Napa youth, listen up!

Lucky Penny’s fall production this year is Shrek Jr. — the “Little Theater Company That Could” is calling on all Napa’s Gingies, Dragons, and of course an ogre. Two age groups, two casts, one swamp, and rehearsals start August 19, so the window to jump in is now!

TL;DR: three months of real rehearsal, a real stage, and a real audience come November — plus loads of invaluable time with the folks behind Lucky Penny’s mainstage shows. No experience required, all levels welcome, and it’s the kind of friendly, encouraging room that makes a (first!) show feel fun, exhilarating, and not-at-all scary.

Dragons: mark your calendar for mandatory callbacks Saturday, August 22. Register now and be a part of this fall’s swamp magic: Dragons here, Gingies here.

Questions → luckypennymbj@gmail.com.

Get outside while it's still hot enough to justify a swim. Stay up late on the 12th for the best meteor shower of the year — a new moon means visibility will be near perfect. And if you're going to buy anything before the first day of school, buy it from somewhere that ensures it isn't going to fall apart by October.

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. August 1st-2nd: Space Week Festival is designed for space enthusiasts of all ages, with a focus on explorers between the ages 5-12. Chat with NASA experts, Bay Area aerospace pros, and leaders on the space tech frontier! 10am - 4:30pm, Chabot Science and Space Center, Oakland. Tickets start at $19.

2. August 1st: 3rd Annual American Canyon Sunset Bike Ride - a family-friendly ride for fun and education. Come out and support Napa County Bicycle Coalition, enjoy a great bike ride, and get a bonus beautiful sunset over the American Canyon wetlands for free! Dress bright! 7:15pm.

3. August 1st: Sausalito’s annual Maritime Day is back on Saturday August 1st. There will be live music, local food & drinks, vendors, hands-on kids’ activities, houseboat tours, and free boat rides. 10am-6pm. Reserve your spot!

4. August 2nd: The final of Napa’s Sundays in the Park music series. 1-4pm. Free.

5. August 6th: Sonoma City Party is kicking off its 29th year! Head down to the Sonoma Plaza for live music, food, and family-friendly fun. 5pm-9:30pm, Sonoma.

6. August 6th-9th: Napa Town & County Fair. Open daily until 10pm.

7. August 8th-9th: Gravenstein Apple Fair presale tickets are on sale until August 7th! Kids under 5 are free. Sebastopol.

8. August 9th: Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden. Enjoy hands-on art, family yoga, lawn games, and explore the garden exhibition. 1-4pm, Sonoma Botanical Gardens, Glen Ellen.

9. August 12th: Meet Me in the Street! Free community event featuring family fun like magicians, street performers, and kids’ zone with Napa Valley’s largest food truck rally, car show, vendors, and saloon for the adults. Free. American Canyon.

10. August 15th: Falconry with Rebecca Rosen, get up close and personal with this special falconry experience. 11am-12pm, Carolyn Parr Nature Center, Napa. Tickets $5-$10 and kids 0-3 are free.

11. August 16th: Napa Valley Education Foundation’s 2nd annual Open House on their beautiful downtown Napa campus. Come see what’s happening at this growing community space where students and families can explore hands-on, connect, and be inspired. 12-3pm, free. Discovery Campus, Napa.

12. August 29th: Point Reyes 2026 Sand Sculpture Contest — register as a sculptor or join as a spectator. 9am-3pm, free. Drakes Beach, Point Reyes.

13. August 29th-30th: Puppet Fair Weekend is upon us and I quote, “It’s like Coachella for people who love puppets, puppet shows, and puppeteers” — need we say more?! 10am-4pm, Fairyland, Oakland.

🎶 Music in the Vineyards — Multiple August Dates

The 32nd Annual Season — Napa Chamber Music Festival kicks off August 2nd-23rd, and is a wonderful collection of performances throughout the valley with a few free to the public opportunities. For the big kids, this is an incredible opportunity to explore various styles, genres, and even join a “play-along” session! Tickets are as low as $10 for some events.

For younger curious kids and the music inclined, there are several opportunities to catch free open rehearsals this month. Dates as follows: August 6th, August 13th, August 20th!

Mark your calendars! Upcoming events:

• Vintage Revival Rodeo comes to Napa Valley in October! We can expect to see professional rodeo events, live music performances, and great food and wine (of course). Get early access to tickets on their website here. Calistoga Fairgrounds.

• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is back for another season, October 2-4th, and it’s sure to be just as spectacular as the last. Free. Golden Gate Park, SF.

Summer isn’t over, until it’s over

With back-to-school routines looming on the horizon, we’re focused on squeezing in as much SUMMER as we possibly can, while we still can! Here are some of our favorite don’t-think-just-go destinations for a spontaneous afternoon in town, or even a quick day-trip escape.

Right in Our Backyard

• Moore Creek Park (St. Helena) — Now over 2,100 acres after a recent expansion, this is one of the county’s largest open space! The Moore Creek side has shaded canyon trails and a natural pool locals have quietly swum in for years. No entrance fee, donations welcome, parking off Chiles Pope Valley Road. Grab the kids and some friends and go check it out.

• Napa River Ecological Reserve (Yountville) — A 73-acre stretch of oak woodland and river along the Napa River near Yountville. Shallow, calm water close to the parking area is good for little ones; older kids heading further upstream will find rope swings and deeper water. Cool and shaded even at the peak of the afternoon.

• Westwood Hills Park (Napa) — Nothing new here, just a reminder that there are three miles of oak-covered kid-friendly trails that lead to a summit view over the valley, and the best little children’s nature center tucked near the parking lot with a slew of interesting things to see and touch including: hands-on skins, nests, and bones. Open weekend afternoons through the summer.

• North Bay BMX Community Rides (Napa) — This is a fun and exhilarating experience for kids new to the track, early riders, and those looking for something different to ride. This community is super supportive of all kids regardless of age, gender, skill level, or prior experience. Community days are typically Saturday afternoons. Bring your bike and helmet, or borrow theirs. Rides are free but registration and participation waivers are required: https://bit.ly/COMMUNITYRIDE

• Story Walk (American Canyon) — Grab the kids, their wheels, and some snacks and head over to Wetlands Edge Park to participate in Napa County’s Story Walk. This segment will be available between August 8-23rd.

Day-Trip Potential

• California Academy of Science is running their very cool exhibition, Vivid, through September 6th. Taking visitors on a multi-sensory journey through six of Earth’s most fascinating ecosystems. Expect immersive video, soundscapes, nature-inspired scents, and hands-on programs exploring the incredible ways animals and plants experience the world. Don’t miss their additional daily program schedule! S.F.

• Your final chances to see the “Oakland” A’s play a home game in California are happening now! In case you’ve been living under a rock, the former Oakland A’s are kicking off their first season in Las Vegas in 2027, making this their very last season in California. You can catch their final games at Sutter Health Park, West Sac. Tickets and games here.

• Spring Lake Water Park is an inflatable floating playground featuring slides, climbing walls, bridges, balance beams, and more! Best for ages 6+ and at least 42” tall. Open daily until August 19th, and weekends through Labor Day. Sonoma County.

Unique Back-to-School Finds

In our ongoing effort to fill our family’s everyday life with items that are safer, more sustainable, and built to last, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite back-to-school essentials that make school mornings a little easier while helping reduce waste (and saving some dough in the long run!).

1. Pack a Better Lunch: Reusable Bento Boxes

   A great lunch container can make all the difference during the school year. We love options that replace plastic containers while still being easy enough for kids to use independently. Tip for littles: practice opening and closing containers before school starts.

   • The Lalo Bento Box is a stylish eco-friendly Bento Box and a safe way to pack a variety of your kid’s favorite foods.

   • The WeeSprout Stainless Steel Bento Box Set is another favorite made from stainless steel. Starting at around $22, it’s a lunchbox that can last for years.

2. Easy Everyday Uniforms

   • If your child wears uniforms, Primary is our go-to brand for simple, comfortable basics. We especially love the girls’ dresses with collars … one less layer to worry about during those busy school mornings!

   • Fall into the Gap. Their girls’ and boys’ uniform collections are giving major ‘90s preppy vibes with classic polos, pleated skirts and cozy cardigans. The best part is that they are currently up to 40% off!

3. Water Bottles with Minimal or Zero Plastic

   • Thermos Insulated Water Bottles keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours and are designed to never drip or spill. Lots of colors and designs, and they start around $17. Napa Kids Tip: Try replacing the plastic straw with reusable metal straws from Mason Jar Lifestyle.

   • Looking to ditch the plastic? Pura’s insulated stainless steel bottles are 100% plastic-free, keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and is built to last!

4. Cozy Layers Without the Waste

   Morning drop-offs can get chilly in Northern California. That’s why we love Patagonia Worn Wear for finding gently used clothing at a lower cost. The best part? You can send in your used Patagonia items for credit, and items that can no longer be worn are recycled instead of ending up in the landfill.

5. Low-Tech Way to Keep Track of Your Child

   AirTags may be a helpful passive tracking solution for you and your child, but up until now most carrying options involve wristbands, clips, or accessories that kids can easily remove (or lose.) Fast forward: Sketchers has a new way to add some piece of mind to your day with their Where’s My Skechers product — shoes with a hidden compartment beneath the heel of the insole that’s designed to securely hold an AirTag out of sight.

6. Backpacks That Give Back

   • Quince backpacks with matching lunchboxes are made from recycled materials and are both functional and stylish.

   • State backpack’s interior fabric is made from recycled materials and for every State bag purchased, you are supporting children and families in need.

7. Preloved Favorites: Local and Online

   • You don’t have to shop online to get great back-to-school gear either! Our very own Field Day has everything you need (and more). Swing by the shop before August 15th and snag some goodies. They’ll be temporarily closed between 8/15-9/15 while they move into their new SoFi location → updates on insta

   • Don’t mind a little drive? Noo Noo in Petaluma is absolutely worth it! Their curated selection of gently loved kids’ clothes is adorable and their sidewalk sale runs through August 2nd with a $2 sale rack you won’t want to miss. They also have an outdoor play space with a sand pit, excavator, and a freezer full of Naia bars, think gelato on a stick! After shopping walk to Stockhome for a stylish Scandi lunch.

   • SeeSaw Children’s Consignment in San Anselmo is a favorite place to hunt for unicorn finds. Those Marin kids know how to dress, and you never know what amazing brands you’ll discover! Your little one is sure to head back to school with a style all their own.

   • If you haven’t checked out the Hanna Andersson Preloved collection, it’s worth a look. We love their bright colors, playful prints, and durable designs! Once your kid grows out of the outfit, you can resell them (you get 100% of the sale price by choosing store credit)! Napa Kids Tip: Purchase multiple items from one seller to save on shipping costs.

Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you shop through them—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Napa Kids!

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Perseids 2026: A Meteor Shower Sure To Impress

The best entertainment this month is free, free, free!

The Perseids 2026 meteor shower will peak the night of August 12-13 and we get an extra bonus this year: the event coincides with a new moon, so there won’t be any moonlight washing out some of the fainter meteors. Under a clear, dark sky you can expect a meteor every minute or so in the hours before dawn.

Yes, this will be a late night but if the kids can pull it off, there’s a good chance this one will make that core memory list 💫

Where to watch:

• On your own: The further from city light you can get, the better. Because of the near perfect conditions this year, it’s possible you may be able to see them right from your own backyard!

• Napa

  • Napa County Official Viewing: we haven’t spotted any official events from any Napa County city / parks & rec division, Napa Open Space District, or otherwise but we’ll keep our eye out and update on Instagram if anything pops up. Be sure you’re following us on IG!

  • Meritage Resort & Spa Viewing Experience ($35pp)

• Just-beyond-Napa Watch Parties

  • Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley. 8pm-11pm ($27pp)

  • Robert Ferguson Observatory, Kenwood. 9pm-3am ($12pp)

  • Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland. 11pm-3am ($15pp)

It’s the Girl’s Turn to Take the Field!

Baseball

The Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) launches its historic inaugural season on August 1st, bringing professional women’s baseball back to the US for the first time in more than 70 years. Now, a new generation of girls has the chance to watch women compete at the highest level of America’s favorite sport!

While the entire first season will be played at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, every game will be broadcast on ESPN. So grab the popcorn, throw on your San Francisco Firebells gear, and start a new family tradition with a WPBL watch party!

Hockey

The Professional Women’s Hockey League has officially expanded to San Jose this season and will play at the SAP Center. While this is certainly a new market for the league, San Jose has built a solid hockey community around the Sharks. We can’t wait to show up and celebrate this team on the ice! Register to be the first to hear about ticket opportunities.

Last, but not least … news we’re excited about!

1. The City of Napa recently rolled out their new app called myServiceCenter — submit requests, issues, or concerns directly and track their progress and updates! There’s even an interactive map that shows current projects.

2. Don Pericos is back! If you haven’t swung in to say hello yet, what are you waiting for? Reservations will guarantee you a seat, but walk-ins are happily welcomed too.

3. There is a group of women called The Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage who’ve personally removed 6,000 pounds of refuse from ponds on Cape Cod! Members have to be at least 64 and able to swim half a mile in under 30 minutes and free dive to eight feet. We’re obsessed. Follow and cheer them along on Instagram!

There’s a Spot in This Cast for Your Kid. Yes, Yours!

They Did THAT.

Every May, something happens on that stage at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center that tends to catch parents off guard. The costumes. The mics. The kid who spent September convinced they’d made a terrible mistake, now standing in a spotlight in Act Two looking completely at home…

That was the magic of the 2025-2026 season which featured the unforgettable productions Beetlejuice Jr., Shrek Jr., and Peter Pan Jr. — all of it built from scratch between fall enrollment and opening night.

If you were there, you felt it. If you weren’t, keep reading because Studio G’s 2026-2027 Production Season is shaping up to be something special and yes, enrollment is now open. It’s time to get excited, Napa!

TL;DR: Studio G’s 2026-2027 season is now enrolling! Several classes are already filling, and because class sizes stay intentionally small, enrollment is limited!

Learn More & Enroll at Studio G!

It’s Show Time (And This Might Not Be What You’re Picturing)

You don’t have to be a “theater kid” to walk away with lifelong lessons and a new-found love for the stage.

If “theater kid” conjures a specific personality — big energy, born for the spotlight — please hear us when we say: those are far from the only personalities that thrive in these casts (of course, we love them too!).

Studio G works for a wide range of kids and developmental psychology explains why. Erik Erikson’s framework for childhood development (which might be familiar; linked below) maps almost exactly onto what theater asks of kids at each stage:

• TK-1st grade: Learning to try — to take initiative without a guarantee of success. Ensemble movement, songs, and character work are structured empathy-building.

• Grades 2-5: The “am I good at things?” years. Every role is visible and essential. Meaning, the kid with three lines matters as much as the lead, and the audience doesn’t rank the cast, so everyone rises together.

• Grades 6-12: Adolescence is one long experiment in '“who am I?” Theater is one of the few places where trying on a different self is literally the assignment. Low stakes, high reward!

And for the kid with seemingly zero interest in setting foot on a stage? There’s a spot waiting for them too (really!). Many stage nay-sayers fall in love with the process and the people, whether that’s on stage or behind it — more on that below!

What Families Love About Studio G!

Get Ready For What’s Coming This Fall!

From first rehearsal to final curtain call, Studio G students experience what it really feels like to build something together and this season’s lineup gives them a lot to build toward.

✨ Matilda Jr. | Grades 2-8

Matilda is a story about a kid with extraordinary imagination, quiet courage, and more cleverness than the adults around her know what to do with. Big dance numbers. Memorable characters. A supportive cast where first time performers and seasoned students work side by side. Its the perfect production for kids who love to imagine, perform, and grow in confidence. This one tends to resonate with a lot more kids than families expect (especially the ones who’ve ever felt underestimated!). Performance: June 2027

✨ High School Musical Jr. | Grades 6-12

The classic is back, but this is not the movie. This is a live production, built by real kids on a real stage. But don’t let the name fool you, it’s significantly more demanding than it sounds! Troy and Gabriella’s story about breaking out of the “status quo” hits differently with the performers are living their own version of it in real time. The mixed-age cast creates natural mentorship with seasoned returning students who’ve been through a production before naturally guiding the ones who haven’t. Performance: May 2027

✨ Triple Threat Training | Grades TK-12

Studio G’s signature year-round program: acting, voice, and dance — all three, every week. This is the foundation of everything. The majority of Studio G’s featured and lead performers come through Triple Threat, and the results speak for themselves year after year: stronger stage presence, sharper performance skills, REAL confidence.

Three tracks, complimenting where your kid is right now:

• G Minor (TK-2nd Grade): Your newest dance school alternative! This is where the love for performing arts begins. Imaginative play, storytelling, movement, and songs in a joyful, nurturing environment.

• G Major (Grades 3-12): This is often where their confidence takes a real leap forward. More challenging music, solo work, character development, and advanced choreography.

• G Select (Grades 6-12): A premier track for those who are ready to push themselves to the next level. Expect advanced repertoire, script analysis, professional-level rehearsal expectations. Audition required.

Triple Threat students may also enroll in Matilda Jr. or High School Musical Jr., but production enrollment is not required.

✨ Design / Tech Theater | Grades 6-12

This one is for the kids who want to be in the room but not on the stage — and is every bit as essential as the cast!

This is an incredible program and opportunity! D/T students work in lighting, sound, microphones, backstage crew, set building, prop creation, and stage management. They’re not observers, they’re collaborators on the full MainStage production, working directly with professional designers and the Napa Valley College Technical Theater Team from concept to curtain call. If your kid is drawn to how things work behind the scenes, this is a wonderful program to lean into that packs an incredible valuable-set-of-skills punch.

Fall Programming

New to Studio G? This is What You Need To Know.

For families new to Studio G, a few things worth knowing upfront:

• Enrollment is the audition. No child stands alone on a stage hoping for a callback. You register, and the process begins from there.

• The director gets to know your kid first. Mrs. G has a genuine gift for seeing what a kid is capable of long before they see it themselves. She takes time to observe and understand every student’s personality, confidence level, and strengths before assigning roles. This stepping stone helps children feel comfortable instantly and grow into characters that individually challenge and encourage them. This is the magic 💫

• The commitment follows the school year. Enroll in fall, perform in May or June 2027. It can feel like a big commitment in September but that runway is exactly what allows kids to develop, bond, and do the hard work to become their characters, rather than rushing toward opening night.

• The production is the real thing. Professional college stage, every performer miked, costumes designed for each character and each child, full tech week. This is not your run-of-the-mill school auditorium situation, people!

• Financial assistance is available. Reach out directly to explore options!

The Lesson That Lasts Long After the Final Bow

There is a concept embedded in every theater production that is a bit unusual in children’s activities, and it’s worth naming.

