When thinking of Napa Valley, traveling with children probably doesn’t come to mind, but I’m here to tell you there is a way.

It’s a casual, minimal approach to Napa, but absolutely worth it and enjoyable. These stops keep it pretty close and succinct, focusing on just a few kid-able places in Napa and Yountville.

BEAR AT STANLY RANCH

Bear - The spectacular restaurant at Auberge’s Stanly Ranch with grounds for the littles to run around. So excellent, we went twice - once for dinner and back again for breakfast and a caffeine boost at their coffee shop and boutique, Gavel.

OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET & HUDSON RANCH

Oxbow Public Market is full of Cafes, shops and specialty food vendors, the most notable being Hudson Greens & Goods with fresh produce, specialty and local foods to stock up on whether you are staying in a hotel or rental property.

If visiting Napa without children, make it a point to visit their spectacular vineyards and meticulously designed property at Hudson Ranch to taste the Old Master Cabernet Sauvignon and Ladybug Chardonnay.

GOTT’S ROADSIDE

Right next to Oxbow Public Market sits nostalgia in a menu: burgers, fries, shakes… Gott’s Roadside is a no brainer for dining with children. The Green Chile Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries stand out. If avoiding gluten, lettuce wrapped burgers are available and plant-based options are scattered throughout the menu.

ADDENDUM & BOUCHON BAKERY

When your posse can’t quite handle a Thomas Keller sit down, go to Addendum to enjoy their excellent fried chicken or pulled pork if you’re avoiding gluten. Outdoor picnic tables keep it casual, and a game of cornhole will hold everyone over while waiting for the food to be prepared.

You’ll have to forget about avoiding refined sugar for a moment and top it off with a treat from Bouchon Bakery right down the street

OASIS BY HOOPES

At Oasis by Hoopes, the devotion to regenerative agriculture is so evident you can taste it, quite literally. Along with their wine, they serve an outstanding plate of distinctive produce and herbs from the garden and local cheeses. Their whimsical grounds are more than appropriate for children to cruise around. In fact, the property holds an animal sanctuary with all sorts of farm animals to hang out with.