MommyPoppins.com
MAKE YOUR DAY
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact
Connecticut
  • Anywhere
  • New York City
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Houston
  • Miami South Florida
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington DC
  • Orlando
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Connecticut
  • Long Island
  • New Jersey
  • Westchester
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact

HOME - Connecticut

Activity Calendar

Providers

Calendar  
  • Events

  • Deals

  • This Week's Picks

  • Activity Providers

  • Submit an Activity

Connecticut Guide  
  • Baby Guide

  • Preschoolers

  • Parks & Playgrounds

  • Free Activities

  • Restaurants

Things To Do  
  • Crafts for Kids

  • Recipes

  • Science for Kids

  • Games & Activities

  • Outdoors

  • Online & Virtual

Camps & Classes  
  • Camps Guide

  • Classes Guide

  • Preschools & Schools Guide

  • Directory

Parties & Holidays  
  • Gift Guide

  • Birthday Parties

  • Party Providers

  • Holidays

  • Spring Guide

  • Summer Guide

  • Fall Guide

  • Winter Guide

Family Travel  
  • Day Trips

  • Family Vacations

  • Theme & Water Parks

  • Resorts & Hotels

  • NYC Visitors' Guide for Families

  • New England Guide

  • Poconos Vacation Guide

  • Cape Cod & The Islands

Contact

Sign up for our free newsletters.
Head to Hartford for New Year's Eve 2025 celebrations fit for families! First Night Hartford photo by Andy Hart courtesy of the event.
New Year's Eve Weekend in CT with Kids: Countdown to 2026
Take part in daytime fun with these family-friendly New Year's celebrations for Connecticut Kids! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of the Niantic Children's Museum
CT New Year's Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More
Kick off 2026 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in CT in January 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Sledding is a key part of a fun winter for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
CT Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Lay back and let gravity do all the work with the best snow turning in Connecticut for families! Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Snow Tubing near Connecticut for Families in 2026
Find fun for all ages at these Connecticut attractions, museums, and things to do! Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum
Things To Do in Connecticut That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
100 Free Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids
Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CT
Roll on in to the top birthday party places in Connecticut for teens and tweens in 2025! Photo courtesy of Bowlero
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens in 2025
By land, by sea,  by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Hop aboard for a trip through Litchfield County and fun things to do with kids! Naugatuck Railroad photo courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England.
25 Things to Do With Kids in Litchfield, Connecticut
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
New England Family Travel Guide
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants for Every Day of the Week
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Ride, splash, and have gallons of fun at the best outdoor water parks in New England! Splash Away Bay Water Park photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement Park
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New England for Family Fun
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Lights are bright, shows are festive, and more holiday fun comes to CT this weekend! The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy photo courtesy of the event
Suite and Spicy, Candy House Workshop, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
calendar icon
This Week In
Connecticut
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Hours at Ski Sundown
Ski Sundown - 8:00 AM Pick
Stonington Vacation "Camp"
Stonington Community Center - 8:00 AM Pick
Kid's Cookie & Cupcake Decorating at Lyman Orchards
Lyman Orchards - 10:00 AM Pick
Drop In Crafts at Fairfield Museum
Fairfield Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Storytime at Slater Museum
Slater Museum - 10:30 AM Pick
Shh Don't Wake the Bear at Roaring Brook
Roaring Brook Environmental Center - 10:00 AM Pick
River Tales at The CT River Museum
CT River Museum - 11:00 AM Pick
Family Program: Sensing History in Hartford
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History - 11:00 AM Pick
La Befana An Epiphany Tale in New Haven
Blessed Michael McGiveny Pilgrimage Center - 2:00 PM Pick
Dino Lights Winter Festival
The Dinosaur Place - 4:00 PM Pick
Celebrate the Holidays at PaleyLand: Three Kings Day
The Paley Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Three Kings Day at Parkville Market
Parkville Market - 2:00 PM Pick
Who’s Been Here?: Animal Signs & Tracking at Denison Pequotsepsos
Denison Homestead - 2:00 PM Pick
Dino Lights Winter Festival
The Dinosaur Place - 4:00 PM Pick
Wonder Snow at Stepping Stones Museum
Stepping Stones Museum for Children - 9:00 AM
Los Tres Reyes Magos Celebration at Danbury Library
Danbury Public Library - 6:30 PM Pick
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge Connecticut - various times Pick
Tiny Creatures, Big Lives at the Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum - various times Pick
Wonder Snow at Stepping Stones Museum
Stepping Stones Museum for Children - 9:00 AM
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistic Village - various times
Weekly Bird Walks at Northwest Park
Northwest Park - 7:00 AM
Wonder Snow at Stepping Stones Museum
Stepping Stones Museum for Children - 9:00 AM
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistic Village - various times
Nesting with Dinosaurs at Discovery Science Center
Discovery Science Center & Planetarium - various times
Wonder Snow at Stepping Stones Museum
Stepping Stones Museum for Children - 9:00 AM
Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam
Shepaug Dam - 9:00 AM
Family Night at Chik Fil A in Norwalk
Chik Fil A - 6:00 PM
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistic Village - various times
One World, One Sky FullDome Cinematic Show* A Sesame Street Adventure: Planetarium Show at Stamford Nature Center
Stamford Nature Center - various times
Wonder Snow at Stepping Stones Museum
Stepping Stones Museum for Children - 9:00 AM
Snap Circuits Drop In Night at Danbury Library
Danbury Public Library - 5:30 PM
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistic Village - various times
One World, One Sky FullDome Cinematic Show* A Sesame Street Adventure: Planetarium Show at Stamford Nature Center
Stamford Nature Center - various times
Nesting with Dinosaurs at Discovery Science Center
Discovery Science Center & Planetarium - various times
SEE ALL ACTIVITIES
SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY +
Sign up for our free newsletters.
FOLLOW US FOR ACTIVITY PICKS, DEALS, AND GIVEAWAYS
FaceBook Instagram Twitter Pinterest YouTube
Activity Guides
  • Beaches & Lakes
  • Best Of Lists
  • Birthday Parties
  • Boats
  • Boredom Busters
  • Camps
  • Childcare
  • Christmas/Hanukkah
  • City Guides
  • City Hacks
  • Classes & Enrichment
  • Community
  • Crafts & Recipes
  • Earth Kids
  • Easter
  • Fairs & Festivals
  • Fall Activities
  • Family Travel
  • Farms & U-Pick
  • Free Activities
  • GoList
  • Halloween
  • Holidays
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Indoor Activities
  • Museums
  • News & Openings
  • Outdoors
  • Parent Talk
  • Parks & Playgrounds
  • Play Gyms & Sports Centers
  • Pools & Spray Parks
  • Preschools & Schools
  • Restaurants
  • Shows
  • Skiing & Winter Sports
  • Special Needs
  • Special Occasions
  • Sports
  • Spring Activities
  • STEM
  • Stores & Services
  • Summer Activities
  • Theme & Water Parks
  • Trains, Dinos & Heroes
  • TV, Film & Movies
  • Virtual
  • Visitors Guide
  • Weekend Events
  • Weekend Trips
  • Winter Activities
  • Zoos & Gardens
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pin It WhatsApp

