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A Family-Friendly Guide to Solvang, California
Solvang, California, United States
Fairytales don’t just happen; they’re made in Solvang. Known for its charming Danish architecture and delightful ambiance, Solvang’s many adult-oriented attractions are apparent, due to its place in Central California wine country. However, this pedestrian-friendly village is also brimming with delights for the littles. Make the most of your multi-generational vacation with these family-friendly distractions, lodging properties, and dining spots.
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Stay
Solvang, California, United States
Families looking for some little luxuries, and room to breathe within their choice of hotel, will find the modern, Scandi-design conveniences of The Landsby, Vinland Hotel & Lounge, or The Hadsten Solvang to be a welcome respite. Weather-permitting, which happens to be nearly year ‘round in these parts, swimming pools make refreshing playtime counterparts: find them at the kid-friendly roosts of Hotel Corque, King Frederik Inn, Royal Copenhagen Inn, Solvang Inn & Cottages, Svensgaard's Danish Lodge, Alisal Ranch, Kronborg Inn, and the aforementioned Vinland Hotel.
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Downtown Activities
Solvang, California, United States
Solvang’s European-style architecture frames equally-Euro streets and alleys, making downtown easily walkable and stroller-friendly. Kids, and their grown-ups, enjoy the perennially crowd-pleasing, horse-drawn Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours, while children at the age of fairytale wonderment will love exploring Solvang’s many half-timbered structures and flower-bedded, hidden courtyards. A must-visit for storytime lovers is indie bookstore The Book Loft, which also houses the attic space Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Diagonally across the street from both, a downsized replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue is prettily posed for pictures.
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Parks
Solvang, California, United States
When it’s time to run tots ragged, Solvang’s three main parks offer some greenspace playtime reprieve. In the center of town, Solvang Park’s shaded lawn welcomes picnics. Down the road a bit, Hans Christian Andersen Park boasts wooded seclusion with interactive playground equipment, multiple BBQ areas, a popular skatepark, hiking trails, newly-resurfaced tennis courts, and pickleball courts. Located just outside of downtown, and topping Solvang’s “to-dos” with kids, is Sunny Fields Park, with a rambling, fairy tale-esque play structure to occupy for hours.
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Other Activities
Solvang, California, United States
Entertain older children with indoor pursuits like Space VR virtual reality adventures, or old school sessions on the vintage video game consoles and pinball machines at the Arcade at peasants DELI & MARKET. Visit with Vikings of yesteryear at the Solvang Amber & Viking Museum, which features authentic Viking artifacts, a Viking ship built with Viking methods, and educational opportunities to learn about Solvang's Danish, and Viking, roots.
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Eats
Solvang, California, United States
Most Solvang restaurants welcome tiny humans, but certain spots are decidedly kid-friendly. CHOMP | Burgers, Fries, Shakes and brekkies by CHOMP, Paula’s Pancake House, Craft House At Corque, and peasants FEAST feature kid-pleasing grub and/or dedicated kids’ menus, while those in noodle phases, and pizza-eaters, head for Ramen Kotori, Toscana Italian Restaurant, Cecco Ristorante, or Tower Pizza. Find “hot dogs” for the kids, beer for the ‘rents, at Copenhagen Sausage Garden, and locally-loved pretzels at Old Danish Food Farm / Fudge Kitchen. Earned dessert or sweet treats are easily sourced from any of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries, and families in search of forgotten-at-home baby food, kiddie snacks or other edible, or even bath-time, supplies might opt for a quick visit to locals-favorite New Frontiers Natural Marketplace.
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More to Explore in Solvang
Solvang, California, United States
Solvang is a magical destination for families, offering a blend of enchanting architecture, fun activities, and delicious dining options. Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets, playing in the parks, or enjoying a meal together, Solvang provides countless opportunities to create sweet memories with your loved ones. So pack your bags, bring the kids, and get ready to experience the fairytale charm of Solvang!