Family-Friendly Adventures in Calistoga, California!

Calistoga

Why Visit?

Welcome to Calistoga, a charming town nestled in Napa Valley known for its hot springs, scenic views, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a perfect day itinerary for your family visit:

### Morning: Calistoga Balloons

Start your day with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride with Calistoga Balloons. Meet at Calistoga Coffee Company around 6:30 AM for a pre-flight snack and brief before taking off to admire breathtaking views of Napa Valley. Balloon rides are weather dependent, so bookings might need flexibility.

### Mid-Morning: Old Faithful Geyser of California

After touching down, head to the Old Faithful Geyser of California, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Calistoga. Experience the predictable eruptions of this famous geyser, which goes off approximately every 30 minutes, providing a spectacular display of nature"s force. Don’t miss the petting zoo, where kids can enjoy seeing Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s Four-Horn Sheep, and Guard Llamas.

### Lunch: Picnic at Pioneer Park

Grab a picnic lunch from Palisades Deli Café and head to Pioneer Park, a 5-minute drive from the geyser. Enjoy the peaceful outdoor settings and a playground that will keep the children entertained.

### Afternoon: Calistoga Skatepark or Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Depending on your family’s interest, choose between some active fun at Calistoga Skatepark or a relaxing soak at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. The skatepark is free, offering a modern design with various levels of difficulty and is just a few minutes from downtown by car. The spa offers family-friendly pools and natural mineral waters perfect for unwinding.

### Evening: Dinner and Stroll

Finish your day with a casual dinner at Buster’s Southern BBQ for some authentic, wood-fired barbecue. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown Calistoga, exploring local shops and enjoying the warm, small-town ambiance.

This itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and local charm, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family in Calistoga!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Benziger Family Winery

Why Visit?

For a delightful family excursion to Benziger Family Winarchy, start your adventure in the heart of Sonoma Valley, where the winery nestles on Sonoma Mountain Road, Glen Ellen. This family-owned estate offers more than just wine; it’s an exploration of sustainable winemaking that visitors of all ages can appreciate.

### Morning Arrival:

Arrive in the morning to enjoy cooler weather. The winery is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco, accessible via US-101 N and CA-37 E, followed by a scenic drive through Sonoma"s picturesque landscapes. There’s ample parking, and the tranquil setting is perfect for starting your day amidst nature.

### Tram Tour:

Begin with the famous Tram Tour, which kicks off right at the entrance. As you embark on this open-air tram, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the biodynamically farmed vineyards — a method that treats the vines, soil, and animals as a self-sustaining system. Engaging guides explain the process, making this an educational experience for all. The tour, which includes a barrel cave visit, runs for about 45 minutes and is suitable for kids, offering them a firsthand look at eco-friendly farming.

### Picnic and Exploration:

Post-tour, enjoy a family picnic on the grounds. Bring your own snacks or pick up some locally sourced treats from the winery’s store. Kids can roam the lush gardens or partake in a scavenger hunt — a hit for younger visitors, allowing them to learn while having fun.

### Tasting and Learning:

While adults indulge in a wine tasting session featuring Benziger’s signature biodynamic wines, kids can enjoy grape juice and a vineyard workbook provided by the winery. It’s a great way for the whole family to learn about the flavors and science of winemaking.

### Wrap Up:

End your visit at the gift shop, where you can pick up sustainable goods and educational toys related to farming and viticulture. This memorable day at Benziger is not just about tasting wine but understanding a lifestyle devoted to harmony with nature.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hanna Winery

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful day at Hanna Winery, a family-friendly adventure nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s picturesque wine country. Start your visit at the winery"s flagship estate in Alexander Valley, easily accessible via Highway 101, with a turn onto Highway 128. Parking is ample and free, making it an easy start to your day.

Morning: Explore the Vineyard

Begin your morning at 10:00 AM with a guided vineyard tour. Here, children and adults alike can learn about sustainable viticulture practices that Hanna Winery employs, making it a great educational experience. Don"t miss the engaging explanation of how grapes go from vine to bottle, which is both fun and informative for all ages.

