Picture this.
It's a beautiful summer morning in Sonoma County. The school year is finally over, the lunchboxes have been packed away, and your child has approximately a million ideas about what they want to do this summer.
One wants to ride horses.
Another wants to spend every waking moment outside, running around and playing games.
And the third? They're currently turning your recycling bin into what appears to be a fully functioning cardboard city.
Three kids. Three very different ideas of fun.
And somehow, you're supposed to find a summer camp that works for everyone.
If you've ever found yourself scrolling through summer camp options in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, or anywhere else in Sonoma County, you know the challenge.
You want your children to have a great summer. You want them to try new things, spend time with other kids, and come home with stories.
But you also know that the activity one child absolutely loves might be the very thing another child has zero interest in trying.
And that's perfectly fine.
Because the truth is, not every kid wants to ride a horse.
Funny thing to hear from a riding academy, right?
But that's exactly where this story begins.
It Started With Horses. Then We Started Thinking Bigger.
If you've spent any time around Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma, you know that horses are a pretty big deal around here.
They're part of our everyday routine.
There are riding lessons to teach, horses to groom, equipment to organize, and all those little moments that make barn life what it is.
Some days are full of exciting riding milestones. Other days, a horse decides that a perfectly ordinary object deserves a very suspicious look.
That's just life at the barn.
Over the years, we've seen how much children enjoy spending time here.
Some arrive already knowing everything they can about horses. Others are meeting one up close for the first time.
And while riding is what brought many of them to Strides, it got us thinking about something else.
What about the children who would love spending a summer outdoors but aren't particularly interested in horseback riding?
What about the ones who love games, challenges, and exploring?
Or the children who would happily spend an entire afternoon building, painting, and creating something new?
Why should they miss out on a summer at the ranch?
So for 2027, we're opening the doors to something a little different.
Summer at Strides is bringing three summer camp experiences together at one Petaluma ranch.
One for the riders.
One for the explorers.
And one for the creators.
Same location. Same summer. Three completely different adventures.
For the Kid Who Notices Every Horse on the Road
You probably know this child.
You're driving somewhere, having a perfectly normal conversation, when suddenly—
"HORSE!"
Everyone in the car turns.
There it is, standing in a field, doing absolutely nothing remarkable.
But to your child? Best part of the entire drive.
Maybe they've been asking for riding lessons. Maybe they've watched every horse movie they can find. Or maybe they just think horses are the most interesting animals on the planet.
For them, there's Riding Camp.
And if you're imagining five hours of children simply riding around an arena, that's not quite how it works.
A day around horses involves much more than riding.
There's grooming, learning about equipment, understanding how to care for horses, and discovering that these animals have personalities of their own.
Some are curious. Some are playful. And some seem convinced that every person walking past might have a treat hidden somewhere.
Campers get to experience that side of barn life, too.
They learn how to groom, participate in horsemanship activities, and enjoy small-group riding lessons suited to their experience.
For a first-time rider, something as simple as learning to steer can feel like a huge accomplishment.
For a child who's ridden before, there's the excitement of practicing familiar skills and learning something new.
And then there are the moments nobody really plans for.
The horse that makes everyone laugh.
The new friend who loves the same pony.
The conversation on the drive home that begins with, "Okay, so today at camp..."
Those are part of the experience, too.
Riding Camp at a glance: Open to ages 6–12, including beginners and intermediate riders. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, at $675 per week, with 18 spaces available each week.
But What If Your Child Would Rather Run Than Ride?
Now imagine a completely different child.
The one who comes home from school, drops their backpack, and immediately asks if they can go outside.
They don't need an elaborate plan.
Give them a few friends, some open space, and something to turn into a game, and they're happy.
Sometimes the game has rules.
Sometimes the rules change halfway through.
And sometimes nobody can explain the rules at all, but everyone seems to be having a fantastic time.
That's the spirit behind Ranch Adventure Camp.
No riding lessons required.
This camp is for children who enjoy outdoor play, group activities, challenges, and discovering what they can do when they put their ideas together.
Think big outdoor games, teamwork, and activities that get kids moving and thinking.
There might be a challenge that requires everyone to work together. Another activity might involve strategy, creativity, or figuring out how to solve a problem as a group.
And there's something pretty entertaining about watching a group of children come up with a plan.
One has an idea.
Another thinks they have a better idea.
Someone starts explaining why neither idea will work.
Then somebody suggests something completely unexpected.
Suddenly, they're all working together.
It's the kind of experience that can happen when children have room to play, explore, and figure things out.
And in a world where entertainment is often just a tap away, there's something refreshing about a summer day that doesn't revolve around a screen.
No complicated technology.
No endless scrolling.
Just children, fresh air, new friends, and activities that give them something to talk about afterward.
Ranch Adventure Camp at a glance: Outdoor games, group challenges, and hands-on adventures. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, at $375 per week, with 24 spaces available each week.
And Then There's the Kid Who Keeps Every Cardboard Box
Every family seems to have one.
You order something online.
The package arrives.
You take out what you bought.
And before you can throw away the box, someone shouts, "WAIT! I NEED THAT!"
Apparently, it's not a box anymore.
It's going to be a spaceship.
Or a miniature house.
Or a complicated invention that requires six rolls of tape and your entire collection of markers.
You don't fully understand the vision, but your child certainly does.
These are the children we had in mind for Makers & Creators Camp.
The thinkers. The builders. The artists. The ones who always seem to have another project in progress.
This camp gives them opportunities to spend their days working with their hands, exploring creative ideas, and turning ordinary materials into something interesting.
Art projects, building activities, design challenges, and hands-on creating are all part of the experience.
And the fun isn't necessarily about making something perfect.
