16 Fun Things to Do in Napa With Kids: Fun Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re concerned that bringing kids to Napa Valley might not be the best idea, reconsider! We are locals who have raised our own families in this area, so we are aware of the difficulties in locating family-friendly activities in Napa Valley. However, we also are aware of some of Napa’s best-kept secrets, which we will now divulge to you! For your family’s upcoming trip to wine country, we’ve compiled a list of 16 of our favorite kid-friendly activities in Napa.

16 Fun Family-Friendly Activities

Old Faithful & Petting Zoo

One of my personal favorites will be the first item on this list of entertaining activities for kids in Napa. On the northernmost tip of the area, close to Calistoga, is the Old Faithful Geyser.

Every 15 to 30 minutes, this geyser in a natural spring erupts with consistency. While you wait, you can stroll through the gardens or pack a picnic lunch.

There is a petting zoo on the premises, making this a family-friendly stop. There are a variety of animals that call it home, including Cameroon Pygmy Goats, Tennessee Fainting Goats, and Jacob’s Four-Horn Sheep.

Make sure to visit their tiny geology museum as well before you depart. You can discover more about the geyser and the rest of Napa Valley.

Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa

The Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa is one of the best hotels for families traveling to Napa. The whole family will enjoy it because it’s different.

They offer more than 40 camper van-themed rooms that give you the impression that you’re sleeping in one but have all the amenities of a hotel. More than a dozen rooms with views of the valley are also available on the second floor.

Their hot mineral water pools are wonderful. After a day of sightseeing, the three that are on the property are so soothing. Their largest and coolest pool has a temperature of about 80 degrees. Following that is their wading pool, which is only 2 feet deep and has a temperature range of 90 to 96 degrees. The Mineral Spa Whirlpool, a small but cozy hot tub with temperatures ranging from 100 to 104 degrees, is the warmest option.

Being here to stay is more like being with a group of friends. There are many games available, including Hula Hoops, Bocce Ball, Corn Hole, and many classic board games.

Connolly Ranch

For those passing through Napa with children on a short trip, the Connolly Ranch Education Center offers a few fantastic programs.

On Saturday mornings, there are two. They provide a Farm Open House in the first one. It starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. every drop-in are accepted from April through October. The Bay Grove, the edible garden, and time with the farm animals will all be enjoyed by children.

Bale Grist Mill State Park

A water-powered grist mill can be found in this state park. The mill was initially utilized to grind corn and wheat into meal or flour when it was constructed in 1846 by Dr. Edward Turner Bale. In the mid-to late 1800s, Napa was a popular destination.

They continued to use it into the early 1900s. The state now owns it and has partially restored it. To learn more and see the mill’s 36-foot water wheel, enter the building.

It is one of just two remaining water-powered gristmills on this side of the Mississippi River.

Explore an old church as well as other attractions when you travel to Napa with the kids. It was Napa Valley’s first church. You can also visit the park’s historic Pioneer Cemetery.

Bothe State Park

You can visit Bothe State Park after visiting Bale Grist Mill State Park. You can take a short hike here and have a picnic. With easy access to one another via the trails, these two are located side by side.

After visiting the mill in the morning, you can head to Bothe State Park for a relaxing picnic in the afternoon.

In the summer, a swimming pool is also available on Saturdays and Sundays.

CIA Saturday Cooking Classes

Each week, the Culinary Institute of America offers dozens of classes. They do, however, provide a family- and/or child-friendly course on the first Saturday of every month. It’s a fun activity for families to enjoy in Napa.

Both baking and cooking techniques are covered in this three-hour course. Using recipes that they’ve approved, children create meals. They get to take pleasure in their creations at the end.

The ability to make tortillas, Cheddar Cheese Fish Crackers and other mouthwatering lunch fare is taught to them.

The students will have acquired a good deal of knowledge about cooking methods by the end of the course, as well as a few family-friendly recipes.

Boat Tours on the Napa River

Both the wine-tasting valley and downtown Napa are traversed by the Napa River. The best seasons to go boating are spring, summer, and fall because of the mild temperatures they offer.

In the morning and at dusk, Wombat Charters offers boat tours. To see local wildlife or go fishing, you can also enter the wetlands.

They have two boats, one of which has four seats and the other, which is a little bigger, has six.

All tours last a few hours and provide a distinctive way to see Napa Valley.

Horseback Riding: Napa With Kids

For those who are 12 and older, this is an excellent choice. You can unwind and unwind while enjoying these rides through the vineyard. Each rider is skillfully matched with the ideal horse.
The ride options are 50 or 30 minutes. These are both leisurely guided trail rides.

The Rapp Ranch Estate will be circled by vehicle. This lovely estate and the hills surrounding Coombsville will serve as your backdrop.