Midday: Wine Tasting and Picnic

After your tour, head to the tasting room where adults can indulge in a sampling of Hanna Winery’s award-winning wines, including their renowned Sauvignon Blanc and robust Cabernet Sauvignon. For the kids, grape juice and snacks are available. Following the tasting, enjoy a family picnic on the grassy knolls adjacent to the vineyards. The winery offers picnic tables and breathtaking views of the rolling hills, providing a perfect backdrop for family photos.

Afternoon: Educational Workshop

At 2:00 PM, participate in a family-friendly workshop where you can learn more about the local ecosystem. This interactive session includes activities like identifying local flora and fauna and understanding the role of agriculture in Sonoma County.

Wrap Up

End your visit by stopping at the Hanna Winery gift shop where you can pick up educational books about viticulture, eco-friendly souvenirs, and a bottle of wine to remember your day by.

Your family’s day at Hanna Winery promises to be both fun-filled and educational, offering a glimpse into the world of sustainable winemaking in one of California’s most beautiful settings.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Safari West

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Safari West

Morning Arrival: Greeting the Wildlife

Begin your adventure at Safari West, located in the heart of California"s wine country, just outside Santa Rosa. Start early to enjoy a cooler morning tour and catch the animals at their most active. Upon arrival, check-in at the Visitor Center where you"ll meet your guide and hop aboard a custom-built safari vehicle.

Safari Tour (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Embark on the Signature Safari tour. The open-air vehicle provides unobstructed views of over 900 animals across 80 species. Watch your kids" eyes light up as they spot giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs! Your knowledgeable guide will share fun facts about the animals’ habitats, diet, and conservation status. Don’t forget to ask about the successful breeding of the endangered species like the addax!

Lunch at Savannah Café (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

After the tour, head to the Savannah Café for a relaxing lunch. Enjoy a variety of dishes with vegetarian options available - perfect for refueling before your afternoon adventure.

Walking Tour and Aviary Visit (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walking tour of the lower grounds. Visit the aviary, where you can marvel at the colorful birds. The kids will love the interactive encounter, learning about different bird species from around the world.

Leisure Time and Departure (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Wrap up your visit by exploring the gift shop for souvenirs or enjoy a final stroll around the premises. The kids might enjoy journaling about their favorite animals, so bring along sketchpads or journals.

Departure

Head back home by 4:00 PM, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share.

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars for better views of distant animals!

Enjoy your wild adventure at Safari loss, where education, conservation, and fun come together!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family-friendly adventure at Fort Ross State Historic Park, nestled along the scenic Sonoma Coast of California. Here"s how you can make the most of your visit:

### Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most of the drive along California"s picturesque Highway 1. The route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline, perfect for some family photos. Park at the visitor center, where you can grab maps and check out the introductory exhibits.

### Explore the Historic Compound

Step back in time as you enter the fort, originally established by the Russians in 1812 as a hub for fur trading and agriculture. Wander through the restored buildings including the iconic Rotchev House, the only original Russian-era structure still standing, and the wooden chapel, which is a reconstruction but offers a glimpse into the spiritual life at the fort.

Interactive Experience: Join a guided tour available on weekends to see live demonstrations of blacksmithing and other crafts. Kids will love trying their hand at building log structures or weaving at the craft workshops.

### Picnic Lunch

By midday, enjoy a family picnic at the nearby picnic tables offering stunning ocean views. Pack your own lunch or grab some local snacks from the visitor center.

### Afternoon Hike and Beach Time

Post-lunch, take the Fort Ross Cove Trail, an easy 0.75-mile walk that leads to a serene cove where the Kashia Pomo and Russian settlers once harvested marine resources. Spend some time on the beach where kids can play and explore the tide pools.

### Wind Down at the Visitor Center

Before heading home, stop by the visitor center"s museum to learn more about the diverse cultural heritage of Fort Ross, including Native American, Russian, and early Californian artifacts.

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, carrying with you memories of a day steeped in history, nature, and family fun at Fort Ross State Historic Park.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.