What to Do in the Tri-Valley

Take a walk through the magic of Luminight

Through February 2, you can take a walk through LumiNight Lantern Festival at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. This lantern festival is open Friday-Sunday and you'll be amazed to see all the huge lighted displays that include Noah's Ark, extinct animals and an underwater zone. Ride the train through the park, visit the animals in the petting zoo and ride the amusement park rides for a fun night out with your family. They sell food and drinks on site as well.

More info: alamedacountyfair.com

Visit a family-friendly winery

There are some beautiful wineries in the Tri-Valley and some are even family friendly. Head to Retzlaff Vineyards where there's a picnic area and a lawn with big toy tractors for kids to play on. Wente Vineyards has a summer concert series that's fun for all and they have a fun barrel tree lighting ceremony in December each year among other activities throughout the year.The promise of a root beer float from the The Grill at Wente will make any kid behave during your wine tasting!

More info: visittrivalley.com

Tackle the Ice Cream Trail

It can get hot, hot, hot in the Tri-Valley and the Ice Cream Trail is the thing to do when that happens. With 12 spots to hit along the way, you'll get try out rolled ice cream from Icicles, gelato from Yersen Gelato Cakes and ice cream sandwiches at cream. Download the Ice Cream Trail passport here and once you've got stamps from five different creameries along the way, you can mail it in for a free ice cream scoop! 

More info: visittrivalley.com

Check out an indoor play space

The Tri-Valley has lots of options for indoor play when the days are hot or the rain comes. Try the COOP to jump in the ball pit, climb through tunnels and make new friends. Head to Danville Bowl for some retro bowling action. Or, drop the kids off for some art lessons at Young Art while you shop at the Stonestown Mall. 

Stay the night at the AC Hotel Pleasanton

The AC Hotel Pleasanton is a great staycation option for your Tri-Valley visit as it has easy access to the highway and Stoneridge Mall. Families will love the outdoor pool and fire pits for relaxing after a busy day. Rates start at $89/night and you'll have access to a restaurant that offers evening snacks, drinks and a European-style buffet breakfast for purchase. 

AC Hotel Pleasanton
5990 Stoneridge Mall Rd.
Pleasanton, CA
Online: marriott.com

Visit the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums

This 10-acre park with historic buildings, lawns, a historic cemetery and picnic areas is a great spot to bring the family. There are two museums on site: the 1856 Murray Schoolhouse, which houses a permanent exhibit on Dublin's history; and the Kolb House, a historic house-museum. Admission to the museums is free during regular hours, Wed.-Sun., 1-4 p.m. Other properties on the site include the 1859 St. Raymond Church, the Kolb Sunday School Barn and the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery.

Enjoy the outdoors at Del Valle Regional Park

There's so much to do in Del Valle Regional Park, you'll definitely want to add it to your must-do list. Bring some fishing poles to try you luck at catching trout, catfish and bass. Rent a boat to hit the water for the day. Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Head to the Visitor Center to hear naturalist talks and learn about the many hiking trails in the area. There are 150 campsites at the park if you are looking for some real adventure. 

More info: ebparks.org