Napa Valley Weekend Getaway: Family Friendly Wineries and Delectable Eats

10/1/14 - By Anna Fader

I’ve always wanted to travel to Napa. The appeal of great food and wine, beautiful scenery—Napa just exudes "the good life." But how often do we actually make the leap to take that trip? Not often enough.

So when Hilton invited me to do just that and visit Napa as part of their Hilton #BeAWeekender campaign I jumped at the chance. I love the idea of seeing weekends as mini-vacations, not just a two days to catch up on chores. Travel can be both restorative and reformative. Experiencing a different place gives you context to your own normal life as well as immersing you in another one. How awesome to fit that into a weekend!

We had a great trip to Napa. What I discovered was what you would imagine: incredible food, charming scenery and lots and lots of lots of wineries. The thing I really liked was that each winery we visited offered a slightly different type of experience so the visits weren’t just about tasting wine, but taking in the winery. We did this trip as adults only and, of course, a visit to Napa makes a great adults-only getaway, but the trip works for families too. Many of the wineries are kid-friendly and I’ll share some tips on doing this trip as a family as well.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Our first stop was Long Meadow Ranch which has a great casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Like many of the region’s eateries, locally grown produce is emphasized and at Long Meadow Ranch you can actually walk through the gardens or buy produce at the on site farmer’s market before or after your meal.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch is very family friendly. While parents eat and enjoy the surroundings, kids can climb on the tractor, run around the grounds and there are regular family-friendly concerts on the grounds. Wine and olive oil tastings are offered in the marketplace. The Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc was a favorite with our group from all the wines we tasted in Napa.

