Kid‑Friendly Weddings & Events at a Historic Venue
How to Make Stone House Welcoming for All Ages
Historic venues and late‑night dance floors don’t automatically scream “kid friendly.” But with a bit of planning, Stone House can be an amazing place for multi‑generational celebrations where parents relax, kids are included, and nobody feels like an afterthought.
Stone House is a 10,000‑square‑foot historic venue and restaurant in downtown Nevada City, with six distinct spaces—two bars, a dining room, a showroom, a cave, a patio, and a penthouse suite. Stone House+1 That built‑in variety makes it much easier to design zones for different ages and energy levels.
Step 1: Choose Spaces with Kids in Mind
A few combinations that work especially well for families:
Courtyard + Dining Room
Courtyard ceremony or cocktail hour where kids can move around a bit within safe stone walls. Stone House+1
Seated dinner inside the Great Hall (Dining Room) where everyone can regroup. Eventective+1
Dining Room + Showroom + Lounge
Dinner in the Dining Room.
Dancing in the Showroom for those who want it. Stone House+1
Lounge available as a quieter space for kids, older guests, and anyone who needs a break. Stone House
The goal: let kids be part of the action without being stuck in one big loud room all night.
Step 2: Plan a Flexible Kid Timeline
Think about your event in stages:
Early Evening (Kid Prime Time)
Ceremony or early program elements while everyone’s fresh.
A quicker dinner service for kids (or kid plates served first).
Mid‑Evening
Family‑friendly dancing and group songs in the Showroom—upbeat but not too wild. Stone House+2KVMR Community Radio+2
Late Night
Optional: arrange early rides back to lodging for families who need to tap out.
Let the party energy dial up while kids who stay can retreat to quieter corners or the Lounge.
You don’t have to keep kids there until the last song; you just want their time on site to feel fun and manageable.
Step 3: Create a Simple Kid Zone
Pick one space to quietly double as a kid‑friendly zone:
A corner of the Lounge or Dining Room with a low table, crayons, coloring pages, and quiet games. Stone House
Clearly labeled kid snacks and drinks (water, juice, fruit, simple crackers).
A comfortable place for parents to sit where they can still hear what’s going on.
You don’t need a full kids’ club—just enough structure to keep boredom at bay.
Step 4: Make the Menu Work for Everyone
Stone House’s kitchen is already set up for flexible, farm‑forward menus, with a focus on organic ingredients and dishes built from what Stone House Farms and partner growers are producing. Stone House+3Stone House+3Stone House+3
For kids:
Offer a simplified version of what adults are eating (grilled chicken instead of a more complex preparation, simple pasta, plain veggies with dip).
Avoid building a totally separate “kid meal” that feels like an afterthought; instead, keep the same spirit but with fewer components.
Keep portions appropriate so plates don’t overwhelm them.
Step 5: Think Through Sound & Comfort
Historic stone and wood are gorgeous, but can amplify sound.
During speeches and early dancing, ask the DJ or band to keep levels moderate.
Use the Showroom’s professional sound system to control volume more precisely. Stone House+2Stone House+2
Make sure there are quieter pockets (Lounge, corners of the Dining Room) for kids and sensitive guests.
Add a note on your wedding website or invite that kids are welcome and that you’ve designed the night with them in mind—parents will exhale just reading that.
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If you’re planning a Nevada City wedding or celebration and want it to feel genuinely multi‑generational, Stone House’s events team can help you map out spaces, timelines, menus, and kid‑friendly touches so the whole night feels easy for families.