — the writer behind fairy tales like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and more. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a must-visit for families because it’s so magical for children who love stories. Inside, you’ll find old editions of fairy-tale books, illustrations, historical displays, and stories of Andersen’s life. Kids can read picture books, discover facts about how famous characters were written, and explore storytelling corners.

It’s not a big museum — but that’s what makes it kid-friendly. It’s not overwhelming, and most kids stay entertained throughout. The fairy tale theme makes children curious and excited, and it encourages reading, imagination, and creativity. Plus, the museum is located above a bookstore — making it a great place to buy a souvenir book for bedtime reading. If you’re planning educational things to do in Solvang with kids — this museum offers the perfect balance between learning and fun.

3. Taste Danish Pastries at Famous Solvang Bakeries

Solvang is very famous for its bakeries — and kids love this activity the most. Danish pastries are crispy, buttery, flaky, soft, and come in many flavors that children love — chocolate, apple, cinnamon, cheese, jam, vanilla cream, and more. Trying Danish pastries is one of the tastiest things to do in Solvang with kids. Some of the must-try classic pastries include: aebleskiver (a fluffy round pancake ball with powdered sugar), kringle pastry, and danish butter cookies.

The most popular bakeries that families love are Olsen’s Bakery, Mortensen’s Bakery, and Copenhagen Bakery. Each bakery has its own unique style — so trying more than one is part of the experience. Many families try this as a morning stop before walking the village — fresh pastry + hot chocolate for kids + a coffee for the parents = perfect family travel moment. Kids get excited choosing their pastry from colorful display counters. It’s one of the simplest and most joyful family experiences in Solvang, and definitely something children will remember.

4. Ride the Horse-Drawn Trolley for a Magical Village Experience

One of the most unique attractions in Solvang is the horse-drawn trolley ride — also known as the “Honen” trolley. This is one of those things that makes kids go “WOW!” because it’s not something we see every day. The trolley is pulled by beautiful Belgian draft horses, and the ride slowly moves around the village. This is perfect for families with younger kids who get tired from walking. During the ride, the guide shares fun stories about Solvang’s history, buildings, monuments, and culture.

Kids enjoy the gentle pace, and parents get to relax while sightseeing. For families looking for easy things to do in Solvang with kids — this is highly recommended. The trolley is comfortable, shaded, and the ride lasts enough time to cover the main area without rushing. If you’re visiting during weekends or peak holidays, try coming early because it gets busy. Riding this trolley turns your Solvang trip into something magical — like stepping inside a storybook village.

5. Visit Sunny Fields Park — The Most Kid-Friendly Playground in Solvang

Sunny Fields Park is one of the best outdoor places for kids in Solvang. It’s large, clean, extremely well designed, and perfect for children to burn energy. If your kids love playgrounds, swings, climbing areas, wooden fort structures, slides, and rope bridges — they will absolutely love Sunny Fields Park. This is also one of the things to do in Solvang with kids that allows parents to relax while children play freely. The atmosphere is safe and friendly — mostly local families and visiting travelers.

There are picnic tables, open fields, restrooms, shade spots, and big grassy areas. Many families bring snacks and spend an hour or two here. After walking around downtown Solvang, this is a great break to let the kids run, laugh, and refresh. Also, this is a free activity — which makes it a perfect balance to combine with other attractions. Planning a travel day with some playtime always makes kids happier — and Sunny Fields Park is the best option for that.

6. Meet Mini Donkeys & Animals at Solvang / Santa Ynez Valley Farms

One of the most heart-warming things to do in Solvang with kids is visiting mini-donkey farms or nearby Santa Ynez Valley animal farms. Kids absolutely love interacting with cute farm animals — mini donkeys, goats, chickens, ponies, mini horses, and sometimes alpacas. The nearby “Seein’ Spots Farm” is a well-known animal rescue that offers mini-donkey meet-and-greet experiences. Children can pet animals, take pictures, feed them (with farm-approved food), and learn about how they are cared for. This activity is both fun and educational. Animal experiences help children learn kindness, empathy, and connection with nature. It’s also peaceful for parents — a refreshing break from technology, screens, and city noise. And yes — it makes for adorable family photos. If you want something wholesome, calming, emotionally joyful, and memorable — this should be on your list. Many families say this farm visit becomes the highlight of their Solvang trip, especially if their kids love animals.

7. Go Ice-Cream, Chocolate, and Candy Tasting at Solvang Sweet Shops

No family trip is complete without treats — and Solvang is full of old-fashioned candy stores, chocolate shops, and ice-cream parlors. This sweet tour is one of the fun things to do in Solvang with kids because it feels like stepping into a candy wonderland. Kids get excited looking at colorful candies in jars, old-school fudge counters, European style chocolates, caramel apples, licorice, and handmade sweets. The best part — you can do this slowly while walking through the village.