In theater, every individual performance is in service of the show. Not your stats, ranking, or personal best — the show. Your timing in the wings affects the actor already onstage. Your energy in the ensemble sets the tone even when you have no lines. Every child, whether they’re center stage or calling cues from backstage, is a working part of something larger than themselves.

That’s the real impact: perspective-taking under real stakes, and it shows up in every team they’ll be a part of for the rest of their lives. Not to be dramatic for the sake of making a point or anything … but wow! 😉

Enrollment Is Open Now

Every production begins with one decision: to say yes. Fall is when the foundation gets built, and the kids who start now are the ones who walk into opening night like they own the place.

The marquee’s got room for one more name. Enroll today and discover the magic for yourself.

Yes, I'm Ready For The Spotlight!

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 season is now open. Several programs are already filling, so early registration is encouraged.

Napa Kids is grateful to partner with Studio G in sharing programs that support the growth and development of Napa Valley’s kids. We only feature programs we genuinely believe in.

_{*Read more: Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development}

A New Theatre Experience for Creative Teens is Coming to Napa

For many teens, summer is about more than keeping busy. It’s a chance to discover new passions, build confidence, and find a place where they truly belong.

If your teen loves performing, singing, storytelling, or simply wants to try something new in a supportive and creative environment, Lucky Penny’s new Teen Miscast Camp offers a one-of-a-kind theatre experience designed specifically for students entering 8th - 12th grade.

This exciting new camp invites young performers to step beyond traditional casting expectations and reimagine iconic Broadway songs and characters in fresh, unexpected ways. Whether they’re taking on a role they never imagined playing or exploring music from a new perspective, students are encouraged to be bold, creative and completely themselves.

Lucky Penny’s brand new Teen Miscast Camp is one of those opportunities you won’t want your teen to miss out on!

Enroll Today!

What is Miscast?

In theatre, a “miscast” performance gives actors the opportunity to step outside traditional casting expectations and reimagine familiar songs and characters in unexpected ways.

Through creative reinterpretation, students will explore Broadway music and performance while learning to make bold artistic choices, discover new perspectives, and bring their own unique voice to the stage.

Whether your teen has years of theatre experience or is just beginning to explore performing, Teen Miscast welcomes students of all experience levels.

Learn From Napa’s Theatre Professionals

One of the things that stood out to us is that students aren’t just learning from instructors. They’re working alongside actors, directors, designers, and artists who create productions at Lucky Penny Theatre.

Throughout the week, teens will:

• Explore solos, duets, and ensemble numbers.

• Strengthen acting, movement, and stage presence.

• Build confidence through collaboration and performance.

• Work with professional theatre artists actively creating productions in our local community.

• Celebrate the week with a showcase for family and friends!

Why we love it ❤️

Finding activities that truly engage teens can be tough. We love that Teen MisCast gives students a chance to express themselves creatively, work alongside professional theatre artists, and spend a week making meaningful connections in a fun, supportive environment.

Camp Details

Be among the first students to experience Lucky Penny’s newest teen theatre program.

Registration is now open. We hope to see you on stage!

Enroll Today!

Napa Kids is grateful to partner with Lucky Penny Productions in sharing programs that support the growth and development of Napa Valley’s kids. We only feature programs we genuinely believe in.

July has a different feel than June, doesn’t it? June is all anticipation — school’s out, anything’s possible. July is when summer actually lands. You’ve figured out which parks work at 8am versus 5pm, which kids need more structure than you gave them, and whether your family is a “plan three things a week” family or a “wing it until everyone’s grumpy” family. Both are valid and we’re here for all of it!

This edition is jam packed with events in the valley and around the Bay Area to keep your options fresh! Everything from Independence Day planning to local community days you can plan your weekly dinners around. There’s also a free California State Parks Pass that takes 30 seconds to download and is good all year, so don’t sleep on that one ;)

Lastly, check out the summer bucket list section towards the end — a mix of some easy stuff and a few day trips worth planning around. We hope you find it useful and that it makes its way into your own family traditions in some shape, size, or form 🎁

P.S. Don’t miss out on your FREE CA State Parks Historian Pass!

In honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of American independence, California is offering a special edition California State Parks Historian Passport for free. From now through July 6, Californians can download a Historian Passport for free on ReserveCalifornia.com and use it for unlimited visits to participating parks until the end of 2026.

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. July 1st: Don’t miss The Bubble Lady at 2:30pm, Yountville Community Center

2. July 1st-5th: Marin County Fair, “Stars, Stripes & Stories,” at the Marin County Fairgrounds. Kids 12 and under get in free on 7/1! Fireworks nightly. San Rafael.

3. July 8th: Jack and the Beanstalk Puppet Show. 9:30 & 10:45 at Napa Library, and 2:30pm at Yountville Community Center

4. July 9th: Thursday Crafts: Matisse’s Garden for 7+ and all supplies are provided. 3-4pm. Napa Library.

5. July 11th: Cotati’s 33rd Annual Kids Day Parade & Festival! All kids can join the parade, free pancake breakfast, games, costumes encouraged. 8am - 3pm, Cotati.

6. July 12th (& Aug. 9th!): Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden. Enjoy hands-on art, family yoga, lawn games, and explore the garden exhibition. 1-4pm, Sonoma Botanical Gardens, Glen Ellen.

7. July 12th: Encanto Sing-a-long at The Castro Theater, San Francisco.

8. July 13th: Family Movie Night: Bee Movie. Children are welcome to bring a pillow and come in pajamas. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided. Napa Library.

9. July 15th: Honey Slime. 6+ and all supplies will be provided. 5:30-6:30. Napa Library. Registration required.

10. July 15th: Backyard Bugs and Beyond. 9:30-12:30 at Napa Library, and 2:30pm-3:15pm at Yountville Library

11. July 16th: Uncle Jer’s Traveling Bee Show. Great for kids 5+. 3:30-4:30pm. Napa Library.

12. July 17th Lucha Libro 1:30 pm Yountville Community Center

13. July 17th-19th: Flynn Creek Circus presents The Cricket & the Wren, a fairytale journey featuring aerialists, jugglers, knife throwers, and comedic punches throughout. Tickets start at $24. Calistoga Fairgrounds.

14. July 18th: Summer Playdates with Napa Parks and Rec at Fuller Park features puppet shows, music, giant bubbles, arts & crafts, and face painting. 10am - noon, Fuller Park.

15. July 18th: Bastille Day SF & 250 years of French-American Friendship - hop on the ferry and enjoy the celebration taking place at Embarcadero Plaza, SF, 11am - 6pm.

16. July 18th: Park-A-Month Volunteer Event! Join Napa Parks & Recreation for a volunteer workday each month at one of our parks or landscape areas. These family-friendly workdays are fun and productive, and help beautify our Napa park system. Trancas Crossing Park, Napa.

17. July 19th: Japan Week & Day - the annual summer festival of Japanese arts and culture including performances of taiko drumming, awa odori dance, karate, and other traditional art forms like calligraphy, origami, and washi ningyo paper dolls making. SF Japantown, 12pm - 5pm.

18. July 20th: Kids & Critters Comes to Napa Humane! Join for a hands-on evening where children ages 5-12 will learn how to read animal body language, safely greet new animals, meet animal ambassadors, and more! 5:30-7pm. $10/child, Napa Humane Pet Education Center.

19. July 22nd: Circus of Smiles at 2:30pm, Yountville Community Center

20. July 25th: 19th Annual Petaluma Music Festival. Kids 12 and under are free. Great music and family fun including bouncy houses, face painting, petting zoo, toddler zone, arts & crafts, and more! Festival tickets are $68 + fees.

21. July 25 & 26th: Life in Space Festival at the SF Exploratorium. 11am - 4pm.

22. July 26th: Storytime with the Russian River Sisters! The Sisters will be spinning enchanting tales that will whisk you away to magical lands, there will be rock hunts, BBQ, and costumes are encouraged. 1-2:30pm, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve at Smokey’s Den, Guerneville.

23. July 29th: The Magic Entertainment of John Gardenier at 2:30pm, Yountville Community Center

24. July 30th: Petaluma’s annual The Great Summer Sidewalk Sale is on! Head down and support the local downtown businesses and nab some great deals at the same time.

25. July 30th-Aug 3rd: Space Week at Chabot is a great destination for space curious kids. Oakland

26. July 31st: Movie in the Vineyard: The Sandlot. Non-members $40, kids under 21 are free. Laird Family Estate, Napa.

27. July 31st: Yountville’s Annual Camp Out. Grab some friends and make it a new tradition. Tickets include tent space, s’mores, continental breakfast, movie (Elio).

Ongoing & Upcoming Fun

1. Ongoing Fun Napa Library Summer Reading Adventure — this year's theme is "Plant a Seed, Read." Reading log rewards become available July 11th through August 8th — stop by your local branch or log online.

2. Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse continues every Wednesday at 9:30am, $1.75 tickets, through Aug. 13.

3. July Weekends: Lavender U-pick

4. Napa County Fair, August 6th-9th. Presale tickets are on sale now!

5. Sonoma County Fair, August 7th-16th. Presale tickets are on sale now!

6. Boring Farm Organic Raspberry U-Picking, Sebastopol, every Saturday — reservations required, and it remains one of the fastest memory-makers of the summer.

7. Napa County Library Events Calendar

July 4th Spectacular — America Turns 250

This year’s Fourth of July isn’t just any Fourth — it’s the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But don’t worry, you don’t look a day over 150!

Local*ish Events

Napa

9am: The Rotary Club of Napa Fourth of July Parade kicks things off and will make the loop around 2nd and 3rd streets between School and Brown.

3pm - 10pm: The Oxbow Commons Festival with a Kids Zone featuring inflatables, carnival games and magic shows (until 8 pm), live music and more. A FREE bike valet will be available.

9:30pm: Sky Elements will dazzle the sky with their 400-drone show. Top viewing spots include: Oxbow Commons, the 1st and 3rd Street Bridge sidewalks, Veterans Memorial Park, China Point, and the Riverfront Green and Promenade.

Napa Valley

Calistoga

• 11am: Parade down Lincoln Ave and if you’re looking to sweeten the deal, book a viewing spot at The Village Calistoga and enjoy a relaxed front-row spot to watch the parade, open play for the kids, freeze pops, and cool drinks (tickets here).

• 7pm - 10pm: Join the community at Pioneer Park for a Laser Light Show beginning at 9pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy this family-friendly event.

St. Helena (July 3rd & 4th)

• 5:30 - 8:30pm: On July 3rd head to Crane Park for family activities, live music, and food vendors.

• 5:30pm: Bring a picnic on July 4th and enjoy this local tradition featuring patriotic classics performed by the Saint Helena Community Band.

Yountville

• 4pm - 7pm: Join the community at Veterans Memorial Park for live music, family activities, and more!

American Canyon

• 3pm: The parade kicks off along Elliott Drive

• 4pm - 8pm: Community festival with live music, food vendors, and family activities.

• at dusk: the valley’s only traditional fireworks display will begin!

Sonoma

• 10am - 12pm: Parade around the plaza

• 8am - 5pm: Plaza Celebration including live music, local vendors, food & drinks provided by the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters and Professional Firefighters Union 3593, family activities, and a kid-friendly splash zone.

• At dusk: Firework display

Sonoma County

Santa Rosa

• 10am - 1pm: Head to Courthouse Square for We The People 250th Birthday Bash featuring live music, speakers, family-friendly activities. This event is sponsored by a number of local and national organizations including Vidas, KBBF radio station, Indivisible Sonoma County, and Code Pink.

• 5pm - 9:15pm: Red, White and Pillow Fights will be taking place at the Sonoma Fairgrounds. The event will feature a lot of fun, live DJ and singers, a special presentation by the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, kids activities, local food, and more! Read more about the local history around this event.

• 4:30 - 10pm: Santa Rosa Symphony Transcendence Theatre Company presents the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is a family-friendly performance bringing a mix of Broadway hits and patriotic classics to the stage, followed by a fireworks display. Kid Zone is open between 4:30 - 7pm, with carnival games, bounce houses, food, music and more. Half-price lawn seats are available for kids 12 and under. Tickets start at $46.

Kenwood

• 7am - 1:30pm: The Kenwood Community Club and Kenwood Depot will host the town’s annual Fourth of July parade: Red, White, and Wine and includes a pancake breakfast and silent auction. Footraces start at 7:30am, parade at 10:30am, and a Rotary shindig at noon. Registration for the 53rd annual 3K and 10K footrace is still open!

Petaluma

• 8:30 - 10pm: If you’re looking for something a little different, Floathouse Petaluma is hosting its 3rd annual Floathouse Fireworks Paddle along the Petaluma River. Tickets are $60 and include popcorn and the show.

Monte Rio, Russian River

• 12pm - 4pm: Head to the river for its annual Big Rocky Games event on July 3rd & 4th. The event features rubber duck races, Hula-Hoop contest, water balloon tosses and more family-friendly games at Monte Rio Beach.

For a complete Bay Area 4th of July Parade, Firework, and Events list, check out this awesome compilation by Ronnies Awesome List.

🧡 Tag Napa Kids in your pics! We love to see how you celebrate!

The Spotlight is Calling, Napa!

The 2026/27 Studio G season is about to kick off!

If you’ve been curious to see what all the hype is about, this fall is sure to thrill! Whether you call it entertainment, enrichment, or life skills training Studio G has got something for every young performer.

• Registration is now open for Studio G’s 2026–2027 season.

• Programs include Matilda Jr., High School Musical Jr., Triple Threat, and Design & Tech Theatre.

• Classes are intentionally kept small to provide personalized instruction and meaningful performance opportunities.

• Productions are performed at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.

• Classes are already filling quickly, and enrollment is limited, so don’t wait!

• Register today at www.studiognapa.com and let the spotlight find your child this fall! 🎭

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to uncover local events, connect families, and support local businesses 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small donation, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Summer Bucket List ✨ Inspo ✨

One of our favorite annual traditions to create a Summer Bucket List full of a range of activities that are high on our excitement lists. We try to focus on creating a mix of local and quintessential summertime things, like lemonade stands and long bike rides, as well as a few big ticket items that we can plan and look forward to together — maybe a day trip to float on the Russian River or a weekend at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

There are a few tricks and habits that we’ve nailed down over the years and are easy to weave into the mix and make it more fun for the slow and the fast days:

1. Include any extra exciting items that you know are coming up that maybe the kids aren’t privy to yet. For example, a floating obstacle course made our list this year and I happen to know there’s one available during our vacation this year. That made it easy to add to the list with confidence.

2. Another feature is skill development, which helps take advantage of “boring” days by encouraging and celebrating their summer wins and efforts. That might look like riding a bike, mastering the monkey bars, or learning to tie their shoes for the younger crowd and for bigger kids it could be getting comfortable riding down the ramps at the skate park, completing a favorite book series, or learning to do the splits after committing to a daily stretching regimen.

3. Make it educational — whatever your kids are into right now, I guarantee there’s something within 3 hours that will encourage deeper learning experiences. My kids are really curious about sea animals and marine life right now so we recently took a quick 1:15 minute drive out to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito (which is free to visit!) and got to explore their interactive conservation displays and observe their current rescue residents: about 30 seals and sea lions. Mega mom points!

4. Memorialize the moment when you capture one of the bucket list items! We started taking polaroids when we tick off an item and tape it up on the oversized “list” we made. So far it’s been a good reminder of all the fun we’re having together, despite those inevitable borrrrring days ;)

Close but not-too-close bucket list inspo items:

• Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary, Sebastopol — a guided tour where the kids meet rescued goats (the namesakes), pigs, horses, and peacocks. Vegan picnic lunch options available, gift shop included.

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve, Guerneville — when Muir Woods feels too crowded, this is the towering, centuries-old redwood alternative with easy trails, a visitor center, and free admission.

• Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville — a nearly 100-year-old Russian River beach tradition. Rent a paddle boat or inner tube, grab a snack from the snack bar, and let the day unfold the way Sonoma summers have for generations.

• The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito — the world’s largest marine mammal hospital offers a genuinely fascinating, free, self-guided visit where kids can see real rescued seals and sea lions in rehab.

• Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa — for the Peanuts-obsessed kid (or adult), a deep dive into the storytelling behind one of the most beloved comic strips ever drawn. Oh, next door is the Snoopy Ice Skating Rink with open skate hours, as well as down the road from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma.

• Spirit Guides sculpture exhibition, Sonoma County — eight larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the Zapotec calendar, depicting hybrid animal spirit guides. On view through September 7th, and genuinely striking in person.

• Spring Lake Water Park, Santa Rosa — this semi-hidden lake features a swimming area, a floating water park, climbing walls … safe bet for a range of ages and interests!

• A’s at Sutter Health Park, Sacramento — Catch one of the “Oakland” A’s last games in California before their big move to Las Vegas for the 2027 season. Games are played in the evenings so there’s plenty of time to hit the riverfront or checkout a local museum while you’re up there!

Last but not least… your friendly reminder on these sweet, sweet summer series’ around the valley 🤘 Make this your dinner to-go or picnic meal night, and start catching those summertime feels! Grab some friends, some wheels, and let the good times roll.

Tuesdays

• Tuesday Night Markets, 5-8pm | Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma

Wednesdays

• Summer Concert Series, 6-8pm, through Aug. 12 | Lyman Park, St. Helena

Thursdays

• Music on the Mansion Lawn, 6-8pm, through Aug. 13 | Silverado Resort

• Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8:30pm, through Aug. 20 | Pioneer Park, Calistoga

Fridays

• Moonlight Movies, 7:30pm, through Sept. 25 | Carneros Resort, Napa

• Summer Music Series on the front lawn, 5pm | Fairmont Sonoma

• Happy Hour + Music at The Coop by Hoopes, 4-6pm | The Coop, Yountville

Sundays

• Sundays in the Park Music Series, 5-7pm, July 12 & 26 | Veterans Memorial Park, Yountville

• Sonoma Sundays on the Plaza, 2-5pm | Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma

Procrastinators rejoice! We’ve rounded up some exciting camps that are still enrolling for a number of summer sessions. There’s something for every interest, every age, every budget.

Here’s the catch: you’re going to want to act fast on these. Registration periods have tiered timelines and are filling up fast. What’s more, many of these programs can work with you if the dates don’t align perfectly. So find something you like, and give them a quick call.

Additionally, Napa officially has camps that fit all types of different budgets. Did you know that some camps are as little as $20-$50, and many offer financial aid for qualifying families?

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Summer Camps page because new camps, classes, and clubs are added all the time!

All your summer camps here!

Do you know a spectacular summer camp in Napa or nearby? We’d love to hear about it! Whether it’s a heads-up for next summer or a last-minute opening, we want to help connect your camp with local families!

Elementary School

• Guild Kids: There are so many interest-forward camping options with spots still available! They also offer early pick-up and after-care options … yes, really! Ages 5-12.

