If you’re visiting California and looking for the best town to bring your kids to, Napa is the answer!
Napa is full of family experiences and a lot of history.
Napa is known for its hundreds of vineyards.
It is also one of the smallest wine-growing areas in the country.
There are even kid-friendly vineyards in Napa!
But besides wine, there’s plenty to explore with kids.
This guide was created to help you plan your vacation to Napa with your children.
14 Things to Do in Napa With Kids
Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St l Napa, CA 94559 l 800-427-4124
If you’re looking for a relaxing tour around the town of Napa, look no further than Napa Valley Wine Train.
Besides, most kids have an obsession with trains, so this is a must-attend attraction.
The open-air windows allow you to take in the beautiful scenery throughout the valley.
If you’re traveling during the winter holidays, you will get a kick out of the train as it turns into a Santa train.
Younger children will really enjoy this journey filled with cookies and hot cocoa.
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
3369 N St l Calistoga, CA 94515 l 707-942-4575
One of the best things to do while visiting Napa with children is to take all the history you can.
You can do this by visiting Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.
It’s a great experience to gain.
Here, your kids will watch history unfold through a milling demonstration.
They provide various types of flour.
Some of these batches can even be purchased.
There are also areas within that allow for hiking and much more!
Old Faithful Geyser
1299 Tubbs Lane l Calistoga, CA 94515 l 707-942-6463
If you’re looking for other outdoor attractions for kids in Napa, visit Old Faithful Geyser.
Every 45 minutes, it shoots out water 60 feet into the air.
While you wait for the water, feel free to explore all that this attraction has to offer.
There are plenty of activities to do here with your children, from a petting zoo to a geology museum that will educate you on geysers.
It’s an attraction that’s ideal for children of all ages.
Petrified Forest
4100 Petrified Forest Rd l Calistoga, CA 94515 l 707-942-6667
Another exciting thing to do in Napa with children is visiting the Petrified Forest.
It is made up of more than 24 trees.
It is located just seven miles from an extinct volcano.
Visitors can really go on an adventure here either through a self-guided or guided tour.
The daily walks are an hour long and cover everything from geology to plant life.
While you tour the forest, don’t forget to check out the Pit Tree, which is the only petrified tree found here.
Connolly Ranch
3141 Browns Valley Road l Napa, CA 94558 l 707-224-1894
Both older and younger children will enjoy the Connolly Ranch.
Since 1993, this ranch has been entertaining many people.
Kids and adults can learn about ecology, farm life, sustainability, gardening, and more.
There are also various programs that run here including camps, and classes.
Here, you can visit the animals and even check out the many ecosystems throughout the ranch.
This is ideal for parents who have children who really enjoy nature.
Owen Ranch
18585 Guenoc Ln l Middletown, CA 95461 l 707-355-0121
If you have kids who enjoy horseback riding, check out Owen Ranch.
It’s another exciting experience for the entire family.
The ranch also offers classes that allow parents to participate with their younger tots to help them learn how to ride.
There are also rodeo lessons and trail riding offered here.
Children of all ages are encouraged to explore all that Owen Ranch has to offer.
Playground Fantastico
Old Sonoma Rd l Napa, CA 94558 l 707-257-9529I
If you have younger children who just need to let out some energy, Playground Fantastico is perfect.
Children can run around the playground, play chase, play in the sane, and climb until they are tired!
Toddlers and teens can find something to keep them entertained here.
Recently the park built a new state-of-the-art play structure.
It’s an inexpensive way to just let kids be kids.
Napa Valley Paddle
700 Main Street Dock l Napa, CA 94559 l 700-200-5511
If you’re looking for some kayaking fun, check out Napa Valley Paddle.
Now you can experience Napa right from the river.
You have the option of renting a kayak or participating in stand-up paddle boarding.
No reason to worry about the crowds here.
You can enjoy the amazing views and relaxing water.
It’s perfect for children of all ages, of course, with a parent.
All the instructions that you need will be provided to you on the day of your visit.
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Road l Santa Rosa, CA 95404 l 707-579-2551
Safari West is a very short distance from Calistoga and is still located in Sonoma County.
It’s a must-see if you are visiting Napa with kids.
Here, you can sign up for a private jeep tour through a safari full of antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and many more animals.
It stretches about 400 acres and is a great opportunity to learn about conservation.
Tip: Plan at least 3–4 months before you travel to Napa as tours are limited.
Kids must be at least 4 years old to ride.
1311 Washington St l Calistoga, CA 94515 l 707-942-5911
If you have kids who are true Disney fans, the Sharpsteen Museum is a must-visit.
It’s located right in the heart of Calistoga and features a lot of work from Walt Disney with some of the most memorable exhibits ever seen.
Most of these exhibits are detailed and are about the history of Calistoga.
Just across from the museum, you will see an original cottage from Samuel Brannan.
He is the man who founded the Hot Springs Resort in the 1860s.
It’s ideal for children of all ages and is an inexpensive attraction.
Napa Valley Vine Trail
3299 Claremont Way Suite 5 l Napa, CA 94558 l 707-252-3547
If you have older children, visit the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
This is another excellent way to check out all that Napa Valley has to offer, by bike.
The biking and walking trail stretches 47 miles. While it’s still under construction, you can still enjoy 12.5 miles of it.
There are also many nearby hotels that will rent or loan bikes to tourists, so they can cruise the area.
Nimbus Arts
649 Main St l Helena, CA 94574 l 707-963-5278
If you have creative kids, take them to Nimbus Arts and let them unleash some of their creativity.
They have classes that are perfect for children of all ages, and adults as well.
Be sure to check out their website for a schedule of upcoming events, so you can prepare in advance.
There are also demonstrations and shows you can check out.
There’s also a lot of art on display for you to view.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
1001 Fairgrounds Drive l Vallejo, CA 94589 l 707-644-4000
While Six Flags Discovery Kingdom isn’t exactly located in Napa, it’s a 30-minute drive.
It’s a great trip to take if you have children with you and are running low on activities to do in Napa.
There are plenty of rides, animals, food, and entertainment for children of all ages.
You can purchase tickets online in advance or in person.
It’s worth checking out if you have kids that enjoy a nice thrill.
Napa River History Tour
Napa, CA l 707- 227-7364
For children ages 7 and older, the Napa River History Tour is a great and fun way to learn about Napa.
This will give all who attend a different perspective of the town.
The tours are conducted on kayaks.
So, while you’re on the tour be sure to watch out for wildlife such as beavers and otters.
It’s a two-hour tour and an adventure for the entire family.
They are open daily with admission starting at $71 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children allowed to go to Napa wineries?
Yes, there are several wineries in Napa Valley where kids are allowed.
Some of these wineries are Castello di Amorosa, Cakebread Cellars, and Hoopes Vineyard.
Is Napa Valley kid-friendly?
Napa Valley is family and kid-friendly.
There are so many attractions that are bestuited for children in Napa Valley.
For example, Napa Farmers Market is perfect for the entire family and is full of plenty of music and yummy treats.
Are there indoor attractions for kids in Napa?
There are several indoor attractions for children in Napa that you can visit.
Some of these attractions are Rockin Jump Vacaville, Slime Kitchen, Rebounderz Rohnert Park, and Bricks of Napa.
Are there any beaches in Napa to bring my children?
One of the best beaches around that’s located right here in Napa is Sonoma Coast State Beach.
Your kids will enjoy relaxing, swimming in the water, and building sand castles.
Napa is a great place to visit with kids, offering plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family.