MommyPoppins.com
MAKE YOUR DAY
Get Listed Log In Sign Up My Profile Sign out Contact
Philadelphia
  • 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 - Philadelphia

Activity Calendar

Providers

Calendar  
  • Events

  • Virtual

  • This Week's Picks

  • Activity Providers

  • Submit an Activity

Philadelphia Guide  
  • News & Openings

  • Philly Baby Guide

  • Philly for Preschoolers

  • Tweens & Teens

  • 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

  • Jersey Shore Guide

  • Poconos Vacation Guide

  • New England Travel

  • DC Travel Guide

Contact

Sign up for our free newsletters.
Students at the Philadelphia Dance Academy put on an impressive classic production of The Nutcracker. Photo by Victoria Bastian Photography
Mrs. Claus Sing-along, Holly Nights, Deck the Alley, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend
Visit Christmas Village in Philly for local holiday fun all season long. Photo courtesy of Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Christmas Towns & Christmas Markets Near Philly That Will Blow Your Mind
The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
27 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids
Santa roams Philadelphia's Christmas Village all season long. Photo courtesy of Kory Aversa for Christmas Village.
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philadelphia
 A winter oasis, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest houses a skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge and more. Photo by Danielle Smith
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 40 Best Things to Do with Kids in Philly
Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park
18 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids
Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
15 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philadelphia: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Enjoy picking and other family-friendly activities at Linvilla Orchard. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Apple Picking near Philly: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Philadelphia
Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
100 Free Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
Check out the amazing WildWorks Ropes Course at the entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List: 35 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Farms with Animals and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers
School Calendars 2025-2026: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids
Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Phildephia's Magic Gardens are covered by magical mosaics and found objects. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More
Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Ricketts Glen State Park  is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
Best Indoor Birthday Parties for Kids in Philly
Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of  J. Varney for GPTMC
11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots
Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum
Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey
Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of  J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
12 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
GUIDE
Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
calendar icon
This Week In
Philadelphia
Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day
The Barnes Foundation - 10:00 AM Pick
Santa Claus Express
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad - various times Pick
Christmas Tree Train at West Chester Railroad
West Chester Railroad - 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Congress Hall
Congress Hall - 8:00 AM
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Free Admission to Benjamin Franklin Museum
Benjamin Franklin Museum - various times Pick
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards - 9:00 AM
Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Morris Arboretum - 10:00 AM
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Comcast - 10:00 AM
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards - 9:00 AM
Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Morris Arboretum - 10:00 AM
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Comcast - 10:00 AM
Colorful Christmas
Crayola Experience - 10:00 AM
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards - 9:00 AM
Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Morris Arboretum - 10:00 AM
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
Comcast - 10:00 AM
Colorful Christmas
Crayola Experience - 10:00 AM
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards - 9:00 AM
Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Morris Arboretum - 10:00 AM
Fairmount Park House Holiday Tours
Fairmount Park - 10:00 AM
Chilly Philly Mini Golf
Franklin Square - 10:00 AM
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards - 9:00 AM
Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway
Morris Arboretum - 10:00 AM
Fairmount Park House Holiday Tours
Fairmount Park - 10:00 AM
Chilly Philly Mini Golf
Franklin Square - 10:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Congress Hall
Congress Hall - 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Greater Plymouth Community Center
Greater Plymouth Community Center - 9:00 AM
Yuletide Brunch with Santa at Winterthur
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library - 9:00 AM
Wintergarden
Dilworth Park - 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa King of Prussia Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus KOP - 9:00 AM
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
© 2025 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.