When you think about vacations in Napa Valley, you consider activities for more adult things such as wine-tasting. But what may not realize about Napa Valley is that it can also be a great location for the kids and the whole family. It helps to know which places and activities are kid-friendly, and which ones aren’t.
When you are looking for a place to stay in Napa Valley, make sure that you pick a hotel or resort that isn’t meant for romance-seekers and that are kid- and family-friendly. Suggestions include the Hilton Garden, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa, Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort, Silverado Resort and Spa, and Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs. You can go swimming in the hot spring pools, enjoy a barbecue, and take a hike on the hiking trails.
While many of us assume that wineries aren’t the ideal places for children, you may be surprised that there are actually kid-friendly wineries in Napa. Sterling Vineyards is one winery where you can have your tour with your kids and the whole family. There’s a tram there which will tour you around the winery. While you are having your wine tastings, for the meantime the kids will be given coloring books and grape juice. Other wineries such as Frogs Leap Winery and Castello di Amorosa offer entertainment and fun for the kids such as coloring books and barns where the kids can explore fruit and vegetable gardens, and pumpkin-carving during the Halloween season. Still, when you decide to take your kids to these wineries, you’ll want to make sure the wines are totally out of your children’s reach.
How about eating out? We know that kids love to eat, but most of us have the common thought that the Napa cuisine is catered to adult tastes. But fear not, there are also restaurants that can cater to the kids’ whimsical palate. If your kids love pizza and pasta, you can choose Checkers, Azzurio Pizzeria, and Fazerrati’s. If you and your kids love eating burgers together, then head over to a great burger joint: Napa Valley Burger Company. It serves gourmet burgers that can also appeal to kids’ tastes.
Most children love sweets and can’t get enough of them, so taking your kids to ice cream shops and candy stores is a surefire way to please them. Three Twins Ice Cream, Yo’Belle, Baskin Robbins, Mihoacan Natural Ice Cream are just a few of the ice cream shops in Napa. There, kids of all ages will find their favorite flavors and parents can discover more “adult” ice cream flavors as well as yogurts and even organic frozen delights. Try going to top confectionery shops such as Annette’s Chocolate, Woodhouse Chocolate, Vintage Sweet Shop, See’s Candies, Boom Candy and Sweets to satisfy your and your kids’ sweet cravings.
Don’t forget the fun! Take your children to places for fun, adventure, and discovery. Venues like Scientopia Discover Center, Playground Fantastico, Skyline Wilderness Park, and Safari West and others are awesome places your children will enjoy. They are also a perfect way to bond with your children. These places and activities refute the notion that Napa Valley is just for grown-ups!
Want for some more adventure? How about hot air balloon rides over the gorgeous Napa Valley landscape? You want to go but are concerned for your kid’s safety? You don’t have to worry when you choose Balloons Above the Valley (BATV). The pioneer of sunrise hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley, BATV has been in the business for almost 40 years. That alone will make you feel reassured of safety and fun rides for you and your children.
Children must be at least 40 inches tall so that they will be able to look over the basket. Parents are not allowed to hold children during the flight. Despite the fact that hot air balloon rides are generally safe, you will still want to keep watch over your children when you’re on the flight especially if they’re the frisky type. Kids will also enjoy age-appropriate meals during the pre-flight breakfasts and post-flight brunches.
Your kids may feel unsure of going up in the balloon, at first, but will soon feel comfortable once they are flying up in the sky and looking down at their surroundings. They may pretend they are the captain of a flying ship while enjoying the beautiful landscape that consists of rows of vineyards, lovely rolling hills, and beautiful blue morning skies.
Balloons Above the Valley has earned commendations from both its clients and other organizations – a testament to its commitment to provide high-quality service. Hot air balloon rides are easily the highlight of your vacations in Napa Valley especially when you do them as a family.