Travel To Napa Valley With Babies And Toddlers

Although Napa Valley is mostly known for its world-famous vineyards, wine tours, and fine dining restaurants, it might come as a surprise that it is actually a very family-friendly travel destination.

This beautiful wine country has plenty to see and do that will appeal to all ages! Follow our list of insider tips for the best ways to enjoy travel to Napa Valley with babies and toddlers.

---

Kid-Friendly Activities in Napa Valley.

Some of these activities are in the town of Napa itself, and others are not far from it. Check out these activities that both adults and kids can enjoy.

1. The Napa Valley Wine Train

Although this sounds like more of an adult activity (and there is wine involved for the adults if they desire), the little ones will also enjoy this train! The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a 3 hour round trip adventure in a luxuriously restored train built out of steel in 1915.  Families can enjoy dining on the train while taking in the lush scenery along the journey. Kids will love the novelty of being on a train!

2. The Petrified Forest

Located in Calistoga, The Petrified Forest offers forest trails for little ones to run around and burn off energy. The fossilized redwoods in this forest were excavated after laying beneath volcanic ash for over 3 million years. Guided tours are offered throughout the day at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, and self-guided tours are offered all day. The whole family will learn about these majestic trees and how they were discovered and revealed.

3. The Aerial Tram At Sterling Vineyards

This is a ‘must do’ when you travel to Napa Valley! The aerial tram at Sterling Vineyards is a great way to get incredible views of Napa Valley on the way up the hill. Families and kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy this stunning and thrilling experience. Once at the top, there is a self-guided tour of the lower portion, as well as a scenic tour from the terraces.

Admission for those aged 3-20 is $20, and they must be accompanied by someone 21 years of age or older. If you’re looking to enjoy one of Sterling Vineyards events, check out the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

4. Safari West Animal Park

Safari West Animal Park is located just north of Napa Valley and is a wildlife preserve home to over 800 wild animals. Families can stay overnight in the luxury tent cabins or take a guided tour. Safari West Jeep tours are open to the public. You may spot exotic animals such as zebra, cape buffalo, and blue wildebeest among others.

For the classic adventure tour children must be 4 years of age or older, however, toddlers under the age of 4 are invited to join the walking section of the tour.  

5. Old Faithful Geyser Of California

Old Faithful Geyser offers a variety of very entertaining options for families. You’ll witness the regularly erupting geyser, an animal farm and beautiful gardens. The rainbows that form in the erupting mist are a wonder to behold. It has made Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the State of California. The Old Faithful Animal Farm features the famous Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s Four-Horn Sheep, and Guard Llamas.

6. Castello Di Amorosa

This winery is not just for the adults! Kids will have a blast at the Castello Di Amorosa Italian-style castle. Little eyes will widen when they see a medieval torture chamber, a dungeon, a moat, and a drawbridge. They charge a reduced admission fee of $20 for those between the ages of 5 and 20. Grape juice is provided for them to sip on while those over 21 may enjoy the wine.

---

Best Family-Friendly Places To Eat in Napa Valley.

From good old standbys such as pizza to an eclectic market that has offerings for everyone’s taste buds (even the picky eater), travel to Napa Valley has your family-friendly culinary options covered! Stop by these delicious establishments to fuel up and fill your tummy!

1. Gott’s Roadside

Gott’s Roadside is heralded as the best place to get a burger in Napa. It has been serving the community and tourists for over 20 years with a handful of locations across Northern California. Adults will enjoy the unique burger menu and there is a kid menu for the little ones!

2. Oxbow Public Market

When you travel to Napa Valley, you’ll want to check out Oxbow Public Market. It hosts a wide variety of artisanal and food merchants. You’ll find including bakeries, ice cream shops, restaurants, and even open-air markets to grab food for a picnic. There is indoor seating as well as outdoor seating with scenic views of the Napa River, and a mecca of food options for everyone. This is your one-stop shop for delectable delights and delicacies in Napa Valley!

3. Azzurro Pizzeria 

You can’t go wrong with kids and pizza so be sure to stop by Azzurro Pizzeria in Napa where you’ll enjoy their perfectly turned out wood fire oven pizzas. The whole family will enjoy their fresh and tasty offerings.

---

Best Family-Friendly Accommodations In Napa Valley.

On your travels to Napa Valley be sure to stay at accommodations that are kid-friendly. If your hotel, vacation rental or Airbnb is lacking in kid-friendly gear such as a full-sized crib, high chair or pack ‘n play, consider renting these items from an insured rental company like BabyQuip.  

1. Westin Verasa

The Westin Verasa Napa is a great hotel accommodation for families. It has a convenient downtown location, located right across the street from the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. It is also located in close proximity to the Oxbow Public Market. Suites have a kitchen that makes it particularly family-friendly for home-cooked meals.

2. Carneros Resort And Spa

Carneros Resort And Spa caters to families with fun activities such as a bocce court, a pool, and a selection of games and movies for little ones! This is a vacation spot for kids and adults alike.

Napa Valley is an ideal place to enjoy a family-friendly vacation that caters to both adults and kids. It’s a well-rounded vacation spot that the whole family will enjoy!