| Where in the world can you pet a dolphin, dodge a | | | | continue north. Many families head straight for the small |
| geyser, fly high in a hot air balloon, ogle at ostriches, | | | | town of Calistoga, where wineries meet geysers. |
| and tour a castle - all in a single day? Napa Valley, of | | | | The "Little Old Faithful" geyser is a top attraction. Stand |
| course. | | | | back - way back! - and watch as scalding hot water |
| California's Napa Valley is famous for its 300+ | | | | shoots over 50 feet into the air every 30 minutes or |
| vineyards and wineries, but there's so much more. It's | | | | so. |
| also an exciting, family-friendly destination. The area's | | | | While the geyser is an impressive display of the area's |
| beautiful scenery draws hikers, bikers, and horseback | | | | geothermal activity now, the Petrified Forest is a |
| riders. If your family prefers water sports, the Napa | | | | powerful reminder of the area's violent volcanic history. |
| River has cruises, boat rentals, and even kayaking for | | | | Three million years ago, a massive volcanic eruption |
| the adventurous. | | | | toppled a Redwood forest and covered it in a thick |
| The Napa Valley is a short drive from San Francisco. | | | | layer of ash. The silica-rich ash eventually turned the |
| Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (formerly Marine World) | | | | trees into solid stone. There's a museum and shady |
| is nearby in the town of Vallejo. Children (of all ages) | | | | trail where you can view the major tree excavations. |
| are entranced by the marine shows featuring dolphins, | | | | Calistoga's Safari West offers a different sort of trail - |
| seals, and killer whales. The many amusement park | | | | one filled with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and other |
| rides range from 11 gravity-defying roller coasters | | | | exotic animals. It's not just an animal park; Safari West |
| including the Boomerang - which goes backwards - to | | | | is a 400-acre wildlife preserve dedicated to education |
| go carts, climbing walls, and toddler-friendly water play | | | | and wildlife preservation. Visitors can take guided safari |
| areas. | | | | tours and even stay overnight in a luxury safari tent. |
| Continue north and you reach the town of American | | | | Be sure to plan ahead: reservations are required for all |
| Canyon, gateway to the Napa Valley. The town | | | | tours. |
| offers affordable lodging options and convenient | | | | Now, any parent who managed all this in a single day |
| access to Napa and Sonoma County vineyards. Many | | | | would surely be ready for at least one glass of wine. |
| wineries offer special wine tasting events, | | | | The Castello di Amorosa is just the place. Set in a |
| behind-the-scenes tours, and dinner packages. | | | | stunning castle, the winery offers relaxing horse-drawn |
| The town of Napa is just 7 miles from American | | | | vineyard tours and welcomes visiting families with a |
| Canyon. Along with upscale shopping and dining | | | | special area for kids to enjoy grape juice and coloring |
| options, the town is home to many Napa Valley tour | | | | while parents attend an adults-only area wine tasting. |
| companies. The hot air balloon tours won't take you | | | | Of course, nobody could adequately experience the |
| around the world, but do offer an exhilarating birds-eye | | | | Napa Valley in a single day. You may visit the first time |
| view of the serene wine county landscape. Depending | | | | just for the wine, but you'll soon discover that Napa |
| on the tour package, extras may include a champagne | | | | has something for everyone in your family to enjoy. |
| toast or even full gourmet breakfast after your flight. | | | | The area's beauty and diversity beckons to travelers |
| There's plenty to do on the ground too, as you | | | | of all ages, encouraging many repeat visits. |