Sometimes, the original idea changes halfway through.
Sometimes, a project doesn't turn out the way a child expected.
And sometimes, the finished creation looks absolutely nothing like what anyone imagined at the beginning.
That's okay.
Because creativity isn't always neat, predictable, or easy to explain.
Sometimes it's messy.
Sometimes it's surprising.
And sometimes it involves a child proudly presenting something they've made while giving you a very detailed explanation of how it works.
For children who love making things, that process can be the most exciting part of the day.
Makers & Creators Camp at a glance: Hands-on art, building, and design activities. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, at $375 per week, with 24 spaces available each week.
Now Imagine All Three Kids Going to the Same Place
Here's where things get interesting for parents.
Let's go back to that family with three children.
One loves horses.
One loves outdoor games.
One loves creating things.
Normally, finding summer activities for everyone could mean three separate programs, three different schedules, and a whole lot of driving around Sonoma County.
And let's not even get started on trying to coordinate drop-off and pickup times.
But imagine pulling up to one ranch in Petaluma.
Your horse lover heads off to Riding Camp.
Your energetic explorer joins Ranch Adventure Camp.
And your little inventor goes to Makers & Creators Camp.
Different activities, but the same location.
That's one of the ideas behind Summer at Strides 2027.
All three programs operate at the same Petaluma ranch, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
So siblings with different interests can attend different camps during the same week, provided they meet the program requirements and spaces are available.
One drop-off.
One pickup.
And potentially three very different conversations on the drive home.
Now that's a car ride we'd love to hear.
A Different Way to Spend Summer in Sonoma County
One of the things we love about Petaluma is that it still has a strong connection to its agricultural roots.
You don't have to travel far to see open fields, ranches, and horses grazing in pastures.
It's part of what makes this area special.
And for children growing up in Sonoma County, spending time in a ranch environment can offer a change from their usual routines.
Summer at Strides brings that setting together with activities designed around different interests.
It's not about trying to squeeze every possible activity into one camp.
It's about giving children a chance to spend time doing something they find interesting.
For some, that means horses.
For others, it means outdoor adventures.
And for some, it's a table full of supplies and the freedom to make something new.
Families searching for summer camps in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Penngrove, and surrounding Sonoma County communities can explore these three options when planning their summer.
The ranch is located in Petaluma, so families traveling from other parts of Sonoma County should consider their morning commute and pickup schedule.
But if you're looking for something beyond the usual summer activities, it may be worth adding to your list.
The Best Summer Camp Isn't Always the One Everyone Else Chooses
It's tempting to choose a camp because a neighbor recommended it.
Or because your child's friends are going.
Or because it happens to be the first option that appears when you search for "Sonoma County summer camps 2027."
But here's a question worth asking:
What does your child actually enjoy doing?
Not what you think they should enjoy.
Not what their sibling enjoys.
Not necessarily what their best friend wants to do.
What gets them excited?
Maybe they love animals and would jump at the opportunity to learn horseback riding.
Maybe they spend every afternoon asking to play outside.
Or maybe they're happiest when they're making something with their hands.
Those interests can tell you a lot about the kind of summer experience they might enjoy.
And sometimes, trying something new reveals an interest nobody expected.
A child who has never been around horses might discover that they love riding.
A child who usually prefers quiet activities might have a fantastic time participating in outdoor games.
And a child who doesn't consider themselves artistic might discover they really enjoy designing and building.
You never quite know what will capture their attention.
That's part of what makes summer fun.
Planning Your Summer 2027? Here's What You Need to Know.
Summer at Strides will run for eight consecutive weeks, from June 7 through July 30, 2027.
All three camps take place at the same Petaluma location and operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Here's a quick comparison:
Riding Camp costs $675 per week, with space for 18 campers each week. Ranch Adventure Camp and Makers & Creators Camp each cost $375 per week, with space for 24 campers per program each week.
Riding Camp welcomes children ages 6–12, including beginners and intermediate riders.
Each camp offers its own activities, so families can choose the experience that best matches their child's interests.
Registration is available through the Summer at Strides website, where families can explore the programs and select their preferred camp weeks.
A Few Questions Parents Usually Ask
Does my child have to know how to ride a horse?
Not at all! Riding Camp welcomes beginners and intermediate riders. And if your child isn't interested in riding, Ranch Adventure Camp and Makers & Creators Camp offer completely different activities.
Are all three camps at the same location?
Yes. All three summer camps take place at the Summer at Strides ranch in Petaluma, California.
Can my children attend different camps during the same week?
Yes, as long as they meet the program requirements and spaces are available. All three camps share the same daily schedule, making it easier for families with children who have different interests.
When does Summer at Strides 2027 begin?
The first week begins June 7, 2027, and the camp season continues through July 30, 2027.
How much does summer camp cost?
Riding Camp is $675 per week. Ranch Adventure Camp and Makers & Creators Camp are each $375 per week.
Where can I register?
Visit Summer at Strides to learn more about the three camp experiences, review available sessions, and register your child.
So, What Kind of Summer Will Your Child Have?
Maybe it'll be the summer they finally get to ride a horse.
Maybe it'll be the summer they make a new friend during an outdoor challenge.
Or maybe it'll be the summer they build something so creative that it earns a permanent spot on your living room shelf.
There's no way to know exactly which moments will become their favorites.
And that's part of the excitement.
At Summer at Strides, we believe different children deserve different kinds of adventures.
Not every child wants to ride a horse.
Some want to run.
Some want to build.
Some want to try something they've never done before.
And this summer, there's room for all of them.
Ride. Explore. Create.
Three adventures. One Petaluma ranch. A summer full of possibilities.
Explore Summer at Strides 2027 and reserve your child's spot.