Visiting Napa and Sonoma with kids doesn’t mean your days have to revolve only around wineries. Wine Country is full of outdoor adventures, hands-on farm experiences, scenic rides, playful activities, and family moments that make the trip even more magical for little ones.
Whether you’re mixing in kid-focused activities between tastings or planning a full family itinerary, here are the best kid-friendly things to do in Napa and Sonoma — organized, informational, and perfect for all ages.
Bookstores are always a win with kids — and this Calistoga shop (left) had the sweetest children’s section. In Downtown Napa, Copperfield’s Books (right) is a great place to stop. A great way to support small businesses, take a quiet break between Napa activities, and keep the little ones entertained with new stories and cozy corners.
NAPA COUNTY KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
1. Connolly Ranch — Napa
3141 Browns Valley Road, Napa, CA 94558
A hidden gem for families, Connolly Ranch is a chance for kids to slow down and connect with nature.
Sundays Farm Open House
Only on Sundays Time: 9am–1:30pm Self-guided exploration Visit animals, gardens, barns, and nature play areas
Time Slots:
9–10:30am
10:30am–12pm
12–1:30pm
Registration is recommended but walk-ins are accepted if space is available.
This is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary-aged kids who love animals.
2. Old Faithful Geyser — Calistoga
1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
A family favorite — especially for kids who love science.
Highlights include: Geyser erupts every ~45 minutes Petting zoo with goats + sheep Gardens + geology museum Picnic areas
This is a great stop before or after Castello di Amorosa or Calistoga Depot.
3. Oxbow Public Market — Downtown Napa
610 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
Not just a place to eat — it’s a fun stop for families to wander and explore.
Kids will enjoy: Ice cream, pizza, noodles, and bakery treats Outdoor seating Napa Bookmine inside for children’s books Open layout for stroller-friendly exploring
This is a great rainy-day or mid-day break stop.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is one of the top kid-friendly outdoor activities in Napa, offering a paved, scenic path perfect for family bike rides. Stretching through vineyards and wine-country views, it’s an easy, safe way for families to explore Napa Valley with kids — whether you’re biking, walking, or scootering between towns. A must-do for anyone looking for active, family-friendly things to do in Napa beyond wineries.
4. Napa Valley Vine Trail — Yountville
Rent bikes from Napa Valley Bike Tours & Rentals (6500 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599)
The Vine Trail is a paved, family-friendly path perfect for: Family bike rides Stroller walks Scooter time for kids Safe, scenic exploring between towns
You can rent bikes in Napa or Yountville, including kid bikes and trailers.
5. Napa Valley Wine Train — Napa
1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
A surprisingly kid-friendly experience and totally unique to the region.
Why kids love it: Gourmet Express Lunch is ideal for families Children 12 and under ride for $109 3-hour journey through the vineyards Multi-course meal with kid-friendly options Space to explore and wander between cars
Holiday highlight:
Santa Train Jolly Journeys — a beloved 32-year tradition with storytelling, music, treats, and Santa magic.
6. Napa Valley Rydables — Downtown Napa
820A Third Street, Napa, CA 94558
100% a kid pleaser. These brightly decorated mobility scooters are safe, stable, and FUN.
Details: Tours of Downtown Napa Safe + ADA-compliant Kids as young as 3 years old can ride with an adult Kids 13+ can operate their own if the guide approves Silly, memorable, and a great break between meals or wineries
Perfect for families wanting something unique and lighthearted.
At Safari West in Santa Rosa, we learned that the male rhino stays separated from the mother and baby for safety — a fascinating and educational moment for the kids. This behind-the-scenes look at rhino behavior is one of the reasons Safari West is one of the best family-friendly wildlife experiences in Sonoma County, offering up-close encounters, animal learning moments, and a safari experience kids never forget.
SONOMA COUNTY & SANTA ROSA AREA ACTIVITIES
7. Safari West — Santa Rosa
3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Often called the “Sonoma Serengeti,” Safari West offers a 3-hour safari experience where kids can see giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, ostriches, and more.
Extras include: A one-hour nature walk Cheetah viewing Bird habitats Lemurs, porcupines, and so much more Optional overnight stay in real safari tents imported from Africa
This is one of the top kid-friendly experiences in Northern California.
Sonoma TrainTown is one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Sonoma County — a charming quarter-scale train ride that takes families through tunnels and over bridges before stopping at a mini petting zoo. With extra rides like a carousel and ferris wheel, it’s an easy, affordable activity for young kids visiting Sonoma Valley — and something you can easily squeeze in between wineries, meals, or other Sonoma adventures.
8. Sonoma TrainTown Railroad — Sonoma
20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
A classic children’s amusement experience.
Kids love: Quarter-scale railroad Petting zoo Rides Small ferris wheel + carousel Extremely budget-friendly family activity
Great for ages 2–8. Each attraction requires a ticket per person.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum is such a fun, kid-friendly stop in Santa Rosa. The girls especially loved the Education Room— hands-on activities, art tables, and fun creative stations designed just for kids. It’s an easy, playful space where little ones can draw, build, explore, and bring their favorite Peanuts characters to life.
9. Charles M. Schulz Museum & Snoopy’s Home Ice — Santa Rosa
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
A must-visit for Peanuts fans and one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Sonoma County.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum is packed with interactive exhibits, original comic strips, a hands-on education room, and fun storytelling moments that bring Snoopy and the gang to life. Right next door, Snoopy’s Home Ice offers public skating sessions in a charming, Swiss chalet–style ice rink perfect for kids.
Why families love it: Engaging exhibits for all ages Kid-friendly activity room Snoopy’s Home Ice for skating (check for public skating hours)+ hot cocoa Easy parking + stroller-friendly Ideal break between wineries or restaurants
This is a fun, low-stress, all-weather activity — and one of the most iconic family stops in Santa Rosa.
10. Playground + Picnic Spots
Sonoma County is full of wide green spaces perfect for downtime between wineries.
Great family-friendly picks:
Sonoma Plaza Park — big playground + ducks + shade
Howarth Park (Santa Rosa) — lake, mini train, carousel
Ragle Ranch Park (Sebastopol) — huge play areas
Pack a picnic from a local deli (Sunflower Caffé, La Cheve, or Kenwood Market).
11. Hot Springs (Kid-Friendly Options)
Calistoga is known for its geothermal waters, and some are great for kids.
Kid-friendly hot spring pools:
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs — family pools + day passes Golden Haven Hot Springs — warm, relaxing, not too hot
Always check age rules, but generally these pools are mellow and family-friendly.
Additional Easy Kid-Friendly Activities
To round out your trip:
Picnic at V. Sattui or Bricoleur
Kid-friendly lawns + deli food or pre-made picnics.
Explore Yountville’s Art Walk
Stroller-friendly + full of sculptures.
Walk around Sonoma Plaza
Shops + ice cream + wide open space.
Visit local farms
Farms often offer tours, seasonal fruit-picking, or open play areas (Belden Barns scavenger backpacks are always a hit).
Complimentary kids’ and adult bikes at Solage made exploring the property such a fun, family-friendly activity. The girls loved riding around the peaceful paths, and it was the perfect break between meals and activities. Always check the family amenities at your resort — so many places offer included activities that make travel with kids even easier.
Napa and Sonoma are absolutely doable — and even wonderful — with kids.
Mixing wineries with farm visits, bike rides, geysers, animal adventures, picnics, and scenic walks keeps everyone happy (and makes the trip feel extra memorable).
Save this family guide for your wine-country planning — and send it to parents who think Napa or Sonoma can’t be kid-friendly. They’ll be shocked how much there is to do.