  • Jurassic Craft, Amazing Architects, Thredz: Fashion Week, Art Around the World, Mad Scientists, Go Wild, Enchanted Forest, Surf’s Up, Fun and Games

• First Tee North Coast Summer Camps is offering Junior Golf camps at Napa Golf Course (Kennedy) for ages 6-11.

• Napa Parks and Rec

  • Fencing monthly pass (ages 7+), Tennis, Junior Giants Baseball, Games & Sports Camp (ages 7-12), Art, Incrediflix Camps: Lego/Stop Motion (ages 7-13), Play-Well TEKnologies: Lego (ages 7-12), Junior Guard Camp: swim (ages 10-14)

• BOSS Camp 2026: Blue Oak Schools summer program

  • Jungle Explorers, Star Search, Anime’zing Animators, Maze Masters, Treasure Hunters, Space Adventure, Mystical Magical, Fun with Forts

• N.V.E.F has a little something for everyone:

  • Band (4th-5th grade), Life Size Levels Camp, Robotics (5th-8th grade), Paper Puppet Show & Animation, Lego Robotics Camp, Music: Strings (4th grade), Music: Strings (5th grade), Storybook Art Camp, Mixed Media Art, Acrylic Painting, Choir, Robotics (5th-8th)

• Colores de Napa Valley, a bilingual Spanish-English arts program is launching a Summer Arts Club for kids ages 5-11. ¡Fantástico!

• Stone Bridge School’s Head, Heart & Hands Summer Camp 🌞 is a Waldorf-inspired summer program for students entering TK–6th grade. Running June 29–July 31, 2026 at the Alta Heights Campus in Napa, campers will enjoy a summer rhythm filled with nature play, crafts, music, storytelling, games, and water play on warm days.

• Next Level Sports’ coed Flag Football camp still has a few openings, at Justin Siena for 4th & 5th graders

• Basketball Jones Hoops Camp, coed (ages 6-14)

Middle School

• Blue Oak Middle School Summer Learning Series - Financial literacy for kids? We wish we had that growing up.

  • Building Financial Literacy, Art Studio, Book Club, Yoga & Meditation, Young Chefs’ Collective, Creative Writing Lab, Baking Studio, Geometry

• N.V.E.F has a little something for everyone:

  • Band camp, Craft & Live action play, robotics, paper puppet art & animation, Dungeons and Dragon themed camp, Music camp: strings, hangout and mingle, Drama, Mixed Media art, Mariachi, Choir.

• Studio G has theatre camp for kids K-8th grade. Young performers will sing, dance, and act their way through an exciting summer of creativity, featuring performances inspired by To Infinity & Beyond, Lights Up! Broadway, and Wicked. A fun, confidence-building camp for kids who love the stage! ✨

• Napa Parks and Rec offers Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program at Fuller Park gives ages 13–15 the chance to build leadership and job skills while still enjoying all the fun of camp.

  • Leader-in-Training (LIT), Camp Napa (ages up to 12), Games & Sports Camp (ages 7-12), Drop-in sports: Badminton, Basketball, Junior Lifeguard Camp (ages 10-14), Competitive Swim (ages 8-13), Art (split into age groups), Incrediflix Camps: Lego (ages 7-13), Play-Well TEKnologies: Lego (ages 7-12), Junior Guard Camp: swim (ages 10-14)

• The Junior Counselor Program at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (ages 14–17) gives teens the chance to be part of a fun week of nature exploration, games, crafts, and camping adventures. 🏕️

• Youth sports camps at Justin Siena

  • AllHeart Camp, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse (boys), Football, Robotics

• Forest 2 Farm: A 3 day summer camp at Jack London State Historic Park and Glentucky Family Farm, for rising 6th - 8th graders.

• Nike Boys Lacrosse Camp at Napa Valley College

• Basketball Jones Hoops Camp, coed (ages 6-14)

High School

• Theater-loving rising 9th grader, this one's for you! 🎭 Lucky Penny is accepting applications for its Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. Participants will build leadership skills, gain job experience, have fun, and receive a small stipend. Interested? Contact luckypennymbj@gmail.com.

• Mentis Youth Art Workshops are back this summer! 🎨 Teens ages 14–19 are invited to join a fun, creative series designed for all experience levels! With a small group size (max 15 participants), it’s a relaxed, supportive space to explore drawing, painting, and creativity. ✨

• Mentis Academy is a 5-week program for Napa County teens who are passionate about mental health for rising 11th - 12th graders. Hurry… last we saw, there was only 1 spot left!

• N.V.E.F teen programming includes:

  • Foundations of Poi Flow (16+), Dungeons and Dragons: Character Design, Eight Dimensions of Well Being, Teen Multi-media Art, Mariachi

• Nike Sports Camp at NVC

  • Girls Volleyball (girls), Lacrosse Camp (boys)Tennis (coed)

Happy Campin’!

Can you feel that June summer energy??

The longest day of the year is almost here and you know what that means: bedtime routines are hitting max confusion near and far. Golden hour lasts approximately forever, the neighborhood smells like jasmine and someone’s BBQ, and the kids have entered that particular end-of-school-year delirium where everything is either the best day ever(!) or a complete injustice.

This can’t just be my family, right? Riiiiight??

Don’t worry if summer isn’t planned. We hear from everyone and fun fact: basically no one’s is! We’ve got some great event highlights to pepper in some summer fun and get that June energy flowing. From Father’s Day to Pride, concerts in the park to reptiles and butterflies, and U-pick spots that are ready and waiting for those little stained fingers — there’s something for everyone!

P.S. Don’t miss the ultimate safe sunscreen resource we unearthed below ☀️

We’ll see you outdoors ✌️💜🍦

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. June 4th: Napa’s First Thursdays is full of PRIDE this month with DJ Rotten Robbie, Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí, food trucks, vendors, and games. 5-8 pm, Oxbow Commons

2. June 6th: Happy Pride! Join Napa Kids in partnership as we celebrate PRIDE month. An event built with preschool ages in mind, but ALL families are welcome to join for rainbow crafts, storytime, music, treats and more! 1-3pm, Napa Valley Nursery School

3. June 6th: Bay Area Rainbow Symphony, a woodwind quintet performance. All are welcome. 3-4 pm. St. Helena Library.

4. June 6th: Benicia Arts Festival is a fun community event that’s fun for the whole family. 10-5 pm. Downtown Benicia.

5. June 7th, 14th & 28th: Connolly Ranch’s Self-Guided Open House, Farm-to-Table (“cooking”) Class. This month class features Peach Jam, Pasta Salad with Farm Fresh Favs, Apricot Butter! Free - $45.

6. June 10th: Summer Library Adventure Kick-Off: Enjoy stories, crafts, and register for the Summer Reading Challenge (with Prizes: Kids, Teen, & Adult Age Groups), Napa Library.

7. June 10th: The Science Wizard, a professional children’s entertainer and comic! 2:30 pm. Yountville Library. Free.

8. June 13th: Pet Parade and Block Pawty, music, great food + drinks for you, your fam, and your dog! This is a family event for everyone and your furbaby! Don’t forget to check the schedule. 10am, Deuces Market

9. June 13th: Inspired by the Land: Art in the Park is part of California State Parks week. 12-4 pm, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, St. Helena

10. June 13th: Bubble Fest! Bubbles, bubble science, and live music? This is going to be one poppin’ time! Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland.

11. June 14th: Bay Area Butterfly Festival, where beauty and education meet! Check out the kids schedule (including an In Harmony music concert) 10am - 4pm, Free Admission. Mare Island.

12. June 17th: Lizards, Snakes, and More—Oh My! Children and caregivers invited to see, touch, and learn about reptiles. Napa Library: 9:30-11:30am, Yountville Library: 2:30-3:30pm

    1. June 18th: Calistoga Library 10-11am, American Canyon Library 3-4pm

13. June 18th: Robert Ferguson Observatory Family Day featuring astronomical presentations, planet walks, solar observing, paper rocket launches. Register with link. Created for families with children 12 and under. Kenwood.

14. June 19th: Larry’s Produce is opening for the season! Guys, this is a whole event. You’ll be thrilled to see your kids so thrilled to pick out fruits and veggies! Fairfield

15. June 24th: Where the Forest Meets the Sea, a bilingual theatrical comedy performance presented by “professional silly people.” Napa Library: 9:30-10:45 am, Yountville Library: 2:30-3:30pm

    1. June 25th: Calistoga Library: 10-11am, American Canyon Library: 3-4pm

16. June 26th: Movies in the Park featuring Disney’s Up. 6:30 pm. Yountville Community Park.

17. June 28th: Family Summerfest at Tres Sabores! Get the details and ticket info in the link. 10-3 pm, Tres Sabores, St. Helena.

Ongoing Fun

The 5th Annual California State Parks Week is June 10-14th! Check out all the events happening at your favorite local state parks. Happy parking!

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse! Movies for kids on Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Tickets are $1.75 ea. June 1 - Aug. 13.

Boring Farm is open for Organic Raspberry U-Picking! Pick a Saturday, book your reservation, enjoy a day full of raspberry picking magic Sebastopol style. It’s a fast memory maker and a favorite for even those bigger kids.

Lavender U-pick + June 6-8th: Lavender Trail, June - July weekends

Summer Series Are Kicking Off Around the Valley!

Let the good times roll!

We’re throwing it back. Waaaaaay back! Back to warm summer evenings, little barefoot toes in the lawn, and sharing blanket seats with friends — new and old. Summer, we’re ready for you 🌅

Wednesdays

• Summer Concert Series, 6-8 pm, June 17 - Aug. 12 | Lyman Park, St. Helena

Thursdays

• Music on the Mansion Lawn, 6-8 pm, June 18 - Aug. 13 | Silverado Resort

• Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8:30 pm, June 18 - Aug. 20 | Pioneer Park, Calistoga

• Napa’s First Thursdays community gathering, 5-8 pm, June 4th | Oxbow Commons

Fridays

• Moonlight Movies, 7:30 pm, June 5 - Sept. 25 | Carneros Resort

• Happy Hour + Music at The Coop by Hoopes, 4-6 pm | The Coop, St. Helena

Sundays

• Sunday Socials, 12-3 pm | Deuces Market

• Sundays in the Park Music Series, 5-7 pm, June 6, July 12 & 26, Aug. 9 & 23 | Veterans Memorial Park Park, Yountville

Are you hosting a summer series or know of one we missed?! Send us a hot tip on IG or below, and don’t forget to check our events page for updates all summer long!

Celebrating All Kinds of Families

Kids are natural inclusivity champions and June gives everyone a reason to celebrate that out loud, together. Napa Valley has a slew of great events this month that do exactly that: family-friendly fun for all ages!

Pride at First Thursdays is featuring everyone’s favorite party maker, DJ Rotten Robbie, Ensamble Folklorico Colibri, food trucks, vendors, and games. | June 4th, 5-8 pm, Oxbow Commons

Happy Pride is an event for preschool ages, but ALL families are welcome to join in celebrating diversity, kindness, and the community! Join for rainbow crafts, storytime, music, treats and more! | June 6th, 1-3pm, Napa Valley Nursery School (641 Randolph Street)

Pride Hunt Pick up your game board and stickers at the Community Center, and embark on your journey through downtown Y-ville to spot all 8 Pride Hearts! Once you’ve found them all, head back to claim your prize. | June 8th - 12th, Yountville Community Center

Pride Pet Parade & Block Pawty Napa’s annual parade for pets & kids! Entertainment, costume prizes, plus special guest appearances by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! No YOU stop! This event is not to be missed. See you there! | June 13th, 10-1 pm, Deuces Market + Parade route

Sunday Socials Deuces Market hosts Sunday Socials for LGBTQ+ community and allies. You know what to do! DJ Nick will be doing what he does best, plus all the great food and drinks you’ve come to crave. | June 14th, 12-1 pm, Deuces Market

Pride in the Park Join the City of Napa for this free, inclusive, and family-friendly event featuring live music & fun performances, food trucks, arts & crafts, and more! | June 14th, 3-6 pm, Veterans Memorial Park

Yountville’s Pride in the Park is a family-friendly affair with live music, performances, arts & crafts, photo booths and more! | June 14th, 3-6 pm, Veterans Memorial Park

Day of Solidarity Napa is serving up Pride themed specials all day long! Napa Farmers Market from 8-12 pm, Pride Pours & Curbside Celebrations all afternoon long at participating merchants, bars, restaurants, and wineries — just follow the rainbow flags! Car Parade starts at 7 pm! | June 20th, 8-11 pm, Downtown Napa area

St. Helena Pride Day A day of inclusive celebration where downtown St. Helena pulls out all the rainbow stops! Bring the family and join the town as they spread the love with vendors, raffle prizes, dancing, wine tasting, and other specials! | June 20th, 10-5 pm

All Month Long Cliff Family Winery is selling Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies for $4.50 with 100% of proceeds going to Napa LGBTQ Connection

Hey Kids, the Summer Youth Bus Pass is Here!

For just $20 Napa youth can ride The Vine all summer long! This pass includes local routes within Napa, as well as on-demand routes and shuttles up and down the valley.

Youth Pass: Summer 2026

There are so many reasons to use our local public transportation, and one of those is that it benefits our kids! There has been plenty of research on lasting effects such as:

• Builds confidence: Kids learn they can navigate the world successfully on their own.

• Develops responsibility: They practice managing time, following plans, and being accountable.

• Strengthens problem-solving skills: Real-world situations require thinking and adapting.

• Instills a sense of competence: Successfully handling real-world tasks helps children feel capable and trusted.

• Encourages independence in other areas of life: Confidence gained through mobility often transfers to school, activities, and social situations.

• Teaches environmental stewardship: Kids learn sustainable transportation habits early.

The key to success here is to practice together, follow safety rules and communication rules, and establish a Family Agreement so each kid knows what’s expected of them, when to communicate changes, and how to stay safe. Happy riding!

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

☀️ PSA: Sunscreen Solutions ☀️

Not all sunscreens are created equal and some of the most popular kids’ brand have ingredients that demand skipping. What that means for parents everywhere: we’re on a constant mission to find better, safer sunscreen options!

We discovered this awesome guide EWG’s 2026 Guide to Sunscreens — it’s science-based and highlight products that meet their strict standards for ingredient safety, transparency and health. Finally, someone that GETS us!

What you can expect to find inside: top-rated kids’ picks this year like Thinkbaby, ATTITUDE Sunly, Babo Botanicals, Mustela, and Stream2Sea — all mineral-based, zinc oxide formulas that scored low on hazard.

Tip: They also have a a free Healthy Living app you can use to scan any sunscreen in the store before you buy it (for our dedicated, eagle-eyed readers — similar to Yuka!)

Father’s Day is June 15th: Here’s What’s What

Father’s Day falls right in the thick of summer-launch energy this year, which makes it easier to celebrate by working it it seamlessly to your soon-to-be existing plans.

Idea Mill

For little kids, consider skipping the gift store, unless it’s supporting a local small biz (you know the drill ;)) — and go experiential. A “yes day” for Dad where he picks the activity. It could be something simple like checking out a new-to-you BBQ spot, or a fishing morning out at Berryessa, or even a family + friends pick-up style wiffle ball tournament at the park!

For tweens and teens, try something that puts them on equal footing with Dad like a cooking class together, a hike they choose, or a slow trip to a bookshop or record store (Folklore, y’all!) where everyone gets to pick one thing. This age group responds SO well to being treated like a co-planner rather than a tagalong. Plus, the day will naturally evolve into enjoying that new record together or sparking conversation about what was spotted on the hike.

And while we love a good reason to celebrate (IFKYK), Father’s Day is really just the commercial holiday name—the meaning is, of course, more expansive than that. It’s about honoring the people who show up in a dad-adjacent role, however that may look in your family 💙

Here are a few ideas for a silly twist?! Stock up on Dads Rootbeer for the big day, have the kids all dress like dad for the day (guaranteed laughs), have the little kids pick out their favorite Bluey episode and pretend dad is Bandit; they’ll be beside themselves in this silly bit of pretend-play.

Tag in your pics, we love to see how you celebrate!

Last but not least… a few local bits of NEW news!

• Bienvenido Valencia Cafe! There’s a new taco spot downtown in the former Petit Soleil location.

• Napa Yard is getting a family-friendly putt putt glow-up - check it out

• The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is getting a massive upgrade starting this August. The completed project will double its footprint and make way for tons of new exhibits, learning environments, STEM, field trips, and more! Wow!

  • Did you know about the Children’s Museum of Napa Valley? Maybe YOU have an idea to share and help them grow!

• Teacher Cordie is bringing the 🔥 once again! She’s taking orders for her custom hand-painted jean jackets and honestly, they’re too gorgeous for words. Drop her a DM or by pigeon courier at The Art Nest

It’s summer camp planning season Napa! If you are looking for a one-trick “summer camp” pony that keeps kids engaged, inspired, and genuinely excited to come back each day, Studio G’s summer camp lineup is a heavy hitter. Studio G camps are designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and give every child a place to explore taking center stage!

Each week brings a new theme, a fresh storyline, and a completely different adventure. It’s equal parts performing arts training, creative day camp, and stealthy confidence builder. Campers rotate through acting, singing, dance, games, and hands-on activities, so no two days ever feel the same.

What makes this a standout option? The environment. It’s supportive, inclusive, and intentionally small, so every child gets personal attention and feels like they belong. Whether they’re stepping on stage for the first time or already belting show tunes at home, Studio G will meet them right where they are.

Insider tip: Look for the camps that end the week with a performance or showcase — as an audience member, you’ll be blown away by what they’ve learned in this short timeframe. As a performer, they’ll be absolutely beaming with pride to show off their new skills and new friends!

Oh, and here’s one more reason to take a look… Studio G was recently featured in the Napa Valley Register (we love to see our local favorites getting their moment 👏).

Not a Register subscriber? Fret not, here are a few interview highlights from the article featuring quotes from Genavieve Gillis, Studio G founder and director, and her theater parents:

On why she does it: "This has all been a dream come true … I love seeing these kids form bonds and grow their confidence … The best thing for me is seeing their confidence and knowing that they can go into any situation and thrive. For me, that’s what it is all about.”

On the kids she teaches: “I get (kids) who might start out as Nana the dog in ‘Peter Pan’ and all they do is bark, but will then evolve at their own pace. That’s what is so cool about it all.”

Parent’s perspective: “(My daughter) carries herself with greater self-assurance, is more willing to try new things and isn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone, both on and off stage.” — B.M.

“(Mrs. G) has an incredible way of relating to kids of all ages, and it’s a really special relationship she has with the kids. She offers them a safe space to be themselves and explore their creativity.” — M.B.

TL;DR 🌟 Why Families Love Studio G Camps 🌟

• High-energy, creative days filled with variety

• Supportive, inclusive environment for every child

• Small group sizes and personalized attention

• Experienced performing arts instructors

• No experience needed! Just a willingness to have fun!

