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Exploring Tahoe with Kids

Exploring Tahoe with Kids

Summer is about exploring new areas and finding fun for the whole family. Whether you check out the mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee or the beaches at Hilton Head, there are so many vacation opportunities in the US!

This time, we’re looking for some family fun at Lake Tahoe and the local area.

15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tahoe

  1. Hiking. The area has breathtaking views, with a nice variety of rolling hills, adventurous mountains, and the crystal water. You can take simple “bunny trails” or the more challenging hikes. For some safety tips, click here to see Lake Tahoe’s advisory section.
  2. Golfing. If your entire family loves to golf or if you take a day to yourself, with Reno being so close by, there are some beautiful golf courses that allow you to soak up the views and get your golf game on!
  3. White Water Park. The Truckee River starts its 121-mile journey at the majestic Lake Tahoe in California and snakes its way through the Sierra Nevada Mountains before pushing its way right through the heart of the city and ending at Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Don’t worry, you don’t have to kayak all 121 miles, you can find the area that best fits your skill level, from beginner to class 2 or 3.
  4. Carnival. A local hotel has an indoor Carnival! If you’ve enjoyed the traditional American circus vibe, then you’ll love this whimsical and playful European feel. Click here to learn more or to check out their hours.
  5. Beaches. You can’t go to Lake Tahoe without checking out one of their many beaches! You can visit the William Kent Shoreline Beach, which is a great area for swimming and picnics or Baldwin Beach for views of the water and mountains, where you can kayak, swim, and picnic. There are many more beaches to see, so click here to find the best one to fit your needs!
  6. Parks. You can meander around flower gardens, look at historical statues, bike around, or play on a playground. Here’s a list of some of the local parks.
  7. West Street Market. Of course, it’s hard to visit somewhere without checking out the dining and shopping, especially with such a wide variety of options! There’s even a Dining District spanning from pizza to Thai, and there’s even a food tour available. If your kids are old enough or busy enough, the adults can enjoy the Wine Walk.
  8. National Automobile Museum. Love cars? This Museum offers a plethora of antique, classic, and specialty cars – more than 200 cars! The National Automobile Museum is ranked as one of the “Top Ten” automobile museums in the nation. Check it out!
  9. Biking. Whether you choose to go out on your own or do a bike tour, there are plenty of options to enjoy in the area. The recently updated the Tahoe East Shore Trail is sure to please, check out more information about this trail and others here.
  10. Camping. Want to go camping? Here are some ideas from the Lake Tahoe website. Some of these have better swimming and other sites have better fishing, find one that best suits your needs!
  11. Fishing. Fishing licenses and fees might vary between states, California and Nevada, but a license is always required to fish in either state. You can fish from the shore or by boat, but fishing is a fun way to spend a day. Click here for some fishing hotspots!
  12. Horseback Riding. Gorgeous views from horseback and exploring the backcountry is sure to be a hit with the family. You can click here to find some trails, from equestrian to wilderness.
  13. Ale Trail. If the wine trail wasn’t up your alley, then the Ale Trail with craft beer might be. Especially great if everyone is over 21!
  14. Water Fun. If you want to rent a watercraft, kayak, or a paddle board, you can! Here are some fun things on the water.
  15. Historical Sites. Did you know that Tahoe has a castle? Yep. It’s called Vikingsholm Castle. Love the Winter Olympics? The Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics is a step back in time. There are countless more sites and tours, so check them out here.  

Top Tahoe Events

  1. Mural Marathon. July 15 – July 16. This 24-Hour Mural Marathon Competition ­will challenge qualifying artists from around the country to paint an original 14 foot high by 19 foot 7 inch wide mural on the side of the Circus Circus Reno.
  2. The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews & Blues Festival. June 16 – June 17. The concerts are free to the public and part of the annual festival. Also, it’s a BBQ block party with a microbrew tasting event with more than 50 microbrews from around the world and music festival with two stages featuring non-stop rock and blues. Learn more about the festival and the times here.
  3. Adventure Sports Week – Lake Tahoe Sports Festival. June 16 – June 25. Want to challenge yourself during the day in one of the many competitive events including trail running, mountain biking, triathlon, stand up paddle boarding, and swimming? After a day at the events, relax in the evening while exploring North Lake Tahoe’s communities and mountain villages or you can catch a live concert by the lake or bring the whole family out for a movie on the beach. Learn more here.
  4. High Notes – Summerlong Music. June 1 – September 30. Free weekly music and other fun events. Click here for the lineup!
  5. Peaks and Paws. Bluegrass music, a dog-friendly guided hike up the mountain, an array of specialty product pet vendors, and a dock jumping competition with Splash Dogs. Show man’s best friend some love at this event.
  6. Concerts at Commons Beach, Tahoe City. Every Sunday from June 18 – September 3. For the past 12 years, Tahoe locals and visitors have gathered for Concerts at Commons Beach every Sunday afternoon — all summer long — to enjoy free lakeside music. With stunning lake views, a variety music lineup, and fantastic local food, Concerts at Commons Beach has become a favorite Sunday tradition.

 

There’s so much to do, you’re sure to find something for your family! Tell us your favorite activity that you would love to do. 

15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Tahoe

Best Beaches Near Mountains | Family Vacations US

Friday 19th of July 2019

[…] Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located in the Sierra, Nevada mountains. Whether you are out for a solid beach day, or want to enjoy nature at its finest through the mountains, you can find the best of both worlds here. If you have kids, check out my post: Exploring Tahoe with Kids.  […]