An Insiders Guide on Things to Do as A Family in the Napa Valley.
One of the questions we are asked often is things to do in Napa with kids. As parents who live here we have found a lot of fun things to in Napa Valley as a family.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding – Things To do In Napa With Kids
Paddling is among the great things to do in Napa with kids. The Main Street Dock located behind Morimoto’s ( 610 Main st, Napa, CA 94559 ) offers tours and rentals from April until December. Walk ups are available every day except Wednesday for rentals depending on availability and tours are available by appointment only.
The Napa River is a gentle tidal river with a variety of wildlife and vegetation. This includes otters, beavers, herons, stilts etc. Paddling the Napa River is peaceful and adventurous way to explore Napa.
Check availability at: Napa River Kayak Rental | Rent Kayaks | Enjoy Napa Valley (enjoy-napa-valley.com)
Ice Cream, Chocolate and More at Vintage Sweet Shoppe –
Things To do In Napa With Kids
Ready for ice cream or other treats? This place has some of the best and a great staff. For adults there is also a chocolate and wine pairing.
530 Main St Napa, CA 94559
Hours
Monday -Sunday : 9am – 10pm
Delicious treats at Sweetie Pies –
Things To do In Napa With Kids
Pastries, cakes, cookies and even breakfast and lunch is all available at Sweetie Pies. We love the staff and the owner of this wonderful establishment.
Get Artsy at “Dive Into Color” -Things To do In Napa With Kids
At Dive Into Color you can paint your pottery, create mosaic art, work with clay and create fused glass art pieces. this is a wonderful place to create unique gifts and art. You can also do hand and footprints for babies and children, attend classes and camps and order to go kits to enjoy at home.
Hours are Wednesday-Sunday 12:00-6:00 and they are located at 2201 Jefferson Street (near Buttercream Bakery) We recommend calling to ensure there is availability. (707) 251-9883
https://www.diveintocolor.com/`
Go Climbing at Rockzilla – Things To do In Napa With Kids
Rockzilla is an inside climbing gym that is a great place for all ages. With over 8,000 square feet of climbing including boulders and chimneys there are climbs for all levels. There is also a pro shop at the facility for all your climbing needs.
Rockzilla is open 7 days a week. M-Sa 10AM to 9PM. Sundays 10AM to 6PM.
849 Jackson Street #5A
Napa, CA 94558
https://www.climbrockzilla.rocks/
Things To Do In Napa With Kids? Go Swimming
Most kids love to swim. If you are just visiting for the day or don’t have access to a pool here are some ideas to help your family get wet.
Bothe State Park
Located between St Helena and Calistoga this park has a public pool that is very popular for a small fee. The park also features hiking and Redwoods as well as a day use area with where your family can picnic. They are located at 3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Yountville Ecological Reserve
Affectionally called “Yountville Crossroads” by locals this 73 acre woodland is located along the Napa River near the town of Yountville. There are rope swings and in spring kids can find tadpoles. To find the swimming area (it’s too shallow to swim near the bridge or close to the road ) follow the main trail heading North from the parking lot until you reach the first swimming hole. To find the rope swings wade or swim North along the river from there. To find it take Silverado Trail until you reach Yountville Crossroads rd. Cross the bridge going over the Napa River and there is a parking lot where you can park.
Yountville Public Pool
American Canyon Pool
Napa High and Napa Valley College
Sometimes have their pools open to the the public. Check to see if they are open for public use.
Learn Farming at Connolly Ranch – Things To do In Napa With Kids
Connolly Ranch is a non-profit that provides farming experiences and education in the Napa Valley. Camps, field trips and retreats are all available. On Saturdays there is Farm Open House and a Day Camp available. Fees are based on a sliding scale. Families can visit chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, miniature horses and donkeys who all live on the ranch. Children can also learn about gardening and enjoy the outdoor spaces.
Register online at:Â https://www.connollyranch.org/
Take a Hike – Westwood Hills Park – Things to Do in Napa With Kids
Awe Westwood Hills! These are the hiking trails we grew up on. This is a great little hidden gem that only takes about 20 minutes to get the top. I have no idea how many times we have hiked this hill which will give you views of not only Napa but the Bay, Mt. St Helena, Mt Tamaulipas and Mt. Diablo. You may see deer and other wildlife such as hawks. This is a great little set of hills with hidden rope swings and rolling trails.
3107 Browns Valley Rd.
Napa, CAÂ 94558
Napa Bowl And Video Arcade – Things To do In Napa With Kids
Napa bowl has a great arcade and you can go bowling too! this has been a constant spot to enjoy for most Napans their entire lives!
494 Soscol Ave, Napa, CA
Go fishing at Smith’s Mt. St. Helena Trout Farm and Hatchery
Things To do In Napa With Kids
Honestly I didn’t even realize this place was there though I have driven by it a thousand times. It was recommended by our veterinarian and my high school friend Max. Apparently you can not only catch fish but they will clean your catch and there is is a picnic and BBQ area on the property so you can enjoy the entire day fishing and eating.
There is no website available but I did find a phone number where you make inquiries and check hours.
18401 Ida Clayton Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Explore Fuller Park – Things To do In Napa With Kids
Fuller park is located close to Downtown Napa. The park is filled with multiple types of trees. many of which are labeled by plaques. There is a playground and several areas to picnic. This is a perfect place to picnic and let the kids play.
