The Napa Valley is, famously, a prime vacation spot for couples. But it’s also an unsung family vacation spot. And yes, while you’re absolutely entitled to—and should take—some adult time away from kids, if you do want to bring the kids, know that Napa is packed with kid-friendly dining options, hotels that cater to kids, and even family-friendly Napa Valley wineries.
Family-Friendly Napa Valley Hotels
These family-friendly Napa hotels certainly aren’t the only ones in the valley doing kid-friendly with signature Napa style, but they’re tried-and-true options with plenty of thoughtful touches to make the whole family feel welcomed and comfortable.
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1. Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
Calistoga, California
Hip, low-key, and family friendly, the Calistoga Motor Lodge still feels like a hidden Napa Valley gem even though this relatively recent addition to the Calistoga hotel scene has already earned both a solid reputation and a loyal following. This totally transformed roadside motel has a boutique hotel vibe and is packed with fun family activities like bocce ball, hula hoops, corn hole, board games, al fresco movie nights, and s’mores at the fire pit.
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Family friendly guest rooms include double queens; and, for more room and privacy, camper king suites, which feature a camper table with wrap-around bench seats that converts to a bed in a separate room at night. And in proper Calistoga style, the star of the show at the Calistoga Motor Lodge is the geothermal spring water: three mineral pools range in temperature from 84 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Kids are welcome at the pools except during adult swim times that happen in the early afternoon and again late evening.
2. Indian Springs Resort and Spa
Calistoga, California
Indian Springs is home to the grande dame of Calistoga mineral pools, a 1910-era Olympic-size, perfectly warm, family friendly pool where kids and adults can drift and play for hours. The pools (there’s also cooler adult-only pool) are fed by bubbling thermal geysers you can see, and the spa next to the pool area specializes in mud baths and other local offerings. This Napa Valley hotel’s family friendly mix of lodging types includes rooms, cottages, cottages, bungalows, and even two houses, all spread out across 17 elegant yet bohemian acres dotted with ponds, gardens, hills, and olive trees.
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Family-pleasing amenities include a children’s play area, bocce ball court, shuffleboard court, croquet, free bikes to borrow, giant checkers, and more. Sam’s Social Club, the property’s restaurant, has plenty of outdoor space and a menu to please both discerning adults and picky kids (don’t miss the candy cap churros; you don’t even have to tell the kids candy caps are mushrooms).
3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley
Napa, California
Enough room for the family is a sure thing at Embassy Suites Napa Valley. This Napa hotel, which sits close to Highway 29, the valley’s main north-south artery, is an all-suite property with a variety of room layouts that can sleep up to six people.
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Indoor and outdoor pools, bike rentals, free breakfast, and a pond with swans keep kids happy and provide plenty of down-time options. Just a five minute drive from downtown Napa, the hotel is also close to wineries and Napa’s Premium Outlets.
4. The Westin Verasa Napa
Napa, California
The Westin Verasa Napa blends resort-style amenities with a central location in downtown Napa and is walking distance from the culinary riches of Oxbow Market and the CIA at Copia. The hotel offers a 160 suites, including some with fully equipped kitchens and enough room for the whole family to spread out.
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Onsite, there’s a heated outdoor saltwater pool and whirlpool. And, if your kids are old enough to hang in the room and order room service, you can treat yourself to a dinner out at the property’s Michelin-starred restaurant, La Toque.
5. Silverado Resort and Spa
Napa, California
With a laid-back country club feel, the Silverado Resort and Spa is a Napa resort that provides family-friendly surroundings with plenty of appeal to adults. Situated a few minutes’ drive from downtown Napa, you can choose among four communities within Silverado. Opt to stay near the heart of the action, close to the pools and tennis courts, or choose a room that provides both tranquility and views.
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The resort offers both rooms and suites—the suites range from one to three bedrooms and larger suites include amenities like full kitchens and living rooms, fireplaces, and private patios. The resort’s two championship golf courses are a great place to introduce kids to the joy of golf vacations: the Johnny Miller Junior Golf Academy at Silverado Resort teaches kids both the fundamentals and a love of the game.
6. Carneros Resort and Spa
Napa, California
Hugged by rolling countryside and vineyards, and essentially functioning as its own small town, Carneros Resort and Spa offers the ultimate wine country escape for families. Residential-feeling cottages and homes feature private porches, gardens, firepits, and decks. Onsite private vacation homes offer even more living space and privacy at this Napa hotel.
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Families will love amenities such as pools, hot tubs, complimentary bikes, three full-service restaurants, a guest-only spa, and an outdoor “town square” with bocce ball, wine, and music. Elegant and relaxed enough to welcome kids, there’s even a summer weekends kids’ night offering, during which parents can leave kids for a fun night in the capable hands of resort caregivers and treat themselves to a night out.
7. The Meritage Resort and Spa
Napa, California
The Meritage Resort and Spa proves that luxury accommodations and family friendly surroundings pair perfectly. The secret? Welcoming hospitality, and surroundings that pair elegance with playfulness. Explore a working vineyard on hiking trails through the resort’s private nine-acre vineyard. Call a family game night and head to Crush Lounge for cocktails for grown-ups and bowling for everyone.
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The heated Family Fun pool means parents can let kids splash and play without stress, and snacks and picnic supplies are on offer at the onsite Fivetown Grocery. At Meritage, rooms are spacious, connecting rooms are available, and a variety of suites offer even more room for families.
8. Marriott Napa Valley Hotel and Spa
Napa, California
The relaxed-among-the-vines Marriott Napa Valley Hotel and Spa occupies a residential-rural corner of Napa, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. The hotel is convenient to Highway 29 and is on the way to Yountville and other upvalley destinations. Recently redesigned rooms include family rooms and suites with private balconies and patios, plus concierge-level rooms.
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The hotel has abundant outdoor spaces like gardens, a courtyard with fire pits, and a year-round, heated resort-style pool. The hotel offers bikes for rent, plus free internet and free parking.
9. Grand Reserve at the Meritage
Napa, California
The Grand Reserve shines as a family-friendly hotel in Napa. Spacious rooms include balconies or patios, and suites come equipped with kitchens. In-suite cooking classes can be geared to teaching families how to work together to cook gourmet, kid-friendly meals.
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The resort’s heated pool is ultra-kid-friendly (there’s even a kids’ menu available at the pool), and poolside cabanas offer a luxe home base if you’re looking to make the pool your destination of the day. The resort’s cluster of wine tasting rooms and brewery offer outdoor tastings as well, and the property is primed for family picnics, with outdoor tables and a big beckoning lawn.
