Napa Valley is known for their wineries and not necessarily for their family friendly activities but it actually has quite a few activities that will keep the kids entertained as well. This year, when so many of our clients are looking for more local family vacations, we thought that we might explore some of the more family friendly experiences in the Napa valley.
What are some family friendly activities in Napa Valley?
- Napa Valley Wine Train– This 36-mile route from Napa to the quaint town of St. Helena (and back) offers great views of the picturesque Napa Valley. You’ll pass vineyards and wineries while dining on lunch in the train’s restored 1915-1917 Pullman Dining Car or 1952 Vista Dome Car or feast on a family friendly BBQ night in their Silverado Car.
- Visit the town of Calistoga (at the north end of the Napa Valley). Calistoga is full of surprises and attractions you won’t find anywhere else in Napa Valley, like the Old Faithful Geyser of California. It erupts approximately every 20 to 30 minutes and add in some goats, sheep and llamas and you have a fun day for all.
- Also in Calistoga, you can visit the Petrified Forest where a volcano from 3 million + years ago turned redwoods into stone. Check out the collection of fossils on a self guided tour or take a docent let tour at no additional charge.
- Tuscan Castle –Castello di Amorosa– You can tour the 107 room castle, complete with a church, watchtower and torture chamber and while the parents taste some wine, the kids can sip California grape juice, munch on some chocolate and color. The castle is also home to an assortment of animals.
- Fly high in a hot air balloon. There are some companies that will accommodate kids as young as 6- as long as they can see over the basket.
- Travel on 2 wheels- Since parts of the 47 mile Napa Valley Wine Trail are paved for cyclists, you can rent or borrow bikes and helmets from some hotels and outfitters and take a ride along the trails.
- Hike through the Vines in St Helena. For families with teens, this might be a fun outing at the Stony Hill Vineyard where the owner of the winery and her dog lead the hike through the 160 acre property.
- Take the Arial Tram ride at Sterling Vineyards offering stunning views as visitors ride up to the winery.
Napa Valley is a majestic place to just hang out and let time slow down,” said Robert Wilson, founder of Winestyr (www.winestyr.com) a curated online collection of small-production wines. “Call it an early night after a day filled with activities and pull out the board games.
PLEASE let us check which of these will be operational during the Covid 19 pandemic so that you can get the full Napa experience.
Have we given you some ideas about what you can do in the Napa Valley with kids or if you’re not die hard wine drinkers? My Vacation Lady can help you make your next vacation anything but ordinary. Let us help you plan your next vacation!