The best way to guarantee a successful family vacation is to choose a destination where there are plenty of exciting attractions and sights to see that appeal to all ages. This is one of the reasons Napa Valley in California is such a perennial favorite with families looking for a memorable vacation experience together. Although California is known as America’s principal wine-producing region, in particular Napa Valley and Sonoma, not many people know how much more there is on offer, particularly for families.
Here we take a closer look at activities in Wine Country that are appealing for families of all ages to give you food for thought when planning your next vacation.
The Redwood Forests deserve a Mention
Although the huge redwood trees are synonymous with California, the many forests you can visit with your family offer the kind of spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. There are two different species of the redwood: one which grows in the mountainous regions of the Sierra Nevada in California and the other in the coastal planes. The mountain variety is considered the largest living thing on earth, reaching a height of over 300 foot with a girth of almost 30 feet! This growth has taken more than 3,000 years to achieve and seeing them in one of the many protected redwood forests scattered throughout California is a truly unique experience. Kids and adults alike get the feeling of being in a land of giants, surrounded by these larger than life trees and the experience creates a lasting memory of your vacation.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum
Snoopy is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters of all time and your family can enjoy finding out more about his creator at the Charles M Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. Kids can indulge their creativity in the drop-in art studio, where they can learn how to draw and create their own characters or get lost in a labyrinth that’s been made in the shape of Snoopy’s head. Along with hundreds of exhibits of original work by Schulz, there’s an ice-skating rink and a café where you can order the author’s favorite snack of a grilled cheese and tuna sandwich.
The Napa Valley Wine Train
For families with younger children, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers the perfect opportunity to have the kids entertained while you indulge yourselves in a gourmet meal aboard a vintage Pullman train that’s been restored to a luxurious standard. On certain nights, children aged between 3 and 12 can be supervised in a separate carriage of the train by a professionally qualified caregiver, while you enjoy an intimate meal. Known as Family Fun Nights, you can check their schedule on their website to ensure one night of grownup entertainment during your vacation to California.
Sonoma County Farm Trails
Most people enjoy seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and in Wine Country there’s plenty to see. You can get a map with details of different farm trails through the area, where you’ll encounter sheep, llamas, butterflies and honeybees in the acres behind the many vineyards that have been largely left in a completely natural state. Here your family can experience things not ordinarily accessible like witnessing the birth of a lamb, milking a cow or finding out how cheese is made. This is the kind of experience that many people find very thought-provoking as well as educational for all age ranges.
As you can see from just a small selection of activities and places of interest in Wine Country, there’s plenty to occupy the entire family. If you’re looking for a base from which your family can enjoy easy access to all local attractions, it’s worth checking out Marriott Napa Valley, located in the heart of Wine Country. Whatever your children’s ages, it’s possible to have a truly memorable experience on vacation together in California and we guarantee that one trip won’t be enough to fit everything in!