School’s out (or almost!), the days are longer, and summer fun is officially here. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or looking for ways to keep the little ones cool and happy, we’ve got you covered. 💦
This month, we’re diving into the best local swimming spots — from splash pads and community pools to hidden gems perfect for a sunny family day. Stay tuned for our top picks to help you beat the heat and make Father’s Day extra special. 🧢
But let’s also remember to give ourselves permission to slow down. Instead of packing every day with crafts and outings, what if we just... let the kids figure it out? Let them build forts from beach towels, turn sticks into magic wands, or invent games with garden rocks. Go for a hike. Sit by the pool. Leave space for creativity, rest, and those spontaneous summer memories.
As always, we’ll be sharing kid-friendly events, pop-up fun, and local tips to help you enjoy the season with your crew. Let’s make this summer one to remember!
Thanks for being part of the Napa Kids family — we’re so glad you’re here. 💛
Upcoming Events You Won’t Want To Miss!
Every Tuesday evening: Sonoma's Tuesday Night Market has officially started! Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a night of local produce, food and music! The kids will dance the night away, be fed and hopefully go straight to bed!
Every Friday (now) - Aug 15th: The River Club Napa is introducing Summer Fridays featuring wine specials, curated snacks, and a lineup of classic summer movies playing on repeat all day. Yes, please!
Napa County Library June Events for kids of all ages. Download event fliers here: Napa Main, Yountville, Calistoga, American Canyon. Plus, weekly storytime schedules throughout the county for toddlers to big kids!
June 1st: Bay Area Butterfly Festival on Mare Island from 10am - 5pm. They’re slogan is “Bring Back the Monarchs, One Plant at a Time,” how could we not support this?!
June 1st: Napa 1839 FC Women’s Home Opener. The game kicks off at 5pm on Justin Siena High School’s home field. Check out the link for the full women’s and men’s schedule. Bring the family and take advantage of our warm Napa evenings. Food trucks, snack shack, and fan gear - oh my!
June 5th: First Thursday at Oxbow Commons + special open-air dance party Pride edition. Think live market, food trucks, farmers market, specialty food vendors, nonprofits and kids activities plus lawn games for the whole family to enjoy!
June 7th: Strut & Wag Pride Pet Pawty is walking, wiggling, dancing, and sashaying with furry friends (and their families) through downtown Napa! The event kicks off at 9:30 am at Deuces Market - see you there, pawty people!
June 8th: Little Hands, Big Heart is a family friendly kid focused Pride event in downtown Napa. Napa Kids will have a craft table alongside several others, so come by to craft and celebrate! 10-12pm at Napa Valley Nursery School!
June 8th: Jacob Benning Trio will be performing from 5pm - 7pm at Veterans Memorial Park, kicking off the Yountville Summer Concert Series. Bring the family for an evening of music, friends, and a delicious dinner provided by The Burger Truck.
June 8th: Family Fun Day at Cliff Lede Vineyards, enjoy a garden picnic wine tasting and boxed juices and light snacks for the kids!
June 11th and onward: Enjoy 9 Weeks of Summer Fun at Yountville Park, kicking it off with Magic Bubbles and Balloons!
June 14th: Inspired by the Land: Art in the Parks, this free event offers a dedicated kids' art and craft zone, hands-on workshops, and art classes!
June 14th, 15th: Don’t miss the production of Madagascar Jr. from the kids at Studio G!
June 14th: Join Napa Pride across Downtown for a day of all ages community, celebration, and activities. Farmers Market 8am - 12pm, DJ Rotten Robbies'‘s 6th Annual Pride Car Parade 7pm, the dance the night away at the After Party at The Garden 9 pm (all ages).
June 18th: St. Helena Concert Series is kicking off with 8 weeks of Wednesday night fun! Concerts are held from 6:00- 8:00 PM in Lyman Park from June 18- August 13 with food and family activities to enjoy throughout the park.
June 22nd: Pride in the Park at Yountville’s Veterans Memorial Park 3pm - 6pm. Celebrate Pride with the Town of Yountville & Yountville Chamber! Everyone is welcome to this free, inclusive & family-friendly event featuring live music & fun performances, food trucks, arts, crafts, info booths and more.
June 24th: Squeegee Painting for teens and adults! Napa Main Library at 6pm. Ages 11+ are invited to this fun and therapeutic workshop.
