Northern California's top kid-friendly music venues--part one

June 16, 10:15 AMNorthern California Getaways ExaminerMichele Bigley

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People call me crazy when I say I bring my toddler most everywhere. He's stayed at Meadowood, eaten Thomas Keller meals, and been to more festivals than many adults I know. With all this experience, though he might not remember his night, say, at Auberge du Soleil, I imagine he will be a more adaptable adult because of it.

This is why, as he has grown more fascinated with music, I have been on a mission to find venues where he can enjoy it--live. Now, my only requirement is that I don't want to be stuck for two hours singing Row Row Row Your Boat. Rather, I want it to be music I can enjoy as well. Here's my new favorite place where Little Diego can hear guitarists, drummers and singers that mom and dad will appreciate as well.

Mountain Winery sits like a queen atop the Santa Cruz Mountains. And while mom and dad sip their delightful Cabernet, kids of all ages enjoy the newly renovated open air amphitheater. Last weekend, we took Kai to see Rodriego y Gabriela, a Spanish guitar duo, and there were babies, toddler, tweens and teens scattered among the crowd. Not too many to ruin the sophisticated ambiance of the ivy covered palace with views of the South Bay, but enough to create an unpretentious vibe.

For active kids, you can exit the amphitheater and let them run around up and down the hills, while you watch the music from above. There is a bar and grill on the premises. And, if you carpool (kids count too), you get special parking.

If any musician you like is playing this venue, this is a perfect spot to bring the kids along.