Family Friendly Fun in Lodi

Lodi, California is one of the Central Valley's best-kept secrets for family travel. Close to Sacramento and the Bay Area, it offers the kind of day — or weekend — where kids are genuinely entertained, parents can relax with a great glass of wine, and everyone leaves happy. Whether you're planning an afternoon outing or a full family getaway, here's everything you need to make the most of a trip to Lodi Wine Country with the whole family.

Kid Friendly Activities


World of Wonders Science Museum

This exciting science museum on Sacramento Street features over 70 hands-on science exhibits designed to spark curiosity in kids and adults alike. Interactive displays cover everything from biology and physics to technology and engineering — the kind of place parents enjoy more than they expected going in. Plan for at least two hours and pair it with a downtown lunch before or after.

Lodi Lake

Venture to Lodi Lake and visit the Lodi Boathouse, where you will find watersport options for the whole family to enjoy some sunshine and nature. Choose from paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing and make your way onto the calm waters of the Mokelumne River. Traveling with infants or your dog? Both are welcome — there are options to enjoy the water at any experience level. If water sports aren't your thing, pack a picnic and enjoy a beachside lunch before strolling the nature trail and taking in the sights and sounds of Lodi's natural habitat.

Spenker Family Farm

Spenker Goats


Spenker Family Farm brings the charm with a lineup of seasonal adventures starring their beloved baby goats. These bouncy little cuties welcome guests with a gentle nudge, instantly winning the hearts of kiddos and parents. In the spring, families can join Goodnight Goats — an evening filled with giggles, playtime, and sweet story moments as kiddos help tuck the baby goats in for the night, ending with milk and cookies. Check their schedule in advance as seasonal events book up fast.

Micke Grove Regional Park

Micke Grove


If you are traveling with the family, keep Micke Grove Regional Park on your radar. Sitting on 132 acres of greenery, it provides an entire afternoon's worth of experiences without ever leaving the park. Grab lunch from a local favorite and set up your picnic on the expansive green lawns. After a hearty lunch, explore the Japanese Tea Garden featuring a koi pond, zen garden, and pagoda. Venture to the Micke Grove Zoo to learn about the thriving wildlife that live there, and conclude your afternoon at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, with fascinating exhibits centered on the area's indigenous inhabitants, early settlers, and incredible agricultural land.

The Hidden Tea Room

Enchant the whole family at the Hidden Tea Room, a genuinely unique afternoon experience for little ones and adults alike. The menu features light bites alongside a full selection of teas served Afternoon Tea style, all set among pastel hues, florals, lace, and bows. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar

Bowl


Looking for an all-in-one afternoon that checks every box? Lodi Bowling Lounge and Bar features a full-service bar, tasty eats, a state-of-the-art gaming center, and entertainment screens throughout. Come hungry — their menu is packed with bites that'll keep everyone energized between frames. It's also one of the best options when summer heat peaks and you need somewhere cool to land for a few hours.

Meet the Maker

Create your own ceramics and pottery at Meet the Maker, Lodi's first ceramic-making studio. Fully equipped for all experience levels, this fun-for-all-ages studio is a great way to slow the day down and make something you'll actually bring home. For families with little ones, the "Grown-Up and Me" class lets you hand-build and paint a special piece together — a keepsake that lasts well beyond the trip.

Family-Friendly Wineries

Lodi Wine Country provides the perfect destination for a family getaway, where the adults can enjoy a bottle of wine on a beautiful estate while the kids enjoy snacks, games, and open space to run and play. Below are three great winery options to choose from when wine-tasting in Lodi with the family. Be sure to check out the full listing of family-friendly wineries on our winery page.

Michael David Winery

Bring the whole family to Michael David Winery and enjoy a bottle of wine on their expansive grounds. The estate provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable afternoon, and the outdoor children's play area means the little ones stay happily occupied while the adults take their time at the tasting bar.

Nostra Vita Family Winery

At Nostra Vita Family Winery, you can unwind with a glass of sparkling wine while the kids play on the lawn or join in on a few rounds of cornhole together. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for everyone to settle in and enjoy the afternoon at their own pace.

Durst Winery & Estate

Spend your afternoon wine tasting at Durst Winery, where the estate grounds invite families to spread out on the lawn with a blanket and a bottle of something great. The resident family dogs add an extra layer of welcome, and the tasting room team is known for making every visit feel genuinely unhurried.

Kid Approved Treats


No family day in Lodi is complete without something sweet. Downtown Lodi has several spots worth building a stop around.

Step back in time at Nieves El Morro, a one-of-a-kind candy store offering nostalgic and hard-to-find candies alongside ice cream. It's the kind of place that delights every generation — fill up a bucket with sweet treats to enjoy throughout your stay or take home as a reminder of your trip.

If ice cream is the priority, Double Dip Gallery serves scoops of Gunther's ice cream inside an active art gallery showcasing local artists — a sweet combination that gives adults something to look at while the kids focus on the important decisions. For adults, the Petite Petit sorbet made with Michael David wine is worth trying.

More kid-approved options include Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, where you can watch candies and chocolate apples being made by hand, The Milkshake Shop at Brew House, and Honey Treat Yogurt Shoppe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best family-friendly things to do in Lodi, CA?

Top family-friendly activities in Lodi include the World of Wonders Science Museum, Micke Grove Regional Park and Zoo, Lodi Lake and the Lodi Boathouse for kayaking and paddleboarding, Meet the Maker pottery studio, Spenker Family Farm for seasonal goat experiences, and Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar. Downtown Lodi also offers easy walkable access to candy shops, ice cream, chocolate, and local bakeries.

Are there family-friendly wineries in Lodi?

Yes. Lodi has several wineries that welcome families with kids. Michael David Winery has a dedicated outdoor children's play area. Nostra Vita Family Winery and Durst Winery & Estate both have open lawn areas where kids can play while parents enjoy a tasting. A full list of family-friendly wineries is available on the Visit Lodi winery page.

Is Lodi a good day trip for families from Sacramento?

Yes. Lodi is approximately 35 miles south of Sacramento — about a 35-minute drive — making it one of the most convenient family day trips in Northern California. There is enough to fill a full day easily, and the region is relaxed and easy to navigate without a complicated itinerary.

What is the World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi?

The World of Wonders Science Museum, known locally as WOW, is a hands-on science museum on Sacramento Street in downtown Lodi. It features over 70 interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity in kids and adults, covering topics from biology and physics to technology and engineering. It's a great indoor activity for families, especially on hot summer days.

Is Lodi Lake good for families?

Yes. Lodi Lake Park is one of the best family-friendly outdoor spots in the area. The Lodi Boathouse offers kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals. There is a sandy swim beach open in warmer months, a playground, shaded picnic areas, and the scenic one-mile Nature Trail that winds through the Lodi Lake Wilderness Area along the Mokelumne River.

What sweet treat stops are worth visiting in Lodi with kids?

Downtown Lodi has several great options. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory lets kids watch candies and chocolate apples being made by hand. Sweet Aftrlife is a nostalgic candy store with hard-to-find treats and ice cream. Double Dip Gallery scoops Gunther's ice cream inside a working art gallery. Honey Treat Yogurt Shoppe and The Milkshake Shop at Brew House round out the options for a sweet finish to any family day.

Plan Your Trip

Family fun starts in Lodi, where adventure for the whole family, winery fun, and plenty of sweet treats await. Start planning your next trip to Lodi today! Craving even more ideas for your next getaway? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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Natalie Morlino

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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