Sign up today!

📅 Camp Details

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Grades: TK–12 (varies by camp)
Cost: $550 per camper

Value proposition: These camps go beyond just keeping kids busy, they build confidence, creativity, and connection!

A note for families

If your child is even a little bit curious about performing arts, this is a great place to explore it without pressure. The mix of structure, creativity, and play makes it approachable for all kinds of kids (not just “theater kids”).

And if they are a theater kid? Let us be the first to say: “Welcome to the family!”

Spots do fill quickly so if you’ve been thinking about it, now is a REALLY good time to take a second look and sign up before it’s too late!

Register today!

About Studio G

Studio G is a Napa-based youth theater company offering training in acting, dance, and voice, the full triple threat. Their summer camps are rooted in building confident, expressive kids through the performing arts.

Come see what they create next!

A special thanks to our sponsor, Studio G.

If you’ve enjoyed In The Spotlight, please share it with your friends!

Share Napa Kids

We’ve got what you need to know this month: Mother’s Day shortcuts and links, Cinco de Mayo fun, Swim lesson sign-ups, new camps that just hit the town, plus early access events around town to help make your summer planning smooth sailing.

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. May 2nd: Kids Day / ¡Día del Niño! 2026 hosted by COPE Family Center. 11-2pm. Oxbow Commons. Free to all. Games, entertainment, food, and more!

2. May 2nd: STEAM Discovery Festival at the Solano Community College.

3. May 2nd: Opening Day on the River the fun kicks off at noon!

4. May 2nd: Flower Pounding 101, 11-12pm. Yountville Library. Pre-teens+

5. May 2nd: Stones & Stillness: Gemstone Beading + Meditative Artmaking, for the mamas at The Village Calistoga. Can’t make it? Form & Fire - Silver Clay Ring Making Workshop coming June 6th!

6. May 3rd: Bikefest 2026, 9am-3pm. Bikes, rides, music, food, bike swaps, games, activities, prizes - fun for all ages! Come support this event at Oxbow Commons.

   1. Signup to join Kidicle Mass, a Napa PD 3.35 mile family bike ride!

7. May 3rd, 17th, & 24th: Connolly Ranch’s Self-Guided Open House, Farm-to-Table (“cooking”) Class. This month class features Pizza with Farm Fresh Favs, Lavender Syrup, and Lemon Zest Butter - yum! Free - $45.

8. May 3rd: Cinco de Mayo Sonoma Plaza — music, dancing, entertainment, food. A wonderful night in celebration. 12pm - 6pm.

9. May 4th: DIY Pressed Flower Frame, 3-4pm. Pre-teens+. Free. Yountville Library.

10. May 5th: Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Farmers Market, kicks-off for the 2026 season.

11. May 9th: MusicTime with Festival Napa, 10-10:45am. Calistoga Library. School age children and families. Free.

12. May 9th: MusicTime in the Library, featuring flutist Katrina Walter, St. Helena Library. All ages. 12:15 - 1:15pm. Free.

13. May 9th Succulent Swap, Napa Library. 3-4:30. All ages. Free. Napa Library.

14. May 13th: Rainbow Bookclub, 6-7pm. Teens - Adults. Free, RSVP appreciated. Napa Bookmine.

15. May 13th: Jim Henson’s Wowsabout: Bring Awe to Life. 9am Youtube Live.

16. May 14th: Bike to Work & School Day, submit your pledge to ride and be entered to win various prizes

17. May 16th: 4th Annual Geek Out Napa Valley Comic-Con, 10-4pm. All Ages. Free. Napa Library.

18. May 16th - 17th: Dino Trax — a dinosaur-themed train days at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.

19. May 17th: Colores de Napa at The Coop! OMG it’s all of our favs coming together! Youth benefit art show, paint & sip, gourmet farm-to-table bites, kids crafts. Let’s come together and raise funds for the kids! 10am - 1pm

20. May 17th: Napa Center for Thought and Culture Presents Sewam American Indian Dance. Doors open at 1:30pm. Jarvis Conservatory.

21. May 20th: Mandala Making, Teens / Ages 11 - 18. Snacks provided. Free. Napa Library.

22. May 22nd - 24th: Bottlerock Napa Valley! Free for 5 and under with adult ticket.

23. May 28th: Farm Fest — A monthly family-friendly event featuring live music and summer BBQ. 6-10pm. Adults $85, $35 Children. Carneros Resort and Spa.

24. May 30th: STEM Explorers: Investigate Coding with Micro:bits, 11-12:30 pm. Ages 8 - 18. Free, registration required. Napa Library.

25. May 31st: Flavors of Film Series - Hugo, 2-4:30pm. Ticketed event. CIA Copia.

Hot off the press …

Napa Valley 1839 Soccer Summer Camp

Napa United Pre/Academy Fall Tryouts and Fall Rec Registration League

Reoccurring Events

• M/T/TH: Generations and Books: Read with a library Grandparent at the Napa Library. Preschool.

• M/W/F: Bow Wow for Books for young readers at the Napa Library.

• Starts June 18th: Silverado Resorts’ Music on the Mansion Lawn. 6-8pm, all ages. Free.

• Fridays: Storytime for Young Children at Napa Bookmine at 10am.

• Fridays: Carneros Resorts’ Moonlight Movies series. “At Sunset,” all ages. Carneros Resort and Spa. Free, reservation appreciated.

• Fridays: Mariachi Nights at Taqueria Maria. Call ahead to check.

• Sundays: Juniper Stations’ Sunday Series from 10am - 12pm.

Beyond the Valley

1. Every 2nd Saturday (March-November): Family Nature Adventures at Chabot

2. May 10th: Swifty — a Taylor Swift Tribute Band is throwing it down at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. Worth the trip!

3. June 11th: Cline Country Bluegrass Festival

4. Promo Code Alert! Gualalalalallalaaaaa River Redwood Park is offering 30% off your campaign stay when you book Sunday - Thursday in the month of May. I know, I know, we’re busy… but, nature! Promo code: BLOOMOUTSIDE30

Napa Regional Dance Company

Napa Regional Dance Company presents Zoetic, their highly anticipated annual spring showcase celebrating the artistry, discipline, and growth of their dancers. This year’s performance, features classical excerpts, modern compositions, and student choreography, each piece highlighting the depth of talent within this incredible program.

🩰 Sunday, May 17th at 5PM
📍 Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center - 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. Napa Kids subscribers can enjoy 10% off with code NAPAKIDSZOETIC.

A beautiful evening of dance and a meaningful way to support the local arts community.

Zoetic tickets!

Dive In! Swim Lessons in Napa

In-Shape Fitness, member and non-member pricing

HealthQuest, member and non-member pricing

Makai Swim

Napa Parks and Recreation

Waves Aquatics, lessons, competitive swim teams

Napa Valley Swim Team, lessons, non-competitive and competitive swim teams

Calistoga Parks and Recreation, residents and non-resident pricing

American Canyon Parks and Recreation

Sonoma Splash

Vamos a Nadar (bilingual swimming lessons) — locations throughout Sonoma County

Pools with Open Swim Schedules

Bothe-State Park Pool, St. Helena

St. Helena High School Pool and Aquatics Complex, St. Helena

Morton Warm Springs, Glen Ellen

Aquatics at Allan Witt Park (splash pad and pools) Fairfield

Spring Lake Regional Park (lagoon and water park), Santa Rosa

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Healdsburg

Calistoga Community Pool

Napa Community Pool

Swimply — Rent residential pools in your community by the hour

Resort Pass — Can’t find a deal on your booking? Message us for $20 off your first booking.

Did we miss anything?? Those hot summer nights are just around the corner… and they’re more fun when they’re spent together 🫶

Mother’s Day is May 11th!

We have options across every price point — from a lavish brunch to a free morning at the farmers market. Here’s a range worth knowing about.

Free: Napa Farmers Market every Saturday 8am - 12pm — Think: cheery Sunday morning, full of strawberries, pastries, flowers, live music, and weekly kids’ activities. Pick up a bouquet from a local grower, grab coffee and something sweet, and wander. For the moms who’d rather be outside than at a table, this is the move.

Free: Picnic at Bartholomew Park or Yountville Park — Grab some grub to-go from HOT new Napa Breakfast Sando Guide, bring a blanket, let the kids kick around a ball. Simple, unhurried, genuinely lovely on a warm May morning. Don’t overthink it.

$24+: Made for Momma, A Village Calistoga Mother’s Day Experience for mamas and little hands — kids create a colorful bouquet from scratch. Tastings available. Space is limited.

$40: Mother’s Day at North Bay BMX — get on the track for a ride, brunch, and photo ops! This one will be the memory maker, no doubt.

$55: Kindled & Grounded is hosting a Mama & Me Candle Experience includes candle making, live music, and photo ops. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Mid-range: Azur Downtown Wine Lounge — A flower arranging event where kids make mom a bouquet while she sips rosé. The rare Mother’s Day activity where everyone gets something out of it.

Splurge: TRUSS at Four Seasons Calistoga — lavish buffet brunch with prime rib, made-to-order omelets, and a full dessert spread. $135 per adult, $55 for kids ages 5–12.

Local Gifting Spotlight

• Looking for a very special goodie?? Check out these gorgeous Mother’s Day curated gift boxes by Juniper Station. Hurry in that order though, they need to be in by today (May 1st)! Order link here!

• Jefferies General aka “Your Mom’s Favorite Shop” just dropped the cutest Mother’s Day Cards. Swing by, grab a card, stay for the great company!

• Rory’s Bakehouse has all the ready-to-eat, frozen, and bake-at-home sweet and savory delights to make the day extra special (and save all those dirty dishes for another night!)

Gifts They Actually Made

Ten DIY ideas that go beyond the construction paper card — these are the ones mom might actually keep.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks — Kids collect flowers from the garden or the farmers market, press them, then seal them. The result looks like something you’d buy at a boutique. Requires a few buy-ahead extra materials.

Hand-Painted Linen Napkins — Grab plain white or natural linen cocktail napkins and fabric paint. Kids stamp or paint a simple motif — a sprig of lavender, a lemon slice, their handprint made to look like a flower. Machine washable, actually useful, and a set of four looks like a real gift.

Herb Garden in a Painted Terracotta Pot — Plant a small herb that mom actually uses (basil, rosemary, mint), let the kids paint or stamp the pot, and tie it with twine. Simple, functional, and much more personal than a candle.

Clay Garden Markers — I mean… its what she ACTUALLY needs if she’s been following along with Napa Kids’ must-visit plant sales last month…! Let that garden grow (and be identifiable) all season long!

Recipe Card Set — Kids write out (or dictate, for younger ones) their favorite things mom cooks on nice cardstock with illustrations. Hole-punch and tie with ribbon. It’s part gift, part archive.

Salt Dough Impression Jewelry Dish — Mix salt dough, press small hands or fingers in to create texture, shape into a shallow dish, bake, and paint with gold or white. Functional, long-lasting, and the handprint element is something moms actually keep for years.

Homemade Infused Oil or Honey — With supervision, kids fill a small glass bottle with good olive oil and dried herbs (rosemary, chili, garlic), or warm honey with lavender or thyme. Label it with a handwritten tag. Looks like something from a specialty food shop, costs almost nothing. Note: it won’t be “done” for Mother’s Day, but you can still gift the aging delight and have a wonderful treat to look forward to together.

📣 Calling all our Silent Auction lovers!

Is it a good excuse to support a local non-profit? It is…

Is it a good excuse to call up the girls for a night out (and in bed by 11pm!… or not 😜) It IS…

Is it a GREAT excuse to put on something colorful that makes you feel amazing and hit the dance floor with friends and soon-to-be-new friends? It Certainly Is!!

Join the party at Napa’s beautiful Celadon for the Napa Valley Nursery School’s Fiesta Fundraiser! Feast, Dance, and go home with some fantastic auction prizes that just might include some strategic summer camp winnings.

We call that “mom”ti-tasking.

Get your tickets today!

Surviving Maycember

Protect one weekend. May will try to fill every single slot on your calendar. Block one now — not for anything productive, just for being outside, sleeping in, or doing whatever the family actually wants to do. It won’t happen unless you defend it.

Lower the bar on weeknight dinners. This is a taco-kit month. A cereal-for-dinner month. A “we’re getting sandwiches from the deli” month. You are doing enough.

Go outside before the heat arrives. May is genuinely the best outdoor month in the valley — warm but not scorching, green but not muddy. Even 45 minutes at a park after school resets everyone. Sunlight is free therapy. Use it.

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Last but not least… local news:

So long Forge! We’ll miss you. You were one of the very (shockingly VERY) few authentically kid-friendly restaurants in Napa. We’ll miss you from the bottom of our pizza-pie hearts.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!!!

Say it three times and you might just summon a night of unforgettable fun!

If you’ve been looking for a reason to get the whole family out this weekend, here it is: Beetlejuice Jr. opens this weekend, performed entirely by local kids in grades 6–12. It’s funny, it’s a little spooky, and it’s the kind of live theater experience that sticks with kids long after the curtain comes down.

Based on the beloved Tim Burton film and the Broadway hit that followed, this Junior production follows Lydia Deetz, a teenager who moves into a haunted house and discovers that death might not be so bad after all, especially when the ghost-with-the-most is involved. Cue the chaos, the comedy, and just the right amount of Nether-world pandemonium.

Every ticket sold directly supports Studio G’s programming, keeping live performance and triple-threat training (acting, dance, and voice) accessible for young performers in our community. Three shows only — this weekend, Saturday & Sunday — act fast to nab your seats before they’re gone!

Nice-to-know before you go:

Who’s in it: Local students — likely kids you know! — grades 6-12.

Ages: Great for families with kids! The theater is intimate and vibrant.

Why it matters: Ticket proceeds go directly to supporting the program.

Run time: About an hour, with intermission to snack and get the wiggles out.

Venue: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.

Schedule: Saturday 2pm and 6pm, Sunday 2pm.

Say It 3 Times… Get Tickets Today!

Napa College’s theater is an intimate, professional-grade venue with three rows of open seating wrapping around the stage. Every seat is a good seat! The show includes one intermission, during which snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.

A note for families with little ones: the performance runs in two blocks with a break in between. Kids who can sit (mostly) quietly for 30 minutes at a stretch will have a great time. Best for ages 5 and up.

Reserve Tickets Here

Make a night (or afternoon) of it

Napa College is close to some GREAT dining spots. A few ideas for before or after the show:

After the show

• Carabao (Filipino Eatery): The kids will love the lumpia! Best to call ahead for a table.

• Chetuphon Thai: Always delicious. Get the Mango with sweet sticky rice or Coconut sticky rice with ice cream for dessert.

• Forge: Wood fired pizza, and a bit of other crowd pleasers. The patio makes this an easy and fun dinner win with kids.

• In-N-Out: You can never go wrong with a hamburger. But what is it called when you swap the burger for a lettuce wrap and hold the meat…? Still good, we’re sure.

• Empress M (Chinese): Order a few dishes and dumpling varieties and watch how the kids will eat ANY vegetable as long as it’s wrapped and shaped like a ball (soup dumplings are always a big hit around here).

• Foster Freeze: Your reminder that this is officially the closest ice cream shop to the venue. Bribery always wins!

Before the matinees (lunch Only)

• Southside Century: Fresh, seasonal ingredients with international influences makes this an always ‘yes!’ - plus, there’s a kids menu.

• Petite Soleil: Breakfast options all day; say no more!

• Le Cheve Bakery and Brews (Mexican): I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: breakfast options all day? Say no more!

About Studio G

Studio G is a Napa-based youth theater company offering classes in acting, dance, and voice, the full triple-threat. Beetlejuice Jr. is a showcase of everything these kids have been working toward.

Come see what they’ve built!

A special thanks to our sponsor, Studio G.

If you’ve enjoyed In The Spotlight, please share it with your friends!

Share Napa Kids

We’ve rounded up Earth Day events, bunny everything (brace yourself 🐰), and some not-to-be missed events from all around the Bay Area if you’re up for a day trip or two. Don’t forget, you can import events directly to your calendar from the Napa Kids website, so you can stay on top of it all!

Also, big one, our Summer Camps 2026 guide is live. It’s basically your shortcut to getting this handled before everyone else beats you to the good spots. 🙌

1. April 1-3rd: Sunshine & Social is hosting spring break afternoons! Come for the crafts, games, gardens, and animals! Carneros Resort, 11am - 2pm. $15/child.

2. April 7th: Napa’s City Public Art Coordinator will be leading an Art Walk tour of the two newest works “Circulation” and “The Weavers.” 1.5 mile walk, recommended ages: 12+. Free. 9:30am - 10:30am

3. April 10th: Skin to Skin: An Evening with John Santos. The power of music education at the Jarvis Center. (For the parents!)

4. April 11th & 12th: Beeetlejuice Jr. is brought to life by the incredibly talented Studio G performers! This spooky-fun musical adventure is a perfect parent-kid date! Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center. All ages.

5. April 12th & 19th: Connolly Ranch’s Self-Guided Open House, Farm-to-Table (“cooking”) Class. This month’s class features Spring Strawberry Jam! Free - $45.

6. April 18th: Earth Day Napa 2026 at Oxbow Commons. Learn how we can love the Earth with this FREE community event!

7. April 19th: Earth Night at Connolly Ranch, a magical evening under the stars in the Bay Grove. All ages.

8. April 25th: Autism Acceptance Walk 2026, Beyond the Label. Registration is open! T-shirt orders close on April 1st. Napa Valley College. 10am. All ages.

9. April 25th: Earth Day Napa Community Cleanup. Volunteer with Napa RCD and help keep Napa clean, 9am - 12pm.

10. April 26th: Flavors of Film Series: Coco! Tickets for the screening, plus hands-on activities inspired by Mexican food, culture, and traditions. CIA Copia, 2pm - 4pm.

11. May 2nd: Kids Day 2026, hosted by COPE Family Center. Resources, entertainment, activities, and food. Oxbow Commons. Free, 11am - 2pm

12. May 3rd: Mark your calendars for Bikefest 2026! Need a bike? You can buy one. Want to sell a bike? You can sell one. They do it all! Free bike valet parking! Oxbow Commons. Free, 9am - 3pm.

Ongoing Local Events (highlights!)

1. Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic, step into the colorful world of Disney and explore the iconic work of Mary Blair, including her work on Peter Pan, Alice and Wonderland, and more! Now open and on view through October 5th!

2. Wiggle Room at 3144 Jefferson St., open every Friday from 1-3pm until May 15th. Bring the little ones and play indoors as the weather starts to get hot!

3. Little House Play Studio, located in the heart of downtown Napa, is the sweetest indoor play space! Check out their website for open play sessions.

