When it comes to a relaxing wine country getaway, few parents think, “Hey, let’s bring the kids!” Instead, the thought of listening to kids whine during your wine adventure will quickly burst that bubble and steer you right back towards the nearest theme park. But things are a little different here in Paso Robles Wine Country. Recently honored by Sunset Magazine as the “Best Wine Country Town,” Paso also serves as the perfect place for a fun-filled vacation with exciting activities the whole family will enjoy.
These kid-approved excursions will blend nicely with stops at wineries that offer games and activities to keep the little ones occupied so you can enjoy some adult-approved wine tasting.
Ravine Water Park
Nestled between vineyards and wineries, with two golf courses nearby, wet and wild Ravine Waterpark on Highway 46 East is the ideal spot for families that want to accommodate a range of activities. Open daily through early September the family oriented, kid-friendly waterpark is a hugely popular attraction with thrilling extreme slides, twisting tube rides, wave and floating pools, and a Tadpool that’s perfect for the little munchkins.
The Hideout Bar and Grill located inside the park offers lunch or a snack, plus wine and mixed drinks. Live bands perform most Saturdays. For tickets and visitor information, visit Ravine Waterpark online.
Tasting Tip: Located just minutes east from The Ravine Waterpark, Eberle Winery offers complimentary wine tastings, public tours of their production facility, and tours of the Eberle Caves. And while you enjoy a taste of Eberle’s award winning wines on the scenic deck, the kids can play bocce ball and corn hole on the outdoor court.
Eberle Winery
3810 HWY 46 East, Paso Robles
Hours: Daily 10a – 6p
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/eberlewinery
Lake Nacimiento
With the rising temps of summer, spending a day at this 18-mile long lake is a great way to cool off and admire the gorgeous scenery of pine and oak groves. Kids of all ages enjoy this popular destination for camping, fishing, hiking, water skiing, wake-boarding, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. And if you’re lucky, you may spot one of the resident bald eagles diving for a white bass.
To explore Lake Nacimiento, the Marina offers boat and water play equipment rentals, as well as a fully stocked general store. And when you’re done playing on the water, stop in for a bite at the Dragon Lake Grill. Visit the Lake Nacimiento Resort website for more information.
Tasting Tip: As you head up to the lake from downtown Paso Robles, stop in at Chronic Cellars located at the corner of Nacimiento Lake Drive and Mustard Creek Road. With its casual vibe, this winery is sure to mellow the little ones out. If not, there’s a large kid friendly lawn for running around, plus corn hole, a horseshoe pit, and a pool table.
Chronic Cellars
2020 Nacimiento Lake Drive, Paso Robles
Hours: Daily 11:30a – 5:30p
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/chroniccellarswinery
Children’s Museum
Since opening its doors in 2007, The Paso Robles Children’s Museum has welcomed over 100,000 visitors to its fun and interactive educational facility. Here kids can crawl through an oak tree, dress up like a firefighter and sit behind the wheel of Old Mack, a 1944 fire engine. There’s also a hands-on science exhibit, “grape stomp” ball pit, toddler farm, creation station, theater area, and “Fun Room” for birthday parties and other events. Located in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles, the museum is perfect for kids 2 to 12-years old. Visit the Children’s Museum website for ticket information and hours.
Tasting Tip: Downtown Paso Robles offers a variety of tasting rooms, many within walking distance of one another. Visit kid friendly Lusso Della Terra on 13th Street where you can enjoy award-winning wine tasting in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Lusso Della Terra
831 13th Street, Paso Robles
Hours: Sun, Mon & Thurs 1p – 6p, Tues & Wed by appt., Fri 12p – 8p, Sat 12p – 9p
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/LDT
Atascadero Zoo
Located just 15 minutes south of Paso Robles, the Charles Paddock Zoo is home to hundreds of animal species from around the world. With its intimate size, kids can get up close and personal with rare and exotic critters in a safe and respectful environment. The zoo also offers camps, classes, birthday parties and more. The adjacent Lake Park is a great place for the kids to play and enjoy a family picnic under massive oaks. For more information, visit the Charles Paddock Zoo website.
Tasting Tip: Before you head south on the 101 to Atascadero, take a detour east and follow the city streets of Paso to the winding curves of Linne Road. Continue on this picturesque farm and vineyard-lined road until you reach the ornate gates of kid friendly Sculpterra Winery, featuring magnificent sculptures in bronze and granite – some as tall as 16 feet. Amazing art, wine, and song are the highlights for you; while bocce ball, foosball, ping-pong, and chess and checkers awaits the kids.
Sculpterra Winery
5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles | Hours: Daily 10a – 5p
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/SculpterraWinery
Explore the Coast
The approximate 25-minute drive from Highway 46 West in Paso Robles to coastal Highway 1 offers travelers the amazing opportunity to see all the region has to offer. Tree, farm, and vineyard-lined roads open to spectacular ocean views beyond cragged bluffs. As you head north on Highway 1, the charming city of Cambria with its unique shops, restaurants, and serene Moonstone beach is a great place to stop for lunch or a snack, and to blow off some steam.
Tasting Tip: While you’re in Cambria, stop by Cutruzzola Vineyards’ upscale yet casual, kid friendly tasting room to try their award-winning Riesling and Pinot Noirs.
Cutruzzola Vineyards
555 Main Street, Cambria | Hours: Daily 11a – 5p
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/cutruzzola
Hearst Ranch
As you continue north along winding, scenic Highway 1, the lower pastures of Hearst Ranch near the town of San Simeon come into view along with the unusual sight of a Zebra herd: the remnants of what was once the world’s largest private zoo that held Mr. Hearst’s collection of exotic animals. Be sure to pull over and get a few selfies with the herd.
Tasting Tip: Taste the handcrafted wines and a “Legacy of Quality”™ at kid-friendly Hearst Ranch Winery in San Simeon. Located in Sebastian’s Café, it’s a great place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a glass of wine before your next adventure.
Hearst Ranch Winery
442 SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon
Hours: Daily 11a – 5p
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/hearstranchwinery
Turnoff points and small parking lots located just off Highway 1 provide amazing coastal and ocean views along with the sea life that inhabits it. One of the more popular spots along this route is Elephant Seal Beach. Located four and half miles north of Hearst Castle, this sanctuary is home to about 17,000 of these enormous creatures in all stages of development. The seals can be seen daily, but the best times of year to view their activity is during late January, April and October.
Depending on your kids’ love of the arts, history, and all things gilded, touring the Hearst Castle is an obvious choice while exploring the San Simeon area. Tours of this historical treasure vary in length, with some topping out at two hours, and concentrate on one aspect of the estate. A visit to the Hearst Castle website can help you decide if a tour is right for your child’s temperament and patience level.
With its unpretentious vibe and wide variety of kid-friendly fun, a family vacation in Paso Robles Wine Country has something for everyone.
For a complete list of kid-friendly wineries in Paso Robles Wine Country, click here.
Book your room at family friendly Adelaide Inn today. Our convenient location offers easy access to wineries, attractions, beaches and the stunning Hearst Castle.
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