Family Time in the Gold Country

“Family Time in the Gold Country” is all about unplugged fun- think outdoor adventures, sweet treats, and quality time spent together exploring the best of Tuolumne County. 

Arrive in Tuolumne and check in at the newly renovated and refurbished Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort featuring all new family-friendly water park. 

Spend the afternoon at Elevate, an onsite indoor sports park with trampoline jumps, golf simulators, batting cages, Ninja course, and more. Then enjoy dinner at one of the several eateries within the casino before heading back to the hotel to enjoy some pool time.

Morning

Head out to nearby Cover's Apple Ranch for a tasty breakfast. 

Cover’s Apple Ranch offers fresh-baked treats, farm animals, and a fun train ride – perfect for a relaxed family outing. 

Afternoon

Head to Twain Harte Miniature Golf for a friendly and competitive game of mini golf at the vintage 18‑hole outdoor course nestled under towering pine trees. Open since the early 1950s, it’s one of California’s oldest mini golf courses and has been a beloved budget‑friendly family tradition for over 70 years.

Evening

Enjoy dinner at Pinocchio’s Restaurant in Sonora, the perfect place for the entire family to enjoy authentic Italian food, Italian soda’s and amazing desserts, including gelato, All in a fun atmosphere that celebrates the Pinocchio family and their famous Disney friend. Celebrating 50 years in 2025!

After dinner, head back to Black Oak Casino Resort

Morning

Check-Out of The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort, but before you go grab coffee & to go breakfast at The Turnback Bistro (in the hotel).

Then depart for Columbia to explore Columbia State Historic Park (29 Minutes). The park is a living Gold Rush town where families can stroll wooden sidewalks, pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, and explore charming shops- all surrounded by scenic Sierra foothills. 

Afternoon

Lunch ideas (all located in the state park): Columbia City Hotel Restaurant; stop in for a snack at Brown’s Coffee House and Sweets Saloon; find great picnic goodies at the Columbia Mercantile 1855 and have lunch at the historic Schoolhouse (walking distance) or find a perfect picnic bench in town.

Before leaving Columbia, be sure and visit the Fallon House Ice Cream Parlor and get the scoop.

Before heading home, take the 20-minute drive to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park which brings California’s rail history to life with real steam train rides, behind-the-scenes tours, and vintage locomotives featured in classic films- an unforgettable experience for train lovers of all ages.