4. Gnome Hunt, find a gnome and win a prize! April 6th - April 10th, Yountville.

Beyond the Valley

1. Every Saturday in April: K-Pop Demon Hunters laser show and dance party, as part of their Laser Concert Series! All ages. SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, Sacramento. $10 - $15

2. Every 2nd Saturday (March-November): Family Nature Adventures at Chabot Space & Science Center.

3. April 1st-19th: Light Play Studio where kids can tinker with light and shadow for mind-blowing results! Exploratorium, Pier 15, SF. All ages.

4. Take a (wildflower) hike with the Lindsey Museum! Two dates & locations:

   1. April 4th: Scott’s Peak, Orinda

   2. April 11th: Mt. Diablo, Clayton

5. April 4th: Spring Egg Hunt and Carnival, Francis Ford Coppola Winery. $15 per child, ages 12 and under. No ticket required for 13+. Hunt starts at 11 am sharp.

6. April 4th & 5th: Bunny Weekend at Fairyland includes egg-centric fun, games, arts & crafts, butterflies, baby goats, and more. Lake Merritt, 10am - 4pm. $18-$20

7. April 7th: Tuesday Markets are back! Napa Farmers Market, 8am - 12pm

8. April 9th: Hog Island Oyster Co’s 1st Annual Spring Fair! Tours, games, shell painting. Marshall. 11am - 4pm.

9. April 11th: Sesame Street Live, Palace of Fine Arts

10. April 11-12th: Whalefest Monterey is an annual all ages science and sustainability event that is so fun and so free. Road trip? 10am - 5pm.

11. April 11-12th: Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Japantown, SF.

12. April 17th-18th: En Plein Air, A Multicultural Arts Weekend boasts a variety of workshops for all ages and abilities, plus music, markets, and more. Vacaville.

13. April 18th: Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival, dubbed an iconic Petaluma tradition in celebration of its rich ag history. Expect, nay demand, parade floats, marching bands, elaborate costumes, crafts, designated “kid areas.” 10am - 5pm.

14. April 18-19th: Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Grand parade is 4/19 1pm - 3pm. Japantown, SF.

15. April 25th: Teen Night at the SF Symphony! Dress up and grab your friends!

16. April 25th: Overnight Safari at the Sacramento Zoo (several more dates in May)

17. April 25-26th: The Blossoms of Oz, Sebastopol’s 80th annual Apple Blossom Festival and Parade. Parade is 4/25 @ 10am-12pm, daily festival hours 11am - 6pm.

Upcoming Events

Our Top Picks: Local Bunny Brunches, Egg Extravaganzas, and More!

All the Bunny Events!

April 4th:

• Breakfast with the Bunny and Egg Hunt in Yountville | 8am - 10am, Egg hunt starts at 10am sharp!

• Napa Moms Spring Celebration | Photos with the bunny, games, food truck brunch options, visits from Napa Fire Department & Recycling, egg hunt by age + special prizes | 10am - 12:30pm

• The Enchanted Egg Hunt, hosted by Enchanted Hills Napa | Craft a gathering bag, enjoy brunch, hunt for eggs plus 1 enchanted egg, trolley rides | 10am - 1 pm

• Spring Egg Hunt at the Calistoga Fairgrounds | Egg hunt by age group, special golden eggs, and more! | 10am - 1pm

• Napa Riverfront’s Bunny Meet | 12pm -2pm

• The Greatest Easter Egg Hunt, presented by NVUU | Egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, Raffle, Rummage Items, Bake Sale, and Face Painting | 10am - 12pm

April 5th:

• Easter in Town Square features egg hunts, crafts, lawn games, live music, and a visit from the Bunny himself. Carneros Resort and Spa @ 10am. Free!

• Ad Hoc & Bouchon Bakery Easter Egg Hunt — Napa Kids has VIP tickets to giveaway! Click the link to enter. Raffle takes place April 1st @ 6pm sharp!

• Easter Eggstravaganza at Oakville Grocery | 10am - 12pm

• Easter Brunch, Live Entertainment, Egg Hunts and more at Silverado Resort.

• Easter Celebration at Casa Mani | 11am - 4pm

Thinking about summer plans?

Check out our guide to Napa’s summer camps below!

For the Magic Makers: Bunny Baskets & Spring Celebrations

Looking for some extra magic? Whatever you celebrate, nothing’s more fun than an excuse for a little Spring fun! As pictured:

• Fabric refillable eggs. Does anyone in Napa make these?? Call me!

• Turning wood scraps into garden art IFKYK

• Fairy and Goblin garden making

• Egg hunt, but instead of candy (we also love candy btw) you fill it with ‘coupons’ for… ice cream dates, kids dinner choice, etc. Even the big kids will love this!

• Rainbow shadow makers

• Egg carton delights (are we the only ones getting marketed to for these?? So cute)

• Individual cupcake decorating stations — save this one!

Where are we looking for something special to fill those bunny baskets? We’ve found some serious gems lately, but you have to shop in-person.

No gatekeeping ‘round here!

• Van Winden’s: Their little kid focused garden accessories are PRIMO (look inside)

• Market, at Carneros Resort and Spa: They have some great books and 3D puzzle sets, beezewax crayons, and adorable festive cookies for that wow factor.

• Juniper Station: Our local not-so-secret secret spot for eco-friendly treats

• World Market: Go get a throwback Pez dispenser like I did. You won’t regret it!

• Field Day: Endlessly cool pre-loved toys and clothes, with new items coming in all the time. Give that basket a sustainable glow up!

• Theda’s Ice Creamery: They sell ice cream tokens! Buy the tokens, give the tokens!

And if you’re having guests over and are looking for something simple, but oh-so-memorable to serve, we have just the thing for you! It goes by many names, and has many variations, but we’ve yet to taste one we haven’t loved — Basque Cheesecake.

Cancel your plans and meet us at the Fisherman’s Festival in Bodega Bay on May 2nd & 3rd! This lively and totally unique festival brings all the fun, food, and live music you could ever ask for. Napa Kids’ Hot Tips: don’t miss the boat race, boat parade, your kids go totally nuts for the kids zone & bouncy houses, epic bands 🤘 + the food 🤤

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Good for You, Good for Mother Earth 🌱

For this year’s Earth Day tribute month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite planet-friendly and human-friendly resources that we’re absolutely loving right now. You do you: tap in when you want to, how you want to.

To Do

• Join us and hug all the trees! Sign up for Napa Valley State Parks Newsletter and be the first to know about all the great programming and updates happening around us. Sign up is at the bottom of the page.

• Volunteer! Napa Farmers Market, Napa Valley Food Coop, Earth Day cleanup with Napa RCD, Napa County Bike Coalition, Napa’s Earth Day Festival

• 10 Free Trees! Arbor Day Foundation is sending trees in exchange for a small (or large!) donation. So, almost free.

To Eat

• Pick My Fruit, I’ll try not to ramble about how amazingly sweet and necessary this is! You grow fruit? Does some of that fruit rot before you can enjoy it? Well Pick My Fruit is on a mission to help distribute your extra fruit to your neighbors, and theirs to YOU. A grassroots zero waste food scene in Napa?? Pinch me!

• Strawberry Stand on Silverado - Yea, that one. It’s open for the season! Remember you saw it here first(ish) … Open 7 days a week, call ahead for hours: 707-372-9236

• Local fruits and veggies! 14th Annual Master Gardeners Tomato Plant Sale is on April 11th, 9am - 1pm. The ultimate “shop local”

To Level-Up

• Ok, we’re going there. Who Gives A Crap bamboo T.P. is doing some amazing work for our planet. They’re B corp certified, FSC certified, and they donate 50% of their profits working towards a global initiative: everyone should have clean water and a toilet in their lifetime. Read. Subscribe. Promo to try: 6freeforya

• Yuka is an independent app, started in France, that analyzes food and cosmetic/beauty/body products and scores them on a scale based on the quality (or harmfulness) of the ingredients. This does not replace your doctor and good sense, but it sure is a handy tool to have hanging around. Happy scanning!

• Let this be the year to explore a new search browser! Meet Ecosia. Their mission is simple: create simple ways for everyone to be climate active everyday. A non-profit who gives 100% of their profits to the planet. They’re doing the good work.

Last but not least… For Moms, a Special Studio G Bootcamp!

…happy April Fools 🤪

This month puts the spotlight on Women’s History Month, St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, and of course some Spring Break coverage ideas to keep you busy and inspired.

Trivia Time! What California county is credited as the ‘birthplace’ of Women’s History Month in the U.S.? (Answer posted at the end of this newsletter)

1. March 1st - 8th: Into the Woods Spring musical performed at Napa Valley College of Performing Arts.

2. March 7th: Leprechaun Trap Workshop with Ashlyn the owner of Le Petit Atelier at Little House Play Studio. She also tutors French! oui oui!

3. March 7th: Join Nimbus Arts for their Art Market & Open House in their new home at Riverside Studio (S. Napa). Pre-register to join a mini-workshop!

4. March 8th & 22nd: Connolly Ranch’s Self-Guided Open House, Farm-to-Table (“cooking”) Class. This month class features Garden Herb Butter! Free - $45.

5. March 11th: Music and storytelling come together for the Wild Symphony reading at Napa Library, joined by the Napa Valley Chamber Quartet. 6-7pm.

6. March 13th: Book Lover’s Cross Stitch Craft Kit for Teens and Adults. Pick-up @ Napa Library.

7. March 14th: MusicTime in the Library at St. Helena Public Library is perfect for ages 2-8 to discover different musical instruments!

8. March 14th: Discovery Lab: Code & Go Robot Mouse. Ages 4-9. Napa Library.

9. March 14th: Mastery of Sports March Kids Night Out, yay parents & kids rejoice!

10. March 14th: Seed Bomb Kid’s Craft Free craft for kids ages 0-12. Outdoor Supply Hardware, Bel Aire Plaza.

11. March 14th: Napa Valley Youth Symphony Spring concert. A little Bach, if you please.

12. March 17th: Saint Patrick’s Day at Napa Yard with musical guests: Cincinnati Ambassadors. Doors open at noon.

13. March 18th: Influential Women of Napa Valley’s Past. Teen-Adult. 5:30-6:30pm at the Calistoga Library.

14. March 19th: Stuffed Animal Sleepover. A Super Mario-themed storytime, craft, and then check your stuffy in for the ultimate sleepover. Preschool. Napa Library.

15. March 21st: Napa Bunnies is on-site at Napa Bookmine for a meet n’ greet, and information session. Come on down for a coffee and a cuddle 🐰 10am - noon.

16. March 26th: N.V.E.F. Happy Hour & Open House tour this amazing institution and explore their kids/teen/adult offerings! RSVP encouraged.

17. March 28th: Last Saturdays at The Art Nest art class for creator kids of all ages!

18. All March: Summer Library Adventure Bookmark Art Calling all artists K-12th grade! Submit your original bookmark art based on the theme “Plant a seed, Read” by April 11th to be entered in the contest. Templates here or at any Napa County library location.

19. April 2nd: Teen CPR Training - Great for babysitters and soon-to-be sitters! Ages 13-16. $75. Registration through Yountville Parks and Rec.

View All Upcoming Events!

Ongoing Local Events

• Join Yoga West in their new Yoga for Little Yogis series.

• Nimbus Teen Wednesdays at the Discovery Campus continues throughout March.

• CRC Toy Library is opened now every Saturday from 10am - noon, get those little ones’ wiggles out!

• Napa Bookmine on 2nd st. has storytime for kiddos every Friday at 10am.

• Juniper Station hosts a kids craft every Sunday from 10am - 12pm.

• Mindful Movement Yoga class for kids age 3-6, at Little House Play Studio.

• Ok, I’ll just say it: Everything at Napa Library! How did we get so lucky?! Save this calendar page to stay on top of all the great programming for ages 0 - adult, with a strong teen presence.

• Bookmine’s Friday Morning Storytime for young children! 10-11 am. 2nd Street.

Beyond the Valley

• Women’s History Month exhibit honoring historic and contemporary women in math and math education. All March long! Exploratorium, SF.

• Saturdays & Sundays: Howarth Memorial Park 2026 Opening Day is here! Enjoy train trips, carousel rotations, pony rides, and the boathouse (paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, SUPs). Santa Rosa. 11 am - 5 pm. Open weekends in spring.

• March 1st - 15th: Tulip U-Pick & Mustard Meanderings (we’re screaming). Until mid-March you can enjoy HVH Flowers’ bounty. Reservations required for The Great Tulip Pull. Free-$35. “Pick” your adventure 🌷Suisun Valley.

• March 1st: STEAM Fest The Lawrence teams up with the Golden State Warriors to host this free annual festival with hands-on demos and exhibits. Chase Center.

• March 7th: North Bay Science Discovery Day A community science festival to spark curiosity and wonder in children and families. Free. Sonoma County.

• March 7th: Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival is a celebration of the endangered Steelhead Trout, which return annually to Lake Sonoma to spawn. Bubble Show, Activities, Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, and Fishing-themed games. Free, for all.

• March 8th: $5 Day: International Women’s Day at The Lawrence Hall of Science to design, build, and test hands-on engineering activities and meet engineers from UC Berkeley. This one is great for youth of all ages (and genders!). Berkeley.

• March 14th: Family Nature Adventures: Insects at Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland (Psst… this program is every 2nd Saturday March-November)

• March 14th: Pi Day at the Exploratorium, SF. Not just for math nerds! ;)

• March 15th: St. Patrick’s Celebration at the Hiller Aviation Museum. Face painting, plane painting (yup!), a Leprechaun hunt, and more! Wear green ;) San Carlos.

• March 29th: Swiftie Sing-along Experience with Taylor Swift tribute artist Elizabeth as Taylor! Vacaville Performing Arts Theater. Tickets: $62.25+

• Free Saturdays at The DeYoung! Bay Area residents, your Saturday GA ticket is on the house. Enjoy Family Art Making, Drag Story Hour, and Family Tour times on select days! Reserve your ticket online. Tip: Don’t forget to head up to the top floor for sweeping 360 views of the city (mamma mia!)

Spring Break Camps

Looking for a creative, active or adventurous way to keep the kids busy during Spring Break? There’s something for everyone!

• Guild’s Bloom and Build Camp (3/30-4/3, 9am - 3pm (early & after care options)

• Napa Parks & Rec: Pickleball Camp (3/30-4/3, 9am - 12pm)

• Boys & Girls Club Napa Clubhouse, members only (3/30-4/3, 8am - 6pm)

• Camp Y-Ville Spring Break Camp (3/30 - 4/3, 7:30am - 5:30pm)

• Connolly Ranch (3/30 - 4/3, 8:30am - 4pm)

• Blue Oak School’s Sing and Bake Camp (3/30 - 4/3, 8am - 5pm)

• 707 Premier Basketball Camp at Blue Oak School (3/30 - 4/2, 9am - 3pm)

• Silverado Resort Golf and Tennis Camp, non/member pricing (4/1 - 4/3, 4/6-4/8)

• KSB Skateboarding Camp in St Helena (4/6 - 4/10, 9am-3pm)

Pssst: Spots fill fast, so reserve your child’s spot soon! Did we miss a camp? Shoot us a message, we would love to know about it!

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, consider supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info) coming!

Pledge your support!

Fun Spring Resources for Any Day, Rain or Shine!

Hidden Heroes of History has a kids podcast playlist curated specifically for Women’s History Month. How wonderful!

The Lawrence: Play Online or At Home collection shares a spectrum of fun “science-y” things to do including videos, activities, and apps.

Magna-tile Hologram Project: Using fewer than 10 tiles and a YouTube hologram projection, you have a great ‘after sundown’ quiet activity

Rainbow pancakes (for a St. Patty’s Day surprise!). We’ll level with you, these take time to make, however the WOW factor was worth every rainbow stained finger. We pumped up the fun by creating a simple Leprechaun trap and a silly note crediting the Leprechaun for the delightful breakfast ‘trick.’ Tip: Make batter the night before.

Green Muffins (aka Sweet Spinach Muffins), are another fun idea that mom and dad had no idea about! That Leprechaun sure knows his way around the kitchen …

Rubber Band Rocket Racers: Fun for kids and their grown-ups! The crafters will love the design opportunities, the action seekers will LOVE flying them.

Napa Library Take-homes: Just a friendly reminder that the Library of Things is very much alive and well! Here are a few of our favs: Button Makers, Drawing books, Cursive workbooks with magic disappearing ink(!), STEM Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set, Magnetic Marble Runs, Puzzles, Games, Musical Instruments, Tonies Music Set, Seasonal Cookie Cutters, Coloring Books, Erasable Marker Learning and Activity Books … and so much more!

Last but not least… What’s NEW in Napa (WNIN)??

We’ve been taking note of some very exciting enrichment programs popping up recently, and one of those is Jump Start Science, for kids age 3-7. Think Emily’s Science Lab, but right here in Napa!

What Napa Kids is absolutely loving about this program:

• Curiosity‑First Learning: Each session dives into fun themes like tiny creatures, volcanoes, flight, fossils, and more! Sparked by kids’ own questions like “Why is the sky blue?” or “How do volcanoes boom?”

• Hands‑on Exploration: Kids don’t just listen but they mix, build, test, and discover through activities that bring science to life.

• Family Learning Together: Parents join the fun too!

• Real Experts & Themes: Sessions bring in real scientists, explorers, and engineers for stories and demonstrations that inspire curiosity and confidence.

Whatever your kid is into, this club turns everyday interests into an experimentation wonderland!

Spots are sold out for the spring session, but you can join their waitlist and newsletter to stay up-to-date as new sessions are announced. If that all sounds like too much, don’t worry about it! Napa Kids will always keep you in the loop!

Trivia Answer: Sonoma County!

Fun fact: It began as Women’s History Week in Sonoma County, in 1978. Congress officially proclaimed March as Women’s History Month in 1987.

It’s wild times out there, but there is still much to celebrate as we share in simple, steadfast traditions with our friends, neighbors, and community this month. Each gesture made with intention is movement forward.

A few special resources to capture the February spirit: Punxsutawney Phil Live Cam on Groundhog Day, Celebrating Black History Month Resources For Young Minds, 12 Stem Activities for Lunar New Year celebrations, Milkweed Valentines for classmates

“Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances for new beginnings.”

Maya Angelou

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. February 1st: Winged Migration Expo For the love of raptors! Self-guided walks, bay area birder speakers, exhibitors (including our very own Carolyn Parr Nature Center!), music, and … it’s FREE! Come, we flock at dawn.

2. February 1st: Farm-to-Table Family Class & Animal Visit! From 10am - 11:30am families can explore Connolly Ranch, visit animals, craft, and take part in a hands-on cooking experience: Lemon Curd. $45 Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 kids).

3. February 1st: Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf at the Brannan Center, Calistoga. Grab your tickets … quick!

