10 BEST Things to Do in Lake Tahoe With Kids
10 BEST Things to Do in Lake Tahoe With Kids
You’ve chosen Lake Tahoe for your family vacation, and you’ve made a brilliant choice. From booking your perfect stay at one of the top Lake Tahoe resorts to exploring the vast wilderness, you’re about to discover the best things to do in Lake Tahoe that’ll create lifelong memories.
When you arrive, you’ll find that adventure is truly at your doorstep. You can effortlessly access the region’s stunning outdoor playground. Lace up your shoes and explore a family-friendly segment of the scenic Tahoe Trail system, which offers breathtaking views and a perfect way to experience the Sierra Nevada's beauty firsthand.
Best Lake Tahoe Family Activities
For those seeking easy access to the slopes and trails on the Nevada side, consider the elevated charm of the area known as Kingsbury of Tahoe, where incredible vistas await your family. I'm here to guide you through a selection of curated experiences designed specifically for families, ensuring your trip is filled with unforgettable moments, no matter the season.
1 | Conquer Epic Discovery at Heavenly Mountain (Summer) | Take your family fun to new heights at Heavenly Mountain Resort's Epic Discovery.
This spectacular mountain playground is accessible via the scenic Heavenly Gondola and features a Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, zip lines, canopy tours, and ropes courses with stunning panoramic lake views. It’s an ideal outdoor activity for active families seeking adrenaline and breathtaking scenery.
Pro Tip: Purchase your tickets online in advance, and dedicate a full morning to this activity, as lines for the popular mountain coaster and zip lines can build up quickly by midday.
Address: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 | Call: (775) 586-7000
2 | Dive into Tahoe’s History at Vikingsholm Castle (Summer/Fall) | Engage your kids with a trip back in time by visiting Vikingsholm, a stunning 1929 Scandinavian-style mansion nestled in the breathtaking Emerald Bay.
Touring the castle and learning about its unique architecture and fascinating former owner, Lora Knight, provides a captivating educational activity that requires a short, scenic hike to access the bay.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and swimsuits! Emerald Bay has a beautiful beach where the family can cool off in the crystal-clear water after the educational castle tour.
Address: CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142 | Call: (530) 541-6498
3 | Explore the KidZone Museum (Indoor/Educational) | When the weather doesn't cooperate, head indoors to the KidZone Museum, a fantastic hands-on, non-profit children's museum.
This educational activity encourages imaginative play and creativity through exhibits focused on the natural world, science, art, and local culture. It is perfect for toddlers through early elementary-aged children.
Pro Tip: Check the online calendar for special events and workshops, such as art projects or science demonstrations, which are often included with the cost of admission.
Address: 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161 | Call: (530) 587-5437
4 | Experience the Thrill of Snow Tubing (Winter) | Lake Tahoe is home to several dedicated snow play and tubing parks, making this the essential cold-weather outdoor activity for families.
Locations like Heavenly's tubing hill provide groomed, safe lanes and often have tow ropes or magic carpets to save little legs the strenuous climb back up.
Pro Tip: Tubing sessions are usually sold in timed blocks. Book your spot for the earliest session of the day to enjoy the freshest snow and shortest wait times.
Address (Heavenly Tubing): 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (Accessible via gondola) | Call: (775) 586-7000
5 | Take an Aerial Tram Ride to Palisades Tahoe High Camp (Year-Round) | Ride the iconic Aerial Tram up to High Camp at Palisades Tahoe, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from 8,200 feet.
This family-focused activity changes seasonally: in summer, enjoy roller skating and an outdoor swimming lagoon; in winter, take advantage of ice skating and scenic dining. The ride itself provides a unique perspective of the Olympic Valley.
Pro Tip: Kids aged 12 and under typically ride the Aerial Tram for free during the summer season, making this a high-value, budget-friendly sightseeing option.
Address: Olympic Valley, CA 96146 | Call: (800) 403-0206
6 | Kayak or Paddleboard at Sand Harbor (Warm Weather) | Enjoy the clearest water and most photographed granite boulders at Sand Harbor State Park.
This is the top outdoor water activity, as the protected cove and shallow entry make it ideal for children to safely kayak, paddleboard, or simply wade in the stunning turquoise waters.
Pro Tip: Arrive early (before 9 a.m.), especially on summer weekends. The park frequently closes for vehicle entry once the parking lot reaches capacity.
Address: 2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452 | Call: (775) 831-0494
7 | Discover Wildlife at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center (Educational/Outdoor) | Located near South Lake Tahoe, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center offers an easy, flat loop trail system perfect for small children.
The major highlight is the Stream Profile Chamber (open in summer/fall), an underground viewing area that allows kids to see fish and other aquatic life in the creek, providing a fascinating educational activity.
Pro Tip: Visit in early to mid-October during the Kokanee Salmon spawning season, when the creek turns a brilliant red with the fish migrating upstream—a spectacular sight for the whole family!
Address: Visitor Center Road, CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 | Call: (530) 543-2674
8 | Ride the Truckee River Bike Path (Warm Weather) | Rent bikes (or e-bikes for older teens) and enjoy a leisurely, mostly flat ride along the paved Truckee River Bike Path, starting in Tahoe City.
This classic family-focused outdoor activity runs alongside the beautiful river, offering picturesque views and a safe, car-free route away from main roads.
Pro Tip: Pack a simple lunch and plan to stop at River Ranch Lodge, which is a great mid-point break spot right on the river, featuring a lovely deck and easy bike parking.
Address: 1480 River Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 | Call: N/A
9 | Challenge Your Family at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks (Warm Weather) | For a unique outdoor challenge, visit one of the several Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks locations (like the one at Granlibakken).