The Petrified Forest

Another Fun Thing to Do in Napa With Kids is a Visit the Petrified Forest. This is also on the Northern End of the Valley in Calistoga.

A close-up view of these beautifully preserved trees is made possible by the well-maintained trails in this ancient forest. They are fossilized redwoods that were covered for 3.5 million years by volcanic ash from a sizable nearby volcano.

This land was owned by Charles Evans, who in 1870 discovered a preserved tree on it that had been hollowed out. Many researchers traveled to Napa at the time to personally examine his discovery because they were so intrigued by it.

After passing through several owners, Ollie Bockee bought the land and started converting it into a park in 1914.

Visit on your own or take a tour with a guide. You can get a close-up look at these extraordinary trees in both cases.

Bike Rentals

Rent bicycles for the whole family from Napa Valley Bike Tours. Although they include stops at wineries, they do offer some guided biking tours. The family’s best choice is the self-guided bike rental option.

They will give you some directions before you leave. You will also get a map showing a few routes with options for people of all skill levels. You can hire them for a single day or more.

Additionally, a car-free route connects Southern Napa with Yountville.

Both Yountville and Napa have rental offices for them.

You won’t have to worry about flats because airless tires, bike locks, and helmets are included with every rental.

Skyline Wilderness Park

Visit Skyline Wilderness Park for a day of biking, hiking, or fishing. Disc golf, a picnic, or just taking in the peace and quiet of nature are other options.

Over 25 miles of fire roads and trails run through the park. For beginners, the Manzanita Trail is excellent. There are only a few uphill and downhill sections on the 1.31-mile hike (one way, but you can turn around anywhere).

Take the River to Ridge Trail if you’re looking for something a little more serious. There are 3.4 miles of hiking available on the trail (one way), with many steep ascents and descents. It concludes at Kennedy Park close to the Napa River.

You can also visit the Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden. Here, you can find out more about California’s native flora from all over the state.

Kayaking

Spend the day kayaking down the Napa River. You can either take a tour with a guide or rent kayaks and explore on your own. In the middle of downtown Napa, you can access the river. From here, you can observe the activity of the businesses along the waterfront. A region surrounded by wineries and vineyards will then come into view.

Both novices and experts can enjoy the relatively calm water along the river.

The life jacket, the paddle, and the kayak are all included in your rental.

It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Napa!

Sharpsteen Museum

The Sharpsteen Museum is another exciting location. This museum in Calistoga highlights the natural beauty and rich history of this area.

This interactive museum was created by Disney animator and producer Ben Sharpsteen.

The 30-foot 1860 Calistoga diorama (a model with 3D figures, buildings, and other objects) allows you to travel back in time and you see what Calistoga was like in the middle of the 1800s.

Find out more about the city’s founder, Sam Brannan. Additionally, you will learn more about how the renowned hot springs of the city were created.

Nimbus Arts

Spend some time creating vibrant artwork at Nimbus Arts. This locally-owned nonprofit organization provides kids’ classes, free neighborhood events, and much more.

The best part is that kids of all ages can take art classes there. Toddler classes are where they begin, allowing children to play with paint and have fun while they create.

Their Kids’ Class is the following level up. Depending on the one they choose, children will either paint, sculpt, or draw.

The Teens’ Class is the final alternative. Teens can experience more complex artistic and educational opportunities thanks to this. Everything from ceramics to paint is available for them to work with. By the time they’re done, they’ll be able to take their creation home.

Adult classes are also available. These are more difficult and instruct you on how to make something original as your children do the same.

Kid Friendly Wineries

There are many wineries that welcome families and children if you want to do a little tasting while you’re in the area. These wineries go above and beyond to ensure that you and your family have a wonderful time.

While some of them have picnic tables, others let your children use crayons and coloring books. While waiting, some places offer refreshments and some basic tours that are suitable for children.

Carolyn Parr Nature Center

Visit the Carolyn Parr Nature Center—it’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Napa. Learn more about the local wildlife and flora at this natural science museum.

You are welcome to explore the museum on your own or to make reservations for a guided tour by calling in advance. Additionally, there are special animal-themed events, a library, and a number of interactive exhibits.

Here, all of the plants and animals are local species.

Final Thought

Family-friendly attractions can be found all over San Francisco, including the Aquarium, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the children’s Creativity Museum.

There are many fun activities available for children of all ages in Napa, a wonderful family-friendly destination.

If you’re traveling with young kids, there’s no reason to forego Napa Valley! Napa has European-like scenery, ambiance, wine, food, and a strong sense of place. It is impossible to match the beauty of Napa Valley.

Grab the chance to take your kids to Napa, and get ready for the ultimate family vacation.