4. February 6-7th: Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival is back! The line-up is incredible and student 2-day passes are only $17(!). Culture, food, art, cinema 🙌

5. February 7th: Lunar New Year Celebration at Beringer. Adults $35 / Kids $15

6. February 7th: Celebrating: A Century of Black History Commemorations, celebrate Black History Month with family friendly activities, storytelling and music. Wines by J.Moss and Brown Estates and dinner by Busters Southern BBQ.

7. February 7th: Kindled and Grounded Napa’s newest robotic coffee bar, candle studio … and family welcoming third space(!) is here. Grand Opening 2-6 pm. Comment to the event registration link here!

8. February 7th: 9th Annual Napa Valley Black History Month Celebration featuring keynote speakers, delicious grub from Buster’s BBQ, and celebration programming for all ages including music, arts, and more! Tickets only $25!

9. February 13th: Cloverdale Citrus Fair - why not?!

10. February 13th: DIY Pocket Hugs makers workshop for teens/adults at Napa Library.

11. February 14th: Valentine’s Day Play Date at The Village Calistoga. Use code BEMYVALENTINE (offer ends 2/5) for 15% off!

12. February 14th: Valentine’s Family Craft Day with Nimbus Arts at the Napa Discovery Campus. Ticketed event. $40 for participants. Under 7 w/ adult.

13. February 14th: Closing night of the Napa Lighted Art Festival! Until next year …

14. February 14th: Music Time with Festival Napa Valley! Ages 2-8, Napa Library.

15. February 14th: Love Bug Craft, all ages, at the newly remodeled American Canyon Library. Register online.

16. February 14th: Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty is hitting the state in SF for an illuminated take on an old favorite. Tickets are selling fasssst!

17. February 16th: Lunar New Year Celebration with Napa Kids at the Little House Play Studio. Come learn how Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia! Families will enjoy a Lunar New Year craft, storytime, and open play as we celebrate together!

18. February 18th: Police Pals meet and greet with a member of Napa’s finest PD! Napa Library.

19. February 21st: Living with Coyotes! 10:30am - 12pm at the CP Nature Center, Napa. Pre-registration is requested.

20. February 21st: Lunar New Year at RD Winery. Family-friendly fun! Adults $15

21. February 21st: Lunar New Year Celebration & Crafting at Napa Library.

22. February 24th: Black History Month Smithsonian Poster Exhibit at American Canyon Library. Free.

23. February 12th-March 1st: Disney On Ice Let’s Dance is coming to town! Join Mickey and friends for a DJ style party. Grab tickets to the Oakland / Sacramento / San Jose show.

News & Updates

• As of January 2026, YouTube now has the biggest Sesame Street Free Library! With 100+ full episodes available to stream, their collection features both new and classic episodes. Other places to watch: Netflix and PBS.

  • Did you know Elmo’s birthday is coming up? Sign his birthday card here.

  • Don’t miss getting tickets to Sesame Street Live, Palace of Fine Arts 04/11/26

• Among Locals is doing some cool things for us locals (check ‘em out here), including launching a street food finder - Yay! Share: They’re offering some sweet perks to food truck owners who connect with them to onboard now. Family night out, but with a fun new twist.

STEM Around The Bay Area

• Petaluma Wildlife and Natural Science Museum: The first and only high-school student-run natural history museum in the nation! Visit during one of their (most, not every) Saturday open houses, which are open to the public.

• The Marine Mammal Center: This wildlife center and hospital is open to the public for guided tours! You can visit them in Sausalito Friday-Monday and visit rescued marine mammals. Tickets for the guided tour are free, but reservation is required. Additionally, for a small fee, you can purchase tickets for a Behind-the-Scenes Experience for the 7+ crowd. Discounts are offered to students, seniors, and military.

• California State Railroad Museum & Excursion Train Rides: Roll up to Sacramento and spend the day immersed in everything TRAINS, including rides along the river in a vintage train. While tickets for 2026 are not yet available (see FAQs), this is a great time to get on their mailing list and/or become a member!

• Pacific Coast Air Museum: An open-air museum with over 35 historic aircrafts and a rotating family-fun calendar. Keep and eye out for upcoming Open Cockpit days and Hotdog Thursdays.

• SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC): A STEM museum worth all the hype! Student and senior discounts available, as well as themed homeschool days. We’ll see you there!

• The Lawrence Hall of Science: A fun and approachable experience around math and science topics ranging from engineering and astronomy, to music and biotechnology. Check out their current exhibits, their new ‘ammatka’ cafe (celebrating Ohlone culture!), weekly planetarium shows, 3-D theater family programming (3+),

• Chabot Space & Science Center: Did you know they host free telescope viewings Friday and Saturday nights, and have a noteworthy family-friendly event line up including Afrofuturism (Feb. 6) and Astronomy Night Out (16+, Feb. 10th)

Mammals Abound

Late winter and early spring are exciting times around Northern California for spotting young mammals doing what they do best: play! It’s a great opportunity to see these wild animals in their natural habitat and fully on display.

Grey Whales

The annual north-bound Grey Whale Migration will be viewable for us NorCal folk beginning mid-February and lasting through early May. While March-April prove to have the best chances of seeing them around the Bay Area, we love any good excuse to get out to the coast. Check out the Marine Mammal Center’s website for great tips on where to go to spot them, as well as aide in their conservation efforts by reporting when you see one via the WhaleAlert app.

Elephant Seals

Check out these pictures and say aweeee! We do a lot in the Bay Area to help protect these mammals who disappeared from our coastline for 150 years! They returned in the 70s and have been gracing us with their presence ever since. There are several places you can view the pups and their mums this time of year, including Drakes Beach. Want to stay up-to-date? Here’s a weekly update blog from the National Park Service, so you can keep up-to-date. Last but not least, our friends at the Marine Mammal Center have linked to a LIVESTREAM so you can enjoy these beauties from the comfort of your own home.

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Napa Valley Farm Co-op

In the words of the late and great Biggie Smalls: If you don’t know, now you know!

If you’re looking for new, sustainable, ways to make a significant impact for yourself and your community in 2026, we have just the thing for you:

Keep Your Grocery Dollars Local — Save Money and Strengthen Our Community

What if we told you your weekly grocery bill could be lower, your food fresher, AND your local economy stronger? That’s exactly what Napa Valley Farm & Food Co-op offers! They’re an alternative to big retail grocery stores that puts you, your neighbors, and Napa first.

❤️ Why This Matters:

Every dollar we spend at corporate grocery chains leaves our community. But when we buy together at the co-op, you:

• Save money on the foods you buy every week. And, because they’re the new-kid-on-the-block, as supporters onboard and build consistency through weekly orders (big or small!), their buying power grows, and their offerings - AND PRICES - will continue to improve over time.

• Keep more dollars local, circulating here in Napa County which support local jobs and community resilience.

• Help build a sustainable food future with plans for a local farm and more direct farm-to-table options already underway. Say it with us: FARM-TO-TABLE 🎉

🛍️ How It Works:

1. Join the Co-op FREE by becoming a member. Prices are typically 10-30% lower than grocery store retail and the food is high quality and locally produced — you’ll be echoing Willy Wonka in no time at all!

2. Order weekly: Members have access to both an ordering app and an online grocery store portal. Order in the am for pickup the following afternoon.

3. Pickup Locally: Convenient pickup in Napa — there are two centralized pickup locations: South Napa near Costco (main facility) and a North Napa location with select days/times.

🥦 Community vs. Big Box

Corporate grocery stores profit from your weekly spend, and most of that profit leaves our local economy. The food co-op recirculates those dollars here at home, builds local food systems, and makes wholesome foods more affordable for everyone. Hooray!

📣 It’s Your Time To Shine … through Action!

Join the Napa Valley Farm & Food Co-op today. Make a simple weekly choice that saves you money and supports the community you love. Working together to support this small non-profit now will pave the way for more growth opportunities down the road, including our very own farm featuring seasonal, organic products that are outside of the corporate pricing structure. You can help make this dream a reality!

And there’s more … one of the foundational missions of this stand-up cooperative is to ensure nutritious and affordable food is available to the seniors in our valley. By making this small shift, to purchase from the co-op as a weekly habit, you’ll be strengthening their ability to continue to support this increasingly vulnerable community 🫶

Know someone who might be curious to learn more about the Napa Valley Food Co-op? Share this post and invite them to join the movement 💫

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Last but not least…

Hello, Dolly!

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has expanded to Napa County!

This iconic program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading starting with our youngest readers. All children under 5 can register to receive a FREE, high-quality book monthly. Bilingual English/Spanish book language options are now available.

Read more about this wonderful program here and register today!

We leave you with The Million Word Gap to ponder over,

“Parents who read 1 picture book with their children every day provide their children with exposure to an estimated 78,000 words each a year. Cumulatively, over the 5 years before kindergarten entry, we estimate that children from literacy-rich homes hear a cumulative 1.4 million more words during storybook reading than children who are never read to.” - National Institutes of Health

This edition has a big ARTS focus, with the intent of sharing some of our favorite spaces with you. We hope you enjoy and that these discoveries motivate a year full of adventures ahead.

“Every artist was first an amateur.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. January 2nd: Yarn Club at Napa Library. Teens and Adults, all skill levels welcome.

2. January 2nd-18th: Cirque du Soleil Echo. See Special Ticket Pricing for January and $15 Kids Tickets! Oracle Park, SF

3. January 4th: Ice skate at Vacaville Ice’s Winter Wonderland. Skates available for rent.

4. January 5th: A Minecraft Movie w/ free popcorn and refreshments! Napa Library.

5. January 10th: MusicTime at the Library Featuring Stu Llanes on the piano. 10am at the Calistoga Library; 12:15pm at the St. Helena Library.

6. January 5th, 7th, 8th: Idol Instrumental Auditions! This is a wonderful opportunity for Napa’s youth (12-17) to showcase their musical talent, gain experience … and win prizes like cash, passes to Bottlerock, and gift cards!

7. January 11th: Family Day at MarinMOCA. A free artist guided art-making opportunity. San Rafael.

8. January 11th: Family Nature Adventure. A free monthly unhurried family outdoor gathering for families. R.S.V.P. requested. Fairfax.

9. January 14th: Diamond Art Book Bling for teens and adults. Napa Library.

10. January 17-18th: Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour. SAP Center, San Jose.

11. January 17th & 18th: Idol Instrumental Performance Semi-final and Final showcase. Tickets are BOGO @ Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.

12. January 17th - February 15th: Head downtown with the family for the Napa Lighted Art Festival. Napa Kids’ tips for success:

    1. Make it a recurring outing to make the most out of the long, dark evenings.

    2. Dress the kiddos in their snow bibs and gloves. Comfort = fun!

    3. Park on the outskirts and stroll: Haul out the wagons, strollers, and other child-movers. Bring snacks and water bottles. Plan for a group restroom stop.

13. January 18th: All ages Lantern Making Workshop 🏮 $25/person and then walk down to the Lighted Art Festival to show them off. 2:30-4:30 @ N.V.E.F. downtown.

14. January 18th: Claude Forever: A Celebration of Life. If you haven’t heard, SF’s beloved albino alligator has crossed the rainbow. Cal Academy of Sciences is hosting a day of celebration with music, memories, and momentos. Read more.

15. January 24th: The Museum of Sonoma County is hosting a Lunar New Year Festival. This will be an exciting, fun-filled family event. 10am-2pm

16. January 25th: Detective Snoopy - Join Snoopy and the Santa Rosa Symphony for an afternoon of music, laughter and fun! Green Music Center, Rohnert Park

17. January 25th: Swing by Blue Oak School’s Winter Open House - meet the teachers and learn about their innovative curriculum for TK-Grade 8.

18. January 31st: Teen Video Game Tournament: Mario Kart. Ages 11-18.

19. January 31st: Lunar New Year Festival 10am-2pm. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.

Embracing the Arts, Family Style

You do not have to be a scholar, or have any profound knowledge of art history to benefit from the arts!

Here in the Bay Area, we’re so lucky to be absolutely saturated with options across the artistic spectrum. There truly is something for everyone ranging from curious to enthusiast, and inclusive of all types of creative institutions, disciplines, mediums, and arts & culture spaces. And in addition to all the wonderful treasures each venue has to feature, it also offers a great opportunity to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and discover new parks, cafes, restaurants … and more.

And (of course) what we particularly gravitate to here is the breaking down of traditional “norms” telling us that art must be high-brow, and is certainly not for children. Pfft! While it’s true that there are certain rules of conduct that should be followed (i.e. no touching the paintings!), if you plan accordingly and with flexibility, these visits quickly become eye-opening and wondrous for the whole family. It’s worth noting museums and galleries are increasingly building in more family programing to their permanent calendars. After all, art is for everyone.

Art exploration is fun, and educational

Informal learning can be transformative for kids of all ages, “importantly, providing experiences that give them a sense that learning can be both relevant to their own lives and under their control.” These types of revelations can become pathways for cultivating a lifelong love of learning!

Here’s our Local Guide to our favorite Bay Area Museums, plus Free & Family Days

Big-hitters:

• SFMOMA - Modern Art, for all. Guests 18 and under are always free. Check out their family-focused resources and upcoming (free!) children’s workshops.

• SF Botanical Garden - Featuring +8,000 different types of plants from around the world. Keep an eye on their events pages for 2026 special family events & free days.

• Asian Art Museum - Home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Asian Art. Plan to go on their Free First Sundays for access and bonus activities like art-making, storytelling, and themed events. And wow - check out their digital For Families page full of DIY ideas and virtual on-demand storytelling!

• De Young Museum - Fine Art, for all. Free days: every Saturday and first Tuesday of the month. Kids under 12 are free. Keep an eye on their Kids + Families page for special family-focused experiences, plus free resources and art prompts!

• Legion of Honor - Fine Art, displaying over 6,000 years of ancient and European art and houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts. Kids under 12 are free. Visit on a free Saturday for a more family-friendly experience. Bonus: This is a great supplemental enrichment trip for kids learning about the masters!

• MoAD - Contemporary art of the African Diaspora. Youth 5-12 always free, plus discounted student admission. Check out their drop-in tours on the second Saturday of every month at 1 pm. This is a great day for families with features like free admission, art, performances, and family-focused engagement.

Noteworthy stops:

Napa County

• di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art: We love it for the art + nature combo. Keep an eye on their events page. 5 and under free. They also have a downtown extension at 1300 First Street, Suite 251 that is free for everyone!

• Napa Valley Museum: Rotating exhibitions that balance regional history, contemporary art, and cultural storytelling. 5 and under free.

• Gordon Huether Studio Gallery: Bold, immersive glass and mixed-media installations. Free for all. Did you know Gordon Huether designed the aircraft fuel tank installation at Playground Fantástico?

• Serge Sorokke Gallery: With two locations in the heart of downtown, it’s easy to get lost among the beautiful pieces, especially The Bunny Wall and the striking steel sculpture by Jean-Pierre Rives. Find them at 1301 First Street and 1500 First Street.

• RAD Napa: Did you know that Napa has an Arts District?? It’s a 2 mile linear district dedicated to bringing contemporary art to everyone. There are so amazing local artists on display!

• Yountville Art Walk: This might be the coolest thing, take an audio art walk tour through downtown Yountville. I guarantee there are pieces that you have never seen that are right under your nose! Don’t miss the Yountville Art Sip & Stroll on May 16th, bring the kids they will have a blast!

• The MAC Museum: Ok we saved maybe the best for last, we are obsessed with the shiny new Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture. Currently on exhibit until March 8th, 2026 is an immersive experience of what it’s like to be Julia Child!! While you are there, take a coffee break at the gorgeous Under-Study.

Sonoma County

• Sonoma Valley Museum of Art: Global fine art with a contemporary, community-centered and approachable feel. 18 and under are free.

• Museum of Sonoma County: Wonderful mix of contemporary art, regional history, and outdoor sculpture gardens for picnicking and exploration. Free family days + events can be found here. 12 and under are always free.

Sacramento

• Crocker Art Museum: A family welcoming space with ongoing children’s programming, Totland, and Family Adventure Guides. Kids under 5 are free.

• Manetti Shrem Museum of Art: Contemporary, concept-driven exhibitions in a calm, architectural setting. Free to all.

• California State Capitol Museum: History, civics, and architecture all in one easy - and free - visit! Align with California studies curriculum for added impact.

• California Museum: Rotating story-driven exhibits focused on California’s people, movements, and innovations. 5 and under are free.

South of SF

• San Jose Museum of Art: Contemporary and modern art in downtown San Jose. 17 and under are free. Keep your eye on their Community Days calendar for more!

• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: Immersive galleries focused on ancient history, art, and science - they even offer a Junior Archeologist Program and Tomb Tours! A great accompaniment for related school curriculum. Keep an eye on upcoming events and workshops for more. 6 and under are free, discounted youth tickets.

• Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University: A wonderful collection paired with a large outdoor sculpture garden. Free for all, always. Keep an eye on their Family Programs page for great DIY resources and twice/year Family Days.

And so many more!

A few for the grown-ups

January 17th- 25th: SF Art Week 2026 is on!

Check out the events page for the full list of participating venues across the greater Bay Area. These events will be fun and inviting, offering new perspectives and opening up conversation on a vast array of topics. Many venues are offering special hours, days, cuisine, and some even highlighting an invitation to families.

January 22th, 6-8pm: Napa Next is hosting their next community event!

Great people sparking great ideas! This one is for all you curious and innovative-minded technology enthusiasts. This emerging group is a Napa-rooted community for technologists, founders, and makers to explore ideas, meet collaborators, and build conviction before the product. Leave the kids at home (this time), and meet at The Napa Valley Car Club for an event designed to spark conversation and explore new ideas…beyond the 9-5. RVSP here today!

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Wild Adventures

King Tides, mean great tidepooling.

Next King Tide: January 2-3rd, 2026

With all the rain and flooding that King Tides can bring, there’s also the great opportunity to tidepool and spot uncommon wildlife, and sometimes other discoveries otherwise ‘lost’ at sea.

Here’s our NorCal King Tides Snapshot Guide for our fellow aquatic adventure seekers. Just remember to always dress appropriately, prioritize safety, and check the local news, weather stations and national weather services for real-time updates and advisories.

What are King Tides?

These are super high tides and low tides that expose rich marine life. This also means very powerful waves, so it’s important to never turn your back on a wave and be mindful of sneaker waves.

When to Tidepool

Go during the low tide, which King Tides make exceptionally low, exposing areas usually underwater. For this King Tide, here is the latest schedule: Jan 2nd at 4:00pm, Jan 3rd at 4:50pm

Where To Go

• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Moss Beach)

• Duxbury Reef (Bonlinas)

• Pescadero State Beach (San Mateo)

• Bodega Bay / Salt Point / Fort Ross (Sonoma Coast)

Tips for King Tide Tidepooling

• Timing is Everything: Go during the low tide, +/- 45 minutes

• Check the Charts: Use a reliable tide chart for precise low tide times in each specific location i.e. the California King Tides Project

• Safety First: Travel in groups, go during low tide, keep an eye on the sea at all times and educate yourself on Sneaker Waves. The more you know, the safer you’ll be.