This ropes course activity offers varying levels of difficulty with zip lines, bridges, and climbing elements suspended high in the pine trees, catering to children as young as five years old.
Pro Tip: Reserve your tickets well in advance, as time slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Ensure your children meet the height and age requirements for the desired course.
Address (Granlibakken Location): 725 Granlibakken Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 | Call: (530) 807-1004
10 | Go for a Spin at Tahoe Bowl (Indoor/Family-Focused) | When you need an engaging indoor activity, head to Tahoe Bowl, South Lake Tahoe’s classic bowling alley and family entertainment center.
Bowling is a fun, competitive, and social activity perfect for all ages, regardless of the weather outside. With arcade games, pool tables, and a snack bar, it’s a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening winding down after a day of outdoor adventure.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to ask about special family package deals or "cosmic bowling" hours, which feature black lights, music, and an extra-fun atmosphere for older kids and teens.
Address: 1030 Fremont Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 | Call: (530) 544-3700
BONUS #1: | Take a Winter Sleigh Ride at Sand Harbor’s Visitor Center (Winter/Holiday Season) | Experience the ultimate winter wonderland fantasy with a classic, horse-drawn sleigh ride. The sleigh and carriage rides have been a Tahoe tradition for decades, offering a magical, narrated journey through snowy fields and meadows, often providing spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. It's a charming, slower-paced activity that is perfect for all ages and creates a wonderful holiday memory.
Pro Tip: This is a popular activity, especially around the holidays. Be sure to call ahead and book your sleigh ride reservation well in advance to secure your spot.
Address: Sand Harbor State Park, Visitors Center, Carson City, NV 89704 | Call: (775) 831-0494
Bonus #2 | Become a Scientist at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center (Indoor/Educational) | Dive deep into the wonders of Lake Tahoe itself with a visit to the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village.
This engaging, hands-on museum is run by the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and features interactive exhibits, a 3D movie about the lake, and information on the area's ecology. Kids will love learning why Tahoe is so clear and blue and what scientists are doing to keep it that way.
Pro Tip: Search the schedule for guided tours, which can often be reserved and provide a more in-depth educational experience.
Address: 201 Country Club Dr, Incline Village, NV 89451 | Call: (775) 881-7560
BONUS #3 | Tour the National Automobile Museum (Day Trip to Reno) | Just a short, scenic drive from North Lake Tahoe is Reno, Nevada, home to the internationally acclaimed National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection).
This is not just for car fanatics; it's a journey through history with over 200 spectacular vintage, classic, and celebrity vehicles displayed in authentic street scenes. The museum makes history come alive and is a fascinating experience for all ages.
Pro Tip: Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire museum, and check the calendar for special events or rotating exhibits before your visit.
Address: 1 Museum Dr, Reno, NV 89501 | Call: (775) 333-9300
Helpful Tips for Things to Do With Kids in Lake Tahoe
-
Differentiate Between North and South Shore: The lake is vast; the South Shore offers centralized, commercial fun (Heavenly Village, major resorts), while the North Shore provides more tranquil state parks (Sand Harbor) and small-town charm.
-
Book High-Demand Activities Weeks Ahead: Major attractions like the Heavenly Mountain Coaster, guided rafting tours, and popular boat cruises (i.e., M.S. Dixie) sell out quickly, especially in summer.
-
Always Prepare a "Rainy Day" Indoor Backup Plan: Tahoe weather can change quickly. Have indoor options ready, such as visiting a local escape room (like Puzzle Room Tahoe), the KidZone Museum (Truckee), or the arcades found in the casino areas.
-
Arrive at Popular Beaches Before 9 a.m.: Spots like Sand Harbor and Pope Beach have extremely limited parking that fills up immediately during peak summer hours (June–August).
-
Verify Trail Suitability Beyond "Easy": Many family hikes have short distances but steep, uneven terrain (like parts of the Eagle Rock Trail). Before setting out, check recent reviews to ensure the path is genuinely suitable for your children's age and equipment (i.e., if you plan to use a stroller).
-
Pack for Cold Lake Water: Even when the air temperature is hot, the pure alpine lake water is consistently cold. While swimming is popular, it's brief.
-
Plan Around High-Altitude Hydration and Sun Protection: At 6,225 feet of elevation, the air is thinner and the sun's rays are much stronger, which can quickly lead to dehydration and sunburn, especially for children actively playing outdoors.
-
Utilize Shoulder Seasons for Better Value and Fewer Crowds (Spring/Fall): While summer is peak season, traveling during the "shoulder seasons" (late April/May or mid-September/October) offers significant advantages. You'll find milder weather perfect for hiking and biking, lower accommodation rates, and drastically reduced crowds at major attractions.
Your Next Family Adventure Awaits in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe truly shines as a premier family destination, offering a dynamic and diverse range of activities that cater to every season and every interest you can imagine. Whether your children are budding scientists fascinated by the unique ecosystem, adventurous thrill-seekers ready to conquer a slope, or simply looking forward to a day of classic fun, you will find exactly what you need here.
With crystal-clear waters, towering peaks, and a plethora of year-round activities, your family vacation to this majestic alpine lake is guaranteed to create treasured memories for years to come.
You now have the insights to plan an unforgettable adventure. Start planning your Tahoe trip today, and get ready for the magic of this extraordinary alpine setting to unfold for your entire family!
For more guides to exploring Lake Tahoe and other destinations, visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
RELATED ARTICLE: 40 BEST Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
When You Check-in, There's a Lot to Check Out
Sign up for our newsletter and check-in to great offers, secret stuff, and special events.