With
world-class wine, food and art all around us, its easy to see why the Napa Valley
attracts a mature audience. But with end-of-school near, our attention turns to
all that the Valley offers for the younger set – and where our littlest
residents and visitors (and tag-along parents) may make the most of their long
summer days…..
Community Resources for Children
(CRC)
In
Napa at 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 1 (near the Safeway Shopping Center)
Dedicated to enriching
the lives of Napa
County children, CRC
programs include:
Active
Minds: An hour-long weekly preschool experience that includes
circle time, art or sensory activities, cooperative play experiences, music and
movement.
Art with Me: Weekly sensory and process-oriented workshop for kids
and their parents/caregivers. Get messy, have fun and create beautiful art
using your imagination.
Toy Library & Early Learning
Center: A “green” resource
for toys and early learning materials! Month-long loan program saves families
money and keeps interesting playthings in the hands of rapidly-developing children.
Free.
For more
information on all CRC programs, including specific dates and times, go to http://www.crcnapa.org
or call 707.258.0376.
Storytime at the Napa Farmers Market –
May thru
October
In Napa on 1st Street next to
the Oxbow Public Market (between Soscol Avenue
and Silverado Trail)
This celebration of community showcases the world-class,
field-fresh produce and artisan goods for which the Napa Valley
is known. It provides a place for all of us to discover, connect and learn. For
kids, the Farmers Market also offers a special weekly Storytime on Saturday
mornings – fertile ground for the seeds of reading to grow. Free.
To learn more, go to www.napafarmersmarket.com
or call 707.252.7142.
Firefighters Musuem
Wednesday
- Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm, and occasional Sundays
In Napa, 1201 Main Street (just north of Downtown area)
Few things
produce smiles on children’s faces as easily as a fire engine! And as a
showcase for fire-related memorabilia from the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries, the Napa
Firefighters MuseumNapa.
Free.
offers visitors a unique hands-on history lesson that captivates a child’s
imagination. Staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, the Museum often plays host
to special local and traveling exhibits, and is a perfect kid-friendly pit-stop
whenever you’re in downtown
7
days a week, 8 am to dusk (Skatepark closed on rainy days)
In
St. Helena on Crane Ave.
(West off
Hwy 29 just south of downtown St. Helena)
A somewhat
hidden gem, Crane
Park is a locals’
favorite for its innovative children’s play area, tennis and bocce ball courts,
horseshoe pits and picnic areas. The park’s tall trees make it a cool place to
spend a hot summer afternoon, particularly with the preschool set expending
energy on the climbing structure.
And
just opened in October 2009, the St. Helena Skatepark draws big props – skating
legend Steve Caballero even paid a visit last December. The Skatepark offers a
fun, safe environment for skateboarders and skaters alike. All skill levels and
ages are welcome. No scooters or bicycles allowed, and the helmet and pads rule
is strictly enforced. Free.
Just north
of Calistoga at 1299 Tubbs Lane
(off Hwy 128)
Kids delight in the natural wonder that is the Old Faithful
Geyser in Calistoga. The geyser starts with little wisps of steam wafting up,
then poof, it shoots hot water up to 60 feet in the air! Old
Faithful repeats this every 30 minutes or so. Visitors are welcome
to bring their own picnics and enjoy the onsite petting zoo with goats, sheep
and llamas. For
more information, including special events and admission fees, go to www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com or call 707-942-6463.
Napa Valley Activities
Tuesday –
Saturday, Noon – 7 pm
In Napa at 1755 Industrial Way, Suite 24 (off California Blvd.)
Where in
Napa can a kid paint a mug, play pinball, create a glass mosaic and build a
fort, all in the same afternoon?! At Napa Valley Activities, of course, a ceramic-glass-clay-and
play center where children can be messy making their masterpieces – and there
is no mess at home to clean up. In addition to daily “open studio” time, Napa
Valley Activities runs a regular schedule of special events geared toward
children of all ages and abilities. New this summer is “Kidz Play,” to let kids discover other art
forms including tempera paints, beading, cutting and gluing, and themed
projects like tie-dye… sounds like a great play date or play group outing!
For more
information on Napa Valley Activities, including class schedules and fees, go
to http://www.napavalleyactivities.com/ or call 707-226-1418.
Rockzilla
Monday –
Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
In Napa at 849 Jackson St #5A (North end of Downtown Napa)
Why not try
something completely off-the-wall with your kids? Rockzilla is Napa's only indoor rock
climbing gym, with climbing walls designed for top roping, lead climbing, and
bouldering. All ages and abilities are welcome, with daily, monthly and
annual passes available and instructional advice readily available from trained
staff. This summer, Camp
Rockzilla offers kids a
fun and safe environment to learn basic climbing skills and technique. To keep
it interesting, campers will also do some obstacle and ropes course activities,
river trail hiking, picnics at the park, water play, tie dye and outdoor games.
For more
information on Rockzilla and Camp
Rockzilla, including
specific dates, times and fees, go to http://www.climbrockzilla.com
or call 707.255.1500.
Scientopia
Monday –
Friday, 10 am – 5:30 pm; Sat/Sun private parties or open play
In Napa at 1785 B Tanen Street (Off Soscol Ave south of
Lincoln Ave)
Get your kids thinking
outside-the-box or up-in-the-wind-tunnel and off the blast of a rocket!
Scientopia is a children’s discovery center promoting interest in
science, math, art and music through hands-on exhibits, creative
play areas, recycle arts and crafts zone, and an outdoor children's
garden. The indoor lunchroom and ever-changing exhibits make this kids’ favorite
beat-the-heat retreat. This summer, Scientopia is offering a variety of special
camps and classes – including Pint Size Science, Jr. Scientists or the Pee
Wee Reptile Club – for children ages 2-10 to discover all things science,
all summer long!
For more
information on Scientopia including specific programs, times and fees, go to www.scientopiadiscoverycenter.com
or call 707-259-1559.
So the wine
country is for kids after
all. With choices from parks and museums, to art making, rock climbing and
volcano building, one really can’t go wrong…. the hardest part may be choosing
what to do first!
