In the Spotlight
Armstrong Woods State Reserve
Go for a hike amongst the tallest living things on the planet - coast redwoods! Pack a lunch and make a day of it.
Sonoma Coast
Beat the heat and have some fun at the Sonoma Coast! Just a short drive from Santa Rosa.
Kids Summer Movie Series
It's not too expensive to take your preschooler to the movies! At $3 per ticket you can enjoy a new film every week this summer!
Fishing at Lake Ralphine - Santa Rosa
The convenience of Lake Ralphine in Santa Rosa makes it the perfect place to take your preschooler fishing. With its close proximity to stores and restaurants as well as the fun of Howarth Park and Spring Lake, you can be sure to keep your preschooler entertained, even if fishing turns out to not be his/her thing. Besides a pole and bait, all you need is a free hour or two in the evening to share some quality time fishing with your preschooler.
The easiest way to start off on your preschooler fishing excursion is to make a quick stop at Longs Drugs on 4th Street to get some bait and lures. Even if you already have a full tackle box, this will get your preschooler excited about the experience. Let him/her pick out a few things that they find interesting – even if they aren’t meant to be used for this type of fishing.
Once you get to the lake, you’ll need to decide where “the perfect spot” is. Let your preschooler lead the way and choose the place he/she thinks is best. It could be on one of the docks, along the dam, or even just casting from the shore. Claim your spot and start to bait that hook!
If you want to get a little more adventurous, you can rent a boat and go out on the lake to do your fishing. The boats are available for rent from 11am -5pm daily. It’s only about $8 for a paddle boat so it may be worth it so you can get to some of the more remote fishing grounds.
Also, if it turns out that your preschooler is just not in to the whole fishing thing, there’s always Howarth Park and Spring Lake within walking distance. Regardless of your experience, your preschooler will have fun and enjoy spending time with you.
One more thing, adults 16 and over need fishing permits to fish at Lake Ralphine. Adults do not need a permit if they are simply assisting their children. But, there is a FREE fishing day on June 7th and also on September 27th 2008 when anyone can fish without a license.
650 Summerfield Road
Santa Rosa, California 95405
(707) 543-3282
The easiest way to start off on your preschooler fishing excursion is to make a quick stop at Longs Drugs on 4th Street to get some bait and lures. Even if you already have a full tackle box, this will get your preschooler excited about the experience. Let him/her pick out a few things that they find interesting – even if they aren’t meant to be used for this type of fishing.
Once you get to the lake, you’ll need to decide where “the perfect spot” is. Let your preschooler lead the way and choose the place he/she thinks is best. It could be on one of the docks, along the dam, or even just casting from the shore. Claim your spot and start to bait that hook!
If you want to get a little more adventurous, you can rent a boat and go out on the lake to do your fishing. The boats are available for rent from 11am -5pm daily. It’s only about $8 for a paddle boat so it may be worth it so you can get to some of the more remote fishing grounds.
Advantages for Preschoolers
Lake Ralphine gives your preschooler the chance to experience “the great outdoors” without having to travel too far to get there. And, fishing allows for some great quality time spent with mom or dad. Don’t worry if you don’t catch a fish, he/she will have a blast no matter what the outcome.Also, if it turns out that your preschooler is just not in to the whole fishing thing, there’s always Howarth Park and Spring Lake within walking distance. Regardless of your experience, your preschooler will have fun and enjoy spending time with you.
Disadvantages to Preschoolers
Fishing takes patience – that’s all there is to it. If your preschooler just of the anxious variety, it may be best to wait a year or two before trying it a second time. Another disadvantage is if you do happen to catch a fish, you either have to take it home (obviously it dies) or release it back into the water. Depending on your preschooler, either choice may leave them upset. So, before you even get to the lake, discuss what you will be doing with the fish if you catch one – catch and release or have fish for dinner!One more thing, adults 16 and over need fishing permits to fish at Lake Ralphine. Adults do not need a permit if they are simply assisting their children. But, there is a FREE fishing day on June 7th and also on September 27th 2008 when anyone can fish without a license.
Details
Lake Ralphine in Howarth Community Park, Santa Rosa, CA650 Summerfield Road
Santa Rosa, California 95405
(707) 543-3282