• Look for Life: Focus on anemones, crabs, sea stars, and small fish in the pools.

• More? Read on with this great blog from our friends at Weekend Wanderers.

Contribute your Observations to Science!

By snapping pics and sharing them with the California King Tides Project, you’re helping them monitor sea-level rise.

Who says New Year’s Eve fun has to happen after bedtime? We’re sending this special January edition so you can ring in the New Year, kid-style with daytime celebrations full of sparkle, excitement, and fresh-start energy, minus the late-night meltdown.

From balloon drops and countdowns at noon to crafts, dance parties, and fun traditions to try, New Year’s Eve can be fun for the whole family in the daylight. Whether you were looking for a place to celebrate together, keep little hands busy, or start 2026 feeling connected, there was something special happening.

In this edition, we’re rounding up all the daytime and some adult New Year’s Eve fun you won’t want to miss (or want to bookmark for next year). Here’s to starting the year with laughter, community, and a little extra confetti, all before dinner time 🥳

Cheers to a joyful, wonderful start to 2026!

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. December 31st: Above and Beyond Early Education, Imagination Town is celebrating New Years Eve at 9am or 11:15am with art stations, sensory tables and a balloon drop!

2. December 31st: Local’s day at Marquee Pinball Lounge with unlimited play for $20! Pinball New Years anyone?

3. December 31st: Reserve a s’more fire pit and ice skate at The Meritage Resort and Spa, there will also be a Merry Meritage Ice Performance at 5pm & 7pm.

4. December 31st: Lo’s Playtown in Benicia (the sweetest play space) is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve! Music, balloons, bubbles and a noon countdown!

5. December 31st: Noon Year’s Eve at the Bay Area Discovery Museum starting at 9am - 2pm.

6. December 31st: Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Peanuts gang at the Charles M. Schulz Museum featuring kid-friendly crafts, a big-screen Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!, Snoopy dancing, and festive balloon drops for all ages. Opened at 10am.

7. December 31st: Fairyland in Oakland is hosting an Alice in Wonderland–themed New Year’s Eve celebration with a dance party, playful countdown and ball drop, bubbles, photo ops, and a special White Rabbit appearance!

8. Wheel Life Napa is open for roller skating and birthday parties! Let’s keep the party rolling, support this new local spot and skate into the New Year! 🛼

9. Celebrate New Year’s Eve and Day at Oakland Zoo’s Glowfari from 4:30pm - 9pm! On going event until January 25th.

At Home Celebration Ideas!

• Create new traditions at home by letting the kids choose one thing they don’t usually get to do! Breakfast for dinner, hot cocoa in the morning, or pajamas all day. Sometimes breaking the rules just a little is the best way to ring in the New Year ✨

• Pick out cute journals the kids can keep all year and kick things off with fun New Year’s writing prompts and for the younger ones, drawing totally counts!

  • My favorite moment this year was…

  • Something that made me laugh really hard was…

  • Next year, I want to try…

  • One thing I want to get better at:

  • A new food, place, or activity I want to explore:

  • Draw your favorite memory from this year.

  • Draw something you’re excited about next year.

• Recreate a “Noon Years Eve” ball drop and turn on these easy peasy New Year’s Eve Countdown videos!

• Explore New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world! From wearing colorful underwear for luck in Mexico to eating grapes at midnight (but make it noon) in Spain, it’s a fun way to celebrate and learn something new together! Pass the “Glücksschwein” anyone? 🌎

  

• A little Rockin’ Eve recreation for the kids and let them play dress up! Bring out the party hats, tinsel backdrops, noise makers, NYE crafts for the kids and play this Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 1978-79 in the background!

A Little Something For the Parents

• The easiest Champagne Cocktail to enjoy when the kids are snoring away!

St. Germain Royal: 3/4 oz Elderflower liqueur, 6 oz Champagne, Blackberry garnish

• Movies, wine and snacks in bed!

• Order take out from somewhere you normally wouldn’t! These are a few of our favorites: Dim Sum from Jade Garden or Empress M, Japanese inspired hot dogs from Sumo Dog, Indian from Taj Grill, Tacos from Tacos el Muchacho Alegre or a fancy feast from Chispa. Guilty pleasure… wingstop!

• Spa night with Korean beauty products (for the boys too)! Our favorites: Biodance face masks (it turns clear when fully soaked in), Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, we swear by these Mediheal collagen ampoule pads, we truly can’t live without! Fair warning… once you start shopping at Olive Young, it’s hard to stop!

• Go to bed early, maybe the best New Year’s Eve plan for parents.

  

• Break out those piles of magazines and vision board for 2026!

Napa Kids began as a little passion project to highlight local events, connect families, and grow community 💛 If you’ve been enjoying what we share, we’d be so grateful if you considered supporting us with a small pledge on Substack, it helps us keep the fun (and the info!) coming!

Pledge your support!

Last but not least…

As we head into 2026, we’re reminded that not everything has to be perfect or out of this world to feel special. It’s the moments at home together, walks in nature, and simple laughs that truly fill our hearts. Napa has a beautiful way of showing up for families in thoughtful, creative ways, and we’re so grateful to keep discovering it alongside you. Let’s all make a resolution to support our community so the good things continue to thrive. Here’s to a year of connection, curiosity, and making memories that feel just right for your family.

Our 2026 resolution at Napa Kids is to keep our platform organic, rooted in a real local voice, and shining a light on the businesses, enrichment programs, and events that make this Valley so special. Because when we support what we love, it continues to grow. Let’s take on 2026 together. 💛

In this final month of 2025, join us in finding sweet moments of reflection and choosing to embrace a little bit of the chaos that the holiday hustle inevitably brings. We’re refocusing to support local wherever we can, helping our shop owners thrive this season by keeping our dollars within our community, and creating a little more open space for connection with our neighbors, family, and friends, new and old.

We hope you find something here that sparks your fancy; whether that’s a holiday market stroll, a family concert, a craft night, or simply saying “yes” to fewer things and “more” to what feels good.

Here’s to a joy-in-the-little-things filled December - we’re so glad to spend it with you!

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. Tickets Selling Out: Santa Trains - book now!

2. E&M presents: Napa Idol Auditions - Tickets available for January show

3. December 1st: The Village Calistoga’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Calistoga. Free!

4. December 4th: Yville Youth Arts Show Open Reception

5. December 5th: 3rd Annual Clinton Street European Christmas Market. Free.

6. December 5th - 21st: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever live theater by Lucky Penny Productions. Snag a seat because they’re selling out fasssssst!

7. December 6th: The Village Calistoga hosts a Santa Visit @ 3pm (adults free with a kid’s ticket) & Tractor Parade watch + play party (kids included in Adult ticket).

8. December 6th: Calistoga’s annual Tractor Parade at 7pm - 8pm. Free for all!

9. December 7th: RAD Holiday Market’s Family Day! The artist’s holiday market is running December 5th-7th, 10am-4pm. Fun for all ages. Shop small. Shop local!

10. December 6-7th, 13-14th, 20-21st: Santa’s Reading Corner at The Village, The Meritage. 3:30-4pm. Napa.

11. December 6th & 13th: Breakfast with Santa at Silverado Resort and ride on the little holiday train. 9-11:30 am. Pictures with Santa: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm. Ages 5-12 $20, 12+ $40.

12. December 12th: Holiday Lights Group Bike Ride! Kids must be riding on two-wheels and everyone needs a helmet. All ages and Free. 6 pm.

13. December 13th: Saint Helena Children’s Choir Holiday Concert. Doors open at 11:30am, show starts at noon. $5 ticketed event includes concert, hot chocolate, cookie, and short movie.

14. December 13th: Holiday Puppet Show Spectacular 7pm - 8pm at Jarvis Conservatory. All ages! Kids: $20, Adults: $25.

15. December 13th: MusicTime at the Library featuring Morgan Nilson, clarinet — 10am - 11am in Calistoga, 12:15pm - 1:15pm in St. Helena.

16. December 19th: Santa Visit & Boat Parade 3:30pm - 5:30pm on the Riverfront.

Ongoing Events

1. Free Open Studio 6-8pm, Age 12-19: Master Artists Open Studio at Nimbus Arts on Tuesdays and Discovery Campus on Wednesdays.

2. Tickets on Sale Now: The World Ballet’s Swan Lake is coming to Santa Rosa February 12th.

3. Every Sunday from 10am-12pm, join Juniper Station Sunday Series for a free kids’ activity and Sunday shopping!

Holiday Traditions, With A New Twist

We admit it: sometimes the holidays can feel like you’re going through the motions but not getting that big festive je ne sais quoi. While there may not be much you can do about the loooong to-do list (I’m looking at you, campus Spirit “Week”), there are ways to shed some of the filler content and make the most of the season. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to ditch the traditions that no longer serve you, well, consider this it!

What are we doing instead? Unapologetically leaning in. We’re making note of those little sparks that fly within our households and making QT the new family tradition. Prioritizing experiences in both merry making and gift giving is how we’re shifting gears this year, and with that we’re maximizing our cheer while leaving some of chaos and stress at the door. Check mate.

Sign up for a class!

• Slow Scent® Natural Perfumery Workshop at Nimbus Arts St Helena for Teens and Adults. This is an incredibly fun and interactive class.

• Experimental Mixed Media Painting Techniques at Nimbus Arts St Helena for Teens and Adults.

• Covet Paint Pottery, for $75 you can choose from a mug, vase, bowl or plate. The family will be tickled seeing their creation on the dinner table. Makes a great stocking stuffer! January 24th, 4PM-6PM.

Get physical, together!

• Napa Aerial Fit has classes for 13+

• Join a run club together, bring the stroller or let the older kids run as much as they can! Square One Run Club welcomes runners of all levels! Wednesday nights at the Napa Yard. 6:30pm, 1-2 miles.

Close the consumerization loop! Make donating & thrifting part of your holiday magic!

• Why not try thrifting gifts this holiday season? Field Day is a great mini store with big finds and great for all ages. Plus they accept trade walk-ins daily (this is your literal sign to purge your closet).

• Napa Bookmine has a great used book section! Donate some books for trade and pick-up something new for your bookish crew.

• Picky Monday is a favorite with all the 0 - 14 years good stuff. Shop online, stop by their store in SF, and earn those bragging rights on playground.

Museum memberships are a great gifts!

• Exploratorium is currently exhibiting a GLOW exhibit, explore illumination from a kid’s perspective!

• Di Rosa - members enjoy locations in Napa and SF!

• Personally, we think Cal Academy is one of the top museums in our books! A membership comes with great perks: birthday party discounts with fun themes like Aquarium Odyssey or Ferocious Fossils, a special gift for the birthday kid, and early access plus discounts to the Penguins + Pajamas Sleepovers!

• SFMoma - Currently running a KAWS Edition Membership which includes Complimentary KAWS figure from the KAWS: MONSTERS line. Members also enjoy free admission to over forty art museums throughout North America, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, LA.

• Asian Art Museum - Are Kpop Demon Hunters still haunting your halls? Take their curiosity even further with a walk through Korea’s rich art and history. The First Sunday of each month are FREE kid friendly days, Sundays are family days and 12/7, the highlight is a Baby DJ party… amazing! Swing by Union Square for a dose of holiday spirit while you’re in town.

• Need more ideas? Children’s Museum Sonoma County, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Train Town, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Contributions to college funds: the gift that keeps on giving

Napa Regional Dance Company

Napa Regional Dance Company is proud to present its 24th annual performance of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 19th-21st at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, a beloved holiday tradition for families in the valley!

Follow Clara as she tiptoes into a night filled with wonder: a Nutcracker that comes to life, a fierce (but not too scary!) battle with the Rat King, sparkling snowflakes, and a whimsical journey to the Land of Sweets. Kids will love spotting the Sugarplum Fairy, Dewdrop, gingerbread cookies, and all the colorful characters who dance across the stage.

• NRDC will perform four shows December 19th-21st, featuring local Napa talent ages 6-18.

• Tickets available now on Eventbrite.

• Napa Kids subscribers can use code NAPANUT25 for $10 off the Friday 12/19 and Saturday 12/20 evening performances.

Bundle up the kids, make it a festive family night, and support Napa’s youth dancers as they bring this classic story to life!

Napa Next Holiday Party on the Riverfront!

What started as a small Slack group for tech-curious locals has grown into Napa’s leading innovation and startup community, bringing together founders, creatives, engineers, and anyone eager to share ideas. Now, they’re celebrating the season in style, and you’re invited!

Join Napa Next at The River Club for a festive evening with Belong Wine Co and Paper Planes Wine. Pours, bottles and snacks will be available for purchase, a perfect way to bring home local wines for gifting or your own celebrations.

Families are welcome! Kids can enjoy a small holiday craft while adults mingle, making it a fun night for all ages. (Tip: feed the kids an early dinner so you can enjoy the evening with fewer interruptions!)

Space is limited! RSVP on Eventbrite to secure your spot and celebrate the season with Napa’s most innovative community. See you on December 16th at 5pm!

Last but not least…

The holidays can always feel overwhelming or emotional. Take time to treat yourself to something that will make you smile, you 1000% deserve it as hard working parents!

A quick note about links: We sometimes use affiliate links when sharing local favorites or product recommendations. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no extra cost to you! It’s a simple way to support Napa Kids and helps us keep creating fun, family-focused content for our community. We only recommend brands we genuinely love. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!

If you haven’t already heard the news: The Village Calistoga is here! We’re thrilled to introduce this wonderful playtime-meets-wine country chic third space to all the families living in Napa Valley and to those visiting with little ones. Parents often ask us how they can connect, relax, and also enjoy Napa’s incredible wines while still making sure the kids are happy and entertained. Well, that is exactly where The Village Calistoga shines.

Nestled right on Lincoln Avenue in the heart of downtown Calistoga, The Village Calistoga is a place where families can taste incredible local wines and the kids can play, create, and climb. Come along as we explore a day in Calistoga with our kids and see how fun tasting and playing together can be!

On a sunny, brisk fall day, we packed up the car and made the meandering 40-minute drive up-valley. After passing through miles of vineyards framed by mountains, we took a right turn and rolled into downtown Calistoga. A quick brush-off of the snack crumbs and we were ready to head straight into The Village Calistoga.

It’s the closest thing we have to a European-style play café: a modern, thoughtfully designed space where adults can sip wines by Kintsugi (named after the Japanese art of mending pottery with gold) while kids get all those wiggles out.

The design features several multi-use spaces that include climbing walls, foam pits, swings, pretend play kitchens, soft play areas, creative space for STEAM based activities, and even a kid-size play nook tucked stealthily into the back corner. It’s perfect for kids ages 0–10 and adults of all ages who don’t mind squeals of happiness paired with their wine.

Book a playdate and tasting today!

Nice-to-know before you go:

• Keep an eye on their Bookings page for both structured and unstructured play. Currently booking: Open Play, Story Times, Sensory Sessions

• Serving both the Drop-in and Membership communities

• What kids can wear: play clothes and non-slip socks (shoes are left at the door)

• Light food is available for purchase, several coffee and takeout (or sit in!) options located within a short walk

• Stroller parking, bathroom, and changing station available on-premises

• Two long tables with bench seating + bar seats for the grown-ups

• Beautiful, large-format artwork is on display (and is available for purchase!), along with some beautifully curated gift items for littles — and their keepers

• Pioneer Park is a short block away with an outdoor playground, grassy park, public restrooms

Upcoming Events

Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

December 1 at 3PM
Enjoy free play in the studio plus light bites from Nomad Provisions.

Visit with Santa

December 6 at 3PM
Santa is stopping by before the highly anticipated Tractor Parade! Grab your ticket here before it’s too late. $20 / free for members.

Tractor Parade

December 6 at 6PM
Catch the Tractor Parade as it passes right in front of The Village Calistoga. Secure a warm, cozy spot to watch all the magic roll by - tickets available here!

Why not Make a whole day out of it?

Below are some of our favorite ways to pass the time in downtown Calistoga.

• Buster’s Original Southern BBQ - 1207 Foothill Blvd.

• Pioneer Park - 1308 Cedar St.

  Grab some snacks and sandwiches from Cal Mart or Calistoga Depot and Provisions, have a picnic at the playground.

• Napa Valley Vine Trailhead - 304 Washington St.

  Walk south on Washington St from downtown and you will walk right onto the trailhead!

• The Village Calistoga - 1329 Lincoln Ave.

  Can’t miss their open play and wine tasting!

• Copperfield’s Books - 1330 Lincoln Ave.

• I ❤️ Calistoga - 1339 Lincoln Ave.

  Don’t miss this cute photo op!

• Mis Raices “Coffee & Ice cream Shop” - 1408 Lincoln Ave.

• Calistoga Depot, Provisions Store - 1458 Lincoln Ave.

• Cal Mart - 1491 Lincoln Ave.

  The kids always need snacks…

• Calistoga Creamery - 1473 Lincoln Ave.

  Organic Ice Cream And Frozen Yogurt Shop

• Sushi Mambo - 1631 Lincoln Ave.

  Sushi, gyoza, edamame oh my! Who doesn’t love dipping in soy sauce?

• Sam’s General Store - 109 Wappo Ave.

  Warm up with a hot cocoa or latte!

• Calistoga Motor Lodge - 1880 Lincoln Ave.

  Resort pass has day passes to this warm mineral pool!

• La Prima Pizza - 1923 Lake St.

  Who doesn’t love pizza?

Do you or someone you know need a little additional support right now? We’ve included some local resources that highlight ways we can step up as a community and give during these uncertain times. Rather it’s by sharing these links, volunteering, or donating - every little bit helps.

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. November 5th: NVC Theater Production: Into The Woods Auditions Ages 15+

2. November 6th: Autism 101, join Napa Valley Nursery School for an engaging and informative presentation about autism, presented by Alison Tucker M.A. and Donnie Weaver!

3. November 7th: Yountville Parks and Rec Parents Night Out. Dying to try the new Clementine restaurant? Think dirty martinis and crispy fennel flowers, culinary dreams can come true! Age 5-12

4. November 8th at 10am: Come enjoy the morning at Napa Valley Nursery School’s Harvest Festival. There will be a market, games, sweet treats and more!

5. November 9th: YVille Youth Art Show’s deadline for entry. Ages 5-18.

6. November 15th: MusicTime at the American Canyon Library Featuring Stu Llanes Manzano on the piano, in partnership with Festival Napa Valley. Free!

7. November 15th: Read with a Ranger all about trees, at the Napa Library.

8. November 15th: Y’ALL! (Young Artist Literary League) a collaboration with Nimbus Arts and Wild Plum Books, free reindeer ornament painting and book lecture with Bobby Podesta at Nimbus Arts in St. Helena. Also, trade in your books at the new Free Little Library Box in front of Nimbus Arts!