Some popular family-friendly sweet shops include Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, and Old Danish Fudge Kitchen. Each shop has its own charm — one may specialize in creamy ice-cream, another in handmade chocolates, and one in classic Danish candy. Kids can pick their favorite flavor, and parents can also enjoy premium European chocolates, dark fudge, or espresso gelato. Ending the day with a sweet treat makes the family adventure complete — and kids love it.

8. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

Many kids (especially boys aged 7–14) love cars, engines, and bikes. The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum is a surprising hidden gem where children can see rare motorcycles from different decades — racing bikes, antique European bikes, classic Harley-Davidsons, and more. It’s educational and visually interesting. Kids love the shapes, bright colors, and unique engine designs. Parents who enjoy auto history will also find this fascinating. It is a small museum (good attention span-wise for children) and you don’t need long — maybe 30–45 minutes. Perfect add-on activity if you want indoor things to do in Solvang with kids, especially on hot days or if your family needs a rest from walking outdoors.

9. Visit OstrichLand USA (5 minutes outside Solvang)

Just a short drive from Solvang — OstrichLand USA is one of the BEST “wow factor” attractions for kids. Children can look at huge ostriches and emus and even feed them with special bowls (safe & guided). The birds are giant, playful, curious, and kids find them hilarious. It is rare to see these animals so close. It also makes for great Instagram family pictures. This is one of the most memorable things to do in Solvang with kids because it’s unique, interactive, and feels adventurous — but still safe.

10. Go Mini Golfing in Solvang

Mini golf is always a family favorite — and Solvang/nearby Santa Ynez Valley has casual mini-golf courses where children can practice putting, enjoy fun obstacles, and spend relaxing quality time. Parents can join in or sit and watch — both ways kids stay entertained for a long time. This is especially good in the evenings when kids still have energy to burn but walking through the village is done. Also perfect for older teens who need something more activity-focused. Mini golf is one of those classic things to do in Solvang with kids that always creates laughter, fun competition, and bonding.

11. Take a Scenic Family Bike Ride Around Solvang

Solvang is flat, safe, and beautiful — which makes biking super family friendly. You can rent family bikes, tandem bikes, kids’ bikes with training wheels, or even surrey bikes (big pedal carts with 4 seats!). Riding through the Danish streets, passing windmills, vineyards, and cute old European-style buildings is a magical experience. Kids feel free and joyful. This is also a great way to see more of Solvang in less time — especially if you only have 1 day. Taking a scenic ride is one of the active things to do in Solvang with kids that also helps them sleep better because they burn good energy.

12. Visit Solvang Festival Theater (Seasonal)

If you’re visiting during summer or special event season, check out the Solvang Festival Theater — sometimes there are kid-friendly shows, plays, Disney-style performances, outdoor concerts, or cultural programs. Outdoor theaters are exciting for kids because it’s not like a typical indoor cinema. They get to sit under the sky, watch performers live, and feel a different type of entertainment. Some shows even have musical elements which children love. This is one of the cultural things to do in Solvang with kids that adds creativity, art, and storytelling to your itinerary.

Conclusion – Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Solvang With Kids

Solvang is one of the most charming, safe, and family-friendly destinations in California, and it offers a perfect balance of culture, fun, sweets, open spaces, and memorable experiences for children of all ages. From windmill hunting and Danish pastries to fairy tale museums, farms, trolley rides, chocolates, motorcycle history, ostrich encounters, mini golf, and biking — there are more than enough things to do in Solvang with kids to fill an entire weekend or even 2–3 relaxing days.

What makes Solvang truly special is the atmosphere — there is no rush, no stress, no city chaos — just warm European village vibes mixed with California sunshine. Parents can slow down, kids can explore freely, and the whole family gets to create memories without pressure. This destination is simple, cozy, and deeply joyful. Whether you are coming for a short road trip or planning a longer stay in Santa Ynez Valley — Solvang will surprise you with how magical it feels for children.

So if you’re searching online for fun and meaningful things to do in Solvang with kids — this Danish-inspired village truly offers experiences that are easy, affordable, delicious, entertaining, and educational at the same time. Every corner has something your kids will smile at — a windmill, a bakery, a candy shop, a playground, or even a giant ostrich just minutes away. Solvang is the kind of place where family travel feels peaceful and natural — and where even the smallest moment, like enjoying an aebleskiver pastry with powdered sugar on top, becomes a travel memory worth cherishing. Solvang is not just a stop — it’s a perfect family destination.