Ongoing through August 9th: Napa County Library Summer Reading Adventure. Stop by your local library branch to register your student age 3+ and collect your reading card. Kids, big and little, get credit for daily reading and activities throughout summer and can earn prizes. P.S. Don’t miss their recommended reading lists, too. Bookworms unite!
Stay Cool, Little Splashers!
Calistoga Community Pool is opened and free for Calistoga residents!
Bothe-Napa Valley State Parks camping grounds has a swimming pool with a lifeguard on duty on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm, admission is $5!
Sonoma Splash welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy a warm dip in the water!
Napa High School’s pool opens for recreational swim June 16th through August 9th. Drop in is $3 per person! Click on Aquatics from the menu and scroll to Recreation Swim.
Aquatics at Allan Witt Park in Fairfield opens Memorial weekend and has a playland lagoon for the kids!
St Helena Aquatic Center open swim runs from June 17th - August 9th.
Phillip West Aquatics Center in American Canyon summer schedule coming soon!
The Electric River in Guerneville is a trendy riverside hangout with a full poolside menu + kids menu! Get a day pass and swim in style!
Revive Sonoma hot mineral pools just opened, the best part is that kids under 13 are free!
Want resort vibes without the stay? Check out Resort Pass to access hotel pools for a daycation! Get $20 off your first booking with our referral code because friends don’t let friends pay full price.
Open Ended Summer Ideas
Hike - Pack a lunch, lace up those sneakers, and check out our guide to kid-approved hikes across Napa and Sonoma County! From stroller-friendly paths to shady creekside trails perfect for little explorers, there’s something for everyone.
Beach - It’s a maybe not so well kept secret, Chicken Ranch Beach has a shallow sandy area with no surf, Dillon Beach is probably the closest beach to Napa and the charming town has all you need to have a successful beach day, Stinson Beach is a classic hang out with a taco bar right on the sand!
Picnic - Here are a few neighborhood parks with some natural shaded areas to get some relief as the temp heats up: Solomon Park, Summerfield Park, Monarch Park, Abruzzini Park, Vine Hill Park, Sutherland Park, O’Brien Park, Camille Park.
Urban Exploration - Grab some popsicles (we love Jonny Pops) and a cold zero proof Recess drink, and take a simple stroll around the neighborhood. With the sun hanging out later these days, it’s the perfect time for an old-school evening walk — just like the good old days.
Farmers Markets - Grab the wagon, load up the kids, and head to your local farmers market! There’s nothing better than starting your morning with fresh produce, warm baked goods, and a little sunshine. Here are a few local ones:
Napa Farmers Market (CRC Summer Storytime! Tues Mornings 9:30 - 11am)
St. Helena Farmers Market (Has great kids activities every Friday!)
It’s a great way to support local growers, let the kids taste something new, and soak in those easy summer vibes. See you at the market!
Keep It Social - Don’t be afraid to start a group text and rally some friends for a park play-date — pack some snacks, water bottles, and sandwiches, and let the kids run wild while you catch up in the shade. Here are a few of our favorite playgrounds.
Have something to add to the list? Tell us about it! We love adding to the lists.
Don’t Forget Father’s Day June 15th!
Dad’s can enjoy a beer tasting at St Clair Brown Winery & Brewery while the kids sip on their amazing lavender bergamot lemonade.
For the active dad’s, Napa Running Company has everything from On shoes to Vuori sets.
Jefferies General Store is stocked full of items that any Dad would love, including Duke Cannon beard balm, camping gear and “Hot Dad” t-shirts!
McEvoy Ranch is hosting a Father’s Day BBQ boxed picnic lunch surrounded by the cutest company — sheep and goats! Enjoy live music, wine for the grown-ups, gelato for all, and a laid-back afternoon in the beautiful hills of Marin. It’s a perfect mix of fun, food, and fresh air.
Last but not least…
We’re signing off with this article: “I’m Parenting My Kids Like It’s the ‘90s—Here’s How.” It really struck a chord — a reminder that life doesn’t have to be packed with back-to-back activities and endless to-do lists.
Maybe, just maybe, this summer we can slow it all down… let the kids roam, get bored, and make their own fun.
Good luck out there — and here’s to a little more freedom, sunshine, and breathing room.