Interesting Things To Do In Napa With Kids

While in California, a trip to Napa is highly recommended. The region is well known for producing some of the best wine in the US, alongside beautiful scenery and plenty of interesting attractions.

Did you know there’s also a lot of fun to be had with kids in tow? Napa Valley has plenty of spots that connect families to educational opportunities covering agriculture, the environment, geology, and history.

Visit Napa’s Kid-Friendly Wineries

Take the tram at St. Helena’s Sterling Vineyards, for example: children under 3 ride free, and while parents taste wine in the tasting room, kids get coloring books, crayons, and grape juice to keep them entertained.

At Frog’s Leap Winery, kids are encouraged to explore the barn and the vegetable and fruit gardens. A tour of the Tuscan-style castle at Castello di Amorosa Winery brings out the inner knight or princess in plenty of little ones.

Go Kayaking On The Napa River

A history tour on the water is a great way to pick up a bit of local history, the origins of the valley’s renowned wineries, and some local folklore. Tours typically run 90 minutes to two hours.

If you’d rather explore independently, that’s an option too, with a popular route passing the CIA at Copia along the way.

Hop Aboard The Wine Train

The vintage railcars of the Napa Valley Wine Train make for one of the more nostalgic things to do in Napa with kids, evoking a real sense of a bygone era of train travel.

During the winter holidays, the train transforms into the Santa Train, heading to the “North Pole” and welcoming young passengers to join in singing, dancing, and games along the way. The trip also includes hot cocoa, freshly baked cookies, and, of course, a visit from Santa himself.

Bike The Napa Vine Trail

Cycling through Napa’s lush green hills and striking scenery is one of the most picturesque things to do with kids, and the Napa Valley Vine Trail is one of the best places to do it.

This cycling and walking network is ultimately meant to link the entire valley, from the ferry terminal in Vallejo all the way to Calistoga. Currently, the trail runs about 15 miles, from Kennedy Park in south Napa up to the northernmost point in Yountville.

Visit Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

Watching history come to life at a milling demonstration is one of the coolest things to do in Napa with kids. Demonstrations at this beautifully restored historic site produce various types of flour, and freshly ground flour is even sold on-site.

A trail links the mill on foot to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which has plenty of picnic areas and additional trails of its own. The park is also home to the Pioneer Cemetery and the site of the first church in Napa Valley.

Watch Old Faithful Geyser Erupt

Visiting the Old Faithful Geyser is one of the more unusual things to do in Napa Valley. Only a handful of geysers worldwide erupt on a regular, predictable schedule, and one of them is right here in Calistoga.

While you wait for it to go off, there’s plenty to explore nearby: a petting zoo with llamas and goats, a native plant garden for budding botanists, and a geology museum explaining the geyser’s history.

Dine At Boon Fly Café

Boon Fly Café is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Napa, quirky and laid-back, with an extensive menu full of delicious options.

Flatbreads, chicken and waffles, and beer-battered fish tacos are all worth trying, alongside sweeter options like donuts, banana bread, and griddle cakes with maple syrup.

Go On A Kid-Friendly Wine Tasting Trip

A wine tour of Napa Valley is one of the best things to do on a visit, and fortunately there are plenty of kid-friendly wineries where the whole family can take part in wine country.

Hoopes Vineyard is one of the best options. While kids play with rescue animals at the on-site animal sanctuary, adults can sample wine made from sustainably grown grapes.

Learn At The Napa Valley Museum

The Napa Valley Museum is one of the best indoor family activities in Napa, home to local art, culture, and history exhibits.

A wide range of historically significant artifacts are on display, offering a look at Napa’s past as a rural farming community, alongside works from local artists across a variety of media.

Spot Exotic Animals At Safari West

Kids can get up close with a variety of exotic animals at Safari West in nearby Sonoma. Giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs, and plenty of other animals live on the 400-acre wildlife preserve, alongside numerous birds including flamingos, parrots, and ostriches.

You’ll tour the park by vehicle as a family. Giraffes, zebras, and other non-dangerous animals often aren’t kept in enclosures, so don’t be surprised if one wanders right up to your car.

Luxuriate At The Vista Collina Resort

Traveling with kids in Napa doesn’t mean giving up on luxury accommodation. Vista Collina Resort is a family-friendly, upscale option worth considering.

Families tend to do well booking a one-bedroom suite, with a kitchen and dining area that work well for kids in tow. If extra beds are needed, an adjoining king or queen room is also available to book.

Grab Sweet Treats At Annette’s Chocolates & Ice Cream

Stop by Annette’s for candy and ice cream the kids will love. There are two locations in Napa: one downtown and one at Oxbow Public Market.

Filled chocolates, caramels, and flavored popcorn are among the offerings, along with seasonal treats throughout the year, like chocolate bunnies around Easter.