What to do with Families in Napa Valley

Napa Valley can seem like the ideal adult trip, especially when your plans include wine tasting. However, there are many family things in Napa Valley to explore and lots of fantastic reasons to visit with everyone. If you're visiting for the first time, it helps to have a few must-see things to do for families in Napa Valley. It can be a big task to create a plan that keeps everyone and their diverse interests happy.

To help you, here are some of the most recommended family activities in Napa Valley. Don't let these slip off your to-do list.

Castello di Amorosa / Jim Sullivan

Castello di Amorosa is a fantastic experience that allows Napa Valley visitors to learn about medieval life. This medieval-style Tucson castle is a winery, which makes it perfect for adults and offers an incredible, realistic look at traditional castles.

Book a guided tour of the castle to learn about the winemaking industry and the history of the building and grounds. Make sure to book reservations for your trip and tour in advance. You can even book a Napa Valley Wine Trolley Castle Tour to explore the surrounding area.

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Numerous hotels and resorts exist in the area, including Meritage Resort. What makes it special for families is that it offers lots of fun things to do right at the location. The pool is kid-approved for fun and relaxing days, especially in the hot summer months. There's also a bowling alley on-site for those late-night needs to do something fun.

You can take shuttles from this resort to the downtown area. That makes getting around with the whole family far less expensive and a bit easier to do. For teens and adults, there's a spa and wellness center ideal for pampering experiences.

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If you're looking for things to do for families in Napa Valley with younger children who need to burn off steam, add Playground Fantastico to the list of excursions. This is a state-of-the-art playground structure that focuses not just on physical activity but also encourages imaginative play. This art play structure, as the city calls it, is free to access. It's popular most days of the week, but not overcrowded for a large playground.

The playground offers two areas so little and big kids don't have to share. Expect the kids to climb, move through funky playhouses and tunnels and even dig in the sandbox. There are numerous slides and swings. More so, it's designed to be accessible for most people.

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As a luxurious choice for accommodations, Indian Springs Calistoga is a fantastic place to stay when you want to rejuvenate, but everyone in your group needs something different. There are numerous family things to do in Napa Valley nearby, but while you're at the resort, you will be busy. From badminton to learning to play croquet, they will be tired.

There are mineral pools for soaking, a lush garden for relaxing and two swimming pools to swim in, including one that's an Olympic-sized mineral pool fed by the geysers onsite. Even on a cold day, the pools are warm and perfectly relaxing. There are on-site food options with kid-approved menus and larger suites with full kitchens.

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The Petrified Forest in Calistoga is an amazing opportunity to see nature's version of history. The trees here are not only majestic in their presence, but they have been present in one form or another for more than 3 million years. You can explore the redwood trees with self-guided tours.

The Petrified Forest is a privately owned location with a small admission fee at the entrance. You'll spend a few hours exploring the trails and learning about the history of the area. It's a nice, calm and relaxing experience suited for most people. The area is quite interesting in that you'll see history's role in the changing of the landscape. Plan to spend a few hours roaming the area. It's a bit off the path and not as packed with tourists either.

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If your group includes all parties that are over the age of 12, this is one of the best family activities in Napa Valley. Sonoma Valley Trail Rides provides you with a way to explore this area on horseback. They provide you with several options suitable for riders of any type of experience. You'll even have fun if you are a beginner.

These horseback riding trails take you into the historic vineyards and through the countryside. The horses are gentle and friendly, as well as well-seasoned. The trail takes you through the Bartholomew Estate Winery. If you love the outdoors and want to experience it in numerous ways, this is perhaps the most authentic of ways to do so.

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A recognized tourist attraction, the Old Faithful Geyser of California is a nice science lesson with lots of fun to go with it. Every 40 minutes, the geyser erupts, creating an impressive sight. It's ideal for those who want to spur conversations about geology, which is so diverse in Napa Valley.

There's more to do here as well, including exploring a zoo with horses, alpaca and Nigerian dwarf goats. The gardens surrounding the area are wonderful as well and filled with native plants. While you are here, you can relax with a game of bocce ball, enjoy a picnic lunch or play catch. The Geology Museum onsite is an excellent way to learn about the planet, including what geothermal energy is and why earthquakes happen.

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Some of the best things for families to do in Napa Valley have nothing to do with the location's wine history. For example, a trip to Safari West is like being transported to a wild African safari without leaving the country. The location isn't just about having fun, though. It has a mission of supporting the recreational and educational benefits of the African safari in its native form. Check out the Safari West Sonoma adventure tour to see it all.

The preserve is a full 400 acres located just 12 miles north of the city. Over 900 animals call the location home, spanning over 90 different species. You'll be able to see a lot of them most times of the year. Take a walking tour of the area or get on board a power wagon for an open-air excursion into some of the more remote areas of the preserve. There, you'll be able to look for the free-roaming giraffes, cheetahs and porcupines. Another unique offering at this location is a full safari experience that lets you spend the night at the location in a tent to observe the wildlife overnight.

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