Finally, kids' sunglasses that work!

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com

Sunglasses have been a frustration in our family for years now. Our kids are 4 and 6 years old, and, so far, we've either lost or broken every pair of sunglasses they've had. When they were younger, I was always concerned (o.k., neurotically terrified) that they would fall down and poke their eye with the some part of the frame.

I was almost ready to give up on sunglasses, until they got older, and along came these glasses. They're made by MFS Eyewear. This company specializes in UV eye protection for infants, toddlers, and children up to age 12.

So far, very good. They come in a myriad of sizes and colors. What they all have in common, is the neoprene strap that fits around the head, and tighten where the strap meets the glasses.

Even with all the jumping, bouncing, sliding and falling our kids do, they never fell off. When they want the glasses off, they just pulled them down. Back on...pull them back up.

These sunglasses, in addition to solving all the practical problems we had with conventional sunglasses, satisfy the safety requirements for kids' sunglasses.

kids spend much more time than most adults do outdoors and in direct sunlight, protecting kids' eyes from ultra violet is especially important. In fact, many experts believe our eyes get 80 percent of their total lifetime exposure to the sun's UV rays by age 18. Because excessive lifetime exposure to UV radiation has been linked to the development of cataracts and other eye problems, it's never too early for kids to begin wearing good quality sunglasses outdoors. Lenses in kids' sunglasses should be clearly marked as capable of providing 100 percent UV protection, with UV400 rated lenses.

The lens on MFS eyewear are also shatterproof, because they are made from a polycarbonate construction. These sunglasses meet the above standards, many children's sunglasses do not. Be sure to read the packing carefully.

For around $20 these sunglasses are a great deal, and a priceless investment in your child's vision.

Enter to win a free pair of My First Shades children's sunglasses. Winner will pick the style, color and size they want: Enter Here

Cruising on Lake Tahoe in the Winter

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com

Visiting Lake Tahoe in Winter brings to mind skiing, sledding and generally playing in the snow. Last week, we discovered how amazingly fun, beautiful and educational it can be to take a cruise on the M.S. Dixie II in the Winter.

M.S. Dixie II Captain, Ozzie Gonzalez, greeted us at the gangway with a delightful smile and an eagerness to share his knowledge. Captain Gonzalez began his career on this boat, in 1994, when the it was new.

Our kids did the interviewing. Here's what we learned during our voyage: The boat travels an average of 7.5 miles per hour during its 2 hour journey.

There are 3 levels to the boat. Guest enter the boat on the first level, where you'll find plenty of indoor tables and chairs. The indoor tempature on this level is set at a cozy 72 degrees ferenheit. There is a small outdoor deck on the first level bow (front of the boat). There is no seating outside on level one.

By taking 12 steps up, either indoors or out, you can access the second level bow of the boat. Indoors, on the second level, is where the food is. (and it's good family-food too) In addtion to the snack bar and grill, the second floor also has restrooms and abundant indoor table/chair seating. You can place your order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table by friendly staff.

The third level is entirely outdoors, and provides an awe-inspiring view of the lake and surrounding mountains. We were dressed for snowplay, and were always warm and comfortable while seated on the outside decks.

Our kids agreed, without hesitation, that their favorite part of our adventure on the lake was the paddlewheel, located at the stern. They were intrigued to learn that the paddlewheel rotates towards the boat when going forward, and away from the boat when backing up.

For me and my husband, the highlight of the two hour cruise on the the M.S. Dixie II came as we approached the mouth of Emerald Bay. We had seen Emerald Bay in the Summer and Fall, but this was our first view of this magnificent area in the Winter. It was a completely different experience.

The first thing my husband noticed was how much more majestic Emerald Bay is when you are aboard the only vessel in the bay. In the Summer, the bay is filled with many boats. On this day in February, however, the bay was void of other boats. It was quiet, except for the sounds of our slow-moving boat and excited children.

As the history of Emerald Bay, from how it formed to the construction of the Vikingsholm, played on the speakers on the boat, we we treated to the rare beauty of Emerald Bay in the Winter.

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Tahoe Discounts (February 2009)

by: TahoeKidsGuide.com
New snow fell on February 5th and 6th, and February Ski Week Vacation is approaching for many California and Nevada schools. With family budgets in mind, here are our family's favorite Tahoe Discounts (as of today-February 6, 2009):

Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift Ticket: At only $62 per day, with no blackout dates and 2-for-1 purchasing power at Diamond Peak, this is likely to be the best deal around during the February Ski Break. Ski at any or all of the following resorts: Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak (2 for 1 value), Homewood Resort, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl. Call 1-877-949-3296 and press 1 for more information.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort has an entire page of discounts. Buying tickets at participating Costco stores is a great savings: $72.99 for two tickets. (Compared to $99, if you wait until you get here.) If it's your birthday...you ski free! Remember the Interchangeable Parents' Pass. With this ticket, mom and dad can share one ticket ($49), by trading off during the day. If you're taking an airplane to get here, Diamond Peak is offering 50% off a ski or snowboard rental when you show your airline boarding pass. Take out the hassle of flying with your ski equipment! Military discounts: Active, Retirees ski free midweek and non-holidays. Active, Retirees and Dependents can purchase a $39 ticket on weekends and holidays. Show a season pass from another resort, and ski for $35.

