The Paso Robles community affords families ample opportunities to enjoy the best of wine country combined with kid-friendly museums, scoop shops, and picnics in the park.

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and bordered by coastal Highway 1 and the 101, Paso Robles’ family-friendly and kid-approved activities and accommodations make it a truly unique destination within #Kidifornia. So, grab your overnight bag, gas up the car, and get ready to fill your mind (and stomach!) with a weekend full of small-town charm and hospitality. Here are a few of our favorite whine-free attractions where you’re sure to make some lasting family memories in Paso Robles!

Where to Explore

Looking to get your culture on? Downtown Paso Robles is where it’s at. There are no stuffy museums here, just exhibits where kids can get up close, personal, and, yes, TOUCH everything!

Children’s Museum

In this joyful learn-through-play environment, your kiddos will be able to crawl through a life-sized oak tree, stomp “grapes” to make juice, and shop for “fresh” fruits and veggies. Housed in the Paso Robles Volunteer Firehouse, an afternoon spent here will inspire educational curiosity while honoring the heritage of local volunteer firefighters.

Studios on the Park

Studios on the Park is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Paso Robles

Get messy with some art classes, learn to sew, or try your hand working with beeswax. Bring the kids to the studio’s COLORBar, where there’s a new theme each month.

Downtown City Park

Located in the heart of downtown, this is the perfect place to picnic, play, or stroll before or after getting your culture on. The park has a playground, restrooms, several picnic tables, and horseshoe pits.Be sure to take in the lights of the park with a night-time stroll. Peruse the calendar of events for celebrations around local and national holidays.

Negranti Creamery

Started In 2010, this creamery marries its female founder’s love of sustainable agriculture and her passion for good-quality food. From one mom to another, you can feel good about the wholesome, delicious sheep’s milk ice cream in this shop, whether the kids choose one scoop or two!

Slightly Further Afield

It’s a little outside of downtown Paso Robles, but this light show is definitely worth the trip!

Sensorio Field of Lights

Sensorio Field of Lights is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Paso Robles

Dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and nature, Sensorio Field of Lights is a feast for the senses. Walk through Sensorio’s radiant wonderland of sensory colors and lights with installations by internationally acclaimed artists Bruce Munro and HYBYCOZO. This one is sure to make the whole family light up.

Where to Eat

Families welcome! These restaurants go the extra mile to make sure guests of all ages have a good meal and a good time.

The Backyard on 13th

This is a family and dog-friendly outdoor wine & beer garden with an onsite restaurant in beautiful downtown Paso Robles. With 28 rotating craft beers on tap and local wine as well as plenty of space for the kids to run around, there’s something for everyone.

Streetside Ale House & Eatery

Voted best overall food and beverage in SLO North County two years running, there are no bad choices! Pull up a seat at this ale house and eatery and be sure to try the award-winning fries. With over 20 TVs, they’ll likely have the game you’re looking for (and perhaps a show for the littles).

Della’s Wood-Fired Pizza and Cocktails

Wood-fired pizza is always a good idea, especially with the kids. Della’s is the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner” in Paso Robles, sure to silence all the “yucks.” Be sure to try all the tasty crust dippers.

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

Spin your entree round and round! With an open kitchen, your little ones won’t be able to take their eyes off the spinning rotisserie. From poultry to wagyu, every dish at the Hatch is delightful—and the friendly vibe at this boisterous spot just off the town square can’t be beat.

Where to Adventure

Your love for wine doesn’t stop after becoming a parent and it doesn’t have to with these family-friendly wineries that keep the under-21 crowd entertained while mom and dad get the winery experience they deserve.

Cass Winery

This winery is an adventure for the whole family. Hop on the saddle for a trail ride through the beautiful grounds and giddy up to the tasting room where all kiddos receive complimentary gelato.

Tin City

A must-visit for the multi-tasker parent, Tin City is a collection of over 40 small, artisanal producers who have set up shop in repurposed industrial buildings, creating a charming, eclectic mix of tasting rooms, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. While you sip on an adult beverage, your kids can enjoy an ice cream, candy, or cookie from one of several local shops.

Where to Hang Your Hat

After a long day of exploring, these accommodations welcome your family back for a relaxing evening or to keep the adventure going. The choice is all yours.

Farmhouse Motel

Farmhouse Motel is one of the best family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Paso Robles

A fresh take on a classic 1950s motor lodge, this sweet boutique retreat has a landscaped courtyard with fountains & fire pits, a cozy guest lounge with a fireplace, and a shop with artisanal goods. All guests enjoy a Linus Bike borrowing program, wifi, and morning coffee/tea. You may never want to go to sleep.

Oxford Suites

Chic, modern, and relaxing, Oxford Suites is a AAA Three Diamond getaway in the heart of California’s wine country. Just minutes from bustling downtown Paso Robles and the scenic US-101, this is a destination for exploration and discovery. As part of your stay, enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning, happy hour each night, and swimming all day long.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Conveniently located off highway 46, just minutes from downtown and the 46 West Wineries, La Quinita Inn & Suites offers complimentary breakfast and a heated outdoor pool and spa. Bringing your dog on family vacation? La Quinta is also pet-friendly!

The Hampton Inn

These recently remodeled suites have all the upscale amenities you’d expect from a AAA Three Diamond Rated hotel, like a heated pool, spa, and complimentary hot breakfast. If you’re in town for the wineries, this hotel won’t disappoint with a wine and cheese reception (Monday-Thursday) and Wine Bingo night (with complimentary wine tasting) on the last Wednesday of every month. It’s nicely situated near everything you want to see: Tin City, Highway 101, and downtown Paso.

Ready to book your family’s Paso Robles adventure? We thought so!

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