When we first started making family friends in North Carolina, they opened our eyes to the wonderful world of local vineyards.
I had never been to one before, probably because growing up in the Chicago area meant weekend outings were more about local craft beers than wine. But boy, was I missing out!
If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy some adult-time without having to hire a babysitter or spend a fortune, taking kids to a winery is the answer. A family-friendly vineyard is a spot the kids will actually look forward to visiting.
Here is why vineyards are the ultimate weekend family activity!
1. TONS OF OUTDOOR SPACE TO RUN WILD.
Vineyards need acres of land to grow their grapes, which translates to massive, open grassy areas where your kids can explore safely.
My boys love exploring nature. To keep them occupied, I usually give them each a Ziploc bag to collect “treasures.” We always end up bringing home a collection of interesting rocks, leaves and feathers.
We also pack their bikes or scooters so they can spend hours zooming around the open paths.
2. YARD GAMES ARE WELCOME.
Most family-friendly vineyards allow you to bring your own outdoor games, and many even have them set up on the lawn already. Who doesn’t love a giant game of Jenga or bocce ball?
Sitting back to enjoy a glass of wine with my husband and friends is so much better when accompanied by the sound of our kids giggling as they play. Plus, when the kids are preoccupied with their own games, you get to sit, chat and relax for much longer.
3. LIVE MUSIC SETS THE VIBE.
Our local favorite, Daveste Vineyards in Troutman, NC, hosts fantastic live bands on the weekends. There is nothing quite like listening to live music outdoors while sharing a bottle of wine with friends under the sun.
4. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD.
Since vineyards focus on wine sales, most of them gladly allow you to bring your own food.
To keep the day budget-friendly and delicious, I like to pack:
- A gourmet charcuterie board for the adults.
- A fun “kid-friendly board” (think cheese cubes, crackers, grapes and fruit snacks) for the kids.
This is a great way to save money and ensure everyone in the family has something they love to eat!
HOW TO FIND A KID-FRIENDLY VINEYARD NEAR YOU.
A quick Google search is your best starting point! When looking up local vineyards, make sure to check their website or social media for three key things:
- Large grassy lawns.
- An outside food policy.
- A welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere.
THE ULTIMATE VINEYARD PACKING LIST.
If you are planning to take my advice and head to a vineyard this upcoming weekend, here is your essential packing list:
- Picnic Blanket / Lawn Chairs: For setting up camp on the grass.
- Adult Snacks: A custom charcuterie board.
- Kid Snacks: Easy, packable, mess-free finger foods.
- Juice Boxes: So the kids can have their own “wine tasting” experience.
- Outdoor Activities: Bubbles, a soccer ball, coloring books, or lawn games.
Visiting a vineyard is a major win-win for the whole family. Don’t just take my word for it, find a local spot this weekend and let me know in the comments how your family liked it!