Homewood Mountain Resort offers a list of deals too. By skiing on selected days, you can ski 29 days for $29; even if you're only skiing a few of these days, this is a bargain. You must buy this ticket on-line. Show a season pass from another resort and ski for $25. Active military personnel ski free any day, including holidays. Get $5 off when you show you skied the day before, or when you ride the Tahoe Area Rapid Transit (T.A.R.T.).

Northstar-at-Tahoe offers quite a few discounts. Many of them, however, are not offered during the Februay Ski Break (Feb 14-20). The new Quad Pack Tickets are valid during this time period. Purchase your lift tickets at participating REI stores for a discount. If you start out early in the morning, and decide to quit early, turn in your single-day lift ticket by 12:30 p.m. to the ticket and pass office at the Village Center and receive a partial credit coupon for your next all-day visit. With the "Parent's Predicament Ticket", mom and dad can share one ticket ($83-two days required with a one day grace period.) by trading off during the day.

Squaw Valley: Kids ages 12 and younger ski and snowboard for only $10 every day all season. Kids don't need a lift ticket if they're enrolled in an all-day ski school program. Squaw also offers multi day packages.

Alpine Meadows: The Alpine Club offers the bulk of the savings at Alpine.

Heavely Mountain Resort: Visit a participating Save Mart or Lucky store, and walk out with an Adult Heavenly direct-to-lift ticket for just $70 - a savings of up to $16*. Teen and Youth Lift Tickets are also available .

Attention Tahoe Businesses: Contact Us with your discount offers; we'll add them to our Tahoe Discounts page, at no charge to you!

Our Visit to Homewood Mountain Resort

Yesterday, our family went exploring again. This time we scouted-out Homewood Mountain Resort. Homewood is a great mountain to learn and improve on with the majority of the terrain designated as beginner or intermediate. Equipment rentals are available and there are a number of lesson options for children and adults. Possibly one of the best features, especially for families, is that it is not difficult to get to the mountain.

In fact, you don't even need to drive yourself there. Homewood will pick you up! Brooke drives the Homewood "Dial-a-Ride" shuttle van. Simply call her, and she will pick you up where you're staying and take you back when you're ready to go home.

The shuttle vans appear new, clean and safe, including studded snow tires. Call Brooke, between 8a and 5p, for a ride: (530) 525.2922, she's looking forward to hearing from you.

We drove our own car, and had no trouble parking. It was lunchtime when we arrived, and families were enjoying grilled burgers, hot dogs and more on the North Patio. You'll find the grill open Saturdays and Sundays, during the Winter, from 11 a to 4p. The North Base also offers adult ski lessons, equipment rental, lift access, and lift ticket sales.

Our next stop was about a 1/2 mile down the road, at the Homewood's South Base Lodge. Before Homewood added this area to their resort, it was a separate ski resort called, Tahoe Ski Bowl. Homewood runs shuttle buses between the North Base and South Base lodges, and there is parking and lift access at both base lodges.

At South Base Lodge you can find Homewood's brand new Children’s Center. The "Snow Rangers" program teaches skiing to kids from 4 to 6 years old. There is a special area reserved just for the Snow Ranger lessons.

Homewood's "Mountain Rangers" program offers instruction, to kids from 7 to 12 years old, in skiing and boarding. Reservations, for both programs, can be made by calling: (530)525-1265 from 8:30am to 4pm. Kids' ski lessons at Homewood are also among the more affordable at the Lake, ranging from $70 for an afternoon lesson to $105 for a full day lesson.

Parents that don't want to ski, can watch Snow Ranger lessons or relax on the South Base Lodge patio, where you can enjoy oak fired half chickens and top sirloin steak with all the fixins.

Next year, Homewood is slated to begin construction on their 5-star boutique hotel with up to 75 rooms, approximately 40 two-bedroom, two-bath, individually-owned condo hotel suites, approximately 30 individually-owned penthouse units (top floor) and a lodge with a full service restaurant, spa and fitness facility.

In addition to underground parking, Homewood also plans 25,000 square feet of retail space designed to include: a grocery store, hardware store and an ice cream parlor.

At the current South Base Lodge, Homewood envisions a residential area complimentary to the existing neighborhood. This area is planned to included 99 multi-family condominium residences, up to three stories, replacing the current lodge and ski school site. Eleven single family lots are also contemplated,on the north end of Tahoe Ski Bowl, overlooking Lake Tahoe and the North Base Lodge.

Tahoe in Winter - Top 5 Places to Visit Before You're 5

As parents, we know it's not always easy to find fun activities for your kids, especially when they are between the ages of birth and 5 years old. Here are the places at Lake Tahoe in the Winter that our kids and their friends liked best during these years:

Kidzone Museum: "Big Kids" aren't allowed in the special padded play area just for infants. Toddlers will love everything else in this delightful museum though. The feature exhibit this Winter is "Into Africa." Draw, paint or play with play with play dough with your toddler!

Children's Museum of Northern Nevada: Tired of saying "Don't Touch"? Let your toddlers toddle, push, pull, explore and giggle with the many exhibits at this children's museum.

Tahoe Childrens Foundation: Learn and play with other parents of children birth to 42 months old. Open gym hours are every Saturday morning.

Tahoe Tot Spot: Tumble, crawl, bounce and explore! Toddlers will feel free and inspired in this gym just for them.

Libraries: Each library around the lake has a designated storytime for kids and their parents to listen to wonderful tales. Families can also choose a book and cuddle up together in the reading area to read together.

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!