Grgrich Wines is possibly the most fun stop for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the grape stomping, which is silly in the best way. After making like Lucy and Ethel, you can taste some grapes right off the vine in the demonstration vineyard. Grgrich has a lovely patio for wine tastings and offers juices and snacks for the kids.

Famous for the giant “Chrome Bunny” sculpture by the entrance, Hall Winery adds a little modern flair to the traditional Napa rustic-chic. Unfortunately children are not allowed on tours, but they are allowed in the tasting hall and to explore the beautiful grounds, which host many artworks, including a set of willow huts that invite you into them like a mystical landscape. Indoors you can see wine production in action, if your timing is good, or just enjoy some delicious wines enhanced by the incredible views.

The tour at Domaine Chandon, makers of fine sparkling wines, is very different from Hall Wines. The focus is on the cellars and the process of creating champagne. But the real highlight of here is Etoile, their fine dining restaurant. The food is exquisite, from the enormous charcuterie plate (our table of five couldn’t even finish it) to my linguine with mushrooms and truffles, and, of course, an incredible wine list. Domaine Chandon also has large park-like grounds that are lovely to stroll.

My weekend in Napa basically consisted of two things, wineries and stuffing my face with incredible food. In addition to the meals I’ve already mentioned, we had a great meal at Redd. Known as one of the best restaurants in the area, but comfortable enough to bring kids to, I enjoyed a very grown-up meal of caramelized diver scallops, tuna tartare and a delicious kale and mushroom salad.

One of my favorite meals was at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, a cosy upscale comfort food establishment serving huge portions of eclectic takes on American favorites. The grown-up grilled cheese is a favorite and my only regret about my duck tostada is that I was too full to eat it all. A signature dessert sums up Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen well. The campfire pie is basically a very fancy s’more with marshmallow meringue. Yum.

The perfect finish to our indulgent weekend was a stop at the Oxbow Public Market, a food hall selling locally produced foods. I picked up some samples of my culinary adventures to re-create a little Napa-in-NY with my kids once I returned home—Marin French Cheese Company’s Triple Creme Brie with Truffles now has a new 11 year old devotee. Eating my perfect almond croissant and chai outside the Model Bakery in the morning sun was the perfect au revoir to Napa before heading home.

My trip to Napa was a wonderful weekend escape, a chance to recharge and indulge in the pleasures of life while expanding my boundaries. Before visiting Napa the idea of doing a wine tasting was a little intimidating. It feels like something you need to know how to do right, like a professional—like speaking French in Paris. But that wasn’t my experience at all. Every place we visited was very relaxed. The people would give us some pointers and facts on wine, but never in a way that made me feel insecure.

While Napa may be one of the best grown-up getaways, I’d love to take my kids there as well. If you go with a family, the Embassy Suites or Homewood Suites both offer family sized rooms with kitchens and pools. At the Embassy Suites, you can end your day by sitting by one of the fire pits with a glass of wine while children enjoy the ducks and swans that live in the small pond. Or schedule a spa treatment at Homewood Suites’s on-site spa. Either way, you can get triple points at these or any participating Hilton family property as part of Hilton HHonors Triple Your Trip promotion. To #BeAWeekender yourself, visit hiltonweekends.com.

So what are you waiting for? Book your dream mini-vacation now. The weekend is almost here. 

This post is sponsored by Hilton. All opinions are those of the author alone.

 

City Guides United States

Featured Local Savings

Sign up for our free
newsletters.
New York City
Dallas Fort Worth
Atlanta
Boston
Chicago
Houston
Miami South Florida
Philadelphia
Washington DC
Orlando
Los Angeles
San Francisco Bay Area
Connecticut
Long Island
New Jersey
Westchester
MommyPoppins.com
Mommy Poppins is a family activity website that helps people find things to do with kids.
QUICK LINKS
Activities
Providers
Family Travel
CONTACT
Newsletter Subscribe
Contact
About
SITEMAP
Submit an Activity
List Your Business
Advertise with Us
© 2026 MommyPoppins. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use.
5.342
X
Click Here to Sign Up!
Register/Login if you don't want to see this popup.