Known for its upscale wineries, local olive oils, and luxurious hot springs, Paso Robles, California is a prominent destination. This beautiful town also boasts plenty of family-friendly activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. If you’re looking for things to do around your Paso Robles vacation rental, here are 10 fun things to check out with the kids.
1. Make a Splash
The Ravine Water Park is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Older kids can rocket down numerous large water slides, while young children can splash and play in the wading pool. There’s a wave pool with a beach-like atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, and a lazy river for a bit of relaxing fun. Life vests and tubes are available at no extra charge, and there are plenty of restaurants and food stands so you can snack throughout the day.
2. Travel Like a Cowboy
Before it was associated with movie stars and beach bums, California was in the heart of the Old West. You can experience a taste of that history at Harris Stage Lines, which offers tours in authentic western stagecoaches as well as a collection of historical horse-drawn vehicles. If you want to try your hand at the reins, they also offer riding and driving lessons for all ages. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
3. Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Bringing the kids along doesn’t mean that you have to skip the wine tastings. Castoro Cellars is a family-friendly winery that lets children sip grape juice as their parents try out the more adult version. The winery also provides coloring books and other games for the younger kids, as well as disc golf for adults and older children. If you have a pet-friendly vacation rental and are bringing your dog along, head over to Le Vigne Winery, which also has vintage rail cars that kids can play in and explore.
Find the perfect Paso Robles vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Tour Underground Caves
For another winery-based event, head over to Robert Hall or Eberle Winery. Both use caves to store their wine as it ages, and you can tour these amazing caverns to get out of the summer heat and see what it’s like underground. There are also additional games and activities to keep your children entertained as you sample the signature wines.
5. Watch Art Being Made
Studios On the Park is a unique gallery and studio where you can wander through workshops and watch skilled artists creating beautiful works right before your eyes. The artists are happy to explain techniques and processes in an easy-to-understand way, and there are often hands-on opportunities so kids can help create a masterpiece. The space also houses galleries and exhibitions so you can admire the finished pieces.
6. Visit the Zoo
There are two zoos in the Paso Robles area, and both are a great way to spend an afternoon. Atascadero Zoo requires a short drive from your vacation rental, but it’s the larger zoo and has more animals, including tigers and red pandas. Zoo To You offers guided tours that allow visitors to get close to the animals and learn about their natural habitats, diets, and more. Zoo To You does have limited hours, so it’s a good idea to call them in advance to make sure they’re open.
7. Have Fun At the Lake
For a bit of natural beauty, head out to Lake Nacimiento. This 18-mile long lake is fully stocked and has plenty of room for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Its spacious waters and smooth surface make it popular for activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding as well. Bring your own gear to store in your vacation rental, or stock up at the marina store and boat rental businesses nearby.
8. Hit the Trails
If you prefer to experience nature on foot, there are plenty of trails to explore. Stroll along the Salinas River Parkway for an easy, relaxing experience, or head out to San Antonio Lake or Lake Nacimiento and explore the miles of trails surrounding them. Quail’s Roost Trail near Lake Nacimiento is a particular local favorite due to its stunning views. If you prefer cycling, most trails in the area are bicycle-friendly. Many people also simply explore the area’s back roads.
9. Play a Game
Sculpterra Winery has something for everyone. Adults can sip wine and stroll through the amazing sculpture garden, while kids love Central Park West, the winery’s popular free gaming area. This outdoor spot has table tennis, foosball, bocce ball, and more. There’s even a set of human-sized windchimes so your children can make music in between games.
10. Learn To Golf
Golf can be a difficult game to learn, but the River Oaks Golf Course is designed to make it easier. This affordable, family-friendly course features six holes with three approaches each, so you can have fun whether you’re experienced or just starting out. There are also clinics and lessons available to help you get started, and cart and club rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s located next to the River Oaks Spa, so family members who don’t enjoy golfing can enjoy a relaxing hot spring soak and spa treatment instead.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Paso Robles vacation rentals on Tripping.com.