560 Jefferson St.
Napa, CAÂ 94559
Feed the Ducks at the Duck Pond at Kennedy Park
Things To do In Napa With Kids
This is a great activity especially for smaller children. We suggest Cheerios to feed ducks and geese since they float and are healthier than bread.
Kennedy Park – Things To do In Napa With Kids
The best place to fly a kite in Napa. Kennedy Park is a huge facility which includes. Everything is free to the public.
- ADA Accessible
- Baseball / Softball
- Baseball / Softball Diamond
- BBQ Area
- Bike Trail
- BMX Track
- Boat Launch
- Fishing
- Group Picnic Site
- Parking
- Pavilion
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Radio Control Model Airport
- Restrooms
- Skate Park
- Soccer
- Soccer Field
- Volleyball
- Walking Trail
Notice there is not only a playground and picnic areas but there is also a Skatepark, BMX track and Fishing.
3291 Streblow Dr.
Napa, CAÂ 94559
Bothe State Park – Explore The Redwoods
Things To do In Napa With Kids
Growing up in Napa this is one of our favorite parks. Redwoods and ferns await you as well as Camping, Picnicking, Swimming and Hiking trails. There is also a Pioneer Cemetery and Museum.
Bale Grist Mill – Things To do In Napa With Kids
Built by Dr. Bale in 1846 this mill was used by early pioneers of the Napa Valley to turn grain into flour. The mill features a 36-foor water wheel and was created using local lumber and rock.
The park also features hiking trails as well the historic building. It is another great option of things to do in Napa with kids.
The historic mill is located three miles north of St. Helena (3369 N St.) on Highway 29.
Open: Weekends & Monday Holidays
10am – 4pm
(707) 963-2236
Old Faithful Geyser Calistoga
This geyser is one of only a handful in the world that offers “faithful” eruptions. Once every 45 minutes on average the “Old Faithful Geyser” in Calistoga releases hot water and steam due to local volcanic activity. The grounds also provide a Geology Museum, Animal Farm & Petting Zoo, Gift Shop, Picnic Area and Bocce Ball.
Open daily 8;30am – 6pm
Address:Â 1299 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Petrified Forest
This petrified forest located near Calistoga contains the largest petrified trees in the world. It is considered one of the premier places on the planet of an ancient forest. there are several hiking trails and a gift shop for your family to explore as well a gift shop. Probably almost every parent who lives here has found this to be among the best things to in Napa with kids.
Address:Â 4100 Petrified Forest Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Bike Ride to Yountville
This is a mostly flat ride with a dedicated bike path. A good place start is probably Redwood rd and Solano Ave. You could easily start from the Marriot Hotel or for a shorter ride the Ranch Market parking lot on Solano Ave. in Napa. There is multiple dining options in Yountville as well as two public parks. With a bike path away from cars it is one of the great things to in Napa with kids.
Mountain Bike Skyline Park
If your kids are older and have Mountain Bikes and experience you can Mountain Bike at Skyline Wilderness Park. This is a wilderness area and there are hazards such as loose gravel and large rocks. It is also vast so bring water and food and make sure you don’t get lost. There is an abundance of wildlife including animals that can be dangerous such as rattlesnakes and at dawn or dusk possible wild pigs, bears and mountain lions.
That said there are some great trails to ride such the Skyline Trail and the River to Ridge Trail. It also was the former opening venue of the UCI Cross Country Mountain Bike World Cup.
Places near the Napa Valley that are also Kid Friendly.
Scandia Family Center
This was an add on that was suggested I totally forgot. I have actually even been here somewhat recently and I always have fun when visiting. Scandia has minature golf, Go Carts, Boats, batting cages, food and an arcade. it’s definitely a great place to take kids.
Sonoma Traintown Railroad
TrainTown features a quarter scale railroad on four miles of track. Each train trip lasts 20 minutes and goes through tunnels, over bridges and makes a stop at Lakeview – our miniature town and petting zoo. Train rides are handicap accessible.
Amusement rides include:​
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Iron Horse Carousel - 44″ to ride alone, all heights OK with adult
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TrainTown Airlines -Â 36″ to ride
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High Iron Ferris Wheel – 48″ to ride alone, all heights OK with adult
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Mine Train Coaster – 42″ to ride alone, 34″ to ride with adult
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Air Scooter – 42″ to ride alone, 34″ to ride with adult
August 16 – June 14, 10am – 4pm
Open Saturday & Sunday: All attractions open
June 15 – August 15, 10am – 4pm
Daily:Â All attractions open
Closed:
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
​
Schedule is weather permitting.
Schedule is weather permitting. Closed when raining.
Call (707) 938-3912 for schedule updates.
Jelly Belly Factory
Take a Self-guided tour and learn about how to make Jelly beans at the Jelly Belly Factory. there are interactive games and displays along the way. You and your family can also check out the Jelly belly art exhibits and of course shop and dine on your adventure.
1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA
https://www.jellybelly.com/california-factory-tours
For additional tour information, call 1-800-9-JELLYBEAN (1-800-953-5592).
Six flags Discovery kingdom (Marine World)
Animal attractions, live events, roller coasters and other rides await you at this amusement park. Personally I prefer the animal experiences but there are some great rides here as well.
https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom