ashenPlanning a trip to the wine country with your kids? We got the complete itinerary covered for you without the wine(initially)! You will soon see how quickly the schedule fills for a Napa valley family vacation and there is a lot to cover. And you know us, we aren’t just going to recommend the usual unattractive attractions everyone else does. This site is dedicated to adventurers no matter the age and in this post, we will be primarily aiming at the adventurous things to do in Napa with kids. Afterwards, we will extend to the unknowingly educational yet fun stuff that you could engage your kids in. Here they are for adventurous kids and parents!
Adventurous Things to Do In Napa With Kids
Kayaking on the Napa River
Kayaking isn’t an alienated topic to our readers. We’ve already reviewed a few lightweight youth kayaks and kayaks for seniors. One of the best known ways to connect with nature is to hit the water and it is no different here in Napa Valley. Although this isn’t necessarily adventure kayaking, the kids can have a load of fun here. Witnessing the picturesque vineyards, wildlife and getting to see the youngsters fish for a couple of hours is quite peaceful. Enjoy Napa Valley is very much popular for their well organized kayaking tours making sure that you get few ways to experience the river. It is about half an hour away from Churchill Manor located just below the Napa Riverfront Promenade. If you are experienced in kayaking, we recommend exploring the river on your own.
Another great spot for kayaking is Lake Berryessa located about 25 miles away from Saint Helena. The largest lake in Napa and you can do a lot more than kayaking. You can choose to go fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding or jet skiing. Best time to visit Lake Berryessa would be late spring or early fall.
Napa Vine Trail Biking
Enjoy the entire Napa valley from the ferry terminal in Vallejo to Calistoga through this connected cycling path. Cycling is without a doubt the most proven way to experience the scenic beauty that Napa Valley has to provide. Now the trail goes from John F. Kennedy Park in south Napa to the north end of Yountville which has a vibrant main street and an equally awesome downtown. Fall is the best season to witness the natural beauty of Yountville’s Washington Street because of the yellow colored fall leaves on the streets.
Photographers could not ask for a better time to grab a couple of memorable images. The total biking distance of the Napa Vine Trail is about 12.5 miles and the matured trees will offer shade throughout. You can rent bikes from either Napa or Yountville . Remember we said that this trip can not only be adventurous but also educational? You can also take your kids to the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville and educate them on the area’s history and culture.
Air Balloon Ride
You will need to book in earlier if you aren’t planning to spend a lot of time in the valley because the balloon basket accommodates a small number of people and there is sure to be a crowd. Although you have to wake up considerably early, the experience that awaits you is totally worth it. Not everyone gets the chance to hop in an air balloon and feast their eyes in the stunning wine country landscapes down below. They all call for a good photoshoot. This unforgettable air balloon ride covers Mount Saint Helena and the Mayacamas too. The kids are sure to mesmerize in the wine country aerial views.
Wine Train Ride
Running between the town of Napa in the south and the town of Saint Helena, the Napa Valley wine train is a no miss activity regardless of whom you are traveling with. It is recommended for couples, kids and adults alike. It is undoubtedly wonderful to watch the scenery move past you in the train. You may even get a chance to gaze at the gorgeous Napa Valley sunset. Exploring the train during the ride is another activity you can do and with this one you get the feeling of travelling back in time. Mostly due to the two modified 1950s-era engines and the vintage cars furnishing. They say that the dinner experience is quite romantic.
Old Faithful & Petting Zoo
Calistoga hosts a special creation of nature which is the Old Faithful Geyser and the kids are sure going to love watching the water sprout every 15 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you can take the kids to the nearby petting zoo and spend some time watching the Llamas and Goats. Complete the attraction visit with an education end by visiting the small Geology Museum.
Horseback Riding
Bike riding through the valley is great but so is a relaxing, bumpy horseback ride with the kids. There are quite a few trail rides available at several Equestrian centers and some of them also winetasting adventures as an overall experience.
The Petrified Forest
Seven miles northeast of Mount St. Helena is the preserved ancient petrified forest. This curiosity arousing jungle-like visit should definitely be included in the list of things to do in Napa with kids. The story is that a violent eruption(an extinct volcano presently named Mount St. Helena) a few million years ago knocked these trees off and then they turned into stone because of the ash. Regardless of whether or not you opt for a guided tour, make sure to check out the only petrified pine tree in the forest which is the Pit Tree. The educational aspect of this tour creeps again here as the kids get the chance to learn about the flora tied geology.
Connolly Ranch
We are leaning more towards the educational side of the tour now. Connolly Ranch is without a second thought a must visit with the kids. Here you can educate yourself and the kids on the Napa Valley ecology, natural gardening and much more. Different forms of programs are available for kids of all ages and adults such as earthlings playschool, explorers playschool and summer camps. Let your kids gain a good understanding of farming and sustainable agriculture instilling a natural love for flora and fauna in this tech centric age.
Bale Grist Mill State Park
In this state park you will find a water-powered grist mill utilized to ground corn and wheat. The kids will surely be interested in the 36-foot water wheel from the 1800s. There’s also an old church which happens to be the first in Napa valley. Can be quite fun to explore with the children.
Kid-Friendly Wineries in Napa
C’mon now, you can’t expect to go to wine country and not visit a winery! There are plenty of kid-friendly wineries in Napa. An important thing to note though, is that if your kid is prone to explore on their own, you have to accompany them as these wineries are working facilities. They should not be allowed to roam on their own. Some of the kid-friendly wineries are Raymond vineyards, Inglenook, Frog’s leap winery and Castello Di Amorosa.
This last one is quite unique because the kids get to wander in a Tuscan castle right on the outskirts of Calistoga. This medieval period experience will surely be an unforgettable gift for the kids to remember for a lifetime. Together with the kids, you can tour the grandeur 13-century style construction including its moat, drawbridge, and even a torture chamber. Not to mention all its artifacts spread across the 100+ rooms. The adults can taste the wine while the kids can enjoy grape juice in the Knights Hall tasting room.
Napa Valley Kid-Friendly Resorts
Upon research, here are some of the best kid-friendly lodgings in Napa;
- Calistoga Motor Lodge
- Napa Winery Inn
- Embassy Suites Napa Valley
- Silverado Resort
- Vino Bello Resort
All the hotels mentioned above are built family-friendly with different activities to keep the kids engaged. These include bocce ball, hula hoops, corn hole and board games. They contain a variety of room layouts with enough space for over 6 people. Above all, the overall staff rating is positive. Visitors claim that they were very welcoming, helpful and supportive.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was assistive in planning the perfect family vacation to Napa and to keep the kids well and truly interactive. If you’ve already visited Napa please let us know what activities we have missed here that you believe are family appropriate. Here are some of the best places to stay in Napa Valley for solo and family travellers. You can also check out our post about the things to do in Huntsville, AL with your kids.
