If current consumption is a concern,
there are options

Solenoids tend to need a big current spike to get them moving , but much lower current to hold them,

Many solution to this if you want to go down that route , such as PWM or capacitive discharge
but all more complex than you have.

If simple works, stay with it,

 

thank you all!
here is the circuit I finally did.

Power Source: 12 Volt and 3 Amp.
1 Transistor - TIP 120 Darlington
Ic = 2 Amp (2 parallel solenoids each drawing 1 Amp)
Diodes with each solenoid - 1N004, 1 Amp.
Ib = 10 Amp (beta =250)
R= 340 Ohms.
Arduino Pin 12 = 5 V

I was able to make both solenoids work and no heat.
The Transistor however was getting hot..although not a lot. what is the power on Transistor? 12V X 2Amp?
Also, on the behavior of diodes, since each diode is 1 Amp, is the 2 Amp current dividing between diodes in the parallel circuit?

thanks. Still learning so please bear with me.

Eric.

 

what is the power on Transistor? 12V X 2Amp?

Vce * I, or about 2W.

Also, on the behavior of diodes, since each diode is 1 Amp, is the 2 Amp current dividing between diodes in the parallel circuit?

One diode will have a lower forward voltage than the other; that one will take most of the current. Since the diodes can handle a surge of 30A, one is sufficient.