Napa's Family Attractions

In addition to winery tours for mom and dad, California's Napa Valley does offer attractions of interest to children.  The two most famous are "natural wonders," and are engaging for parents as well: 

The Petrified Forest
4100 Petrified Forest Road
Calistoga, CA  94515
707/942-6667 
 
 Well-marked trails meandering through the forest provide a view of trees that have fossilized over the eons.  An eruption of Mount St. Helena over 6 million years ago, spewed volcanic ash which engulfed the forest, removing all the water from the trees and turning the giant redwoods to stone, where colors and crystals are visible in the tree trunks and fallen timber.  An explanation of the geologic processes of fossilization and petrification are presented in the adjoining museum.  There is a gift shop of mineral specimens and a picnic area.  Open daily from 9am to 7pm.  Admission fee is $6/adults,  $5/juniors 12-17, $3/children 6-11.

Old Faithful Geyser
1299 Tubbs Lane
Calistoga, CA  94515
707/942-6463
No, this is not the famous Old Faithful of Yellowstone National Park but, as it has a regular interval pattern, it qualifies as one of three such phenomena in the world.  California's Old Faithful erupts approximately every 40 minutes depending on the moon, tides, and other natural phenomena.  When you arrive, you will see a bubbling pond which will soon turn into a huge stream of water, spouting up to 60 feet, before calming down and gurgling until the next eruption.  An adjoining exhibit area describes the phenomenon, and the proprietor will be happy to answer your questions and show you records on the timings of the eruptions.  Hours are daily from 9 am to 6 pm (to 5pm in winter).  Admission fee is $8/adults, $3/children 6-12, no fee for children under 6.

Sonoma's Family Attractions

Nearby, Sonoma Valley (707/996-1090) in Sonoma County is home to many wineries such as Sebastiani (707/933-3230) and Buena Vista (800/926-1266). Children will enjoy visiting the many berry, fruit and vegetable farms open to visitors; check out the online Farm Trails guide for more information. The region also offers many other kid-friendly attractions. 

Train Town
20264 Broadway - Highway 12
Sonoma, CA  95476
707/938-3912
Here, your family can enjoy a 1½ mile long miniature train ride with a goat-feeding stop.  Open daily June through Labor Day from 10m to 5pm and on weekends throughout the year.  Train tickets are $3.75/pp.  

Sonoma Cheese Factory
2 Spain Street 95476
Sonoma, CA   95476
707/996-1931
Stop by this factory/deli to learn about "curds and whey" and to sample many varieties of Sonoma Jack cheese.  Pick up some lunch to enjoy in the Plaza's part where picnic tables, swings and a duck pond make this a perfect stop. 

Sonoma Coast State Beach
Jenner and Bodega Bay on Highway One
Sonoma, CA  95476
800/777-0369
A 17-mile stretch of Pacific beach dotted with arches, coves and dramatic bluffs runs from Bodega Head to Vista Trail.  Approaching from Highway 1, you can watch the harbor seals and picnic at Goat Rock Beach near the mouth of the Russian River, or enter just South of Fort Ross to admire many scenic attractions. Though swimming is definitely not recommended, the beach is great for fishing, sunbathing, and picnicking.