Traveling to Lake Tahoe?
Pack Light. Travel Happy.™ Rent baby gear in Lake Tahoe.Due to its idyllic location straddling the state line between Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is a major tourist travel attraction for both of those states, as well as the rest of the U.S and travelers from abroad. It is a hub for both winter and summer activities, as it is the largest alpine lake in North America. This means crystal clear lakes in the summer and snowy mountains at ski resorts and hotels in the winter, in other words, fun for families all year round. Here are some family-friendly activities to enjoy in both the winter and summer months!
Lake Tahoe Winter Activities for Families
Winter is a great time to visit Tahoe due to the sheer amount of family-friendly activities! Keep the kids busy with outdoor activities such as skiing and tubing, and head indoors to a kid’s museum if you’re looking to take a break from the cold!
1. Heavenly Gondola
Kids and adults will be amazed at the sweeping views of this 2.4 mile on the Heavenly Mountain Gondola. Enjoy hot cocoa at the cafe on The Observation Deck and take in the panoramic views of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains as far as the eye can see!
2. Mini Tubing at Heavenly Resort
On the topic of Heavenly Resort, mini tubing is a great activity for kids of all ages and is a thrilling wintertime activity, guaranteed to be a hit with the kiddos! This 500-foot tubing surface will have your kids squealing with joy as they slide down the hill. There is even a specially designed mini tubing track for kids under 42 inches tall. Find out about even more fun activities for the whole family at Heavenly Resort!
3. Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is located in Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe and is Tahoe’s best ski resort for families. Kids under 6 years of age ski for free! Diamond Peak also features slope-side parking lots that are mere steps from the lifts, as well as beginner terrains. There are also beautiful mountain views for the whole family to enjoy!
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4. KidZone Museum
KidZone Museum is a perfect place to bring the kids if you’re looking to take a break from the winter cold and have the kids be entertained in a warm, cozy and fun environment! With plenty of interactive activities and rotating exhibits geared towards children 7 years of age and under there is plenty to keep them entertained. There is an indoor play structure for kiddos to climb on and burn off energy! Check out the science lab where kids can use microscopes and make scientific discoveries.
Note: There is the Infant Area designated for infants from 0 to 18 months of age. It is an aquatic- and nature-themed area, where babies can practice rolling, crawling, climbing, cruising, and all-around play in a safe environment.
5. Donner Memorial State Park
Take the family to Donner Memorial State Park Museum and learn about Truckee’s history. There is a multi-purpose theater and a self-guided tour that explores the Emigrant experience and its legacy. Bundle up and explore the kid-friendly trails in the woods!
6. Sleigh Rides
Take a family sleigh ride along Lake Tahoe and through the majestic pine woods. Bundle up and enjoy the private narrated tour which features stories and poems as well as sing-a-longs that families are sure to enjoy! Kids will be mesmerized by the classic horses’ sleigh bells jingling on the blonde Belgium horses!
Lake Tahoe Summer Activities for Families
Tahoe and its crystal-clear blue water beaches are tough to beat for a summer visit or vacation. Kids will enjoy building sandcastles on the white sand beaches and splashing around in the pristine waters. Take advantage of the hiking and biking trails and parks. There is so much to do in Tahoe in the summertime!
1. Eagle Falls Trail
Get the family out and exercise while enjoying the beautiful views of Emerald Bay on the Eagle Falls Trail. This trail, located close to South Lake Tahoe, is considered to be a mild, beginner’s hiking trail so it is a perfect activity for family members of all ages to enjoy! It is approximately a 2-mile hike there and back, and if you need an all-terrain stroller or baby carrier for little ones, consider a rental from a baby gear company such as BabyQuip.
2. Bike Riding on the Truckee River Legacy Trail
Lake Tahoe’s beauty is legendary, along with its outdoor activities. So what better way to see it than by renting bikes and taking a family bike ride along the Truckee River Legacy Trail bike path. Stop and explore swimming holes, or pack a lunch and take a break at one of the many picnic spots along the route.
3. High Camp at Squaw Valley
Take an aerial tram up to Squaw Valley’s High Camp where kids and adults will enjoy a myriad of activities including swimming, hiking, and lawn activities. Pop into the museum dedicated to the 1960 Winter Olympics, or take a break at their hilltop restaurant. There is also a Squaw Kids Adventure Camp which includes nature crafts, geocaching, wall climbing, flower press, tree recognition, Lego engineering, swimming, and plenty more, but the best part is that the counselors take over for the day, and parents get to take a break!
4. Tahoe City Commons Beach
Bring the kiddos to Tahoe City Commons Beach which is a family-friendly park that spans 4 acres and is located in downtown Tahoe City. Tahoe beaches are famous for their clear and calm waters and white sand beaches. Commons Beach is no exception, and also has the added feature of a lakefront children’s park. Pack a picnic lunch and settle in for a relaxing day beachside with the little ones.
5. Bliss State Park
Bliss State Park is the second most popular state park in the Tahoe area. There is plenty for families to do, including exploring the lighthouse trail. The 1.5-mile loop will take you past what was once the tallest lighthouse in the United States! There are campgrounds if you fancy a rustic family adventure, which is not far from the crystal clear waters of Calawee Cove. Lester Beach also boasts clear blue water as well as a huge sandy beach!
6. Sierra Cloud Catamaran
Get out onto the water and take a cruise around Lake Tahoe on a catamaran! The Sierra Cloud is a 55’ catamaran that will take your family through the scenery of the northern and eastern shores of the lake. A great summertime lake activity that will bring smiles to the whole family!
Let us know if you discover other great Lake Tahoe summer activities for the family. We would love to hear from you.
Traveling to Lake Tahoe?
Pack Light. Travel Happy.™ Rent baby gear in Lake Tahoe.
Jennifer O’Neill is an Independent Quality Provider with BabyQuip, helping families travel lighter and happier. She is a mother of two boys and enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends and of course, traveling.
The lake is a sight to behold.
I love this place so much.
Everyone should visit at least oncE!!!!
“Excellent blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find
quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you!
Take care!!”
Can’t wait to go here when the coronavirus pandemic ends. I had this trip scheduled for spring break and had to cancel. :(
This is a topic which is near to my heart…love this place. Take care!
this sound fun.