While mention of California's Napa Valley may conjure up visions of adult activities such as wine tasting, Napa also has much to offer for a family getaway. While you can make any of the Napa Valley towns a base for family fun, I suggest settling down in Calistoga, a quiet town at Napa's north end, where you can walk to many attractions from your hotel or B and B.
Things to do with the Kids in Napa
- Go on Safari: Safari West offers tours that combine a walk around their wildlife compound with a safari jeep tour to see antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and dozens of other animals roaming the wine country foothills. You can even stay over night in their safari-style tent cabins.
- Trees of Stone: Ace wizard Harry Potter himself couldn't have done a better job of turning trees into stone than Mother Nature did at the Petrified Forest. Hike through the woods and learn about how water and silica transform wood into rock.
- Gawk at the Geyser: Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 40 minutes or so as regularly as its more famous cousin in Wyoming.
- Kid-Friendliest Winery: If you'd like to do a little wine-tasting, try Sterling Vineyards. Your visit starts with a tram ride to the hilltop, the tour is self-guided so you can go as fast or slowly as you like, and the tasting room has sparkling juice for the kids.
- Take the Train: The Napa Valley Wine Train is also kid-friendly on selected Family Fun Nights, offered twice a month during the school year and on summer Sundays. One child per paid adult travels free, entertained by a professional care provider in a separate car with their own meals, while the adults have an uninterrupted dinner. Ages 3 to 12 only.
- Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade: The town of Calistoga hosts one of the most old-fashioned Christmas parades anywhere, featuring farm equipment decked out in lights and carrying everything from kids to Kris Kringle.
