Fun Things to Do in Napa with Kids

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.

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.

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 area 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

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.

Ice Cream, Chocolate and More at Vintage Sweet Shoppe

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.

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.

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.

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!

Go fishing at Smith’s Mt. St. Helena Trout Farm and Hatchery

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.

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.

Feed the Ducks at the Duck Pond at Kennedy Park

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.

Bothe State Park – Explore The Redwoods

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:​

  • Iron Horse Carousel - 44″ to ride alone, all heights OK with adult

  • TrainTown Airlines - 36″ to ride

  • High Iron Ferris Wheel – 48″ to ride alone, all heights OK with adult

  • Mine Train Coaster – 42″ to ride alone, 34″ to ride with adult

  • Air Scooter – 42″ to ride alone, 34″ to ride with adult

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.

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.

We are here to answer your questions!