9. November 15th, 2pm - 5pm: Savor & Shop at First Street Napa. Come down for shop specials, live music, and more! Free to attend.

10. November 16th: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs at the CIA at Copia, enjoy the movie and a kid activity after for ages 5-12. Tickets: First child is $25, all additional children are a $10 add-on and adults are $5 add-on (plus fees).

11. November 22nd: Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza’s, 5-8pm. Free for all ages.

12. November 25th: Ice Skating at The Meritage opens Nov. 25th - Jan. 4th. Tickets start at $19.

13. November 26th: Downtown Napa’s Tree Lighting, 6-8pm. Free for all ages.

14. November 28th: Silverado’s Tree Lighting on the Mansion’s lawn, 5:30-7pm. Complimentary cocoa and a hosted Toys for Tots donation point. Free for all ages.

15. November 29th: Annual Merry Meritage Tree Lighting at The Village, 4-8pm. Visit the website for the full list of activities and features! Free for all ages.

16. November 29th: Breakfast with Santa at Silverado Resort and ride on the little holiday train. 9-11:30 am. Pictures with Santa: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm. Ages 5-12 $20, 12+ $40.

17. November 29th & 30th: Santa’s Reading Corner at The Village, The Meritage. 3:30-4pm.

Ongoing Events

1. Free Open Studio 6-8pm, Age 12-19: Master Artists Open Studio at Nimbus Arts on Tuesdays and Discovery Campus on Wednesdays.

2. Every Sunday from 10am-12pm, join Juniper Station Sunday Series for a free kids’ activity and Sunday shopping!

3. Tickets on sale: Don’t miss the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Santa Train, a holiday tradition! A 3 course family friendly holiday dining adventure with Santa, hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies.

4. E&M presents Idol Instrumental: showcasing young musicians from Napa County (ages 12–17) performing solo on the instrument of their choice. Auditions start in early December, with semi-finals on Jan 17 and finals on Jan 18, 2026 at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center.

5. Tickets on Sale Now: The World Ballet’s Swan Lake is coming to Santa Rosa February 12th. The perfect day trip to kick those winter blues!

Made for Teens (and Tweens) — Napa’s Coolest Classes & Clubs

• Otterbots: Calling all future engineers! 🤖 Join Napa’s OtterBots (Team 7667) to design, build, and program a full-size robot for competition. The season starts January 2026 — open to 8th–12th graders!

• Contemporary Jazz: Napa native, Chris Marks who appeared on America’s Got Talent, is teaching contemporary jazz! Ages 14+

• Mariachi: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of mariachi music with expert instructors Luis Perez and Dulce Castillo, learning skills, confidence, and culture through rehearsals and live performances — including a special appearance at the La Onda Festival. Open to grades 9–12, classes run Thursdays, Nov. 6 – May 31, 4:30–6:00 PM, and are free — register by Feb. 2, 2026!

• Spirit Horse Riding Center offers youth 12+ an opportunity to join their SpiritHorse Volunteer Team.

• Napa Wildlife Rescue: Junior volunteers help to care for select wildlife patients and assist with animal care support tasks. Age 12-15 must come with a continuously supervising adult. Age 16 and up can come alone.

• Master Artists Open Studio is an inspiring space for teen artists to explore their creativity! Try sculpting, painting, sketching, or music while discovering your artistic voice, learning from great art movements, and connecting with fellow creative teens. Expect hands-on projects, open mic moments, guest artist visits, and plenty of time to work on your own ideas. FREE at Nimbus Arts on Tuesdays and Discovery Campus on Wednesdays, 6-8pm, Age 12-19.

Napa Valley Nursery School: A Co-op Preschool in the Heart of Downtown Napa

Napa Valley Nursery School, the preschool that smells like play dough, paint, and sunshine, is a total VIBE. Mornings start with running feet, laughter, and paintbrushes that seem to always find their way back to the easel (…eventually). This isn’t your average “sit still and color inside the lines” kind of preschool — it’s a play-based wonderland where child-led curiosity and autonomy run the show.

Why Play Is Serious Business

To grown-ups, play often looks like chaos (Why are there music instruments in the sandbox?). But to preschoolers, play is how they learn. When kids pour, dig, pretend, and negotiate who gets the blue shovel next, they’re actually:

• Building early math and science skills (measuring, sorting, cause and effect)

• Developing language and problem-solving through make-believe play

• Strengthening coordination, confidence, and independence

Play is how they make sense of the world — it’s age-appropriate, brain-building magic! And that drum in the sand? They were bouncing grains of sand off the drum using different vibration strengths … so cool!

NVNS prides itself on its play-based emergent curriculum, which means the role of the teacher is to follow the children’s lead and expand learning opportunities based on their in-the-moment interests. This power shift is part of what makes learning fun and really works to shape critical foundational child development features, like confidence.

Parents Go to Preschool, Too

Here’s where NVNS adds its special twist: it’s a parent-led co-op, which means family members are part of the classroom rhythm. Real talk, it’s a lot of work. But here’s the truth: parents get the awesome opportunity to see early learning up close, not through photos, but in real time and alongside a qualified guide and peers. And the reward for your efforts? Kids feel extra secure and bonded to classmates and the circle of family members that surround them, forming real friendships that last well beyond preschool drop-off years. It’s a rare (and fleeting) chance to grow alongside your child — finger paint, snack time, and all.

Curious? Learn more!

There are over seven generations of families floating around this valley that will drop what they’re doing to tell you all about their NVNS days (consider that your warning!). You can also visit the website or book a time to chat with the director and lead teacher Adrianne directly. No childcare? No problem! Bring that cutie along (with or without shoes) and see what all the fuss is about.

It’s preschool the way you remember it: messy, silly, and full of curiosities. Learn more or schedule a visit at www.nvns.org.

Thanksgiving: To-Go 🦃🍂

This can be a particularly busy feeling season for many, so why not take a few shortcuts? Here is a list of some of our local favorites where you can pick up delicious Thanksgiving dishes and desserts. And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us.

• Rory’s Bakehouse just dropped their pre order Thanksgiving menu at noon on November 1st (today!). Their pies (sweet potato pie anyone?) and cookies will be a mouthwatering hit!

• Stateline Road Smokehouse is brining and lightly smoking a whole turkey! Order now for pick up on November 26th.

• Browns Valley Market has all the traditional dishes, including a four cheese scalloped potato!

• Contimo has traditional turkey and hams but they also have country pate, stuffing in a tin and their beloved biscuits!

• Bouchon Bakery always has a place in our stomachs, especially their pumpkin tarts and parker house rolls!

• Sunshine Foods Market is taking orders for turkeys, bakery items and all the traditional sides.

Stepping up for our Community

Winston’s CUP is helping Napa Families Affected by the Federal Shutdown.

• Food Drive. Donate non-perishable items at 1517 Third Street, Napa. All donations goes to CANV Food Bank to be distributed to those in needs across Napa County.

• Free Community Dinner: On Wednesday, November 12th, 5–8 PM at Winston’s downtown café (1527 Third St). Show your CalFresh EBT card, no questions asked, dine in or take out.

• Donate: Every dollar via DonorBox helps feed neighbors and strengthen the community.

Juniper Station is partnering with Winston’s to help collect personal care items.

• Please drop off any unused, unopened toiletries at Juniper Station (1624 Main St, Napa) in the month of November.

• If you purchase any personal care items from Juniper Station to donate, they will match your donation, item-for-item.

Additional resources available here and below:

• Community Action of Napa Valley: Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, CANV Kids (childcare), and more

• Napa County Produce / Free Markets: Community partners host “free markets” at different locations every Friday.

• Napa Valley Can Do, Napa Valley College, and The Press Domocrat’s Resource lists (Napa and Sonoma)

• Facebook local resources: Feeding It Forward, Food bank Donations

Last but not least…

Napa is getting not one but two brand-new open play studios and we are so excited! Little House Play Studio, opening soon (rumor has it, Nov 17th!) is located right in downtown Napa at 1005 Caymus Street. The space will offer open play, enrichment classes, Montessori kinder readiness programs, and birthday party rentals!

Up valley parents will be delighted, The Village Calistoga is a beautiful new play studio and wine bar in downtown Calistoga. Sip Kintsugi wines and curated bites while your kids explore a gorgeous, sensory play space designed with families in mind.

Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!

Upcoming Events

1. October 2nd: First Thursday at Oxbow Commons.

2. October 3rd - 13th: The Zoppé Family Circus at the Napa Valley Expo.

3. October 3rd at 7pm: Owl Prowl & Family Night Hike at Alston Park, don’t forget your flashlights!

4. October 3rd: Taylor Swift Skate Night at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park. All ages.

5. October 4th: Brannan Center Grand Opening a free community Open House with face painting, info booths, activities for kids and much more!

6. October 4th: Story Pirates at the Uptown Theater. Bring the whole family for some laughs! Shout out to our investigative friends : skip the ticketing markup and buy direct from the Uptown Box Office! Save money, meet a local!

7. October 4th: Maker’s Market local Artist Fair is returning to First Street Napa.

8. October 4th: Head over to Benicia for their 6th Annual Family Fall Fest.

9. October 4th: Halloween Ghost Quilt Craft & Reading. Join local artist Erin Gennow from 10:30-11:30 in Yountville. Pre-registration required.

10. October 5th: Clos Du Val Harvest Farmers Market has their annual event. Ticketed event with $30 add-on pass for kids 12 & under.

11. October 5th: Napa Half Marathon registration is still open! Make some silly signs and cheer the runners on!

12. October 15th - November 30th: NVUSD open enrollment.

13. October 17th: K-Pop Skate Night at Cal Skate, Rohnert Park. All ages.

14. October 18th: St. Helena Harvest Festival starts with a 5k or 1 mile fun run, followed by a Pet PAWrade, and ending with fun in the kidzone!

15. October 18th: Sonoma Gymnastics Academy is hosting their inaugural Gym Halloween Event: K-POP Demon Haunted House. So spooktacular! 5-9 pm.

16. October 19th: Connolly Ranch’s annual Harvest Festival 2025. 11-3 pm.

17. October 25th,11am - 1pm: Hometown Halloween, bring the kids to trick-or-treat in downtown Napa!

18. October 25th: Napa Valley Youth Symphony Fall Chamber Concert Series

19. October 26th: Festa Italiana is celebrating Italy with food, local Italian style wine, music, history, art in downtown Santa Rosa - fun for all ages! Free!

20. October 28th: Halloween Weekend Harvest Market by First Street Napa. 11-3 pm

21. October 29th: San Francisco Symphony’s Coco Film with Live Orchestra is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Tickets start at $45 and kids are 1/2 off!

22. October 31st: The Boys & Girls Club’s annual Halloween Carnival at their Napa Clubhouse with games, costume contest, and thrills (without the chills!) - Free!

23. October 31st: Calistoga Halloween Parade enjoy the Trunk-or-Treat event with decorated cars, candy, and Halloween fun. A Free Event!

24. November 1st: 2025 Napa Dia de los Muertos Bring the whole family downtown and enjoy art, music, crafts, food and more! 3-8pm. Free!

25. Sundays Series: Juniper Station’s weekly kid-friendly events

Your Guide to All Things Halloween 🎃

Pumpkin Patches & Costume Swaps

Get all the gourd-geous details here

Halloween Decorations and Party Supplies

Can we talk about the Dollar Store on Jefferson? OK yes, it’s a touch on the rustic side and parking can be tricky, but they have great holiday decorations, crafting supplies, and—if you’re throwing a spooky soiree—they have all the party supplies! Not sold yet? How about this: they have helium balloons for $1. None of those inflated grocery store prices ‘round here (see what we did there?)!

Festive Fall & Halloween-themed Sessions

• Kid and Adult focused classes like Autumn Apple Celebration, Halloween Mosaics, Seasonal Cupcake Design, and Pumpkin Art are now enrolling at NVEF

• The sweetest Halloween themed mini-photo sessions for all the ghouls and boys!

• A Halloween Creature Class Kids (5+) and Adults with Covet on Oct. 15th, 5-8 pm

Spooky Houses & Trick-or-Treat

Keep an eye out for Nextdoor’s annual Treat Map (login to access)

Do you have a great neighborhood spooky/fun/scary house that’s off the map? DM us the cross-streets and we’ll add it to our Instagram Collection so families can enjoy them this season!

Napa Valley Education Foundation Fall Catalogue Has Arrived!

Join us for low-cost arts, culinary, maker, media, and music opportunities this fall! The wait is over! Our Fall 2025 Course Catalog has arrived. NVEF is excited to launch a new season of Youth and Adult programs at the Discovery Campus, located at 530 3rd Street in downtown Napa. This fall, the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Discovery Campus invites students to unlock their creativity, explore new skills, and connect with their community. Designed to inspire innovation and learning, our Discovery Programs provide real-world experiences that prepare students for both academic and personal success. With scholarships and flexible payment options, every family has the opportunity to participate. This catalog reflects our vision for the Discovery Campus as a hub of community learning. We cannot do this alone. With partners like Nimbus Arts, a leader in arts education, and the Otterbots Robotics Team, we are bringing new opportunities in the arts and STEM to Napa.

Ongoing Activities: Enrichment Programs & Sporting Events for the Whole Family

In addition to all the NVEF Fall catalogue has to offer, here are a slew of additional enrichment classes for school aged kiddos, infant and toddlers—plus loads of fall sporting events for an easy, breezy no-need-to-plan family night out!

Napa Youth Programs

Blue Oak School has a spectrum of enrichment programs open to the community!

Napa Parks and Rec’s Fall catalog is full of great sports, dance, outdoor hikes… honestly, you name it and it’s probably there! Sign up for these awesome, affordable programs! All ages, all interests!

Guild’s class offerings are always so, so GOOD. If you’re looking for high-quality, supplemental programs spanning art, cooking, sewing, and digital illustration look no further. Get a crew together and split up pickups and drop offs! These classes are *chef kiss* worth it!

For the littlest ghouls and their patient tenders:

Baby and Me Classes & Workshop, and Infant Massage are two class offerings rooted in education and baby bonding through touch. Classes are for ages 2m-10m and are hosted by local expert Stephanie Blok, MS, CCLS, CMI. The tools you learn in this class will provide support through all those sweet-and-sour infancy stages <3 Sign up!

Mini (mess) Makers @ Guild is focusing on creativity, music, movement and play … the way only toddlers can do it!

Grape Jammers Music is new, and so much fun! Use code FREETRIAL to try out any of the classes age 0-5 and see first-hand what all the (fun) fuss is about.

Napa Fall Sports

Start a new family tradition! Shuffle over to your closest gym or field, grab a bite, and cheer the home team on. The games are spirited and fun to watch even for those who identify as, ahem, less sporty inclined.

Fall Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Football, Wrestling, Water Polo

• Napa Valley 1839 FC Game Schedule

• Napa Valley College Storm Game Schedule

• Vintage High School Athletics Girls and Boys Game Schedule

• Justin Siena Game Schedule

• Napa High School Game Schedule

Last but not least…

Local and star studded news! The excitement is brewing … Solano county’s former librarian Mychal Threets has been named successor of LaVar Burton on Reading Rainbow! We are literally jumping for joy! After being dark for nearly two decades, the first episode will air on October 4th! Join us in chorus: I can go anywhere!! 🌈

In this spotlight series we’ll be partnering with local businesses, educational outlets, and nonprofits to lift their voices and share their messages across this great community — one business, event, or story at a time. Our mission with this series is to create heightened awareness and excitement around noteworthy family-first offerings, both in town and near-to-town, and ultimately develop a deeper, more authentic dialogue within the community. The goal is simple: make it easier for families to discover, connect, and take part.

So, we’ll be over here shining the spotlight on the people and places propelling us forward by adding fresh energy, creativity, perspective, and vision to this wonderful place we get to call home. Come along with us as we celebrate everything Napa is and has been, along with all of its new beginnings!

What could be a more perfect fit for our inaugural In The Spotlight than the one-and-only Napa Valley Education Foundation. If this is your official introduction to this incredible institution: Welcome! You’re in very good company. The Napa Valley Education Foundation (NVEF) is an educational nonprofit with a simple but powerful mission: to empower Napa Valley youth to broaden their horizons, deepen their knowledge, and build the skills they’ll need to step confidently into the future.

Omg … yes!

NVEF is opening its doors to the community this Sunday, September 28th from 12pm - 3pm at 530 3rd Street, so you can experience the space IRL! You will have a chance to see their new campus and participate in some hands-on experiences that highlight the variety of their catalogue including guided painting, drumming circles, STEM projects, and family-friendly activities galore. And would it really be a party without raffle prizes?? You can enter to win gift certificates to great local places like Gott’s Roadside, Coliseum Sports, and Napa Yard—with the grand prize being a Santa Train Jolly Journey Gourmet Dinner Package on the Napa Valley Wine Train!

Let’s show Napa Valley Education Foundation how much love Napa has to offer by showing up to welcome them to the neighborhood in their new space!

Wait, there’s more!

It’s easy to get onboard with Napa Valley Education Foundation’s mission, but you may be asking: how does this translate and present within our community? We’re so glad you asked!

After the closure of the Oxbow School in 2024, the downtown campus was generously donated to NVEF allowing them to re-home and greatly expand their enrichment programs. Their Fall Catalogue just dropped and to put it mildly, we haven’t stopped screaming with excitement! The classes are refreshing and thoughtful, and are bringing some much needed depth to youth programming across art, music and STEAM fields in Napa. With their prime location right downtown at 530 3rd Street, and tons of undefined spaces for a spectrum of class offerings, we can’t help but think that this will quickly become the heart of Napa’s creative community hub!

Today NVEF serves more than 20,000 students and 1,000 educators across Napa County, making sure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. From funding arts programs, to supporting youth wellness, to creating pathways for college and career success, NVEF is opening doors and sparking curiosities each and every day.

The guiding force behind NVEF is the belief that when we invest in education, we’re collectively investing in the future of Napa Valley itself. Every contribution then becomes more than just a program or initiative; it’s a commitment to raising the next generation of artist, leaders, innovators, and neighbors. With the expansion potential this new campus brings, and hand-in-hand with their affordable pricing structure, NVEF is helping to ensure that every student, no matter their background, has the tools to succeed. In turn, the entire community benefits: thriving classrooms lead to thriving neighborhoods that will work to shape the vitality and character of Napa for decades to come.

TL;DR We are very VERY excited about our new neighbor!

Being a non-profit they’re ability to bring high-quality programming to youth in Napa is linked closely with the generosity of donors. If In The Spotlight has inspired curiosity and excitement about Napa Valley Education Foundation, please consider reading on to learn more about The Discovery Fund. NVEF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and could be a perfect candidate for those end-of-year corporate matching programs! ;)

Thank you for being a part of the Napa Kids community and giving us the platform to create content that’s important for our community! 💛 We hope to see you at the Open House this weekend!