Lake Tahoe Family Fun All Around the Lake

Lake Tahoe is a very family-friendly destination. The natural wonder of Lake Tahoe is great for exploring outside. Where your family chooses to stay at Lake Tahoe depends upon what your family likes to do and in what setting.

Generally speaking, South Lake Tahoe is more "developed" with large chain hotels and brand name stores. Most of the activities are centered around Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Further to the south, however, families will find Camp Richardson, an "old Tahoe" family resort, open all year. Nearby, is Taylor Creek, and of course the incredibly beautiful Emerald Bay.

Activities families can enjoy in the Winter at South Lake Tahoe include: ski or snow board lessons, a sleigh ride, sledding and tubing, snowmobile tour, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bowling, and so much more. Summer, Spring and Fall each offer distinct and wonderful family activities at South Lake Tahoe.
Heading north along the east shore of the lake is the Zephyr Cove Resort. Year-round families can enjoy a cruise on the lake aboard the M.S. Dixie. In the Winter, the snowmobile tours offered at resort are truly amazing. In the summer, the beach at Zephyr Cove is stunning. Lodging is available in small individual cabins, or at the campground and RV park across the street.
The North Shore of Lake Tahoe is much quieter than South Lake Tahoe. Incline Village features the Hyatt Regency Spa and Resort. Just up the road from the Hyatt is Diamond Peak Ski Resort. It is much smaller than Heavenly, but ideally suited for beginning skiers and families. Diamond Peak has a great Childrens Ski Center, and even offers an opportunity for the entire family to take lessons together.

Parents with children 0 to 3.5 years old can find fun activities at the Tahoe Childrens Foundation. Families can also go out for an evening of bowling, visit the Incline Skate Park in the Summer and Fall. In the Winter, head up Mount Rose Highway to the Tahoe Meadows to enjoy sledding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The hiking is great from Tahoe Meadows in the Summer and Fall.

Heading around the lake from Incline Village on the North Shore towards Tahoe City, don't miss a couple of locals' favorites. North Tahoe Regional Park offers the best machined groomed sledding hill for your money. Tahoe Cross Country is also a good deal for the money and one of the best groomed cross-country venues at the lake.
Tahoe City, along the west shore, offers plenty of activities, but not on the scale of South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe City is more along the lines of a mountain village with charming storefronts and local restaurants. Tahoe City, and really the entire lake, feature beautiful beaches. Among the favorite activities for families offered in Tahoe City, in the summer, is rafting down the Truckee River. (remember the sunscreen!)

Heading over the Truckee River in Tahoe City is traditionally done on "Fanny Bridge." The bridge earned this nick-name because visitors can be seen leaning over the bridge railing gazing at the beautiful water and fish in the river.

Continuing around the lake, families will soon arrive at the Homewood/Tahoma area of the lake. Homewood Mountain Resort is among the family-friendly venues in this area. Just next to Homewood Mountain Resort is the Tahoe Maritime Museum, a beautiful collection of wooden boats and other exhibits which highlight the lakes maritime history. This museum offers special activities for children (see an example in the picture to the right.)
Continuing still further south around the lake brings your family back to Emerald Bay. A magical adventure throunh nature, if not back into Lake Tahoe's history, is the one mile (each way) hike down to Vikingshom. Here's a fun fact to share with friends: Did you know the island in the middle of Emerald Bay is called Fanette Island?

Enjoy Your Visit to Lake Tahoe!