(Top photo ©Prostooleh/123RF)
I asked Bree Mazzolani, local mom and creator of the popular Temecula Valley Explorer Instagram account, to share her ideas for the best way to spend two days in Temecula with the whole family.
By Bree Mazzolani, Guest Writer
The Temecula Valley Explorer
Think wine country and kids don’t mix? Think again. This small town offers a surprising number of family-friendly activities, from over 40 parks and engaging museums to wineries and breweries that welcome children. With the right plan, you can enjoy a two-day getaway that’s fun for everyone. Here are my recommendations for a family-friendly adventure in Temecula.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1:
Morning Activities:
Pennypickle’s Workshop, Temecula Valley Museum, Sam Hicks Monument Park.
Lunch Recommendations:
Local Provisions, The Cookhouse, or Vail Pizza at Vail Headquarters.
Family Friendly Wineries:
Longshadow Ranch, Peltzer Farms, Maurice Car’rie.
Dinner at 1909 in Old Town Temecula.
Day 2:
Brunch Recommendations:
Haven House, The Brunch House, and Toast.
Outdoor Activities:
Temecula Creek Trail, Vail Ranch Park, Harveston Lake Park, Santa Rosa Plateau.
Afternoon at 8-Bit Brewing Co. or Mulligan Family Fun Center in Murrieta.
Day 1: Explore Old Town & Family-Friendly Wineries
Morning at the Museums
Kick off your day in Old Town Temecula, a charming hub of history and entertainment. Start with a visit to Pennypickle’s Workshop, a hands-on children’s museum that combines education and fun with its interactive science exhibits. Don’t skip the gift shop, where you’ll find unique STEAM toys and souvenirs. Admission is $10 for adults and children 18 months and over and free for children under 18 months. Visits are broken up into sessions, so see this page to plan accordingly. 42081 Main St, Temecula, CA 92590
Next, take a short stroll to the Temecula Valley Museum (below), where kids can enjoy the discovery area while parents dive into the city’s rich history. On the second Saturday of every month, the museum hosts “Culture Days,” celebrating a different region or culture with crafts, entertainment, and food. Just outside the museum, Sam Hicks Monument Park has plenty of open space and a playground for the little ones to burn off energy before heading to the wineries. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. 28314 Mercedes St, Temecula, CA 92590
Lunch at Vail Headquarters
For lunch, head to the historic Vail Headquarters, a preserved portion of the former 87,000-acre Vail Ranch, once one of the largest cattle operations in California. Today, the ranch is home to various shops and several family-friendly dining options. Choose from Local Provisions for sandwiches, tacos, and salads, Vail Pizzeria for fresh pizza, or browse the food stalls inside the Cookhouse Food Hall—the BBQ stand is a local institution.
Every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm, Vail HQ hosts a Farmers Market that includes yard games and train rides for kids. On weekends, kids can explore vintage tractors and enjoy a picnic beneath shady trees. Parents can grab a cold beer at Bareknuckle Brewing Co. or a glass of wine at Marshall Stuart Wines, both welcoming to families and outside food. 32115 Temecula Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
Family-Friendly Winery Recommendations
After lunch, it’s time to enjoy Temecula’s picturesque wine country. Start at Longshadow Ranch Winery, known for its family-friendly style, complete with a petting corral with horses and llamas and a play area. The ranch has an old-west vibe, and wines, like “Outlaw Red Gunslinger’s Reserve,” a Zinfandel-Cabernet blend, maintain the theme. 39847 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
Peltzer Winery is another excellent place to bring the kids. It’s a family-run farm that offers train rides and a petting farm year-round. Vintage tractors decorate the property, and seasonal events, like the fall pumpkin patch and winter ice rink, draw tourists and locals alike. 40275 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591
Maurice Car’rie Winery (aka Ultimate Vineyards) features a spacious grassy area where families can relax, sip, and play. They planted some of the first grapevines in Temecula in 1968, so if you’re interested in a taste of history, their Victorian farmhouse tasting room is the place to visit. 34225 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591
While most wineries are family-friendly during the week, be sure to check their weekend policies in advance. And remember, if you plan on indulging in wine tastings, consider hiring a driver or using a rideshare service to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Back to Old Town for Dinner
When dinner time rolls around, make your way back to Old Town and head over to 1909, where you can dine on the patio and admire the vintage cars that often cruise down Front Street. The eclectic menu of pasta, tacos, burgers, salads, and empanadas means there’s something for everyone, and a separate kids’ menu keeps everyone happy. 28656 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Playtime
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at one of Temecula’s amazing brunch spots. Try Haven House in Old Town for its aesthetic vibe, The Brunch House for Instagram-worthy presentations, or Toast for creative pancake stacks and seasonal coffee creations.
Explore the Outdoors
After breakfast, spend the day outdoors exploring Temecula’s natural beauty. For a quick and easy walk, the Temecula Creek Trail offers a scenic 1.1-mile loop that begins and ends at a park with a small playground. Another great option is the newly renovated Vail Ranch Park, featuring a zip line and a fun western theme. Harveston Lake Park is another favorite, with serene pathways, paddleboat rentals, and a beautiful lakeside setting.
If you’re up for a short drive, head to the Santa Rosa Plateau in nearby Murrieta. This nature preserve offers a range of hiking trails, from easy to moderate, along with a small museum and educational center.
Arcade Games at Family-Friendly Brewery or Visit an Adventure Park
Before heading home, make one last stop at 8-Bit Brewing Co., a family-friendly brew pub in Murrieta with a kids’ food menu and an arcade and game room that both kids and adults will enjoy. 26755 Jefferson Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562
For a more active afternoon, wrap up your trip at Mulligan’s Family Fun Center, suitable for kids of all ages — a place where you can challenge each other to mini-golf, go-karting, batting cages, and more. 24950 Madison Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562
Finally, if you prefer to stay in wine country, Vienza Winery at Europa Village hosts a “Family BBQ” seasonally on Sundays, with Italian-style BBQ, gelato, wine, beer, and live entertainment. Check their website to see if it’s happening during your visit.
With a little planning, Temecula can make for a perfect family getaway. From its interactive museums and lush parks to its welcoming wineries and local charm, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids. Just remember to enjoy the wine responsibly — Temecula is best savored with safety in mind!
For more ideas when it’s just the grownups, check out our top picks for things to do in Temecula, winery recommendations, and dining guide.
Photos by Two Days In Temecula except where noted.
