Things for Kids to do in Napa Valley

Like many small towns in America, the refrains of "there's nothing to doooo" of whining kids in the Napa Valley echo off the hillsides. The truth is, there is plenty for kids to do in the Napa Valley if you just look off the beaten path.

Play in the dirt. 

Connoly Ranch in Napa is a non-profit organization that has some really cool programs for kids to get a taste of farm life. Through activities and tours, kids can learn about organic gardening, sustainability, and farm animals. There are even some fun things for grown ups to do, too!

Make a movie! 

The Cameo Cinema in St. Helena hosts a Family Film Festival every year in which kids and teens can screen their homemade movies for a live audience. Survivor Boy was a favorite at the very first event in 2010 and every year more and more kids show their talents for a chance to walk the red carpet on awards night. The festival is held in May every year, but it's never too early to get those cameras rolling. 

Climb the Walls!

Climbing is not only great exercise but also a heck of a lot of fun! Rockzilla is Napa Valley's only indoor rock climbing zone. They have climbing walls for all levels, from beginner to expert and are a great place for family fun.  Go for a couple of hours, the whole day, or plan your child's next birthday party there.

Help a Horse in Need 

Volunteering is a wonderful way for kids of all ages to learn empathy for the fellow creatures while learning to skills and knowledge along the way. At Sunrise Horse Rescue in St. Helena, Napa Valley's only horse sanctuary, youth and families can learn about horses and ponies while providing them with the care and love that they need.  All of the rescued horses at this non profit organization are cared for by volunteers and call Sunrise their forever home.

Join a Club

For after-school or summertime fun, the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley is a great place to make new friends and have a safe place to hang out. They offer games, activities, field trips and homework help as well as learn life-skills that they can carry with them anywhere. 
The Napa Valley also has several active Boy and Girl Scout troops that give young people a chance to meet form friendships that can last forever as well as learn new skills and have new adventures! 
The 4-H clubs of the Napa Valley are another fantastic way for kids to keep busy as they explore everything from photography and gardening to chicken-keeping and hog farming! 

Have an Outdoor Adventure

The Napa Valley offers a lot of outdoor adventures that are kid friendly and affordable. Hiking, Kayaking, and swimming are just a few. Exploring the Napa River has been a favorite activity of Napa Valley kids for generations and why not drop a line at Lake Hennesy and let them try their hand at fishing? There are several fantastic county and state parks to explore, including Bothe State Park which not only has a creek to splash in and trails to hike but also a "haunted" cemetery to explore. 

The list of things for kids to do in Napa could go on and on and many parents choose to raise their families here because it is such a great place to grow up. If you know of any other kid friendly activities, please let me know and I'll be sure to add it to the list!

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